Q. What do you think of the new Tesla pickup truck’s really offbeat styling? — E.H. (via Internet) 

A. Some people laugh at the styling because it’s so unconventional for a pickup truck, but it’s actually following the 1970s “wedge” shape of the sensational 1970s Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 308 GT4 and Lancia Stratos sports cars. 



Q. Do you think it’s a mistake for Ford and General Motors to drop its sedans? — P.S. (via Internet)

A. Toyota, Honda,  Nissan, Subaru and Hyundai apparently think so. They continue to ship new sedans to dealers. In fact, one source says there are more sedans sold in a year than the total number of pickups from Chevrolet, Ford and Fiat Chrysler. 



Q. How do you feel about the increasingly larger vehicle media display screens that automakers are introducing. I’m having lots of trouble trying to safely work my screen while driving.— M.W. (via Internet)

A. It’s argued that the increased size and functionality of bigger screens hinder efforts to curb distracted driving. But automakers argue that many younger drivers want larger screens. They say bigger screen displays provide larger text and icons to make it easier for drivers to process information or quickly accomplish tasks. A Ford spokesman said if a screen size is distracting or helpful is less a question of size than of how intuitive it is to use. 



Q.  What do you think of the new Aston Martin DBX SUV? It seems strange for such a renowned sports car maker to bring out an SUV. — G.R. (via Internet)

A. Automakers will do anything to make a buck. SUVs, as you probably know, are very popular. 



Q. I always loved the 1950s and 1960s Alfa Romeo sports cars. The new Alfas are obviously superior, but are they temperamental, like many Italian cars? — R.D. (via Internet)

A. The new Alfas, like the old ones, are fun to drive and also are very fast. While expensive, their quality leaves something to be desired.

Q. How is Fiat doing in America? — E.G. (via Internet)

A. Not well. Maybe Fiat’s stylish new 500X Sport will help its fortunes, here, but I doubt it. The old saying was that Fiats are fine in Italy, but never very well suited for American driving. 



Q. How is Nissan doing? It used to be right up there with Toyota and Honda, but seems to have lost a lot of its former popularity. — F.S. (via Internet)

A. Nissan continues to struggle. For instance, its U.S. sales through October fell again. The redesigned 2020 Sentra compact sedan looks pretty good and might help, but Nissan needs more new products.




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