Revving Through Texas: The Hot Rod Tour of Texas and the sAuto Enthusiast Culture

Hot Rod Tour of Texas Update

Speaker 1 0:01

Welcome to another In Wheel Time podcast , a 30-minute mini version of the In Wheel Time Car Show that airs live every Saturday morning 8 to 11 am , Central Shieldcom . We don't know what we're doing , but thanks for joining us anyway on the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show . Just ahead , those hairy-legged boys from Victoria with news about the Hot Rod Tour of Texas .

Speaker 2 0:29

Can't wait Later .

Speaker 1 0:31

Jeffrey has this week's special feature . What's that special feature on ?

Speaker 2 0:38

Well , I got a four-door Corvette , and then I've got something later on . Instead of the TV thing I got just Jeff's rant .

Speaker 1 0:45

Well , I don't care about that . Okay , whatever you got coming up this afternoon I got something coming up .

Speaker 2 0:49

I know you do .

Speaker 1 0:54

I'll also have some of the stories making automotive news headlines , if I can find them . Welcome to the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show . Everybody so glad that you could join us today . Wheel Time Car Talk Show everybody so glad that you could join us today . And we're also really thrilled at the fact that the boys from the Hot Rod Tour of Texas are on the line with us . Gentlemen , good morning . Look at those matching blue shirts standing in front of the state flag or something . What's got the ?

Speaker 2 1:21

Hot Rod Tour of Texas flag . Martha Stewart would be proud .

Speaker 3 1:28

That's where everybody's going to scan in at all the stops and that's where they can pick up their merch and their registration packets and all that good stuff .

Speaker 1 1:34

Oh my .

Speaker 2 1:34

God , we've come a long way , baby , that's right .

Speaker 3 1:39

No more unloading the Yukon at every stop .

Speaker 1 1:42

Did you guys just quit your full-time jobs and doing ?

Speaker 3 1:44

the hot rod tour now they must have .

Speaker 1 1:46

No , oh no . Well , you have a very understanding . Boss is all I can think .

Speaker 3 1:52

I have a boss in my area , are you ?

Speaker 1 1:54

You're the boss , okay .

Speaker 2 1:55

That's not what she said .

Speaker 3 1:59

She's in the merch trailer . Yeah , okay .

Speaker 1 2:01

Yeah , that's it the boss is in the merch trailer .

Speaker 3 2:07

Do you have the merch ready ?

Speaker 1 2:07

Yes , sir , and you know I have to tell you right off the bat here that we sure appreciate our nice in-wheel time hot rod tour of Texas Mugs that came yesterday . I didn't open mine yet , but that's awesome , they're over there , okay well , we've moved the studio around a bit , as you could probably tell .

Speaker 3 2:26

I know Everything's changed .

Speaker 1 2:27

Yeah , it has changed a bit . It was still in the same building Configuration , yeah , but the configuration inside .

Speaker 2 2:35

Wait until next week . You're going to see Leavenworth on the background .

Speaker 1 2:39

We could see it . Those people that are watching can't See there . Look , it's even got custom names on there .

Speaker 2 2:46

It's got the In Wheel Time logo on there .

Speaker 1 2:48

And Mike's name and Jeff's name and my name and all of the names and David's name .

Speaker 2 2:53

I think he's insinuating we might forget who we are .

Speaker 1 2:57

Well , there's that .

Speaker 2 2:59

Or .

Speaker 1 2:59

I don't want to be drinking nasty coffee out of Mike's cup .

Speaker 2 3:02

Because Mike don't drink coffee .

Speaker 1 3:05

No , you and your own water .

Speaker 2 3:07

Yeah , buddy .

Speaker 1 3:09

That's it Very excited . Are we ready to go ? We're ready ?

Speaker 3 3:15

Let's go . We're ready , are you ? Let's go . I like the way you're thinking .

