Automotive

Best Texas Car Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Texas Car Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide Texas’ minimum required coverage includes bodily injury liability of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, and a property damage liability of $25,000 per accident.The state operates under a modified comparative fault system, which assigns a percentage to each driver for their fault and responsibility in an accident. Car insurance policies in Texas are relatively expensive, at an average of $1,779.Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Not only is Texas the largest of the continental states, but the Federal Highway Administration found it’s also the one with the most road miles (679,917, to be exact). This makes it the perfect place for scenic road trips, a burgeoning car culture, and, unfortunately, a lot of bad driving.

Frequently found as one the worst places to drive, Texas recently tied for fourth place with Florida and Nevada in a 2019 SmartAsset study of states with the worst drivers.

If you want to drive safely through the Lone Star State, you’ll need a good car insurance plan. Texans are required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance, as well as make sure they comply with other state vehicle laws.

Below, we go over the Texas car insurance requirements and laws you need to know. Our team has also done extensive research to help you find the best auto insurance providers available.

You can jump right in and start comparing car insurance quotes by typing in your zip code:

What Is The Required Car Insurance Coverage in Texas?

Like most states, Texas requires all drivers to carry liability coverage. This type of coverage pays for the other party’s personal or property damage in an accident where you’re at fault.

The minimum amount of car insurance in Texas is 30/60/25 coverage, which includes:

$30,000 bodily injury liability (BI) per person: Coverage limit for medical expenses and any lost wages of the other party. $60,000 bodily injury liability (BI) per accident: Coverage limit for medical expenses and any lost wages of the other party per accident.$25,000 property damage liability (PD): Coverage limit for property damage expenses.In addition, it’s mandatory for drivers in Texas to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. In contrast to liability coverage, which protects the other parties, PIP covers you and your passengers. It pays for any medical expenses, 80 percent of your lost wages, and any household tasks you’re unable to do after the accident.

All Texas car insurance companies are required to offer PIP as part of their policies. If you choose to waive the coverage, you must submit an official written rejection letter. Although it’s not recommended, this option is available for those whose injuries are adequately covered by their health insurance.

There are also other types of coverage, such as collision, comprehensive, and car rental. Texas requires all providers to offer these to customers, as they are great additions for a full-coverage car insurance policy.

Alternatives to Texas Car Insurance

Car insurance is typically the easiest, most affordable way to prove financial responsibility for driving a car, but it’s not the only way. Like most other states, Texas allows for some alternatives to standard car insurance:

Surety bond meeting the same coverage as liability insurance from two individual sureties that own property in Texas.$55,000 cash or securities deposited with the state comptroller’s office.$55,000 cash or cashier’s check deposited with the judge of the county where your car is registered.Certificate of self-insurance (only available to companies owning 25 or more vehicles). Texas Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

If you’ve been refused car insurance by at least two providers in the last 60 days, the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) can help.

Under TAIPA, eligible applicants are assigned to an insurance company and provided with a minimum liability coverage policy. (Other types of coverage aren’t included.)

TAIPA was established for high-risk drivers, and its policies are often more expensive than most standard car insurance. However, the association offers the option to pay in smaller installments.

Are There Car Insurance Laws Specific to Texas?

In addition to having car insurance, you also need to carry proof of insurance. This is typically an ID card or certificate issued to you after purchasing a policy. Texas also recognizes digital insurance cards, which can be viewed and verified on an electronic device.

Make sure to have your proof of insurance with you whenever you drive. You will need to show it if requested by a police officer, after a car accident, or whenever registering or renewing your car or driver’s license. If caught without any auto insurance coverage, you can be fined up to $350 or more, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT).

In Texas, you need to have liability car insurance and personal injury protection (PIP).Modified Comparative Fault System

Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system, which assigns a percentage to each driver for their fault and responsibility in an accident. This is considered one of the fairest systems, as it recognizes that not every accident is completely one party’s fault.

To determine who is at fault for an accident, an investigation is conducted by the authorities and insurance companies. There must be proof of a party’s fault before an insurance company will provide any coverage.

If one party is found to be 100-percent at fault for an accident, they will be responsible for covering any other party’s injuries and damages.

If more than one party is at fault, each party will be responsible for their percentage of injuries and damage. For example, if one party sustains damages of $10,000, but is found to be 30 percent responsible for a car accident, they will only receive a compensation of $7,000.

However, if one party is found to be 50 percent or more at fault, Texas applies a 51 Percent Bar Rule. This means any party who holds the majority of responsibility for an accident won’t receive any compensation.

New Texas Residents

Texas gives drivers moving from other states 30 days to have their vehicle inspected and registered with the state. You will also need to purchase the minimum coverage required and obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days.

Texas Safety Laws

Texas has added a number of laws to make their roads safer over the years. Some of the ones that have made the biggest impact are listed below.

Texting While Driving

In 2017, Texas enacted a law that prohibits anyone from sending or receiving texts, emails, and all other electronic messages while driving.

Furthermore, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use wireless communication devices while driving. Anyone with a learner’s permit isn’t allowed to use a handheld cell phone during the first six months of driving.

If driving in a school zone, all drivers are banned from using handheld devices while driving.

Texas Unattended Vehicle Laws

Aside from road rules, Texas has laws that govern how to leave your car unattended. According to Texas Public Law, drivers are prohibited from leaving their car without removing the keys from the ignition, setting the parking brake, and if parked at an angle, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

Windshield Wipers

While Texas allows you to drive a car without a windshield, it doesn’t allow you to drive one without windshield wipers. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires all cars with windows to have windshield wipers working properly and in full contact with the glass.

Legal Car Modifications

In a state with a fast growing automotive industry, Texas is careful about any aftermarket modifications running around the state. The DPS regulates personal touches, including sound systems, frame heights, light, and windows.

Each city also has its specific driving laws. For example, it’s illegal to make a U-turn in Richardson, and you can’t drive within arms’ length of alcohol in Lubbock. Make sure you’re aware of any variances when driving across the state.

If pulled over in Texas for a traffic offense, make sure you have your proof of car insurance. Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Texas?

The cost of car insurance in Texas leans toward the pricey side. According to Insure.com, it ranked as the tenth most expensive state to get car insurance, with an average policy price of $1,779, or 22 percent higher than the countrywide average of $1,457.

