Overdrive

Distinguished planner Bob Meyer reflects on the causes and effects of plans and the lack of them Royal CommissioWhen Governor Phillip started European settlement in Sydney, he thought about more than just a penal colony; he saw an opportunity to build a great city. Later Governor Macquarie also had a grand vision for a thriving city. But for all the ideals, few aspects of a grand plan were ever implemented. By the turn of the 20th century, Sydney had large slum areas and health was a big issue especially after we had an outbreak of the bubonic plague. But Town Planning was an emerging profession. The NSW Government held a Royal Commission for “The Improvement of the City of Sydney and its Suburbs” Bob Meyer is the head of planning for Cox Architecture and is an avid historian of planning and its effect on our lives. He has reviewed the report of the Royal Commission and all the other major planning documents from then to the present day. In this first interview with David Brown, they discuss the transport impacts on the early colony, the life and times of Sydney that lead to and carried out the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

News including Uber blocked in London and how self driving car technology is being stalled by Trump. We ponder what the cars made by Dyson (better known for vacuum cleaners) will be like. We road test the Toyota 86 GT. The back seats are mostly useless but it's so fun to drive who cares? And in our quirky news segment we find out the car park equivalent of a crop circle, London's "Day of Moaning" and what people leave behind at airports. Originally broadcast 30th September 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

If you own a classic car, so you keep it at home in cotton wool and just look at it or do you drive it around which can wear it out or even run the risk of having an accident. If it is a sports car might you even race it with added stain and increased danger. Ron Goodman owns a classic Porsches a 356, and he has just won his class in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. He was the only Aussie in the event and some of the cars he was racing against were worth tens of millions of dollars. Ron tells us all about it.

Kia are about to bring their brand new car, the Stinger into Australia. It is a biggish car with rear wheel drive and the top of the range has a twin turbo V6 engine. They say they designed the car with a desire to reflect the elegant 1970s Grand touring vehicles. But it is also coming onto the Australian market at the time the traditional rear wheel drive family cars, the Holden Commodore and the Ford Falcon are ceasing production. I caught up with Damien Meredith the Kia Chief Operating Officer to understand just what Kia expects from this vehicle.

News including Nissan hits the 150million vehicle mark, Ford hooks up with India on EVs, stopping people drive-texting, Toronto plays with red light cameras, and flying maybe not as safe as you think. We discuss the launch of the Kia Stinger - a large rear wheel drive sedan, tuning for Australian roads and other topics. And we take a sideways reflection on things from the past with a modern twist - electrifying an old E-type jag - science or sacrilege? Originally broadcast 23rd September 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

News including August car sales figures, big brother watching your car, electric Jags coming, Ford's pizza delivery system, and how screen time messes with in-car bonding. Planning liveable cities with and without cars, but what kind of car? And quirky news with cars dobbing in their drivers, Mermaids giving driving directions and Burger King creates a road hazard. Originally broadcast 16th September 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

Hello and welcome to Overdrive a program that looks at a range of different ways we get around, from cars, buses, trains and planes. I’m David Brown And in this program, we take a look at the latest news stories with David Campbell including: 1. Chinese carmaker Great Wall looks at bidding for Fiat Chrysler 2. Tesla plans for 'long-haul' electric truck 3. Drones to be trialed in New York for traffic and parking monitoring 4. One-of-a-kind Ferrari found in a barn 5. Rolls-Royce is the most popular brand in music We have an interview with an Aussie who went to the famous Laguna Seca Race Circuit in California for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion where he raced against the might of America’s historic racing fraternity and won his class. One of the cars racing there was worth $68 million. Not his. And in our discussion session with Errol Smith we take a breezy look at some quirky news stories including: 1. Chinese firm Alibaba to open a 'car vending machine' next year (follows on from similar one we covered in Singapore) 2. It took 350,000 Lego bricks to make this F1 Ferrari race car 3. Rolls-Royce is the most popular brand in music Originally aired on 9 September 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

