Latest Posts

Tech Talk On RPM: Kia Soul Shows Grace & Gravitas

1-07-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ It’s not everyday that one tosses the word gravitas into the description of a compact utility vehicle, but that’s just what Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis saw fit to do for the Kia Soul X-Line. With good reason as he explains. Have a listen. That’s not all he covers this week, though. There’s mention of autonomous driving LiDAR from Robosense, also an interesting survey of the most popular vehicles around the country and a bunch more. Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream…

View More

---

Goodbye Grand Caravan, Hello 2020 Chrysler Voyager!

Back in July of 2019, Automotive News Canada reported that the Dodge Grand Caravan was forecasted to finally head for retirement, with production coming to an end on May 22, 2020. In its place, parent-company FCA would release the all-new Chrysler Voyager. Aside from the resurrected Voyager name, foreseeing the demise of the Grand Caravan might have been sad news for minivan aficionados. After all, it was the Dodge Caravan (alongside its Plymouth Voyager twin) that got the whole minivan movement rolling in the first place back in 1984. But, finally shelving the model after the 2020 production cycle is…

View More

---

Tech Talk On RPM: MB GLC 300 Revels In Silence

12-10-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ While certainly not a dime-a-dozen SUV, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC offered Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis one of life's simplest pleasures... blessed quietness. As hard to come by these days as is many a golden rule, silence is one of many luxuries you can count on when traveling in the GLC. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the GLC epitomizes the contemporary world of Mercedes family transportation – distinctive, connected and uncompromising in its ability to woo the senses. Also on the agenda this week are EV…

View More

---

Tech Talk On RPM: Snow Suits Range Rover HST

12-03-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Just in time for pre-winter's first serious foray (unfortunately not a flurry) into the heart of New England, the keys to a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport MHEV HST landed in the gloved hands of Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis, turning what would have been an ugly week of slogging through snow, rain, slush and ice into a confident escapade swathed in elegance.But there's more than chic transportation on slippery surfaces to assess this week as the conversation slides from motion sickness and SpaceX to the five most…

View More

---

Ford Ranger 4×4 Makes Winter Easier

https://youtu.be/QZuq_XUA0TQ Reintroduced for the 2019 model year, the all-new Ranger SuperCrew 4x4 pickup has become the new entry point for a Ford pickup. Even so, it just might be all the truck one needs to get through a New England Winter. Smaller than its F-Series brethren but staged on a fully boxed steel frame, the Ranger sacrifices none of the automaker’s “Built Tough” truck heritage. In our seven days with this FX4 off road package equipped XLT edition, the suspension – short and long arm front / leaf spring rear – provided a ride that’s stable and without uncomfortable roughness.…

View More

---

Hyundai’s Michael O’Brien Named 2019 Automotive News All-Star

Each November the Automotive News All-Star Awards recognize outstanding leaders from the Automotive Industry. For 2019, they honored Hyundai VP of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning Mike O'Brien as a 2019 All-Star for Product Development. You may remember that Mike stopped by the New England Motor Press Association garage back in 2017 to introduce the then all-new Hyundai Ioniq. We appreciate that Mike took the time to talk to RPM's Rich Taber about the Ioniq and what's needed for mobility to become truly green transportation. Here's a look back at that interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9v3svuC0VQ 2019 Automotive News All-Stars Award Winners Hyundai…

View More

---