Viewer Mail

Hey John & Sean,

Just saw this in a Reuters breaking news email suggesting that ‘Model 2’ or whatever code name the $25K EV goes by, may be off the plan (or getting serious scrutiny for profitability) for Tesla.
Was a real surprise to see this from a trustable source, like Reuters, but even they said it was per 3 unnamed sources. So probably worth hard followup in case ‘unboxed’ is at least temporarily parked.
Thanks for all the hard work you ALL do to bring auto markets news to us!
It’s greatly appreciated.
Dave S

The “AAH #689 – What’s Going Wrong with SUV & Pickup Sales?” was like March, started like a lamb but ended with a brilliant storm. Your panel correctly pointed out the utility of a transition:

Gas -> Hybrid -> Plug-in Hybrid -> Battery Electric

I’ve posted my comment, a brief description of how I followed this path. But one caution, a weak PHEV like the 2017 Toyota PHEV was a disaster. It could never replace my 2014 BMW i3-REx.

BTW, I replaced the 2014 BMW with a used, $15,000, BMW i3-REx bought from a Florida Toyota dealer. We closed the deal knowing each had gotten a better deal than the other thought. I raced to the Florida border.

Great program!

Thank You!

Bob

I was surprised to find the Jeep Compass was not listed in the Consumer Reports car issue. Here in the mid Atlantic, I see a lot of Renegade’s (Fiats).

I’m amazed Jeep abandoned the Cherokee, the vehicle that started it all.
They got too ‘grand’ for their own good.

r work

Re Autoline Exclusive How to Sell EV’s

I have been watching Autoline programming since the days of Ike being on your set. I have evolved from a “Never an EV for me!” person to owning one. This evolution took years. To me politics never entered the equation for me but exposure, economics and experience did. My exposure came from my son buying a Tesla. I drove it and saw some of its positive attributes. I was not “sold” however. Then I kept considering our life style. Nancy and I are retired, do 70% of our driving within 100 miles and have the ability to charge at home. Economics took over. A massive price reduction plus a $7500 tax credit made the purchase of an ev cost less than many ice alternatives. Soon after delivery the driving experience, convenience and low cost of maintenance further sold me.

It is the perfect economical solution for 70 percent of our use. But will I take it on a 1200 mile trip to Texas given current charging parameters? No. I will keep a second vehicle for that. Mike Murphy is on the right track. EV’s can be sold by exposure and attributes to many an ardent “anti EV” customer.

But the charging challenge has to be met as well.

I enjoy your programming and still miss Ike.

Glenn

It’s obvious the multiple recall of thousands of vehicles, the big 3 will not survive. Old engineering, old thinking made them who they are, I predict they won’t last 10 years if they continue to let the world make the problems it takes us time to realize.

Sincerely

Ron

Why wont General Motors build a small pickup truck and get more in tune with its customers, like they did with the like a rock campaign?

Lamont

Canoo vehicles set for Saudi program

Tim

JOHN; I REALLY LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE THE ENTIRE CUPRA MINDSET. BUT THE DARK REBEL HIGHLIGHTS THE SINGLE BIGGEST UNFORGIVEABLE SIN COMMITED BY A GREAT MANY OVERSEAS CAR BUILDERS. AND DESIGNERS. THEY INSIST THAT THEIR INTERIORS SIMPLY WILL NOT ACCOMMODATE A TYPICAL CORN-FED, FREE RANGE AMERICAN DRIVER BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. AND EVEN AS A HIGHSCHOOL SOPHOMORE, THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ME TO FIT INSIDE A TRIUMPH GT6.

DANIEL

Hi John;

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Autoline After Hours today regarding potential purchasers of EVs. An excellent and informative program, as usual. Just after watching your show, I came down and was watching the CBC News broadcast in Ontario; and realized that while you and K.C. covered most of the issues surrounding an EV purchase (such as range, charger infrastructure, style, etc.), the one issue you didn’t cover in much detail was servicing of EVs. Thought that you might be interested in this article (When a Leaf turns into a brick). While I can appreciate the enthusiasm of some Trailblazers, I guess one has to balance that with the reality of a Traditionalist.

I’ve been watching your programs for years, and really enjoy your industry perspective. Please keep up the good work. All the best…. John

Hello John,

I just watched your conversation with Kathrine Garcia from the Sierra Club. You did a nice job and kept the conversation polite and civil. Ms. Garcia did not have a good explanation to the vehicle transportation sector taking the brunt of the emission regulations.

Keep up the good work,

Pete