Stellantis vs Dealers - My Commentary, plus 2025 Subaru Outback and 2024 Honda Prologue Test Drives!

September 20, 2024

We’re in the home stretch of September as 2024 flies by. I made it through my first solo show without my Trusty Sidekick and I knew that would be hard, add to it a 5-hour remote broadcast, and a horrible bout with allergies, and not much good can happen. However, the first show is in the books! Luckily, I will be back in the comfy studios of WBAP in downtown Dallas.

I spent a lot of time on the air last week talking about the feud between Stellantis and the Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealers in America. Below, I have the actual letter the Dealer Council sent to the Stellantis CEO, the short but not-so-sweet rebuttal from the company, and my comments and advice to the Stellantis Board of Directors.

In other stories, we see that used electric vehicle prices are still dropping like a rock, the Toyota Prius set a new Guinness World Record for fuel economy, tips for donating a car to charity, our next charity vehicle raffle for a great cause, and a new vehicle customer satisfaction survey, which I find to be super credible.

Remember a couple of months ago I showed you a home in Oklahoma City with a 33-car garage? Today I bring you another one, this one near me with a 20-car garage complete with a café (classic cars not included) and it is a third of the price of the last one. In a surprise move, we find out General Motors and Hyundai are going to trade information and work together.

You asked for it, and we delivered. Check out our all new Car Pro Merchandise on our website. We really wanted quality stuff, not junk, so do some shopping! We’ll continue to offer more items as time goes by, click here.

Don’t miss Kim Komando’s very useful Tips of the Week. She had a lot of really great ones this week, and as always, I encourage you to subscribe to her terrific and very useful newsletter that you’ll get seven days a week.

In advice today, I give information on how to understand axle ratios and the importance of them, a question I get literally every week on the radio show.

In reviews, I have the beautiful 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT, and like always I love Subarus. Our Amy Plemons gives you a fantastic full review of the all-electric 2024 Honda Prologue Elite AWD, Honda's first all-electric SUV.

We have another True Story from a Former Car Dealer below. This is a series of 40 stories written by me, and we’re down to just two more after today. Today, #38 is titled: Radio Show. Last week in #37, I told you about selling my dealerships, this week it is all about how I launched my second career in the world of radio.

Plus, lots of other information you will enjoy, including our videos of the week we talk about on the air all the time! If you have never been to our FAQ page, take a minute and peruse the categories, something there will interest you for sure.

You’ll find the following stories and more info as you scroll down the newsletter:

We so appreciate all of you who take this newsletter and listen to the show every week. We know that without you, there is no Car Pro Radio Show. So always let us know when we can help you. If you have not been there lately, take a look at our website, www.carpro.com, it changes all the time!

Have a terrific week. See you on the radio!

This week I have a message for the CEO of Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles): Listen to your U.S. dealers. The Stellantis National Dealers Council is taking issue with its corporate over how it is handling its U.S. brands and recently sent an open letter to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, pictured above, citing its grievances.

Having held the position of Ford National Dealer Council Chairman two years in a row, I feel the pain of Kevin Farrish, the current Stellantis National Dealer Council Chairman. I can only assume that he and the Dealer Council felt that their message was not getting through to the Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. I will say it took a lot of guts to put this out in public. I was openly critical of Ford CEO Jac Nasser during my tenure, but don’t think I ever put out anything this strongly worded. I tried to keep as much as possible inside the walls of Ford but was completely transparent with the Ford dealers. It is clear the dealers were irked by the 40 million dollar compensation of the Stellantis CEO last year while they were struggling.

Here is the actual letter sent to the Stellantis CEO by Stellantis dealers, signed by the officers of the Dealer Council. I obtained the letter from a CDJR dealer who did not want to be identified:

So how did Stellantis respond? And where do I think this goes from here? Don't miss my entire commentary that includes advice for all parties: the Stellantis Board, CEO Carlos Tavares and the Stellantis National Dealer Council.

Click Here to Read My Commentary →

CarPro Advice: Understanding the Importance of Axle Ratios

Not a week goes by that I don’t get a question about the right vehicle with which to tow a trailer. This is one of two common problems I hear all the time:

My pickup gets horrible fuel economy.
My pickup doesn’t do a good job towing my trailer.

When I get these questions, I always ask which rear axle ratio the caller has, and I would guess 90% of the time, the caller doesn’t know. Here I explain why having the correct rear axle is so important.

The 1974 Classic Ford Bronco or $150k cash sweepstakes just launched! Get started with four special launch deals happening right now:

$75 for 10k entries (only 250 available)
$150 for 25k entries (only 250 available)
$550 for 100k entries (only 250 available)
$550 Limited Edition Package for 100k entries (only 200 available)

Who You'll Help:

Lindy Infante Foundation. Mission: Leveling the Playing Field. Lindy Infante helps fund the costs of youth athletics, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder kids' participation.
Hope (Local). Mission: Every child belongs in a family. Hope Local works to ensure that children without family support find stable and loving homes.

