'Auto Trends' Talks With The Black History Maker Steering The Lexus Brand

Dejuan Ross, Lexus U.S. general manager, is posing with the all-new GX. (Photo Credit: Toyota)

When the Lexus brand was birthed by Toyota in 1989, our guest Dejuan Ross, was still in high school. Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and BMW were the luxury elites at the time.

Like Lexus, Acura and Infiniti were also launching their luxury nameplates. This was an opportunity for Toyota, Honda and Nissan to move their brands upmarket with the hopes of rivaling the American and European legacy makes.

Decades later, Lexus has done just that. In fact, it has pulled ahead of both Acura and Infiniti, whom both currently lag a flagship coupe and sedan in their portfolio.

Its Shop Time Mondays: Genesis Is Recalling 2022-23 Model Years GV70s, GV80s, G80s And G90s

 Loss of Drive Power from Fuel Pump Failure

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V282000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety Releases Latest Frontal Avoidance Crash Results On Compact SUVs/Crossovers (Video)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just released its latest frontal avoidance crash results, using the latest safety driving aids available on many of today's the small crossover/SUV segment. For more information on all of IIHS studies, click here. 

 

2024 Volkswagen Jetta S: The Brand’s Affordable Entry-Level Compact Sedan

Highlight:  This is one of the most affordable vehicles available today for consumers to purchase.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $22,585 

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; AWD; an auto dimming rearview mirror; a lane assist keeping system; a stability control system; a rearview camera; a hill hold control system; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision assist system; an active blind spot monitor; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Rear Door May Open While Driving On 2023-24 Model Years Toyota Prius

 

Unlocked Rear Door May Open Unexpectedly

A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving or during a crash increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V274000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Potential Number of Units Affected 55,690

2024 Lexus RX 450h AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize Crossover Adds A Plug-In

Highlight: When parking on the street, the RX can detect if a vehicle or bicycle is approaching from the rear, preventing the inside occupants from operating the door.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $76,765 

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; back up camera; a stability control system; pre-collision system; rain detection system; a radar activated cruise control system; lane tracing assist system; lane departure with steering assist; intelligent high beam headlamps; a front collision warning system; a road sign assist; an automatic braking system; blind spot electronic monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a daytime cyclist detection system; rain-sensing windshield wipers; side mirrors with integrated turn lamps; and a first aid kit

'Auto Trends' Talks To Bloomberg Intelligence About New Vehicle Affordability And More

Bloomberg Intelligence Global Director of Automotive Research Kevin Tynan

For car buyers who have been out of the market since the pandemic, they might be somewhat alarmed when price shopping for a vehicle. The question everyone seems to be asking is when will new car prices begin to slide in reverse. This week on Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, Bloomberg Intelligence's Kevin Tynan, who is also known as a senior auto analyst, joins us to recap the first quarter sales, while discussing vehicle affordability. 

After a C-Suite Toyota executive announced in 2023 that the average price of a new vehicle would top $50,000, we'll deliberate about where average transaction prices are currently in 2024, as we examine non luxury, luxury and fully electric vehicle prices, as compared to 2021, when consumer demand outstripped inventory.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum TRD Hybrid 4x4: The Brand’s Three Row Flagship SUV

Highlight: The Sequoia is only available with a hybrid powertrain.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $81,610 (Base Model – SR5 4x2): $63,125

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a back up camera; a 360-degree camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; an electronic blind spot monitoring system; and a hill start control system; a lane departure system; a full speed radar activated cruise control system; a lane tracing assist system; automatic beams; a road sign assist system; and a trailer merger warning system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Ford Is Recalling The Bronco Sport And Escape For Fuel Leak Concerns

 

Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V187000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize Electric Sedan

Highlight: A rear optional steering system is available, helping to reduce the turning radius.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 106,515 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an adaptive lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; rain-sensing wipers; and a tire pressure system

Standard Equipment 350: 19-inch wheels; single motor: 288-horsepower; 280-mile driving range; rear wheel drive; a 12-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; smartphone charger; a comfort charger; a variety of driving modes; a keyless ignition system; illuminated door sill plates; a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication; and a power a panorama sunroof

2024 Hyundai Kona N Line AWD: New Stylish Design, More Tech And Roomier

 

Highlights:  An all-electric model is also available. An unlike most shared gasoline and electric vehicle platforms. The Kona was designed with the electric vehicle being primary and other existing powertrains being secondary.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,790 (Base SE Model: $25,625)

Seating Capacity: 5

2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Premium Plus AWD: The Brand’s Other Compact Crossover

Highlight: The stylish CX-50 is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $37,500 (Base Model): $31,675

Seating Capacity: 5 (depending upon size)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; AWD; hill decent control; hill launch accent; off-road traction assist; tailer stability control; rearview camera; rear cross traffic alert; lane keep assist system; a lane departure warning system; an electronic blind spot monitor; hill launch assist; an automatic brake hold feature; automatic high beams; a radar activated stop and go cruise control system and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (2.5 S AWD): 17-inch wheels; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a leather wrapped shifter; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a keyless entry system; a push button keyless entry system; a rear roof spoiler; dual exhaust outlets

SiriusXM's 'Auto Trends' Talks To A Multicultural Auto Sales Analyst About The 'Future Majority' (Two Shows)

 

Marc Bland, S & P Global Mobility's chief diversity officer, joins Auto Trends with JeffCars.com to talk about the car-buying trends of the 'future majority.'

In a two-part conversation, Bland, who is also known as a multicultural sales auto analyst, joins us to discuss the new vehicle buying habits of women and ethnic minorities. We'll explore 2023 CYTD new vehicle sales by gender and ethnicity, while examining hybrids, gasoline vehicles and electric cars. 

Its Shop Time Mondays: Kia And Subaru Are Recalling Vehicles For Airbag Or Rollaway Concerns

Air Bag May Not Deploy

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000

Manufacturer Subaru of America, Inc.

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 118,723