Prices rise when there are greater risks and more expenses taken on by the insurance provider. These two factors are especially volatile in a state as large as Texas, with a growing population that spends a significant time driving.

More cars and time spent on the road will likely lead to more accidents. Plus, with vehicles coming equipped with more high-tech features and materials, it’s only expected for car insurance policies to rise along with the repair and replacement costs.

What Determines Texas Car Insurance Rates?

Texas requires providers to charge reasonable rates for auto insurance coverage. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) shares what factors determine your rates:

Credit scores: Providers often look to a driver’s credit score as a factor in deciding what to charge for coverage. Although it’s not legal for them to base the price on credit score alone, they can use the information – how much money is owed, number of late payments, etc. – to help in their assessment. Driving record and claims history: It makes sense for providers to raise rates when covering drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations. Even just one violation can raise coverage premiums by hundreds of dollars, while many high-risk drivers may even have a hard time getting a car insurance plan.Location: Expect insurance rates to rise in cities and heavily populated areas, which are known to have more accidents and incidents of theft. For example, U.S. News & World Report found that in large cities like Houston and Dallas, the average insurance rate is over $2,000, while smaller cities like El Paso and Plano are under $1,700.Age: A driver’s age plays a big part in how reliable they appear to be on the road. Generally, those younger than 25 or older than 70 have to pay higher car insurance rates. Data from U.S. News & World Report shows 25-year-old drivers had an average coverage rate of $1,971.50, while 35-year-olds had a much lower rate average at $1,546.31.How to Get The Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in Texas

To make sure you’re getting the cheapest car insurance rate possible, the TDI advises you to ask for any discounts available. Discounts are commonly offered for:

Maintaining a clean driving record.Bundling more than one insurance policy.Completing a defensive driving or driver education course.Having airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices in your car.Another way to lower your car insurance rate is to check for other coverage options. Usage-based coverage, for example, is a way to lower rates if you drive short distances and observe safe habits on the road. Programs like Allstate’s Drivewise® and Progressive’s Snapshot® use tracking apps to observe drivers and reward them with lower rates.

To cut costs, you can also stick to only the coverage you need, which is usually liability and medical coverage. Older vehicles with decreased value may not be worth paying for collision and comprehensive coverage. Rather than adding to your insurance premiums, you may be better off paying for repairs or saving up for a new car.

Coverage options vary per car insurance company, and it’s best to look for one that offers decent discounts and has good customer reviews and ratings.

The 4 Best Car Insurance Providers in Texas

The first step to finding the right coverage and price is to start gathering quotes. Based on our industry research, we put together a list of the best car insurance providers in Texas.

GEICO: Best Overall Texas Car Insurance

No matter where you live in Texas, GEICO has car insurance coverage. The company offers a list of Texas insurance agents, with about 20 agents across eight regions.

GEICO has an A++ score from AM Best and an AA+ from Standard & Poor’s, as well as high customer satisfaction ratings from Brand Keys and Kanbay Research Institute. As for insuring your car in Texas, GEICO’s average coverage policy costs $1,236, per a study from U.S. News & World Report. They also offer good student discounts and reasonable rates (from $1,600 to $2,300) for drivers with traffic violations on their record.

Progressive: Best Online Car Insurance Experience

Progressive car insurance claims to cover over 1.8 million drivers in Texas, with a presence in every city from Abernathy to Zapata. You can get custom online quotes in six minutes and instant coverage, with downloadable and printable proof of insurance. The company also offers a Progressive app for payments and inquiries and 24/7 assistance through chat and phone.

Progressive’s average car insurance policy in Texas is $1,490.95, although this can rise after just one accident. However, the company does offer a personalized Snapshot® program, which has been noted to reward drivers with up to $145 in discounts.

State Farm: Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in Texas

State Farm boasts high ratings and the cheapest car insurance rates for Texas drivers. Thanks to the company’s 13 different discounts, including its proprietary Drive Safe & Save discount (which offers up to 30 percent savings for sharing your driving information) and Steer Clear® Safe Driver discount (for drivers under 25 with clean driving records). The average coverage policy from State Farm is $1,146.62, which rarely goes beyond $2,000 even with an accident, DUI violation, or low credit score.

Old American County Mutual: Best Local Car Insurance Provider

Old American County Mutual (OACM) was founded in Texas in 1946. It’s owned by its policyholders and managed by Old American Capital Corporation. Today, it has become one of the largest nonstandard, private passenger auto insurance providers in the state. Although it doesn’t come with online quotes or apps, OACM does have the benefit of offering a personalized interaction when purchasing insurance. This may also make it easier for high-risk drivers to explain their case and get personalized coverage.

Original article: Best Texas Car Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

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Automoblog Book Garage: Robot, Take The Wheel

