QUESTIONS, COFFEE & CARS #116 // ARE WE EXCLUDED FROM SOME PRESS EVENTS?

EV Channels Review

This episode of Questions, Coffee & Cars tackles a variety of viewer inquiries, ranging from travel experiences in South Korea to specific automotive questions. The hosts share their favorite moments from their trip, including driving the EV3 and visiting the Lotte Tower. A significant portion of the discussion addresses why Canadian press events sometimes exclude Canadian journalists, attributing it to separate corporate structures and differing media budgets between the US and Canada. The hosts also delve into the controversial use of shiny black plastic in car interiors, explaining that manufacturers perceive it as 'tech-driven' despite consumer pushback, though they note a potential shift away from this trend. Updates on the Kia Carnival Hybrid launch are provided, with a drive event scheduled for October. The complexity of Buick's naming conventions is humorously highlighted. Advice is offered on resolving dealer issues, suggesting escalation to head office and potentially the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan. The reliability of a used 2023 Telluride with 54,000 km is deemed acceptable if primarily highway driven, with a recommendation for thorough inspection. Finally, the ongoing stop-sale for the Grand Highlander and TX due to a side airbag issue is discussed, with no immediate resolution from Toyota Canada, and early reliability impressions of the new Land Cruiser and GX are cautiously optimistic, though potential powertrain concerns are noted.