Learn More about the Nonprofit Beneficiaries

ENTER NOW

Friends, we have been publishing the latest rules and eligible vehicles list for Tax Code 179 for over a decade. Many of you wait until the last minute to make your purchase. Many wait until right after Christmas, but things can happen that could cause you to miss the December 31, 2024 deadline. I encourage you to reach out to one of our Certified CarPro Friends at a CarPro approved dealership NOW. They will help you figure out how to get the eligible vehicle you want by the end of the year, or worst case, have a VIN so you can complete the paperwork by December 31, 2024.

Click here for our 2024 Guide →

Disclaimer: While every effort was made to make sure this list is accurate, Car Pro Radio Network, CarPro and its affiliates are not responsible for errors or omissions.

Always consult with your tax professional.

SPECIAL THANKS TO CPAs BILL & SUSAN CATON FOR THEIR HELP DECIPHERING THIS COMPLICATED TAX CODE.

Besides the Car Pro Show and our weekly newsletter, my other favorite radio show and newsletter is Kim Komando’s. We are on many of the same radio stations across America. She does for her listeners and newsletter subscribers exactly what I endeavor to do: Give you useful information to keep you up to date on the latest in cars, only she does it with technology and there is nobody who does it better. Not sure how she puts out a top-notch newsletter seven days a week, but she does.

Here are some various tips & information I picked up from Kim’s newsletter this week I hope you find as useful as I did:

Google is shutting down more Gmail accounts: They started with accounts created but never logged into. Now, accounts with no activity in the last two years are on the chopping block. Sign into your Gmail account, open an email, and you’ll be fine.
Calling all cat owners: There’s a line of self-cleaning litter boxes that could put your furry friend in danger. A sensor issue means cats can get stuck inside during the cleaning process. The litter boxes are sold under generic names and haven’t been officially recalled. More details and pics here.
Look who died: Don’t click on a strange link making the rounds on Facebook that says, “Look who died.” Surprise, it’s a scam. Lowlifes want to get all the deets on your account to wreak havoc.
Have a spare $300,000 sitting around? Call me: … Or you could spend it on the C SEED N1, a 4K TV that unfolds like a Transformer in 90 seconds. When you’re done binging, it turns back into a funky metal sculpture. You have to see this thing in action.
Power play: Ford is partnering with utility company Southern California Edison to pay EV owners for sending power back to the grid. Drivers can earn $1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Sweet deal, considering fast-charging costs about $0.50 per kWh. The catch: You’ll need V2G (vehicle-to-grid) tech that costs anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.

jerry-kevin-live-radio-show-on-location-feature-true-stories

A few years ago, I started writing a series of True Stories From A Former Car Dealer. Over 40 weeks, I wrote about experiences I had from my days as a dealership owner. Some will make you laugh, others will make you cry. The reaction was beyond my wildest expectations.

For our new subscribers, and for those of you who may have missed one or perhaps simply forgot the details, we’ll bring these to you in the order they were written.

This week I bring you the next chapter after last week telling you about the difficult decision to sell my dealerships. Today, I give you the details of how I came to start my radio show, 23 years ago next week. How did I meet Kevin McCarthy? How did the very first show go? I’ve got it all for you in True Story #38, there are only two more after this week!

Read True Stories #38 →

If you are searching for a particular new or used vehicle, we can help you! The best news is, if you use CarPro to search, when you find the car of your dreams it will be at a CarPro approved dealership.

Best of all, it’s simple to use. Choose new, used, or certified. You can select the make and model, or find a price range you are looking at. Choose the number of miles you are willing to travel and enter your zip code.

From there, you can look through all your matches, knowing you are shopping at a dealership I have handpicked that adheres to the high standards I require.

Start your search on the front page of CarPro.com. If you don't find the car of your dreams, check back regularly.

This is a horrifying 3-minute video. In Tooele, Utah about 40 miles from Salt Lake City, an out-of-control 18-wheeler pulling two trailers plows through the town with heavy traffic, at times driving on the sidewalk to avoid cars. It ended up crashing through a Ford dealership lot and exploding when it hit the showroom. The carnage sent 11 people to the hospital, 1 in critical condition, and 33 vehicles were wrecked. Damage to the dealership was extensive. The trucking company says it was brake failure, but this truck traveled a long way without showing signs of slowing down. You be the judge; I think there is more to this story.

You have 5 hours to call the show! From 9AM- 2PM Central, 7AM-Noon Pacific, and 10 AM to 3 PM Eastern, the phone numbers are:

DFW Show: 9 AM to 11 AM Central, 1 (800) 288-9227
National Show: 11 AM to 2 PM Central, 1 (800) 926-7777

Add the numbers to your cell phone; you never know when you are going to need straight talk and honest answers about everything automotive.

So, what is the CarPro Radio Show?

Confused about the car buying process? Worried you won’t get a fair deal? Wondering about which vehicle is best for you? Then tune in to the Car Pro Radio Show every week where Jerry Reynolds and Kevin McCarthy will guide you through the car-buying process with confidence.