Speaker 1 3:19

Let's go . Let's go Because everybody else is thinking the same thing . You know it's funny because all I can think of is all year long I've been doing or having stuff done to my old , old Corvette 2001 model to get it ready . It's got a new clutch in it now . We got the tires last year , the shifter last year , shifter last year , we've got new seats in it this year so it won't drain the battery .

Speaker 1 3:50

You put new lights in it . A year or so ago put new lights in it . So throughout the year since I've been doing this tour .

Speaker 3 3:54

This will be the third tour .

Speaker 2 3:55

Uh , we're motivating you , you are , that's exactly right but to that point , on facebook , all of the folks that are going to be on the tour have been listing their projects . You're the 55 chevy with a new Trans in it . You've got guys that are putting motors in specifically for this tour . You've got guys that are spending money on paint jobs and things like that . This is going to be awesome .

Speaker 1 4:17

It is so how many cars do you have registered ?

Speaker 3 4:21

We are 300 . What was the number I gave you yesterday ? No , we're eight short of 350 .

Speaker 1 4:27

Eight short of 350 . So another one , 342 . Come on , people Sign up , so you've got eight slots left .

Speaker 3 4:35

Nope , we're not selling them , we're closed .

Speaker 1 4:37

We're closed . Okay , all right , well , very good , you missed it .

Speaker 3 4:40

You missed it , that's it . And Don get ready , because next year we're going to have some track time again closer to you guys . Oh really . Can't say where yet , but we're going to have track time next year , see that they're forward-thinking hot rodders . Yes , We've already got two stops tentatively secured for 25 .

Speaker 1 5:01

Wow , that's nice , I like it , it takes a while . Well , here's just a suggestion , or at least an idea that I know that you've thought about , and somebody else has probably beat me to the punch telling you , but I'm thinking about a fall event .

Speaker 3 5:17

We're actually talking about doing Twisted Sisters up in Lakey area , just a one day for the guys that really want to go have some fun with their cars .

Speaker 1 5:28

Where is that ? Where is that ?

Speaker 3 5:33

That is , west of Medina , san Antonio .

Speaker 1 5:36

Yeah , yeah , okay . Yeah , it's up in that Lakey and it would be one of those deals where I could take off on a Friday , do the event on Saturday and drive back on Sunday .

Speaker 2 5:44

Yeah , that's right .

Speaker 3 5:45

That's what I'm liking and when we do . We were actually trying to incorporate some of that route for the tour , but the roads are so narrow and really , really windy . If you break down there's not exactly a shoulder to pull up on the side of the road , so you've got to have a pretty reliable car there .

Speaker 1 6:01

Yeah Well , so all the more incentive for us to pick up all of the studio stuff and bring it on the road for that fall event .

Speaker 2 6:12

We can do that .

Speaker 1 6:12

And set up up there we can do that . And wherever the event's going to be held .

Speaker 3 6:16

It's going to be awesome yeah .

Speaker 1 6:18

Well , I think that that'd be good . I could do a one-day event just around the San Antonio area .

Speaker 2 6:23

Well , we'd have to turn it into two day , you know just to turn me in or around .

Speaker 1 6:27

Well , yeah , I mean Friday would be one of those . Drive over there , get it all set up Saturday morning , do the show and then Saturday afternoon have fun . Yeah , and then come back Sunday .

Speaker 3 6:37

That's right . And then Saturday night really have fun .

Speaker 1 6:42

Well , that's exactly right , because we've got Saturday night , we've got that cool-down time .

Speaker 2 6:48

Yeah , that's exactly right .

Speaker 1 6:50

Is that what you're calling it now , the cool-down ?

Speaker 3 6:53

time you young kids have a nice , cold , refreshing beverage of your choice .

Speaker 1 6:58

Yes , we like those here . Mars Same here . Yeah , mars likes the brown water . I'm not too much into that . It really does this boy a bad thing the next day .

Speaker 2 7:15

The way you cure , that is you just don't stop .

Speaker 3 7:20

We do have some important information to share with everybody .

Speaker 2 7:23

Please do .