News including VW reinventing the Kombi, thinner pillars, self driving car rules, Spotify helps driving teens stay safe, easy electric car charging, and wood makes a comeback in cars. We discuss driving in the snow, this time in a Subaru Outback. Some discussions from a recent motoring & transport conference. And we take a light hearted look at stories including a car windscreen artist dubbed the "da Vinci of Dirt" and how Fairies are messing with Irish roads. Originally broadcast 2nd September 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

News including FIAT/Chrysler joins BMW to create self-driving cars, Hyundai's Genesis models delayed - again but fuel cells still coming, GM's $5k tiny electric car, and Mercedes Maybach cabriolet concept. Vale Gary O'Callaghan. We road test the Subaru XV compact SUV which is selling well. And some light-hearted stories including fuel economy of the latest Bugatti Chyron, the Ford Mustang GT's fancy exhaust and what toys you'll find in the latest Tesla car. Originally broadcast 26th August 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

News including new models from Holden replacing the Captiva, Britain to ban petrol & electric vehicles from 2040, VW's cash for klunkers program, BMW's Mini Oxford Edition - only for students, China's Alibaba car vending machine. And we have several features from the annual AITPM (Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management) national conference in Melbourne. Originally broadcast 19th August 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

News including BMW wants foreign money for German transport fund, US CAFE requirements, tricking driver-less cars, neighbourhood says no to bike sharing, and Daimler invests in flying cars. We discuss a major report on the car industry released by the VACC. We road test the Infiniti Q60 2 door coupe And we take a lighthearted look at stories including hackable car washes, cheeky lost property on London's transport, and the fuel economy of the latest Bugatti - it's better, but does it matter? Originally broadcast 12th August 2017. For past programs and extended versions of segments like the road tests, feature interviews and quirky news, visit drivenmedia.com.au

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including: • Car sales figures for July • Ford's bus service that isn't We have chat with Lewis Williamson from England on how we are modelling traffic to try and shape our cities We have a couple of reflections on the planning of our cities from a recent forum. And we take a jolly look at stories including: • A Sydney man has his Opal card implanted in his hand to make catching public transport easier • "Lucky" coins thrown into plane engine Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] Originally aired on 5th August 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

List all your Scottish jokes here! Electric cars may receive most of the attention within the realm of alternative propulsion methods, but liquid hydrocarbon fuels will be with us for many decades to come. The challenge then becomes how to reduce the carbon footprint of extracting, transporting, refining, and burning those fuels to reduce the damage they impose on the environment. That leads to biofuels, and an amusing development from Scotland called biobutanol, though the public may know its ingredients by a different name: whiskey. And a world champion piper was thrown off a Ryanair flight for refusing to put her bagpipes in the hold. Originally aired on5 October 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Transport superstitions Do you have any superstitious actions before you travel? An elderly woman has delayed a plane for more than five hours, after she attempted to throw a handful of coins into its engine for good luck. The passenger was boarding China Southern Airlines flight, from Shanghai to Guangzhou, when she threw nine coins towards the plane's jet engine. Originally aired on5 August 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Wearable technology goes the next step! In order to avoid misplacing his Opal transport card, a Sydney man has had the critical chip part of the card implanted in his hand. The man, who has had his name officially changed to Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow says that his goal is to have frictionless interaction with technology, although he does not recommend that people try this without doing considerable research including identifying risks such as infection. The only problem we can see is that he has had the chip implanted in his left hand where all the gates on Sydney trains are designed to have people present their cards with their right hand. Originally aired on 5 August 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Dieselgate collusion? What can a driver do in an autonomous bus? We take a look at the latest news stories including: • EU investigating diesel collusion among Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, VW: report • Chinese tech giant Baidu taps Microsoft to expand development of self-driving cars • Start-up electric car company Lucid Motors is looking for buyers: is it Faraday Future 2.0? • Automakers rally to kill proposed border tax • 'It's shocking': Victoria's worrying culture of aggressive driving We have a lovely chat about Rolls Royce’s image. Are they trying to cover more than just the elite? And we look at the Darwin experience of driverless buses with drivers still on board. If they are not driving what useful things can they do? We have a couple of reflections on the planning of our cities from a recent forum. And in our panel discussion we take a jolly look at stories including: • A working 6-speed gearbox made of LEGO • TrainyMcTrainface: New train in Sweden named as 'revenge for BoatyMcBoatface' Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] Originally aired on 29 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

