Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason BJ Killen starts the show off with Alan as she discusses the potential impact of recent harbor strikes on the automotive sector, particularly regarding the import and export of vehicle parts. BJ also touches on her experience with an electric vehicle, highlighting challenges such as limited range, difficulty finding charging stations, and range anxiety. Additionally, she mentions California’s proposed State Bill 981, which aimed to mandate a warning system in vehicles sold from 2030 onwards to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit by 10 miles per hour. Governor Gavin Newsom refused to sign the bill, expressing concerns about creating a complex web of state-specific regulations.

Lauren Fix, Editor in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, recently visited Italy to investigate the truth about the leather industry. She discovered that the Italian leather industry uses natural materials like olive branches and beets to create different colors. Lauren also discussed the risks of buying counterfeit auto parts from unverified sources and provided tips for identifying them. It’s crucial to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of auto parts to avoid potential safety hazards. The longshoremen strike is causing disruptions in the car business, affecting the prices of new cars, used cars, and repair parts. President Biden has chosen not to intervene using the Taft-Hartley Act, allowing the strike to continue. The longshoremen are demanding a raise after not receiving one since 2021 despite making substantial annual incomes. The strike has impacted ports along the Gulf and East Coast, causing shipment delays from Japan and other countries. This has led to backlogs of cars and parts, ultimately affecting the availability and pricing of vehicles and components in the US market.

George Kennedy, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, test-drove the 2025 Genesis G70 and found it a serious competitor in the compact luxury sedan segment. Despite its association with Hyundai, he emphasized that the G70 delivers on quality and performance. With a starting price of $42,000, it offers various pet and driver assistance features, making it a compelling option in its segment. The 3.3-liter turbocharged sport advance version starts at $52,000 and offers 368 horsepower, twin-turbo V6 engine, and rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available. Buyers can also opt for additional packages and performance upgrades, making it a versatile choice. George also test-drove the 2024 KIA EV 9, a three-row family SUV, which is currently more expensive than the Kia Telluride, its supposed counterpart. However, for families needing three rows and ample cargo space, and who have an at-home charger or plan to have one in the future, the price may not be a significant barrier. The discussion also touches on the impact of tax incentives and government involvement in the sale of electric vehicles, suggesting that without such intervention, EVs and their infrastructure growth might have been more gradual and manageable.

Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst and contributor, recently test-drove the 2025 Polestar, an electric car associated with Volvo and owned by the Chinese company Geely. The focus of the discussion was on the “gamesmanship” in the automotive industry and the critical balance between needs and affordability. Specifically, the Polestar 3 was highlighted for its advanced features and its transition from a performance division of Volvo to its own separate brand. The Polestar is described as extremely attractive with excellent styling. It offers an impressive range of over 300 miles and remarkable power, boasting either 489 or 517 horsepower and accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 or 4.5 seconds. It also comes equipped with advanced technology, including driver assist and semi-autonomous features. In addition to the Polestar, Karl also shared his experience with a 1988 Firebird Formula 350, which features a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated engine. He appreciates the pure power and control of this older model, without the modern computerized optimization found in newer cars, which he finds exhilarating. Karl also mentioned his ownership of a Dodge Demon and a Porsche 911 Turbo S, both of which possess impressive horsepower, but he particularly values the raw power of the 1988 Firebird. Concluding the discussion, Karl highlighted a recent study by ISeeCars.com, which indicated a decrease in prices for used cars, making more affordable options available in the market. In 2019, a $20,000 budget could access around 50% of the used car market. However, by 2023, this figure decreased to 12.7%. There has been a positive shift, with the budget now able to access 16.4% of the market, showing a 30% increase from 2023. This suggests that more affordable cars are becoming available, especially in the $30,000 and below price range, while fewer cars are changing hands at higher prices.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:05:49] – No Electric For Me
[00:12:30] – California Bill 981
[00:19:20] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:29:43] – Beware the Counterfeit
[00:36:21] – Longshoreman Causes Disruption
[00:42:10] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:49:37] – 2025 Genesis G70
[00:55:41] – 2024 KIA EV 9
[01:02:31] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[01:12:40] – 2025 Polestar
[01:18:31] – 1988 Firebird

CREDITS

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: George Kennedy III

Contributor: Karl Brauer

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason
• Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive.
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com.
• Contributor: Lauren Fix |  Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.

Vehicles Discussed:

2025 Genesis GV70, 2024 KIA EV 9, 1988 Firebird, 2025 Polestar

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru

The post The Luxury 2025 Genesis G70 Struts with Confidence | #587 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.