A performance crossover might not be everyone’s can of Red Bull. Some might suggest a performance CUV is akin to the world’s tallest midget, but this week co-host Chris Teague took the wheel of the hot-to-trot AMG GLC 43 in the teeth of yet another frigid Maine winter, and he’s ready to report on his finding in this edition on of America on the Road.

Meanwhile, the figurative elephant in the room is the arrival of 47th President Donald Trump and his sweeping executive orders that include a radical — and some might add welcome — change in America’s automotive emissions and fuel economy regulations. With the stroke of a Sharpie, the once-and-current President rescinded rules that essentially forced carmakers to build and, more importantly, sell electric vehicles. The result of this and the new Administration’s accompanying energy policy promise to significantly change how the auto industry operates and — more importantly — what you’ll be able to buy. We’ll have the details.

We’ll also have an exclusive interview with Dodge Brand CEO Matt McAlrear, just as his brand is introducing its first battery-electric vehicle, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. Host Jack Nerad recently talked with McAlear at length about the future of the beloved Dodge brand, and we’ll have that discussion for you.

Jack Nerad’s road test this week examines the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, its latest crossover SUV entrant, this one in plug-in hybrid form. The vehicle bears striking similarities to the well-regarded Mazda CX-90, and Nerad will break down the pluses and minuses in his report.

In the news, Chevrolet has announced a recall of its recently launched Equinox EV, and we’ll have the details on that. The widespread fires near Los Angeles have had a devastating effect on the collector car hobby, too. We’ll tell you all about that, too, soon.

“How can I tell if my car needs a new battery or just a charge?”

Sonny, Joliet, Illinois

Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.

Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership.

• DrivingToday.com

• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.

• EMLandsea.com, publisher of Dance in the Dark.

We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we’ll like you forever.

America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to America on the Road

02:53 Impact of New Automotive Regulations

09:53 Chevrolet Equinox EV Recall

10:39 Devastating Fires and Collector Car Losses

12:50 Review of the Mercedes AMG GLC 43

18:11 Exploring the Mazda CX-70 PHEV

25:00 Dodge’s Transition to Electric Vehicles

39:00 Listener Question: Car Battery Troubles

Keywords

automotive news, electric vehicles, Chevrolet Equinox EV, collector cars, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, Mazda CX-70 PHEV, Dodge, car battery

Summary

In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss the latest developments in the automotive industry, including significant regulatory changes under the new administration, the recall of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and the impact of devastating fires on collector cars. They also review the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 and the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, and explore Dodge’s transition to electric vehicles. The episode concludes with a listener question about car battery maintenance.

Takeaways

The new administration’s automotive regulations will have broad effects.

Chevrolet’s recall of the Equinox EV raises concerns about affordable EVs.

Devastating fires in California have led to significant losses in collector cars.

The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 offers impressive performance but may be too stiff for daily driving.

Mazda’s CX-70 PHEV provides ample space and advanced technology, but its infotainment system needs improvement.

Dodge is balancing its muscle car heritage with the introduction of electric vehicles.

Listener questions about car maintenance are important for everyday drivers.

Batteries typically last three to five years before needing replacement.

Electric vehicles currently account for about 8% of new vehicle sales.

The automotive industry is facing a transition period with both challenges and opportunities.