The naming of transport vehicles has gone too far An express train running between two major Swedish cities will be named TrainyMcTrainface, after the railway company opened up the name to a public vote. MTR Express, with Swedish newspaper Metro, opened up a poll to name four new trains running between the capital Stockholm and Gothenburg on the country's west coast. TrainyMcTrainface, which received 49 per cent of the vote, was the most popular name. Originally aired on29 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

It’s a manual – the next challenge is an automatic then a CVT A working 6-speed gearbox made of Legos Originally aired on29 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

What else could the “driver” do We look at the Darwin experience of driverless busses with drivers still on board. If they are not driving what useful things can they do? Originally aired on29 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

A silk purse to a sow’s ear? On June 3rd 1965 a brand new Rolls Royce was delivered in England. It was a phantom 5 model fitted with her limousine body and finished in a Valentines black. The car was delivered to John Lennon, from the Beatles. Some years later, In think around 1967, Ringo Starr said that he should paint it psychedelic colours. John did this and a point in history had been reached. Was it significant and where does it leave Rolls Royce’s image then and now. Well who better to talk about that then now good friend Paul Murrell who use to be in marketing but has now been around for a while in motoring journalism. Paul thanks very much for your time Originally aired on 29 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

When you want all-wheel drive but only when you need it drive system link to the power of a turbo charged engine. They developed a rally car that used this great grip and power. But a permanent four wheel drive system uses more energy and wears out more parts. Dieter Weidemann the head of Audi all wheel drive system talks of the energy efficiencies you could make. • 80% For a road car, it would be good to have four wheel drive only when you needed it. Some old four-wheel drive vehicles had hubs that you could get out of the vehicle and turn the dial and it would disengage the drive to the front wheels. Later this became a switch in the cabin. But this was an all or nothing situation. You had to make a decision and it was a time consuming effort. Dieter knows that when driving along a road the need for extra grip comes and goes. • Many situations Some manufacturer’s developed a “real time” system which automatically engaged all wheel drive when something adverse happened like losing traction on the front wheels. Audi wanted to be more proactive. • Make a system But for it to work the system has to think and react quickly • 500 milliseconds Audi have now launched this system in the Q5 and SQ5 models in Australia. How they predict your needs is not clairvoyance but a clever use of information and a very quick response. They have 15 algorithms evaluating different operational conditions in your car. Here’s how one of the algorithms work. • Press the throttle They will even take into account the weather, cold weather is more likely to mean wet or icy roads, the frictional resistance of the road, or what sort of driver I am. If I am a dynamic driver they engage the four wheel drive earlier. But Just how much then is the system operating. Dieter’s team has developed an ap to show what is happening and how often the system is used. We drove the car carefully over a dirt road. All wheel drive was engaged 34% of the time. Then drove down a typical two-lane country road in Australia. In 111km the car had all wheel drive engaged for 6% of the time. But it has been used on 18 specific occasions. This might be locations of poor grip, tight corners, overtaking Here is the plot of the road and the times we engaged all wheel drive. Here are the times when we were in dynamic driving mode. This does not correspond with every four wheel drive engagement because the car is giving intense consideration as to whether we need the extra grip. Travelling 94% of the time in two wheel drive we have been far more efficient without having to compromise the safety value of having all wheel drive when we needed it. Originally aired on 8 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Better looks, more features and improved all-wheel drive technology Audi has just launched its second generation Q5 medium sized SUV along with the hot version SQ5. Four of the top 6 best selling Audis in Australia are SUVs. So clearly this is an important car for them. New looks, and they say more features and new technology to make the all-wheel drive work better. Sounds good so we drove the news models from Melbourne to Adelaide typically on secondary roads to see if they lived up to expectations. The range comes with three engines. 