Automoblog Book Garage: Robot, Take The Wheel As autonomous technology continues to advance, will the art and enjoyment of driving be lost?
A new book from Jalopnik’s Jason Torchinsky examines the long-term impacts of self-driving cars.
Our Book Garage series showcases what every gearhead and enthusiast should have in their library.
You know Jason Torchinsky, right? Semi-professional goofball; automotive writer that came to prominence working at Jalopnik (the kid brother of the automotive press) that has a penchant for doing things like racing ice cream trucks and Goggomobiles, and stuffing big engines where they don’t belong. Yeah, him. That Jason Torchinsky. Well, Torch (as he’s affectionately known) wrote a new book called Robot, Take The Wheel and this is some very heavy stuff.
The Lost Art of Driving
Robot, Take The Wheel is an entertaining yet serious examination of what automation is and how it applies to our favorite pastime: driving. Subtitled “The road to autonomous cars and the lost art of driving,” Torchinsky’s book takes a surprisingly thorough look at, for lack of a better way to put it, how we got here. The book is part history lesson and part extrapolation of what we, the gearheads, now face, or will face in the days ahead.
In a way, it’s all caught up in the last half of the subtitle: “the lost art of driving.” We – you, me, all of us grease-stained, busted-knuckle gearheads out there – actually like driving. We enjoy it. We actually look forward to getting out on a good stretch of road, or even a mediocre stretch, and driving a car. What Torchinsky realizes, and what I realize, and what a growing number of you realize is how there are a fair number of people that don’t like driving. As a matter of fact, they positively dislike it.
Down With The Ship
I remember, not that long ago, seeing a press conference with some Google execs about their then-new autonomous car program. One of them, Brin or someone, I don’t recall who, said, “Seriously: Who actually enjoys driving a car?” He said this from a spot within 20 minutes of some of the best driving roads in the world. I knew if I could get this idiot into a real car and have him drive up the PCH or Sand Hill Road to La Honda or wherever, he would get the point. I hoped.
But I secretly knew he wouldn’t. He was serious. I knew, right then and there, we gearheads were sunk.
There are more people today that see cars as mere appliances, as devices that get us from Point A to Point B. And if that can be done with less user involvement, then that sounds okay to them. I never had to worry about those people, but now I do, because there’s a bunch of them with more money than Croesus; not to mention, how tech bros today have this unquenchable desire to fix something that isn’t broken.
This is the problem Torchinsky faces head-on and rather unblinkingly. He traces the early beginnings into what can loosely be called autonomous driving in parallel with the development of the automobile itself. Torch’s book is not a weighty tome, clocking in at 244 pages (including notes) and it moves right along. It’s nicely-equipped with illustrations and the occasional graph and such for visual aids.
Jalopnik Senior Editor and author of Robot, Take The Wheel, Jason Torchinsky. The book examines the landscape of autonomous driving and how self-driving cars will impact society. In addition to his work in automotive journalism, “Torch” is also producer of Jay Leno’s Garage.
Throw Us A Line
By the time he gets to the tenth and final chapter (accurately titled “Save The Gearheads“), Torch has laid out a lot. We know where we are, we know how we got here, and we have a pretty good idea what’s in store. Chapter 10 is an impassioned plea for our automate future to hopefully, please – we’re begging you – have an “off” switch. This is where Torch and I are in complete agreement. I have no real problem with driving aids, safety features, safety nannies, and even full-on autonomous driving, just so long as there’s a way to turn it off.
I don’t, and near as I can tell Torch is with me on this, have any problem with autonomous cars. Just don’t force us to buy them and use them. Imagine something like a Lotus Elise from 2035 that won’t let you turn off all the driving aids, safety features, and such. What’s the point of owning a Lotus? Torchinsky does, thankfully, suggest a way to have our cake and eat it too. He even throws in a few fun drawings to show car companies how it’s possible.
Related: One study finds Americans still love driving, despite onset of autonomous tech.
A Slight Digression
It might not seem obvious to people like the Google guys, but there are, indeed, those of us that enjoy – and I mean really enjoy – driving. The more basic and raw and exposed the better. Look, I’m not a total Luddite. As a matter of fact, I think I am more forward-leaning than Torchinsky is. He recently wrote about someone who took the semi-automatic gearbox out of their Ferrari F430 Scuderia and put in a manual. I can’t agree with him on that. I don’t feel manuals “make me more involved” with the car, especially a F430 Scuderia.
I’ve driven those, with the semi-automatic gear box, and ‘bang-bang-bang,’ they shift quicker than you can literally blink. I can tell you brother, I was plenty involved. However, my Miata has a manual five-speed (the best gear change you can get outside of a manual Ferrari, ironically) and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This is what Torchinsky realizes, and more or less gets across in Robot, Take The Wheel. He realizes that for us gearheads, driving is a personal choice and an activity we enjoy. That simply getting to where we are going is, for us, very much beside the point 90 percent of the time. And sadly, that’s all tech bros and automation engineers see: The end result. “People want to just get to Point B, how can we get them there faster and more efficiently?” What if that’s not exactly what we want?
Last year, Hagerty began hosting a series of town hall discussions on the importance of driving. Autonomous vehicles and their impact on society was one of Hagerty’s first such discussions, with Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars and former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz as panelists.
There Are No Wrong Notes
Robot, Take The Wheel reminds me of when I was at a tech conference dinner party in Seattle years ago. The party was a way for those well-connected enough to be shown some extra-special products, games, software, and such. I was walking by a laptop displayed next to some sort of kluged-together piano keyboard.
“Hey man, do you like music?” asked this smarmy-looking marketing guy.
“Yeah, I do, as a-”
“Then check this out,” he said, cutting me off and cranking up the keyboard. “Our new software can tell what you want to play, and play it for you, even if you hit the wrong key. No wrong notes!” he said triumphantly, hitting their marketing tagline.
“No wrong notes?” I asked.
“Yup!”
“Can you turn it off?”
“Oh sure, that switch th-”
Dissonance & Resolve
I hit the switch and mashed the flat of my hand onto the keys. The blare of dissonance brought the conversation to a halt. I changed the block of keys into a C Major triad, to an F major, to a G major, and then started running up the keyboard, stopping just sort of a resolution and playing “between the keys” as my old jazz band teacher would say.
I did that two more times: dissonance, resolve, dissonance, resolve. Looking right at the guy, I said again, “There are no wrong notes.” He looked confused and the other people on his team realized I pointed out a huge flaw in their machine.
I bet we would see that same look on an autonomous driving engineer’s face if Torch and I were to take him to The Indy 500 and say, “That’s driving, pal.”
Related: Please refrain from harassing the autonomous test vehicle. It has feelings too.
Better Strap In
Torchinsky gets it, because we get it. I hope somebody with money and pull and a voice in the decision-making process reads Robot, Take The Wheel. Reads it and takes it to heart. Or the future is going to be efficiently boring.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Robot, Take The Wheel by Jason Torchinsky
Hardcover: 248 pages
Publisher: Apollo Publishers (May 7, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1948062267
ISBN-13: 978-1948062268
Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
Price at the time of this writing: $10.99 (Kindle) or $16.50 (Hardcover) on Amazon.
About The Author
Jason Torchinsky is the Senior Editor of Jalopnik, a cutting-edge news and opinion website about cars and technology. He has written for a wealth of other publications and is a producer of Jay Leno’s Garage, which he’s guest starred on. “Torch” is also the star of his own show, Jason Drives, which features him driving obscure cars for his millions of fans on social media. Torchinsky is also a stand-up comedian and an artist whose work has been exhibited around the world. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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2020 Chevy Silverado HD: Tough Workhorse Gets Tougher Still