Speaker 3 7:24

If you're on the tour , make sure you watch our website and our Facebook page . Shiner Brewery has offered us a link and increased their tour time so you can get signed up . You can pre-sign up for a slot for the tour and also you can pre-order your food for the day so it will be ready for you .

Speaker 2 7:44

Oh , that's great . That's a good idea , idea there's a link we had .

Speaker 3 7:47

We had a good meeting with them , a good conversation , and they're like hey , we can do this for you guys . So you just click on that link , you can order it , pay for it right there , put your name in and it'll be ready for you when you get there well , and that's the second stop , or I guess the first stop after you leave , victoria , that'll be the first stop Friday .

Speaker 1 8:03

Yeah , because my tour reservation is at 1 o'clock . Oh , I got my tour reservation . Did you get a tour reservation ?

Speaker 2 8:12

Well , I wasn't sure I was going to be there long enough , depending on how things work , because I've got to get out ahead of everybody if we're doing the video and all that .

Speaker 1 8:18

Okay , well then , you'll have to work with those guys .

Speaker 2 8:21

But that's Thursday night or Friday night .

Speaker 3 8:22

Maybe you can speak in an early tour Friday . Yeah , I may have to check with

Hot Rod Tour Preparations

Speaker 3 8:26

them . Friday morning we're going to meet at the Rosebud Stadium in Victoria . We're going to have a little taco food trailer there as well , so you can get your breakfast there .

Speaker 1 8:34

I hope it's more than one , because it's going to be overwhelmed .

Speaker 3 8:37

They're prepared . They do a lot of big events .

Speaker 1 8:39

Okay , very good .

Speaker 3 8:41

They'll be ready for us .

Speaker 1 8:42

So , for those people that don't know or joined this show for the first time today , it's the Hot Rod Tour of Texas . Bobby Sparkman , jeremy Taylor those are the two guys we're talking to here , the creators .

Speaker 3 8:53

The creators , yes , and there's about ten of us now .

Speaker 1 8:57

Is there ten , ten of ?

Speaker 3 8:58

us really in our group .

Speaker 1 8:59

Well , and your wonderful wife , who I don't know how she puts up with what you pull on her all the time he likes her in the merch trailer .

Speaker 3 9:07

Y'all can thank her for the cups . She did them at 1 o'clock in the morning the other night so she could get them to y'all .

Speaker 1 9:11

That is absolutely spectacular .

Speaker 2 9:14

It's oversized . It's brown water size .

Speaker 1 9:16

Brown water size Are you going to have ?

Speaker 3 9:21

something like that in the merch trailer . We're going to have some general hot rod tour cups . We've got some tumblers um , she's been making a ton of stuff . Some women's shirts we've got . We got big straw hats that got an embroidery logo on them hats for the shade , yeah we got some of those , a variety of these kind of shirts .

Speaker 3 9:40

Um , if you , if you ordered the tour shirts , you got lucky , because they're not going to be available on the tour , they're only pre-ordered and same as the tour shirts , you got lucky , because they're not going to be available on the tour , they're only pre-ordered and same as the tour hats . This is last year's hats . This year's are going to be blue and gray .

Speaker 1 9:52

Gotcha .

Speaker 3 9:54

So they're very exclusive and we never reprint them . Once we're done , we never redo them .

Speaker 1 9:58

So tell everybody how the event works . So we're all going to gather up and get all registered and that sort of stuff on Thursday .

Speaker 3 10:09

And in your packet this year will be turn-by-turn written directions also .

Speaker 1 10:14

Oh , my God .

Speaker 3 10:16

We're not using road trippers because road trippers started charging . So Jeremy put together a map with Google Maps that he'll share that link every day , so everybody will have that as well so when you , when you get on the site , it's going to be jeremy going turn right now go straight recalculate google maps doesn't do that , we would love jeremy does we just listen .

Speaker 3 10:40

We've been , we've been trying to tell one of our guys that in our it guy fidel , you need to do , you need to work with google and develop this app because there is a lot of need for it .

Speaker 1 10:49

Yeah , absolutely I agree .