2 litre diesel. 140kW and 400 Nm. Strong off the line with low down torque. On the open road it is adequate without running like a stallion. 2 litre turbo petrol engine with more power 185 kW and nearly as much torque 370Nm. It runs more freely giving more confidence when overtaking for example. Both two litre engines come with 7 speed tiptronic dual clutch transmission. The diesel is rated at 5.3 l/100km The Petrol gets 7.3 l/100km in the laboratory tests. Hot SQ 5, unlike the previous model does not have a high-performance diesel engine. This one is a turbocharged petrol with 260 kW and 500 Nm. It still goes very well helped by an eight speed tiptronic automatic gear box with sports mode. It ran with wind in its hair. Audi gave a bit of a wink when asked if the hot diesel might come in the near future. Which is either good news or I can't read nonverbal signals. The high horse power is great if you can show it which is not often. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.7 l/100km combined cycle. All models are very sure footed on the open road at touring speeds. Vehicle noise is really quite minimal and there is a general ambiance of well-constructed luxury. In recent years engines have been getting more powerful but vehicles have also been putting on weight with extra features and more electronics. But with lighter metals and better packaging the Q5s are lighter with the diesel engine model losing 90kgs. It all helps with driving performance and fuel economy. They have a new development in the all-wheel drive system which means that you only get all wheel drive when you need it so most of your driving is in the more economical two-wheel drive. We will do a separate video on this impressive bit of technology. On the outside it looks better, more purposeful and masculine. The old model looked functional but by modern standards a bit bland. The new vehicle is 34mm longer, the same width, 6mm taller and a 12 mm longer wheel base. Inside has usable space except for the rear passengers when you have a big person in the front. That is a common feature with this style of vehicle. Some good driver safety assistance with adaptivecruisecontrol, distancewarning, hilldescent, parkassist,cross trafficassist at the rear and exitwarning so when you go to get out you don’t door another car or worse a cyclist. The interior has functional simplicity but not adventurous styling. There is a good eight point three -inch Multi-Media Interface screen and Audi’s fantastic digital dash board. The information is crystal clear and easy to read. The side storage areas in the doors are easy to get to but not well designed for holding bottles and the cup holders, back near the arm rest, are cumbersome to use. Theseatshavebeenredesignedfromthegroundup and felt good even on a long drive. There’s 550litres luggage capacity that’s up a smidgin, 10litres, for the previous model. Flatten the second row of seats and you get 1550 litres of space. Apartitionnetandluggagecompartmentcoverarestandard, with fourlashingpoints. Moving up the models or picking some options can add features to your vehicle. It is good that most of the safety features are included in all models. There is an adaptive air suspension with up to 220mm of ground clearance. The ride felt softer on the road.

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including: • Rolls Royce skips hybrids to go straight to EVs • VW's pricing for it's electric hatch • Honda's mystery engine • Land Rover's new Ranger Rover • Mercedes Benz X-class • Crowd-sourcing maps for self driving cars We discuss the evolution of the motor car through a photography exhibition covering the history and glamour over the years. And we discuss some quirky stories including flying cars, a digital archive of London's transport, and Tesla's electric trucks. Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] Originally aired on 22 July 2017.

In this program we take a look at the latest news stories including: • Protecting Infrastructure Corridors • Detecting distracted drivers • Why people tailgate • Sydney or Melbourne – who’s congestion is worse? • Formula E – Audi joins electric motor racing • Alleviating weekend traffic congestion We drive the second generation Audi Q5 and hot SQ5 cross-country, and discuss their very clever upgrade to their all-wheel drive system. And in our quirky news segment we take a look at: • What centralized swam control can do for autonomous cars. • How London is helping claustrophobics get around Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to previous programs and longer segments of each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on 15th July 2017.