No matter where you listen to the show or which station you listen to, you have five hours to call in and ask your questions. We take calls every Saturday from 9 AM-2 PM Central time, 7 AM to Noon Pacific. The phone number is different the first two hours, then changes, so keep that in mind.

We would love to help you in any way possible! Keep in mind, we don’t take mechanical questions, but everything else is great!

The Car Pro Radio Show is heard every weekend all over the United States, and every weekend we deliver straight talk and honest answers about everything

automotive. We would greatly appreciate it if you would take a moment and tell a friend about the show.

This week we welcome a new affiliate station!

KLXX 1270 AM Bismark-Madan North Dakota
- Saturday 5p to 6p CT (Replay)

Last week we welcomed two new stations:

KKTK AM 1400/FM 97.1 in Texarkana, TX!
- Saturday: 12 noon to 3 pm CT (Replay)
KQEW 102.3 FM in Fordyce, Arkansas!
- Saturday 5PM - 8PM CT (Replay)

Last week we welcomed WSAR 1480 AM/95.9 FM in Fall River, MA. WSAR is the number one AM radio station on the South Coast. With its studios and transmitter in Somerset, Massachusetts, it broadcasts on 1480 kHz. Its transmitter power output is 5,000 watts (unlimited hours) using two towers. They are the home of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, The Boston Celtics and local sports action. The Car Pro Show will air LIVE Saturdays from Noon to 3PM ET

Other recently added new markets:

KXRA Newstalk Radio Alexandria, MN:

Sunday 3-6pm (replay) and 9pm to Midnight CST (replay) on 1490 AM/100.3 FM/105.7 FM.
KTLR 890 AM/103.7 FM Oklahoma City: Sunday 4-5pm CT (replay)
The Mountain WSYY 1240 AM/ 102.5 FM Millinocket, ME:

Saturday 9AM- 12PM PT
KUFO: Portland, Oregon: Saturday 9AM- 12PM PT
Nevada Talk Network - THE Rural News Source: KELY 1230am/98.5fm, Ely; KPVM-TV 25.7, Pahrump, KAVB 98.7 FM, Hawthorne, KPKK 101.1 FM, Amargosa Valley, NV, KDJJ 94.1 FM, Fernley-Fallon all three hours live 9AM- 12PM PT
KFIR 720 AM, Sweet Home, Oregon: Sunday 4PM - 7PM PT (replay)
KBAR 1230 AM, Burley, Idaho: Saturday 6PM – 9PM MT (replay)
KACT 1360 AM, Andrews, Texas: Saturdays 7PM – 10PM CT (replay)
WDOC 1310 AM, Prestonsburg, Kentucky: Time TBD
KLXX 1270 AM, Bismarck, North Dakota: Sunday 10PM – Midnight CT (replay)

Most of our listeners tell us that they never thought they would look forward to a show about cars. You may have friends or relatives who feel the same way in the cities below, please make them aware.

Here are the DFW markets the show airs in, times, and stations, and don't forget you can now listen to WBAP on the FM dial at 93.3 FM!

Dallas, TX: WBAP 820 AM/93.3 FM/99.5 HD 2, Saturday 9am to 11am Central
Dallas, TX: KRLD 1080 AM, Saturday 2pm to 4pm Central (replay)
Granbury, TX: KPIR 1420 AM, Saturday 11am to 2pm Central

WBAP DFW Podcast Here →
FOR ALL OTHER MARKETS, CLICK HERE→

My Commentary: Stellantis vs DCJR Dealers

Straight Talk and Answers

Enter To Win A 1974 Classic Ford Bronco And Help Kids!

Tips on Donating Your Car To Charity

Our 2024 Tax Code 179 Guide Is Here!

For Sale: DFW-Area Home With 20-Car Showroom!

It's Here! The CarPro Merchandise Shop!

On The Road: Test Drives

Bumper to Bumper

Used EV Prices Continue to Plummet

The Kia Niro EV is #2 on iSeeCars' list of electric vehicles with the biggest price drops over the past year.

Texas TollTag Users Beware of Texting Scam

Toyota Prius Sets World Record For Miles Per Gallon

GM & Hyundai Explore Ways To Work Together

NHTSA Proposes New Rule To Protect Pedestrians

2024 American Consumer Satisfaction Index

Subaru and Toyota tie for #1 Mass Market automotive brand.

Weekly Recalls

Check Out Our Newsletter Archive Page!

True Stories From A Former Car Dealer

Our Factory Incentive Guide

Miss the Show? Catch Our Podcast!

Exclusive Approved Products & Services

FAQ: Research Your Questions Before You Shop

Our FAQ page offers answers to questions CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds is asked most frequently.

Searching for a New or Used Vehicle?

Classic Car Contest: Win An AutoHeatShield!

Jerry's Video of the Week

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CarPro Guide To Online Car Buying

Buying a vehicle online has never been easier.Our step-by-step guide will help you buy a car from the comfort of your living room, starting with selecting your CarPro Friend.

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Closing Message From Jerry Reynolds