2020 Chevy Silverado HD: Tough Workhorse Gets Tougher Still The 2020 Chevy Silverado HD receives a host of upgrades to increase performance.
Heading into retirement is the 6.0-liter gas engine. A more powerful gas V8 takes its place.
The Duramax power figures are unchanged but new cooling methods boost towing numbers.
From the engines and chassis, to all the towing tech: an in-depth look at the new Silverado HD.
Chevrolet has been teasing us with the new Silverado HD since last year. We knew it would look like a hulked-up Silverado 1500; we were expecting it to be, per Chevy’s promises, the strongest and most capable Silverado HD ever made. After debuting earlier this year, we felt an in-depth look on the inner makings of the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD was in order.
Turns out, our lucky stars were smiling upon us. We had the chance to chat with Bob Walczyk, Chevrolet Product Marketing Manager for light and heavy duty pickups.
If there’s one person who knows every nut and bolt in the new Silverado HD, it would be Bob Walczyk. “I’ve actually been working on this new generation truck since its inception,” he said. “I’ve been quite intimate to the vehicle all along the process here. It’s very exciting now to see this thing on the road.”
2020 Chevy Silverado HD: What’s New?
Let’s proceed to the most obvious part: the way it looks. No doubt, the new Silverado HD is bigger, longer, and taller than before.
In fact, the wheelbase is 5.2 inches longer than the outgoing model, with overall length increasing by a massive 10.4 inches. In order to establish the truck’s presence, the width is now 81.9 inches, which is 1.4 inches wider than before. The new Silverado HD is also 1.6 inches taller overall. “One thing we got from our research was how the truck needed to be bigger,” Walczyk said. “Customers wanted it to be bigger than the light duty; it needed to be heavy duty. If I’m buying a heavy duty truck it needs to look the part.”
Despite looking like the steroid-infused big brother of the Silverado 1500, the new HD shares precisely zero body panels with the 1500 – except for the roof. The tailgate and larger hood are aluminum to manage weight, but all the other body panels are steel. Chevrolet was even kind enough to make the outer door skins smooth for easier signage applications. This is handy for business owners who put their company name, logo, and phone number on the side of the truck.
The 2020 Chevy Silverado HD comes in five trim levels: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country. There are 22 cab, bed, and chassis configurations. Photo: Chevrolet.
Beefed-Up Underpinnings
Accompanying the increase in physical size are stronger and more durable underpinnings. The driveline in the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is larger and more muscular than before. The bigger front and rear axles connect to a robust aluminum propeller shaft. “We use 6061 P6 aluminum for the prop shaft, which is fairly common in the industry,” Walczyk said. This new prop shaft is 30 percent larger in diameter for greater strength, something Walczyk says is important. “The new HD’s prop shaft is 3.5 millimeters thick, which is the thickest gauge we’ve ever used,” he continued.
The Silverado 2500 also receives a standard 11.5-inch ring gear while the 3500 gets an enormous 12-inch ring gear.
Since the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is bigger than its predecessor, it’s sitting on a larger chassis as well. The frame better withstands the rudiments of heavy towing by utilizing what might seem like small modifications. “Actually, one of the big things we did in the frame area was integrating our fifth-wheel prep to the frame itself,” Walczyk explained. “In the past, it was done after the truck was assembled, so we literally pulled the box, then added the plate. Now it is integrated into the frame and we’ve got a much tighter connection there. That was a huge enabler for our customers who tow,” he added.
Chevrolet also made a change in the frame regarding corrosion protection. “We believe this will outlast most vehicle ownership cycles,” Walczyk said.
When properly equipped, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD supports a GCWR of up to 43,500 lbs. Photo: Chevrolet.
Power To Move The World: 6.6-Liter V8
Perhaps the biggest and most important change to the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is in the engine department. The standard motor is a larger, 6.6-liter V8 gasoline mill with direct-injection technology (GDI). The new tech allows it to churn out 401 horsepower (5200 rpm) and 464 lb-ft. of torque (4000 rpm). That’s 11 percent more horsepower and 22 percent more torque than the previous 6.0-liter unit. Chevrolet built the new motor with a cast-iron block and aluminum heads. You’ll also find a forged steel crankshaft and forged powder-metal connecting rods.
“The 6.0-liter is very reliable, but it’s also been out there for quite a while, so we have been itching to bring the gas engine up a little more in terms of modern technology,” Walczyk said. “One of the biggest things we did was going to a direct injection system. We are going to be the first to do that in the gas engines in the heavy-duty segment.”
The GDI system allows the motor to operate at a higher 10.8:1 compression ratio. It also features a longer 3.85 stroke (versus 3.62 in the 6.0). The hike in power and torque also means greater towing capabilities – 18 percent more versus the 6.0 gas. The new gasoline motor pairs with a GM 6L90 six-speed automatic with a Tow/Haul mode.
2020 Chevy Silverado HD. Photo: Chevrolet.
Power To Move The World: 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel
However, if towing really heavy loads is a daily occurrence, you need the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. The new Duramax produces 445 horsepower (2800 rpm) and a substantial 910 lb-ft. of torque (1600). The diesel mill connects to an Allison 10-speed automatic (10L1000) with new calibrations and a 3.42:1 axle ratio. When all is said and done, a properly-equipped Silverado HD tows up to 35,500 lbs., a 52 percent max towing increase versus the outgoing Silverado HD.
While the horsepower and torque numbers remain the same from 2017, Walczyk explains how the towing increase came about. “We haven’t really used all that power because the truck was chassis constrained and cooling constrained,” he said. “With the new architecture we opened things up; we increased airflow and oil cooling capacity.” Among the more significant changes is the 19-plate cooler versus a 15-plate cooler in the prior generation.
“And we increased the fan from 25.5 inches to 28 inches,” Walczyk added. “This fan just humongous when you see it.”
Since 2017, the hood’s upper air inlet includes an air and water separator just underneath. “We expanded that and improved on it for this new generation,” Walczyk said. “The engineering team really focused on ways to get the proper cooling so we could get the tow ratings we were looking for.” Photo: Chevrolet.
It’s All About Towing: More Tech Please
There’s a reason why buyers want a bigger, meaner, and more powerful Silverado HD. It has something to do with that thing called towing.
In addition to landing the highest possible numbers, designers spent equal time on the actual towing experience. “We did a lot of research,” Walczyk revealed. “Around 93 percent of our truck owners tow and about half tow over 8,000 lbs. regularly.” During those market research sessions, Walczyk said it was “loud and clear” that customers wanted easier towing by way of modern technology. “They were very interested in lights, cameras, and sensors,” he continued. “They wanted to see better and take advantage of those things all around the truck.”
The solution is the Advanced Trailering System, a first for the Chevy Silverado HD. The system offers up to 15 high-definition camera views, including surround vision, a bed camera, and a trick transparent trailer view camera. The latter allows you to see out the back as if the trailer wasn’t there in the first place! It uses two cameras: one tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera for the rear of the trailer.
It’s All About Towing: Vantage Points
When pulling a trailer down the road, the camera system matches the turn signals; meaning when the left signal is on, the camera view is bias to the left, and vice versa for the right.
“Your view is going to be 80/20, 70/30 or 60/40 depending on how far you’re turning the steering wheel and in what direction,” Walczyk said. “It really zeros in on where that trailer is going. If you are pulling a 40-foot trailer, you’re going to see if you are getting near that curb or not.”
The corner steps in the rear bumper increase in size for 2020. Photo: Chevrolet.
Related: From 1918 to 2019: a walk through over 100 years of Chevy truck history.
Diesel After-Run Feature
Think of it as a “turbo timer,” the same thing found in tuned examples of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza. The idea is to keep the engine running or idling after a demanding towing situation. The diesel after-run feature prevents the engine from shutting down for up to 15 minutes, giving the motor a chance to cool using the larger fan.
But what happens if you throw it in park and turn the engine off? The truck will simply restart after departing the cabin, turning itself off after reaching the appropriate temperature. So what you basically have is an immensely powerful diesel truck with a sports car feature.
Neat stuff, I say.
The 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is built at Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan. Photo: Chevrolet.
Family Matters
For many, buying a truck is more than just purchasing a vehicle. It’s more than having the freedom to move about, or the ability to haul everything in a single load. Like most trucks, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD will end up a member of the family. It’s the pal at work, or the friend who is with you no matter what. A survey last year from Chevy and Harris Poll found that 45 percent of truck owners plan on passing their pickup down to a child or loved one. Another 60 percent say they “cannot live” without their truck.
“People spend a lot of money on these trucks, so they want the vehicle to do everything for them. It’s something they use for their livelihood and to pull their toys on the weekend,” Walczyk said. “I’m driving one right now and it’s phenomenal; it’s been a joy to drive.”
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2007 Aston Martin Vantage 2007 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster | NO RESERVES