Quirky Clairvoyance by David Brown

We take a look at the latest news stories including: • European Road Safety Awards • Autonomous police vehicles – it’s the onboard technology that is the most interesting • Identifying behaviours not just counting numbers • Sustainable transport projects • Integrating data into a real-time picture • London Mayor’s Transport plan We have a couple of stories from Audi - the first is the launch of their second generation Q5 and SQ5 medium size SUV and the second is a very clever upgrade to their all-wheel drive system. And we take a happy look at stories including how San Francisco is looking to ban delivery robots on streets Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to past programs and longer segments of each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on 8th July 2017.

Taking a childhood fantasy into the adult world And in our panel discussion with Brian Smith we take a happy, look at how we might judge a car in the future. A man who drives on wet cement has to pay for repairs Originally aired on8 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Robotic freight may take over the footpaths. And in our panel discussion with Brian Smith we take a happy, look at how we might judge a car in the future. One official wants to ban robot deliveries in San Francisco Originally aired on8 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Robotic freight may take over the footpaths. And in our panel discussion with Brian Smith we take a happy, look at how we might judge a car in the future. One official wants to ban robot deliveries in San Francisco Originally aired on8 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Why Australia is so far behind with encouraging electric vehicles No matter what you think about global environmental issues, the very clear fact is that local pollution in our cities is harming and killing people. We need to act now. Electric cars will reduce local effects not only in terms of harmful gases but also in terms of noise pollution. Furthermore, alternative power sources for transport represent, in an increasing way jobs and growth in the future. So, should we actively encourage the adoption of these vehicles. And by encourage, I mean do more than just cheer from the side lines but rather provide incentives and/or infrastructure to help vehicle manufacturers promote vehicles to customers. Lenore Fletcher is the General Manager Corporate Communications for BMW Australia First broadcast on 1 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Great performance, wonderful instruments and a modern interior At a glance The new Audi S4 and the new Audi S4 Avant Engine - Newly developed 3.0 TFSI with turbocharging and direct injection: peak power of 260kW, peak torque of 500Nm at a low 1370 rpm - 15kW more power and 60Nm more torque compared to the previous model - Sports car performance: from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds (Sedan), 4.9 seconds (Avant) - Top efficiency: Audi S4 Sedan consumes just 7.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometre and emits 175 grams CO2 per km (Avant: 7.8 l/100km and 178 g/km) Drivetrain - Eight- speed tiptronic with fuel First broadcast on 8 July 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including: • A new plan for Connecting Brisbane • Managing shared bikes without docking stations • Serving the Super Bowl – public credibility and the autonomous bus • Searching the World for your stolen bike • Barriers against rogue vehicles • 200th anniversary of the bike – coping with technological change. • The 30-year plan for greater Adelaide – does it consider new technology? We talk to Lenore Fletcher the General Manager Corporate Communications from BMW who has some fighting words about how far behind Australia is in encouraging alternative fuels We road test the Audi S4 Avant. What a rocket! We also talk to Brian Smith about a fantastic new ride sharing scheme which turns out to be a bus. Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on 01 July 2017.

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including: 1. New Zealand government launches Smarter Transport Pricing project 2. Should Doncaster BRT be a priority? 3. Ford to open new Smart Mobility Innovation Office in London 4. As Uber burns, Lyft promises to meet Paris climate commitments 5. Hybrid thermal camera for transport industry applications We talk to David McCarthy from Mercedes Benz about their upcoming “Me” store whatever that is. We talk to the Managing Director of Subaru about their new XV small SUV. And we take a cheerful, look at stories including: 1. You Won’t Believe What This Guy Does with a Thermal Camera – Thermal cameras – Can they pick up a fart 2. China's oversupply of shared bikes creating piles of broken, unused bicycles on city streets (amazing photos of unintended consequence) Originally aired on 24th June 2017.

