Episode 80 – The 2024 Landcruiser & Crickets

Would you believe that Eric almost lost the show?  If you know Eric at all, you would probably believe it.  As it turned out, this remote show was lost in the back of a 4Runner for a week before it was found.  Fortunately, 100-degree temps didn’t melt the memory card and lose this gem of an episode.

Episode 80 finds Eric and Daryl doing a live remote in the Scott Auto Museum of North Peoria on a pleasant summer evening.  You will be soothed by the ambient droll of crickets and cicadas while tuned in.

On this episode:

• Ford is in the software subscription game
• Polestar goes Chinese
• New car customers hate their door handles

Our Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Patreon Members

Projects

Eric:

• Sold a car!  The 1998 4runner is burning gas and the title is signed!  OOH RAA!
• Camper madness 
• Black Celica TRD wheels

Daryl:

• Working through some brake work on the Fury.
• Essex got sold. I got sad. Gabe reminded me we can’t keep them all. 
• Caddy is up next I swear. 

News

Source: Automotive News

Volvo Cars and EV startup Polestar will be tapping into an old U.S. trade program to import Chinese vehicles at a lower cost, giving the Swedish brands a competitive leg up. By using the U.S. Duty Drawback program, the Geely-affiliated automakers can recoup import duties and the 25 percent U.S. tariff assessed on the Chinese-made Volvo EX30 crossover and Polestar 2 sedan against exports of the U.S.-made Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 crossovers, sources familiar with the matter told Automotive News.

Cars Have More Tech Than Ever — And Drivers Are Increasingly Frustrated with their Door Handles, Screens, and Other Features

Source: Automotive News

The overall quality of new vehicles is deteriorating and nagging problems are on the rise, according to a new study from JD Power. The auto-industry research firm said more technology in cars is partially to blame. Quality declined year over year across all categories apart from driving experience. The two categories where problems increased the most were features, controls, and displays, along with infotainment.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to its Origin

Source: Toyota 

Legends never die. Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin

• Toyota’s longest-running nameplate returns to the North American market after a three-year hiatus and stays true to its heritage as a durable off-roader at a more accessible MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range
• Exclusively powered by i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 326 horsepower, 465 lb.-ft. of torque
• Available 12.3-inch touchscreen displays latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Multi Terrain Monitor
• First Edition grade limited to 5,000 units for North America and comes equipped with round heritage LED headlamps, roof rack, rock rails, and exclusive interior design
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models

Ford CEO Predicts 1,000% Growth for In-Car Software Services

Source: Bloomberg

Ford Motor Co. sees revenue from in-car software services, like its hands-free driving feature, surging by 1,000% over the next few years. To harness that growth, the automaker on Monday said it hired Peter Stern, the former vice president of services for Apple Inc., to run a newly created technology-focused unit. Stern is tasked with growing Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system, as well as developing other in-car services to sell to millions of owners.

NADA, National Urban League team up to train auto techs

Source: NADA

At the NADA Show in Dallas this year, Damian Mills attended a presentation by the National Urban League on a new automotive technician training program it was launching with the car dealer association. Mills immediately decided to take part. The pioneering program in Louisiana brings together two organizations — the National Urban League and the National Automobile Dealers Association — and their diverse resources. The hope is to establish a nationwide network of auto technician training apprenticeships.  

Cars of the Weak

Eric:

1962 Amphicar 770 – $75,000 
Source: Tanners Classic Autos

Taking a note from my son, I am going to pull the ultimate “flex move” at the boat ramp by driving my car straight into the lake or waterway of my choice…  And then pulling away in my Amphicar!

Daryl:

1933 Packard Super Eight Club Sedan – $18,000
Source: Facebook Marketplace

This once-majestic formal sedan would make for quite the restoration project. It’s complete and original and would command six figures once brought back to its former glory. Good thing I have endless virtual cash to bring this one back around.

Thanks as always for listening!