$25,100.00 (7 Bids)
End Date: Wednesday Jul-3-2019 17:13:54 PDT
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2020 Chrysler Voyager & Pacifica: A Little Nostalgia & A Lot Modern

2020 Chrysler Voyager & Pacifica: A Little Nostalgia & A Lot Modern The 2020 Chrysler Voyager is a budget-focused minivan but the name rings of nostalgia.
For 2020, the Voyager joins the refreshed Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid in FCA’s minivan lineup.
Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid benefit from a lighter architecture and a “vault-like” interior design.
The 2020 Chrysler Voyager was once known by another name. “I predict the Voyager and the Caravan will be to the 80s what the Mustang was to the 60s,” said Lee A. Iacocca in 1984, then chairman of Chrysler Corporation. The struggling Auburn Hills automaker would enter a period of resurgence under these two platforms; the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Iacocca believed these two would force other manufacturers to come up with copycat versions.
And indeed, that has been the case.
Ford and General Motors had their versions, from the Windstar to the Venture; Toyota, Honda, and Kia today each offer a minivan, but the the segment’s champion is arguably the one who invented it. Chrysler has sold more than 14.6 million minivans globally since 1983, twice as many as any other manufacturer over the past 35 years.
What Is The Chrysler Voyager?
The 2020 Chrysler Voyager is the budget-friendly option in contrast to the higher trim levels of the Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid. The Voyager replaces the Pacifica L and LX but offers fleet buyers an exclusive trim level. Standard features include seven-passenger seating, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and various other smartphone capabilities. Voyager has additional ease-of-entry options from BraunAbility for buyers who use a wheelchair.
Rear park assist (with stop), blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross path detection are among the optional safety features. Trim levels include L, LX, and LXi – the latter being the fleet-only option. There are six available colors: the Jazz Blue and Velvet Red pearl coats sound the snazziest.
2020 Chrysler Voyager. Photo: FCA US LLC.
2020 Chrysler Voyager: Under The Hood & In The Cabin
The Voyager scoots around town with FCA’s evergreen Pentastar V6. The engine, married to a TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic, creates 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. The powertrain is a trustworthy one, as the Pentastar has landed on the annual list of Wards 10 Best Engines six different times since its 2010 debut. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica will employ the same engine. Fuel economy ratings for the current 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in the Pacifica come in at 19/28 city/highway and 22 combined.
An optional, single overhead DVD player is available on the Voyager LX for those longer road trips. In-floor storage bins make it easy to stash goodies and gear; and the Stow ‘n Place roof rack is useful for all kinds of recreational items. Up front, the Uconnect 4 system enables a host of entertainment and navigation features via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica. Photo: FCA US LLC.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica namesake was completely re-engineered, debuting at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Pacifica in its current form has a lighter, stiffer architecture to reduce body roll and fuel consumption, while cutting road noise and absorbing crash energy in the event of a collision. The architecture serves as the basis for the Pacifica’s “vault-style” interior, something FCA says makes the vehicle more comfortable to drive.
“We continuously researched and tried to get customer feedback on how to improve everything,” Patrick Keitz, Chrysler Brand Product Manager, told us in 2016 at NAIAS. “We looked at what affects ride, handling, and cargo capacity and it all comes back to the new architecture.”
Highlights for 2020 include the Red S Appearance Package, seating for eight, and more than 100 standard and available safety and security features. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has four trim levels: Touring, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited. A 35th Anniversary Edition with commemorative badging and Cranberry Wine interior stitching is available through the end of year.
Chrysler Pacifica 35th Anniversary Edition. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Red S Appearance Package
The S Appearance Package gives the Pacifica the ever-popular “blacked-out” look. The Red S Appearance adds a few extra streaks on the canvas with Rodèo Red Nappa leather seats, Light Diesel Grey stitching and piping, and Silver Metal Brush accents for the instrument panel and door trim. The tunes come courtesy of a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo, one of the package’s finer touches.
Outside, there is a special liftgate badge and blacked-out Chrysler wing badges; non-hybrid Pacificas receive 20-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish. The Red S Appearance treatments come in six of the vehicle’s 10 color choices, any of which should look stellar. While on offer for both the gas and hybrid models, the Red S look is only (unfortunately) available for the Limited trim.
Related: Before the Plymouth Voyager: the history of minivans before minivans.
Boatload of Tech
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica resembles the bridge of the Starship Enterprise in terms of technology. Absent only the photon torpedoes but with plenty of shields, the Pacifica boasts more than 100 standard and available safety features. Some of the banner ones include a 360-degree Surround View Camera; ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Forward Collision Warning-Plus.
Like the Voyager, the Uconnect 4 system enables a plethora of entertainment and navigation features via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And, for good measure, the Uconnect Theater features two 10-inch seatback touchscreens – are you not entertained!?
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid technology graphic courtesy of FCA US LLC.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Pacifica Hybrid is the fourth best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle from the 30 available in the market. It hauls in more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, with an all-electric range exceeding 30 miles. Total range, with a fully-charged battery, is over 500 miles.
Oh and dig that new honeycomb grille pattern for 2020.
Hybrid Tools
Like the gas Pacifica, the Hybrid tacks on the same safety technology and convenience features, although with a modified 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. The jewel of the hybrid system is the FCA US-designed, dual-motor eFlite, electrically-variable transmission. (Say that ten times fast!). The device runs two electric motors – both of which can drive the vehicle’s wheels.
The Pacifica Hybrid’s 16-kWh battery pack is under the second-row floor. It can be recharged in about two hours using a 240-volt plug-in system. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in three flavors: Touring, Touring L, and Limited.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid with an S Appearance Package. A new “Red S” Appearance Package is available for 2020. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Availability
As of this writing, we don’t know either for the 2020 Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica. Right now, the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $26,985 with the hybrid variant beginning at $40,245. The Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid are built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Carl Anthony studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
2020 Chrysler Voyager Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Letter From The UK: Jobs For Life