Mercedes Benz is getting a new “gorgeous” shop front By the end of the year Mercedes will open a “Me” store in Melbourne. It is more about good coffee and food than selling cars. But will it create a vibe or an “in-crowd” group or a secretive sect? Originally aired on17 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Over supply of bikes in China leads to a big problem And in our panel discussion with Errol Smith and Brian Smith: As reported by the ABC, aspiraling oversupply of shared bikes in China is leading to huge piles of broken and unused bicycles in cities across the country. But now there is growing concern about a bubble, as big investors rush to pour money into bike sharing. Originally aired on 24 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Sensing if you fart and putting rude symbols on bald heads And in our panel discussion with Errol Smith and Brian Smith The technology revolution has impacted the way we count traffic, cyclists and pedestrian numbers. Now Dahua Technology has released an entry-level hybrid thermal imaging camera that has multiple applications within the transportation industry. It claims to be much better than video cameras and can work in fog and the dark. But can it also measure personal flatulence and what rude symbols are people putting on bald heads that only the cameras can pick up? Originally aired on24 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Mercedes Benz is creating a lifestyle not just a car market Mercedes will open a “me” brandstore in Melbourne by the end of the year. Similar stores already exist in Hong Kong, Milan, Hamburg and Tokyo. They are not about a hard sell of Mercedes cars (or trucks) but rather a stylish place for coffee or food that creates a positive vibe for the company. Originally aired on 17 June2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Managing Director of Subaru Australia comment on their latest launch and the small SUV market. In 2012Subaru launched the XV onto the Australian market, their smallest car in their current fleet. The latest XV is over 90% changed from the previous model with a few extra off road features but a host of comfort improvements. Subarus are car like in their on-road performance and competent in their off-road capability. Where does the new XV fit in that continuum. Colin Christie is the Managing director of Subaru Australia. I asked him if the new XV was a toughening up of the vehicle. And Overdrive has a new feature on our web site. A video of our first impressions from a car launch, in this case the Subaru XV. Originally aired on 17 June2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including: 1. Richard Hammond’s Crash – tell me about the car! 2. Parking Space Goes for $664,000 in Hong Kong 3. Local pollution is a big issue for transport 4. 200th anniversary of the bicycle We chat to resident Overdrive artists Dean Oliver about the sad passing away of Nick Munting and the time we travelled to New Caledonia to watch a car rally. We road test the Honda Odyssey people mover - is it function and fashion in one vehicle? And in our panel discussion we ask just how we might judge a car in the future? Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features (as well as past programs) by going to drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on 17th June 2017.