Speaker 3 10:51

Yeah , Just a link to it and there's nothing out there .

Speaker 1 10:54

Yeah . Well , there you have it . Not that they need any more money , no , yeah , they could sell advertising through you guys . That's the way that should work .

Speaker 3 11:12

Yeah , advertising through you guys , that's that's the way , that's what they do , yeah , so thursday night where are we meeting ? We're meeting , uh , downtown at the square or in the new plaza , actually delion plaza , victoria , okay , and it's been completely remodeled . I can't I don't even know the dollar amount they spent completely revitalizing our downtown area just for you . A lot of restaurants opened up . Today is the first event they're having . Chick-fil-a is having a 5K there . This is the first event downtown they're having since they've remodeled .

Speaker 2 11:30

That's great .

Speaker 1 11:33

Getting ready for the real big event that's coming up at the end of the month .

Speaker 3 11:37

Yes , yes , and we're partnered with our Victoria Symphony . It will be their 50th anniversary and Victoria's 200th bicentennial .

Speaker 1 11:46

Wow . Well , we've got a lot to celebrate , don't we ?

Speaker 3 11:49

Yes , All the local businesses are going to be open downtown the restaurants , there's some shops for the ladies to shop in Our downtown has really really come a long ways in the past 10 years .

Speaker 1 12:01

Is it about an hour and a half or so from Sugar Land ?

Speaker 3 12:05

down there to Victoria Yep , right about an hour and a half or so from Sugar Land down there to Victoria Yep , right about an hour .

Speaker 1 12:08

And a half , yeah , so my goal , depending on that crazy traffic . Yeah , well , of course , well , construction , but it's on Thursday and we're planning on leaving noon , 1 o'clock , something like that , so we can get there early , get checked in at the hotel . Yeah , get checked in at the hotel and then head on down early , because , based on the last two years , I wound up two hours , three hours early and the place is already packed .

Speaker 3 12:32

Yeah , and the symphony is going to kick off before us . We'll kick off a little bit later in the afternoon , but I think they start at 530 or 630? .

Speaker 4 12:40

Yeah , 530 .

Speaker 3 12:41

They start at 530 , so they'll start performing and they've got the orchestra . This is a full orchestra , so it's 60 piece orchestra . So it's it's a big , big , big deal . Going to be sitting up outside on the square , outside on the stage , and we've we've also got another company called Syacoustics that us , the symphony and the city of Victoria partnered with , and they're going to have wireless Wi-Fi all the way down the street , so all down the street you'll be able to hear the music .

Speaker 1 13:08

Great . Oh my God , so how long Okay wireless . Wi-fi powered through the speakers or something .

Speaker 3 13:17

Yeah , there's speaker towers that will be all the way down the street .

Speaker 1 13:20

Oh , that is awesome . Well , you know .

Speaker 3 13:22

We're trying to kind of spread the event throughout the downtown area , sure .

Speaker 1 13:26

That's awesome . Well , does everybody know we're coming ?

Speaker 3 13:31

Everybody knows we're coming .

Speaker 2 13:34

There's some folks that are commenting on the site .

Speaker 3 13:36

Some of the small towns are really rolling out the red carpet this year .

Speaker 1 13:39

Wow . Well , yeah , you know , and I've mentioned this every time I talk to you , I think one of the greatest things that I saw , a couple one of the cities that we went through outside was the school , and all the school children were out there and we were all waving and honking as we went by . And then the other one was it Yoakum that had the fire truck .

Speaker 3 14:00

Yoakum was the first one , and then the other one was Mission Valley , where all the school kids were outside . That was last year , yeah , and First one , and then the other one was Mission .

Speaker 1 14:05

Valley where all the school kids were outside . That was last year , yeah , and the whole city turned out and it was like a big parade of us going through downtown . I don't know how long it took for all of us to get through probably 30 , 40 minutes .

Speaker 3 14:17

We were 15 miles long last year at 300 cars , and we're right at almost 350 now .