Letter From The UK: Jobs For Life Are we taking our jobs for granted? Should we be more thankful to our employers?
Should we, as employees, be more flexible with our jobs in a changing economic landscape?
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this latest Letter From The UK.
A recent survey across the United States found that a ‘shockingly’ high number of employees feel as if they are unable to work out because of their jobs; which begs the question: why is this a responsibility of the employer? Certainly, employers are responsible for all aspects of health and safety within their industry and have, up to a point, a duty of care, but does that spill over into private lives?
Results of The Study
The survey revealed that over two-thirds of respondents said their employers are not providing them with fitness benefits. More than half say their employer makes it difficult for them to get a workout in during the week! Why? Should employers meekly say, ‘Sure, take all the time you need,’ halfway through the morning? Are gyms not open in the evenings?
It gets worse: Two out of every five of these employees believe their employer is responsible for their health! You couldn’t make this up, and it’s a big eye-opener about how we treat our working lives today. The study was conducted by Zeamo, a digital fitness ‘platform’ who surveyed 5,000 people across the United States.
The British Welfare State
Now, before America gets upset, this writer will reveal that, if anything, it’s worse here. After the second World War, a Welfare State was established in the UK (although the origins date back to 1902) whereby the State took it upon itself to protect and promote the economic and social well-being of the citizens. In short, when the chips were down, the State would not let you starve. It was and remains a superb and very fair plan which, inevitably, has been amended, abused, and fragmented by politicians and the result is a sort of dependency by the populace.
Instead of being a last resort, it becomes a right. It is this vibe which has permeated the whole of our lives, including our working lives.
An NPR story last year details how young people still seek a traditional college education in the interest of better opportunity. However, NPR’s report finds that skilled trade jobs provide plenty of opportunity to the right applicant. According to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, roughly 30 million jobs in the United States pay an average yearly salary of $55,000, yet don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
The Sad Case of Swindon
Do you remember when the latest model Honda Civic arrived on American shores a couple of years back? They are built in Swindon, a town in the county of Wiltshire, in England and where this writer lives. Earlier this year, the Honda board announced it would close the UK plant in 2021. Some 3,500 loyal Swindon workers will likely lose their jobs. Now, although this planned closure coincides with the ongoing and increasingly desperate saga of Brexit, Honda insists it has nothing to do with Britain leaving the European Union.
It is, they say, due to unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry. This latter point is true enough.
Naturally, this has caused a huge furore in the UK, especially with the rumor that Honda instead will build the next-generation Civic in North America. With wearying inevitability, old-school union representatives start calling out those dastardly bosses at the Japanese brand and demanding the government do something; but what should they do?
Honda of the UK Manufacturing is the global production hub for the Civic. In 2015, the plant produced its 3 millionth car. Photo: Honda Motor Europe Ltd.
Movers & Shakers
It is tragic for the families of Swindon who at this time must be viewing the future bleakly; but here in the West we live in a capitalistic society where the law of supply and demand rules. This is nothing new: Steelworks are under threat from cheap Chinese steel; retail outlets are closing down rapidly as online shopping continues to grow. These days we can buy a car and have it delivered to the door without ever leaving home. A company may be responsible for the workers at work, but are they responsible for their lives?
There are other car factories in other parts of the UK that are doing well. Are there any jobs going there? Are the workers prepared to move to an area where there is work, which, historically, has been the case? With the rise of home ownership and the need for places in schools, this is not so easily accomplished. Recently, an appalling UK television channel, Channel 4, announced it was moving its base from London to the Northern city of Leeds. Up to 90 percent of the staff say they’ll quit, rather than move somewhere they don’t want to be.
We can only hope that another car maker takes over the Swindon plant (there’s a suggestion this might be the case) or some other business or industry comes to town to take up the slack.
The Transformation of Manufacturing and the Decline in U.S. Employment (National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper 24468, March 2018) by Economists Kerwin Kofi Charles, Erik Hurst, and Mariel Schwartz notes a decline in “cross-regional migration,” according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the past, workers were more likely to move for a new job.
Fit For Work
Once, really not that long ago, we, as workers, would apply for a job and actually be grateful for it. It meant stability and food on the table. After a while though, as the modern world turns, we become complacent and that gratitude turns to dependency.
Ultimately, that dependency turns to entitlement. We own this job; we warrant it. It is ours. We demand extra time during the working days to go and work on our abs.
Not so.
As the motor industry has shown very clearly, we are all affected by changing times. The demonisation of fossil fuels, the rise of the substitute electric cars, and the converging and sharing of vehicle platforms and model types has meant car manufacturers have had to make seismic changes to their business models.
At no time in the past have people been entitled to jobs. The job is theirs through the good graces and successful business practices of the employers. It is up to the workers to help ensure that business turns a good profit because one thing is sure; there is no such thing as a job for life.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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2020 Lexus GX 460: A Big Bundle of Safety & Off-Road Tech