Forget surveys after the event. Measuring your response as it happens. And in our panel discussion with Errol Smith we take a carefree, look at how we might judge a car in the future. Originally aired on17 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Sad news that one time motoring journalists and photographer, Nick Munting, has passed away at the age of 66. Dean Oliver, Overdrive’s resident artist, and I knew Nick from many years ago when we travelled to New Caledonia to go into the rugged rural areas, stand by dusty roads and watch rally cars. Seemed like a good idea at the time and it was. Nick was an enthusiastic, ebullient, lad who always looked for the positive. To reflect on those memories Dean joins us on the line. Originally aired on 17 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Can you have function and fashion in the one vehicle Honda strived to give its Odyssey people mover a sexy image. You may remember the television advertisement of parents kissing in the front seat only to have the camera pan back and you see the children looking on in disgust. The message is that you might have children and need a practical car but you can still have comfort and image that fits a feeling of youthful desire. Errol Smith and I have just driven the latest model which has a mild make over. Can I use it to drop off the children at the baby sitter then cruise into the city for a night at the theatre? Errol joins me to evaluate this possibility. Originally aired on 17 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including: 1. BMW launches car data unit 2. Car Sales 3. New car purchases are more efficient on average but consumer preferences are changing according to a report released by the National Transport Commission. 4. UK's Venturer driverless car project publishes results of first 'handover/takeover' trials 5. Toyota expands safety research for self-drive Mercedes Benz is not a member of the Australian Electric Vehicle Council just yet but they are going hammer and tongs on electric car development. And they have some advice to the Federal Government for free. We talk to their David McCarthy. We road test the pocket rocket Ford Focus RS And in our panel discussion with Alan Zurvas we take merry look at stories including: 1. Toyota is hoping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Torch will be lit from its flying car 2. ‘Nines-with-light’: Behind the making of theDodge Demon Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on 10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Fiat Chrysler produces a car that reflects the 1960's muscle car period. Made for going very fast in a straight line. Alan Zurvas and David Brown take a merry look atFiat/Chryslers latest super car – the Dodge Demon. Less of a modern complete package and more of the old muscle car street dragster, Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on 10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Alan Zurvas and David Brown take a merry look at Toyota who is putting money into a company, Cartivator,to develop a flying car which will, among other things, be used to light the cauldron at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Mercedes Benz in Australia reflects on their current state of development of electric vehicles and what the government should really do to help Fully electric cars have not taken off in Australia yet. We recently reported on the Federal Government giving a small amount for further research on electric vehicles while Transport for London is giving millions to actually build some more charging stations. The Electric Vehicle Councilhas kicked off in Australia with a number of car companies and other stakeholders. As yet Mercedes is not a member but they are working in many areas on interaction to promote electric vehicles. David McCarthy is Mercedes Benz Senior Manager - Public Relations, Product and Corporate in Australia Originally aired on 10 March 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

A pocket rocket with more power than most competitors. So far this year 52% of Ford’s total sales in Australia are Ranger utes Their next best selling car is the Ford Mustang Those two cars account for over 63% of all their sales. We’ve said it often in the last few years but Ford just doesn’t sell little cars well. And the Ford Focus is a good little car And the Ford Focus RS is a mind-blowing halo car for the model with a turbo engine, all wheel drive and super sharp handling Alan Zurvas from gaycarboys and Simon Lai from Behind the Wheel and I have each driven this pocket rocket. Alan starts with his reflections. Originally aired on 10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In our panel discussion with Errol Smith we take jovial look at stories including: 1. Northern Territory drivers show personality by pimping their plates 2. Singapore ‘car vending machine’ shape of things to come? 3. Stranded Amtrack train passengers order pizza to stuck train/Cops pulled over man who had made in-car toilet 4. Drunk driver crashes into cops new anti-DUI vehicle Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected] You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service. Originally aired on3 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

We have been testing a few powerful cars recently which is fine for the rev head but what about the practical runabout. The Honda Jazz is classified in the Light car class which is the second smallest in the sedan category. Only the Micros are smaller. In this class there are 14 competitors and in year-to-date terms the Hyundai Accent is the top seller followed by Mazda2, Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio. Errol Smith and I have just been trying out the Honda Jazz and he joins me on the line now. Originally aired on 3 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

The concept of designing places is not only creating infrastructure for carrying out functions but fashioning locations which create positive emotions and a sense of wellbeing. This might be seen as an evolving art form, but maybe not just an art form. It is not just creative people producing things that they think are aesthetically pleasing. I can have an opinion but what is really impacting the way I react to a mall, recreation precinct or other community place. Now you can ask people what they think but that is a response after we have had the experience and that can be affected by the nature of the questions and how we feel we should rationalise our behaviour. Is there a better way? Jonathan Daly has just presented a paper at the Asian Pacific Conference for Place Leaders. He has a good story to tell. Jonathan Daly who is an urbanist, a professional who looks at how our towns and cities function and how we can create a better community through informed design. Originally aired on 3 March 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au