Speaker 1 14:23

Wow . Well , I'm really excited and I've seen , on y'all's website and Facebook page as well , some of the cars , because guys have been posting their cars . I'm bringing this . I've been working on it for the past year trying to get ready .

Speaker 4 14:37

Look what I did .

Speaker 1 14:38

Yeah , look what I did , kind of thing , it's a lot of fun .

Speaker 3 14:42

There's the cup maker .

Speaker 2 14:45

Thank you , ma'am . Thank you , it's a lot of fun . There's the cup maker . Thank you , ma'am . Thank you , it's good to see you Great size .

Speaker 1 14:50

Yeah , we appreciate it Go ahead .

Speaker 3 14:56

I just want to say we really appreciate you guys' support , man . You guys have been in there from the start and not only just supporting us but actively being a participant and joining us for the fun . I mean really , truly . We're not doing this for the money , we're doing it to get everybody together , get people's cars out of the garage , out of a static car show and drive them and share them with everybody else . That was the mission and the goal from the very start .

Speaker 1 15:23

Well , I have to tell you you've done a great job doing it and we thank you for allowing us to kind of elbow our way along on the tour with you guys .

Speaker 4 15:31

But it's been a lot of fun .

Speaker 1 15:33

And I understand that we're also going to stop at that great facility . What's the name of it ? The Hot Rod Shop .

Speaker 2 15:42

Oh , samson Restoration , Samson , restoration again this year , samson .

Speaker 3 15:45

Restoration . We'll be there again . Another three-year sponsor . They've been fantastic and long-term friends even before we started this . We've been friends with them for a long time and sent them quite a bit of work . Some good customers for them .

Speaker 2 16:01

And that's Friday night . That's Friday night .

Speaker 3 16:03

That will be Friday before the drive-in . Right Friday afternoon , so to speak , Kind of end up there , friday evening , end of the day , that's correct , kind of the same as we did .

Speaker 2 16:13

We're doing some things with them or you're doing , we're going to do filming and interviews and things there , yeah .

Speaker 3 16:20

And then Saturday has been the chore this year . We're feeding everybody , which was quite the task . I it's been the chore this year . We're feeding everybody , which was quite the task , I'll bet . And we're going to do that . We're going to do that at Archway Resorts in Fredericksburg and it is a phenomenal facility , yes , beautiful facility Inside and outside , can't wait .

Speaker 3 16:37

Really really large back covered patio area that's just loaded with chairs Beautiful . It overlooks their amphitheater , but it's going to be quite the stop and it's a brewery , a distillery and a winery and a farm-to-table restaurant all in one house .

Speaker 2 16:53

Be still my heart .

Speaker 1 16:54

Are they going to be able to hold 350 cars in the parking lot ?

Speaker 3 16:59

Oh yeah , oh yeah , Easily .

Speaker 1 17:01

Okay , good , easily , I like that .

Speaker 3 17:03

We'll be taking up the countryside there they're working on developing that facility . It's going to be mind-blowing in another year or two . And that's up in Fredericksburg , yes sir , right down the street from the wild seed farm . Okay , sunday we will wrap up in Luebach , texas , everybody's favorite stop .

Speaker 1 17:26

Yeah , yeah yeah , oh , you're going to go to Lucanbach , everybody's somebody there . Yeah , that's what I heard in a song somewhere along the way .

Speaker 3 17:33

Well , Dale Watson says anyway .

Speaker 1 17:34

Yeah .

Speaker 3 17:36

But we will make sure every stop , including the kickoff , everywhere you come to the trailer and look for somebody to scan you . We're going to scan this year , instead of the markers , to make sure you get registered for the Road Warrior plates , the license plates that you get at the end .

Speaker 1 17:52

Yep .

Speaker 3 17:54

Those are earned little license plates . We don't sell them to anybody . If you didn't make all the stops , you don't get one .

Speaker 2 18:00

Ah , gotcha .

Speaker 3 18:01

And they're pretty cool this year . They're different than last year , but very cool .