2020 Lexus GX 460: A Big Bundle of Safety & Off-Road Tech The 2020 Lexus GX 460 receives a number of updates for the new model year.
Four-Wheel Active Traction and Crawl Control are useful for rougher terrain.
The technology features are numerous and focus mainly on convenience.
Lexus just put out the deets on its new GX 460 SUV and this thing is crawling with features of all varieties. Tech, safety, comfort and convenience, the lot. They even upped the beast’s off-road capabilities (not that you’re seriously going to do King of The Hammers in this thing). But for what it is, it’s hard to argue with the 2020 Lexus GX 460.
Of course, there is one way you can argue with it.
Case & Point
Lexus touts the “restyling” of the GX 460, and that’s one of the biggest arguments against it. “The 2020 GX wears an updated signature spindle grille that gives it distinctive, standout style which better aligns with the entire Lexus portfolio.” Just make sure your face is better aligned with the toilet bowl, because I swear to Buddha that Stevie Wonder could see how ugly it is. Someone please, please grab the head of Lexus’ styling department by the collar and make them stop with this grille “design.”
I’ve seen more pleasing designs in Soviet apartment blocks.
However, if you can get beyond the face, what makes the 2020 Lexus GX 460 worth it? Well, for starters, the drivetrain and how it puts the power down is worth considering.
2020 Lexus GX 460 Powertrain: A Control Freak
The 4.6-liter V8 in the GX 460 cranks out 301 horsepower, 329 lb-ft. of torque and, when properly equipped, handles 6,500 lbs. worth of towing duty. If you’ve got stuff to tow, the Trailer Sway and Vehicle Stability Control systems will help you keep things under, er, control.
Control is a big deal for the GX 460. Lexus references that word all over the place in their press materials. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, for example, is there to “enhance handling and ride comfort,” while keeping the vehicle level both on and off-road. In other words, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System helps you maintain control of the GX 460. The Adaptive Variable Suspension features “electronically-controlled dampers” with driver selectable modes: Normal, Sport, or Comfort.
The Lexus GX 460 also has Four-Wheel Active Traction; meaning the TORSEN torque-sensing, limited-slip differential splits power 40:60 (front to rear) under most driving conditions, changing the ratio as needed based on wheel slip. The drive system has a low range for slow speed, off-pavement situations; and the center differential can be electronically-locked, further enhancing the GX’s off-road capabilities. Added to all the drivetrain goodies is a wide array of chassis control technology: Downhill Assist and Hill-Start Assist Control; Active Traction and Vehicle Stability Control; and finally, Crawl Control.
Like I said, control is a big deal for the 2020 Lexus GX 460. Although I seriously doubt you will be blasting through Moab with the thing.
The Crawl Control system automatically maintains a steady pace over rougher terrain. The 2020 Lexus GX 460 modulates the throttle and brakes on its own, while the driver operates the steering wheel. Photo: Lexus.
Related: Lots of space for the family: on the road with the 2018 Lexus GX 460.
Colorful Array & Ample Services
And all of this capability and control comes in seven exterior colors: Starfire Pearl, Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl, Nightfall Mica, Fire Agate Pearl, Black Onyx, and Claret Mica. The GX’s interior is available in four colors: Black, Sepia, Ecru, and a new Rioja Red with black headliner.
Speaking of the interior, it is, as you would expect, all about the multimedia and connectivity functions. It all starts with the touchscreen system with a customizable home screen that can display three sections simultaneously. The navigation system has a three-dimensional map view and there are four USB ports. Lexus Enform Safety Connect allows access to Lexus response centers 24/7/365, while Lexus Enform Service Connect sends maintenance alerts to you and your dealer.
Lexus Enform Remote lets you lock and unlock the doors; start the engine and climate controls; and check the fuel level (and more) through your smartphone, smartwatch or other devices using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
2020 Lexus GX 460 interior layout. Photo: Lexus.
Safety & Security
The new GX 460 is also as safe as they can make it with the Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies now standard. This includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beams, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The intuitive high beams offer more intelligent illumination, for lack of a better word. When the road is clear, the system defaults to the high-beams, temporarily switching to low beams when it detects another vehicle.
Pricing & Availability
As of this writing we don’t know either, but the current GX 460 starts at $52,502. There is a lot to like about the 2020 Lexus GX 460; it’s capacious, comfortable, loaded with features to make your journey go easier, and has a slew of off-roading goodies that are great, even if 99 percent of the owners will never use them. Just don’t pay too much attention to the way it looks.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Lexus.

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2018 Honda Odyssey Showcases New Features In Detroit

Brace yourself suburban dwellers, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Minivan is here to fulfill all of your vehicular needs in one, clever, efficient moving package. Stuff, people, animals, kids, more stuff, more kids, the new Honda Odyssey can handle it.

The 2018 Honda Odyssey will be motorized by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected V-6 engine. There’s a whole can of alphabet soup acronyms that go along with it (i-VTEC for example), but what matters is how the V6 puts out 280 SAE net horsepower and has two available new transmissions.

There’s a 9-speed automatic and, for upper trim levels, an all-new 10-speed automatic.

Aerodynamics & Handling

The body is more rigid and lightweight as there’s new chassis technology hidden underneath. The new aerodynamic designs are expected to result in best-in-class fuel economy ratings. Bad weather won’t be a problem with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system that has normal and snow modes. There is also Agile Handling Assist and better brakes for improved all-weather traction and control as well.

There’s lots of advanced materials in the 2018 Odyssey, including ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium to minimize weight and improve rigidity. Weight is down by 96 pounds and torsional rigidity is up 44 percent from the outgoing model.

The steering is new and quicker too with the Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering unit. Out back, there’s a compact new trailing arm rear suspension and stabilizer bar, improving handling and ride comfort. It also helps give the 2018 Honda Odyssey the most spacious rear cargo area in the class.

