Car Stuff Podcast

In this bonus episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill sits down with Mazda North American President and CEO Tom Donnelly. The conversation covers a broad range of topics, including Mazda's joint-venture factory in Huntsville, Alabama, the importance of the CX-50 in the maker's lineup, and the significance of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Also addressed: The Future of the MX-5 Miata.

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The hosts open the show with a quick discussion regarding the Toyota/Mazda joint-venture assembly facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The factory currently produces the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mazda CX-50.

Tom shares news from Porsche; the German sports car maker has revealed a concept car foreshadowing an addition the the lineup which would be positioned above the mainstay 911 in terms of price and performance. The Mission S could appear in brand dealerships for the 2029 model years.

The hosts also review the Jeep "12-by-12" program, during which a new special-edition Wrangler was rolled out each month. Listen in for a list of the special Wranglers, and some thoughts on how well they sold.

Also discussed: "red diesel," and Subaru's European woes.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2027 Honda Passport in rugged Trailsport trim. The Trailsport was updated for the new year, and promises even greater off-road capability.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Mazda Crashworthiness Program Manager Christina Smith to the podcast. Christina discusses Mazda's safety philosophy, and the systems currently in place in the maker's products.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which States Buy the Most Pickup Trucks?" quiz, including a bonus question about Star Trek's Walter Koenig.

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The hosts open the show discussing Tom's tidy new haircut. Tom heartily endorses the LoCascio's Barber Shop in Arlington Heights, IL.

Getting down to work, Tom notes that EV startup Rivian enjoyed its best-ever sales quarter in Q3. The maker's new R2 compact crossover contributed to the sales growth.

Also discussed, the BMW "Neue Klasse" 3-Series, which has been completely redesign for 2027. While the hosts like the look of the new compact BMW sedan, there is some question regarding how much it looks like a traditional BMW.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned 2027 Volkswagen Atlas. The 3-row midsize crossover returns for the new year with a host of design and technical updates. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, safety-seat expert Jennifer Newman of Cars.com joins the show. Jennifer brings the hosts up to speed regarding trends in seat design, and the vehicles most safety-seat accommodating. Please share this episode with any first-time expecting parents.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which is Longer?" quiz, including a bonus question about the Burger King Whaler.

Jill and Tom wrap up the show with a discussion of small-crossover affordability, and questioning whether first-time buyers might be better served by compact sedans.

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Jill and Tom open the show by talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee's new engine, the Hurricane inline 6-cylinder engine found in Ram trucks. The engine replaces the Hemi V8 as the Cherokee's top-dog motor.

Jill went on to share her concern that the Slate EV will not arrive in customer driveways before the end of the year. Tom questions--again--the viability of a 2-door vehicle in the U.S. market, even if the price is right.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome veteran auto journalist Tim Healey to the show. A number of topics are covered, including vehicles that should sell better. Tim's pick is interesting.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Was it a Buick?" quiz, and Jill reviews the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

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Jill and Tom open the show by discussing Bentley's new, first-ever electric vehicle, the Torcal midsize crossover. The new model is roughly the same size as the British luxury maker's gas-powered Bentayga, but is promised to cost slightly less.

The hosts also discuss a bill being routed through Congress which would limit the extent to which a car company doing business in the U.S. can be Chinese owned. Of interest is the fact that German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is 20-percent owned by Chinese entities, which is in excess of the parameters outlined in the bill. Listen in for details.

More news: Dodge has a small sedan in the sales top-ten, just not in the U.S. What is the Dodge Attitude? Listen in.

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom share news of a Ram sales first. This one is interesting.

And before the break, Jill reviews the 60th-anniversary edition of Ford's off-road ready Bronco. Is this special edition Bronc' worth the extra money? Listen in for details.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome TJ Campbell of Tirerack.com to the podcast. The returning guest discusses the best tire options for folks in the Snowbelt with which to face a potentially rough winter, and what to do to make winter tires work best financially. It's a great conversation.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "McDonald's vs. Chevy" quiz. Which came first, the Egg McMuffin or the Chevy Blazer? Listen to find out.

Finally, Jill shares details of the the all-new Hyundai Tucson, which arrives in brand stores later this year. look for all-new styling, and an off-road ready XRT model.

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