Speaker 1 18:06

Very nice . So where is it going to end on Sunday to get that plate ?

Speaker 3 18:11

Luckenbach , Texas .

Speaker 1 18:12

And Luckenbach , okay , and .

Speaker 3 18:14

Luckenbach and we've got our own Hot Rod Tour of Texas bartender this year . There will be a little sign set up to take care of us .

Speaker 1 18:21

Very nice . Well , I've been to Lucken Bach and I'll tell you what . There's not a whole lot there , Good barbecue , but it's grown , yeah , I know . And they've got a great dance hall too .

Speaker 3 18:32

It was another place . Everybody wanted to stop again .

Speaker 1 18:37

Yeah well , I'm looking forward to it . I'll tell you , I've told so many people this year . I said you know this is what I got into the hobby , the sport of hot rodding , if you will . I don't consider my car a true hot rod in the sense of the word , but it's all about the camaraderie and the friendship and the new people that you get to meet , and to me that's what it's all about , and the car brings it all together .

Speaker 3 19:06

And if you all notice , you all have done it enough with this . We really , really , really work hard to try to keep the stops . All mom and pop owned and operated businesses . Absolutely you won't hardly ever see a stop at any corporate businesses .

Speaker 1 19:19

Well , you've done a great job and it's evolved unbelievably in the past two years and I know that from what you tell us and all the stuff that you've got lined up this year . It's going to continue to grow and , gentlemen , I can't thank you enough and , jeremy , I guess we're going to talk to you again later on about some sort of an event . Yeah , about an event coming up that you've got and we all drove up .

Speaker 3 19:41

There's what 10 of us , about 10 of us here . We drove up two hours to get the river ride in New Brunswick . We're here in New Brunswick , we're almost residents . They've got a big car show here that we support every year and we get a vendor spot and bring a bunch of cars and hang out with these guys . It's a really cool show here .

Speaker 1 20:04

Well , you need to let us know , because we're always looking for something to do outside of the tour . This is a good one . Yeah , this has been a good weekend to do it too . Yeah , gorgeous .

Speaker 3 20:10

Yeah , it's going to be perfect weather today too .

Speaker 1 20:12

Well , I pity you poor people up there , because you've got the eclipse people moving in tomorrow and that ought to be a real sight to see .

Speaker 3 20:22

And there may not be coffee in here .

Speaker 2 20:26

You've been hanging out with Mars . I'll drink to that .

Speaker 1 20:29

Bobby Sparkman , jeremy Taylor , hot Rod Tour of Texas . Find out more either through Facebook , our website and also on y'all's website too .

Speaker 3 20:40

Our website is wwwhotrodtouroftexascom .

Speaker 1 20:46

Gentlemen , thank you so much and good luck , and we'll see you in a couple of weeks . You guys are the best Thanks .

Speaker 3 20:51

Can't wait to see you all , you too . See you all soon Be safe .

Speaker 2 20:53

You bet Bye-bye . Appreciate it All right . Can you imagine being around those guys all the time ? Yeah , I know .

Speaker 1 21:01

It'd be . Let's take a quick break here . This is the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show . Thank you very much for joining us today . We'll be right back

Auto Enthusiast News and Updates

Speaker 1 21:07

.

Speaker 1 21:07

Pro-am Auto Accessories has been serving Houston's auto enthusiasts since 1984 , providing world-class products for sports cars , european sedans and American muscle . Pro-am is known as the place to go to find exclusive and hard-to-find parts and accessories . Pro-am is one of the very first distributors in the USA for brands such as Recaro , redline , momo Corbo and Simpson . Located in the heart of Houston's premier retail and service corridor , the Galleria area , pro-am's walk-in storefront includes an 8,000-square-foot warehouse , showroom and installation bays . Pro-am not only sells parts and accessories , but also offers installation and service . Pro-am is now reaching a worldwide audience through Pro-Amcom , taking its local reputation to the rest of the world . At Pro-Am Auto , you'll be dealing with a small group of professionals who truly want to help you with your automotive needs . If you don't see what you're looking for on the website , call and Pro-Am will lend you a hand . Pro-am Auto 6125 Richmond at Greenridge in Houston's Galleria area . Call them at 713-781-7755 .