At the rear, the 2018 Honda Odyssey combines style and functionality. There are LED taillights and an available new hands-free power tailgate with foot activation. Photo: Honda North America.

Connectivity & Controls

In-vehicle connectivity, that is, stuff like listening to the radio and watching movies and such, is facilitated by a bunch of tech wizardry. There’s New Display Audio with an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen interface: that’s the nerve center for a multitude of new audio and telematics options.

When it comes to updates, owners can download them to the Display Audio operating system and rear entertainment system via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or USB.

There is also something called CabinWatch that allows you to spy, er watch your kids, using a camera. Second and third row speakers and rear entertainment system headphones will also allow the driver to talk to rear passengers though the CabinTalk system. A new “How Much Farther?” app lets passengers track the family’s trip progress, so you little brats can shut up already.

And finally, there is CabinControl, that allows you to use a downloadable app and smart phone to control the rear entertainment system, rear cabin heat, and air conditioning.

Flexible Seating

You want seating options? Oh yeah, there’s Easy Access, Super, and Wide modes, and even something called Buddy mode. This is all thanks to the New Magic Slide seating system with an easily reconfigurable second row seat, for optimal passenger comfort, people-and cargo-hauling flexibility, and easy access to the third row of seats.

Honda thinks they’ve really ticked all the USA check boxes, because the all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey was designed and developed in North America at Honda’s R&D Center.

They keep the production close to home too, with both the Odyssey itself and its 3.5-liter V6 engine being manufactured exclusively at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. The new 10-speed transmission will be produced at the company’s transmission plant in Tallapoosa, Georgia, the first of its kind for a minivan.

Can’t wait for the 2018 Honda Odyssey? We recently took a detailed look at the 2017 model, in case you need your Odyssey tomorrow.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

2018 Honda Odyssey Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Letter From The UK: Good News Is Not Newsworthy

Ever since Great Britain voted to leave the European Union last June, the country has been riven with dissent as both sides of the argument have become increasingly nasty. It is rare for this country to be so divided. We are supposed to be a United Kingdom but the cracks are beginning to show with Scotland being especially tiresome and annoying.

Although they cannot change the will of the people, a couple of wealthy folk whose finances will likely suffer when we leave, have taken the UK Government to law to get their own way.

Even the self-aggrandizing, discredited former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is trying to get the country to backtrack. It is very sad that vested interests consider themselves above the nation.

The Media

Needless to say the media loves all this. There’s nothing like a bit of strife to get the juices flowing at the TV stations. Doom and gloom have been the order of the day. The economy is going to go down faster than Justin Bieber’s career, apparently. We are all going to go back to a lifestyle equivalent of the Middle Ages. We will live in hovels and eat tree bark while ebullient, healthy European nationals look across the English Channel at us and laugh caustically at our folly.

But Wait . . .

In fact, our economy is doing rather well and certainly better than many European nations. In particular, the UK new car market achieved yet another record year in 2016, with annual new vehicle registrations climbing for the fifth year in a row to almost 2.7 million.

Further, UK engine manufacturing rose by twenty percent in November, with 250,879 units produced – the highest on record. Overall for the year, in the domestic market only, production was over one million units. There has also been an up-turn in the production of small commercial vehicles, described as vans in the UK.

Not bad for a so-called broken economy.

Overall, the British economic growth held up better than expected immediately after the Brexit vote, particularly as it regards consumer spending and services. For 2016 as a whole, growth now looks likely to average around two percent Gross Domestic Product.

In September of 2016, Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant began production of the Jaguar XE. In order to properly build the car, Jaguar Land Rover committed to a state-of-the art aluminum body shop – the largest single investment in the history of the Castle Bromwich plant. Other investments included a new blanker line and Aida press line. The automaker continues to emphasize their commitment to both the Birmingham plant and the greater scope of British manufacturing. Jaguar Land Rover’s West Midlands manufacturing operations have been instrumental in employing a workforce of 3,000 at the plant. Over the past five years, Jaguar Land Rover has doubled sales and employment, more than tripled turnover, and invested over £12 billion in new product creation and capital expenditure. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Getting It Wrong. Again.

In the same way that political polls continually get it terribly wrong (witness your presidential elections) so economic forecasters have slipped up here too. It seems to me that economists are rarely right. I believe their thinking is based on some sort of shamanic ritual using bones. There isn’t an algorithm available that can second-guess the actions of this volatile world.

Our very own Bank of England has quite rightly come under criticism for predicting a dramatic slowdown in the UK’s economy in the event of a vote for Brexit. How wrong can you be? Remember, these are the people who run our finances. They are supposed to manage the money. Not so expert after all then? Why should we listen to them at all? Ironically, the former Governor of the BoE and a guy who really knows his economics, Mervyn King, is very up-beat about Brexit.

Maybe he should come back?

The reality is that their predictions were totally contrary to the evidence, and our economy has bounced back strongly and remains one of the best performing in the developed world. The present Governor of the Bank of England has been attacked by politicians for predicting a dramatic slowdown in growth if the country voted to leave the EU.

Bank of England via Creative Commons.

Future Prospects

The truth is, nobody can predict the future. There are simply too many variables which is why pollsters so often get it wrong.

Right now, the UK does not have an economic problem, yet still – still – the doom-mongers keep predicting the worst for 2017. Who Knows? This may well be so. We have not yet left the EU, but considerable auto price rises are predicted for this year.

The UK car market, we are told, could see a nine percent sales dip in 2017 as Britain’s re-negotiations with Europe damage consumer and manufacturer confidence.

Future Considerations

Of course Britain is faced with numerous challenges in renegotiating trade agreements with the European Union, and with the fifty other countries with which it has similar arrangements. It is going to be a rocky road but all parties surely have a vested interest in making a good deal. Certainly there are some European leaders who are throwing their toys out of the buggy because the British won’t toe the European line, but it is the business market that must have the final say, not dogmatic politicians.

Why can we not enjoy some good news for a change? Why is it always necessary for politicians and the media to take a pessimistic line and project negative vibes out into the world like the Wicked Witch of the West?

Right now, the UK economy is in decent shape. Let’s just celebrate that for once. Certainly, our economy could go to hell in a handcart next week but that is just another bridge we will have to cross when – and if – the worst happens. Maybe it won’t.

Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Cover Photo: Silentpilot.

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