Interviews – Page 2 – RPM News Weekly

SUV Trend Not Fatal To Cars

Numbers don’t lie. SUVs and crossovers have clearly overtaken sedans in the marketplace. But, suggestions that more traditional cars are taking a final bow are misplaced. Just ask the folks at Honda. Even with the introduction of their all-new mid-size Passport sport utility vehicle, they are still putting a lot of faith in their tried-and-true compact Civic sedan.

Produced by Rich Taber & Peter Ciani for RPM News Weekly

Numbers don’t lie.
SUVs and crossovers have clearly overtaken sedans in the marketplace. But, suggestions that more traditional cars are taking a final bow are misplaced. Just ask the folks at Honda. Even with the introduction of their all-new mid-size Passport sport utility vehicle, they are still putting a lot of faith in their tried-and-true compact Civic sedan.

At a recent meeting of the New England Motor Press Association, representatives from Honda brought along both of these models and gave those in attendance clear indications of the automaker’s unswerving commitment to these two sides of the automobile market.

In addition, Cox Automotive Executive Analyst, Michelle Krebs, was on hand to take everyone through the numbers, pointing to statistics that verified the current SUV trend, while more importantly bringing some insight into what’s really going on in the car market.

RPM News Weekly’s Rich Taber chatted with Michelle Krebs after the meeting, discussing automotive sales trends and what might be on the horizon – including where electric vehicles fit into the picture.

Watch the video and enjoy the conversation.

Rest assured, sedans are not dead. But don’t hold your breath for a comeback.

Chart: Cars Remain in Top 5 Sales Spots — *illustration courtesy of Cox Automotive*

Sedan’s Are Not Dead! Nissan Introduces An All-New Altima

Nissan recently introduced the sixth-generation Nissan Altima to members of the New England Motor Press Association in Middleboro, MA
RPM News Weekly Co-Founder Rich Taber talks to Anne Corrao, Director, Chief Marketing Manager – Family Sedans & Sports Cars at Nissan North America about important safety and tech features available on all-new Altima including Safety Shield 360, ProPILOT Assist, all-wheel-drive and Nissan’s innovative Variable Compression Turbo engine.

Nissan Doubles Down On Sedan Market

Nissan Altima Interview

“Nissan has invested quite heavily in this new sedan. We really think it’s because there’s a market here.”
Anne Corrao, Nissan North America

Nissan recently introduced the sixth-generation Altima to members of the New England Motor Press Association in Middleboro, MA

While at the event, RPM News Weekly Co-Founder Rich Taber talks to Anne Corrao, Director, Chief Marketing Manager – Family Sedans & Sports Cars at Nissan North America about important safety and tech features available on all-new Altima including Safety Shield 360, ProPILOT Assist, all-wheel-drive and Nissan’s innovative Variable Compression Turbo engine.

Research the 2019 Nissan Altima on Amazon Vehicles

Cox Automotive Analyst Michelle Krebs Talks to RPM NEWS Weekly About Current SUV Trends.

Cox Automotive Executive Analyst, Michelle Krebs, was on hand at the New England Motor Press garage to talk about the current SUV trend, while more importantly bringing some insight into what’s really going on in the car market.

Boston Auto Show Recap!

Additional Camera: Rane Newcomb

While not as big as the New York and Detroit auto shows, there was still plenty to see and do at the Boston Auto Show (aka New England International Auto Show).

Here are some highlights from the show. We’d like to thank all of the people who took time out of their busy day to talk to RPM NEWS Weekly.

About the NEIAS

The 2019 Boston Auto Show is underway, RPM News talks to Paragon Group VP & New England International Auto Show Producer Barbara Pudney about what to expect at this year’s show.

Boston Cup Classic Car Show Founding Chairman Rich Doucette talks to Rich Taber

Rich Doucette, Founding Chairman of the Boston Cup Classic Car Show and curator of the New England International Auto Show ‘ScrubaDub Car Wash Muscle Car Showcase’ talks to RPM News about his own automotive history, The Boston Cup Classic Car Show and future classics.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Regional Debut

The Jeep Gladiator made its (Northeast) regional debut at the 2019 New England International Auto Show in Boston. Brandon Grimus, Jeep Gladiator Brand Manager, talks to Rich Taber about this all-new Jeep and reviving the iconic Jeep nameplate.

Cape Anne Electric Bikes

Sometimes it’s not all about the cars at the New England International Auto Show. Kathy Reed from Cape Anne Electric Bikes talks to Rich Taber about the benefits of Cape Anne’s lineup of electric bikes. You could say these bikes are hybrids (human-electric?) and can be driven on electric power, pedal power, or a combination of both.

Cape Anne also features rentals, so if you’re going to be vacationing in the Cape Anne area next summer, be sure to check them out!

Thanks again to Barbara Pudney, Rich Doucette, Brandon Grimus, Kathy Reed, Chris Russell & Rane Newcomb.

2019 RAM North Edition Debut

Get ready to tackle whatever Ol’ Man Winter sends at you with the all-new 2019 RAM 1500 North Edition. Specially equipped for New England winter weather, the North Edition made its debut in Middleboro, MA this week at the headquarters of the New England Motor Press Association.
Based on the Big Horn model, the RAM 1500 North Edition comes with a combination of standard features that you won’t find elsewhere in the 1500 lineup, and includes:

Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Severe Snow Service Rated On/Off Road Falken LT Tires
One-inch Factory Lift
4×4 Transfer Case w/ 4×4 Auto, 4×4 High and 4×4 Low settings
Electric-Locking Rear Axle
Tow Hooks
Engine Block Heater
Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
Remote Start
Mopar All-Weather Floor Mats
Heated, Folding Mirrors
Rear Fender 4×4 Decal

Performance choices include a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or an eTorque 3.6-liter Pentastar engine. Short and long beds are offered. Pricing starts at $45,890.
Earlier this year, the RAM 1500 was voted Winter Vehicle of the Year, Best in Class Pickup Truck by the New England Motor Press Association.

**Click Image To Research RAM on Amazon Vehicles!**

2018 Mass Cruisers Engine Build-Off

The brisk Fall air has moved in, school shops have dug into their sessions, and the New England Patriots are on their way to another winning season. But, it wasn’t that way when the Mass Cruisers Engine Build-Off Competition took place at Patriots Place in Foxboro back in June.

Six teams, 12 students highly skilled at engine repair went head-to-head, each team tasked with breaking down a Briggs & Stratton engine – like the engine often found in go karts such as the one Rich Taber is standing beside in the video – and putting it back together… in working condition.

What’s featured in the video are highlights from the competition – a fascinating glimpse into the amazing field of talented students coming out of today’s vocational-tech and agricultural high schools.

Contestants:

Blue Hills Regional Vocational Technical High School

Teams:

Alex Gonzalez, Chris Mesner
Rob Baker, Mark DeCristofaro
Shalaya Smoot, Aden Johnson

Norfolk County Agricultural High School

Teams:

Ben Colangelo, Kalie Cummings
Emma Gonneville, Jacob Mathieu
Noah Axberg, Christian Giorgio