Speaker 1 22:06

Want to feel good about something special ? You did for someone special In Real Time , and the original Loopy Tortilla group of Tex-Mex restaurants have joined together to help a very worthy cause God's Garage , a Christian-based 501c3 charity . We know there are lots of places and organizations out there where you can donate a car , truck or SUV , but we're asking you , our car enthusiast family , to consider donating to God's Garage . Visit GodsGarageorg and learn about its mission , the women that have been helped , how each one is screened and about their Restore you program . A car donation is an easy way to make a difference in the lives of others . God's Garage needs good operating vehicles but will take all types in working and non-working condition . Make your heart and soul feel good by donating your gently used vehicle and help support single mothers , widows and wives of deployed military at godsgarageorg of deployed military at godsgarageorg .

Speaker 4 23:11

Mecham Auctions , the world's largest collector car auction company , returns to Houston , Texas , April 4th through the 6th at NRG Center , Featuring 1,000 muscle cars , Corvettes , trucks , customs and more . Broadcast on Motor Trend TV and streaming live on Max From avid collectors to those new to the Mecham experience . We welcome everyone . Register to bid now at Mechamcom .

Speaker 1 23:37

Welcome back to the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show . Thank you very much for joining us on this Saturday . Some of the stories making automotive news headlines this week Toyota Motor and Honda Motor , benefiting from increasing stockpiles , posted double-digit increases in March US sales , with car demand outpacing light truck growth at both companies . Toyota said volume rose 22% to 214,894 vehicles last month , with the Toyota division up 23% and Lexus gaining 17% . Toyota and North America's total car sales advancing 36% , while light truck deliveries rose 16% last month At American . Honda volume rose 15% . Us sales edged up for the second straight month at Hyundai , setting a March record , while Kia delivery slipped for the fourth straight month . Overall , light US vehicle sales projected to rise 4.7% to 12% in March , 4.5% to 5 point six percent in the first quarter , based on the range estimates from jd power .

Speaker 1 24:46

Global data . Market continues to rebound from the pandemic and chip shortage , fueled by solid retail demand and fleet shipments , but is becoming more competitive as inventories recover broadly , notably at honda and Toyota , but with pent-up demand largely met . Now growth is slowing as elevated new vehicle prices keep some consumers on the sidelines and some automakers are already redirecting excess inventory to fleet channels , speaking of which Ford Motor Company said Thursday , it's delaying plans for a new electric pickup and three-row electric utilities amid slowing demand for EVs . Huh , imagine that .

Speaker 1 25:27

Meanwhile , it aims to offer hybrid variants now on each gasoline-powered vehicle in its lineup by the end of the decade . The US . For the past two years , ford's committed to scaling a profitable EV business , using capital wisely and bringing to market the right gas , hybrid and electric vehicles at the right time . According to Jim Farley , the CEO , using capital wisely Uh-huh , our breakthrough . Next-generation EVs will be new from the ground up and fully software-enabled , with ever-improving digital experiences and a multitude of potential services . Somebody wrote that for him . He did not say those words .

Speaker 2 26:09

He wasn't even thinking them .

Speaker 1 26:10

Shares in Ford stock fell 1.6% to $13.43 in afternoon trade . That's because he didn't write it .

Speaker 2 26:18

If he wrote it , it would have been back down around seven again .

Speaker 1 26:22

I like the way that they said to Biden and the world we're going all electric quickly , as quickly as we can Well not so fast . Let's rethink that a bit , a little bit . Norway's Valenius Wilhelmsen ASA , one of the largest car shipping companies , said it expects a $5 million to $10 million hit to its earnings from the .

Speaker 1 26:48

Baltimore Bridge disaster . The impact is a result of the reduction in logistics operations in Baltimore , one of its ships being unable to exit the port and other disruptions to operations . The company said in a statement Some of the effects have been mitigated by the rerouting of cargo to and from other US terminals . East Coast ports have been modifying their operations to absorb cargo diverted from Baltimore to Harbor , where salvage specialists have been clearing debris from the destroyed Francis Scott Key Bridge . A horrible disaster . There Insurers and reinsurers could face billions of dollars in claims . Analysts said , with one putting the cost as much as $4 billion . That would make the tragedy a record shipping insurance loss . And of course you know , the end of that story has not been written yet .

Speaker 2 27:38

Well , I don't understand why the insurance companies are worried if the American taxpayers are going to pay to fix the bridge . Well , that's just it .

Speaker 1 27:45

Well , it's the shipping aspect of it not just the bridge Okay .

Speaker 2 27:49

If you've got insurance , why do we need to pay for it ?

Speaker 1 27:51

I'm just saying . And consumers interested in buying or selling a vehicle online , with some dealership support , remain steady in 2023 , according to CarGurus' 6th Annual US Consumer Insights Report . What's more , a majority of younger consumers want to fully purchase a vehicle online , the report found Do you not drive it ? You just ? Oh , I want that one . Yep , okay , spend your $50,000 and get something that you've never driven before . The report's findings suggest more consumers want to embrace the idea of shopping for a vehicle completely online . Car gurus found 81% of consumers either went entirely online to research what vehicle to buy , or both online and in person . 77% did so to assess the value of a car to be sold , while 69% used one or both options to solicit offers to sell their vehicle . All right , well , that's it for this hour of the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show . We'll have more coming up right after a quick break , so we hope that you are going to stay with us .

Speaker 1 28:53

The original group of Loopy Tortilla restaurants will have you telling your family and friends just what the original recipes mean when it comes to the best fajitas in Southeast Texas . Founder Stan Holt invites you to visit the original Loopy Tortilla near I-10 and Highway 6 . Here's the original house that inspired the design of all the rest and the original charm that helped make Loopy Tortilla the go-to destination for Houston Tex-Mex . Speaking of original , nothing can compete with the original lime pepper marinade . That everyone will agree makes Loopy Tortilla award-winning beef fajitas the best anywhere . Loopy Tortilla Katy is another location that gives you the same quality and service Houstonians have come to expect at Loopy's . It's located just off I-10 and the Grand Parkway . At Kingsland Boulevard in Katy , find yourself in Aggieland Head to the Loopy Tortilla in College Station . Located just around the corner from Kyle Field , it's a great place to enjoy those famous frozen margaritas before or after the game . Headed east to Louisiana , stop in at the Loopy Tortilla in Beaumont . It too's on I-10 , you can't miss it . The original group of Loopy Tortilla restaurants invites you in for the best Tex-Mex .

Speaker 1 29:52

Anywhere you own a car you love , why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it ? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state-of-the-art facility to introduce you to his specialist team of auto enthusiasts . We promise you'll be impressed . Whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like-new appearance , apply a ceramic coating , install a paint protection film , nano-ceramic window tint or new windshield protection called ExoShield , gulf Coast Auto Shield is where Houston's car people go .

Speaker 1 30:20

Curbed your wheels Instead of buying new , why not have them repaired ? How about a professionally installed radar detector ? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too . Get a peek inside the shop and look at the services offered by getting online and heading to gcautoshieldcom . Better yet , stop by their facility at 11275 South Sam Houston Tollway , just south of the Southwest Freeway , and get a personal tour . Gulf Coast Auto Shield is your place to go for all things exterior . Call them today 832-930-5655 or gcautoshieldcom .

Join Us for in Wheel Time

Speaker 1 30:55

That's it for this podcast episode of the In Wheel Time Car Show . I'm Don Armstrong , inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning . Inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning 8 to 11 am Central on Facebook , youtube , twitch and our InWheelTimecom website . Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts , spotify , stitcher , iheart Podcast Podcast Addict Tune in .