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#338 The Noise vs The Truth: 2025 Automotive Industry Breakdown

#338 The Noise vs The Truth: 2025 Automotive Industry Breakdown

Wrench Nation Dec 21, 2025
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About this episode

A lively discussion on the automotive industry's future as we approach 2025, focusing on the impact of AI and electric vehicles. The hosts debate the evolving landscape of car ownership, the challenges facing mechanics, and the shift towards hybrid vehicles. They also touch on the struggles of the Ford Escape's discontinuation and the need for skilled tradespeople in the industry. With humor and personal anecdotes, the episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships with local mechanics and the changing dynamics of car repairs in an AI-driven world.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

EVs

"Tesla specifically but EVs in general were pushed tenfold more than they have in the past two three years since Tesla really became a powerhouse."

EVs are cars that run on electric power instead of gasoline. They’re cleaner and often cheaper to run.

Term

government subsidies

"Of course it's called rebates when the government subsidizes anything."

When the government gives money or tax breaks to help people buy electric cars, that’s a subsidy.

Concept

China leading charge

"China did it. China led their led the charge."

China is pushing a lot of electric cars onto the road, helping the technology grow fast.

Brand

BYD

"You look at the company like BYD some of you've seen it as your doom scrolling on your phone."

BYD makes electric cars and batteries. They’re a big player in China’s EV market.

Car

Ford F-150

"And some of you have said no way I'm driving an F 150. I got quoted $2,000 for whatever I need on my F 150."

The Ford F‑150 is a popular pickup truck in the U.S. It’s big, strong, and can carry heavy loads.

Part

CV axles

"I just got my CV axles fixed on my car. I was looking at $1,800 bill."

CV axles are the parts that let your car’s wheels turn and move up or down while still getting power from the engine. They’re a key piece in many cars, especially those that drive all four wheels.

Part

CV axle box

"So Christmas, Christmas tree may have a, you got that CV axle box, put that bow it up, put it underneath the tree."

The CV axle box holds a special joint that lets the car’s wheels turn and move up and down while still getting power from the engine. Think of it like a flexible tube that keeps the car moving smoothly.

Part

sunroof

"Your sunroof can shatter just like on its own on a Hyundai."

A sunroof is a window in the car’s roof that can open or slide to let fresh air and sunshine inside.

Car

Toyota Celicas

"You know, if you're a young mama and you're going to have more children. That little soy to Celica's work out. And if you were looking to buy, you know, something like it, you're going to be looking."

The Celica was a small, sporty car that Toyota made for many years. It’s popular with people who like classic cars and good handling.

Car

Toyota Rav4

"...ee in the service space. I'm a big fan of Toyota RAV4 hybrid hybrid. You're going to hear a lot about ..."

The RAV4 is a small SUV that runs on both gasoline and electric power, making it good for people who want to save fuel. It has a roomy interior and is known for being dependable.

Term

electric vehicle

"And, you know, some of you are not ready for an electric vehicle full on lifestyle."

An EV runs on electricity instead of gasoline, so you plug it in to charge.

Term

plug-in

"You'll get a plug in and you'll deal with that lifestyle."

Plug‑in means you can plug the car into a charger to get more electric power.

Term

hybrid

"So you may look at a hybrid."

A hybrid car can run on gas or electric power, or both.

Company

Denzo

"They work with manufacturers such as AC Delco, MotorCraft, Denzo and Bosch"

Denzo makes parts that can help a car handle better or look cooler.

Company

AC Delco

"They work with manufacturers such as AC Delco, MotorCraft, Denzo and Bosch"

AC Delco makes replacement parts like batteries and brakes that help keep cars running smoothly.

Company

Bosch

"They work with manufacturers such as AC Delco, MotorCraft, Denzo and Bosch"

Bosch makes many parts that help cars run safely and efficiently, like brakes and sensors.

Company

MotorCraft

"They work with manufacturers such as AC Delco, MotorCraft, Denzo and Bosch"

MotorCraft makes aftermarket parts that can improve a car’s performance or look.

Company

Parts Authority.com

"More information is available at Parts Authority.com"

Parts Authority.com is a website where you can buy car parts and accessories.

Term

rebate

"He's going to lose the rebate that happened end of September."

A rebate is money you get back after buying a car, which makes the car cheaper to buy.

Term

e-sales

"E-sales were still very high Aiden. People were buying online."

E‑sales means buying a car over the internet instead of going to a physical showroom.

Car

Ford F150 Lightning

"They wrote down, they took a loss, all the billions of dollars that they put in and now stop making the F-150 Lightning, which you got to really feel for a company. You really, government mandates come out."

The Lightning is a fully electric truck that can haul heavy loads like a regular pickup but uses batteries instead of gasoline. It’s new, so some parts may be hard to get at first.

Concept

government mandates

"You really, government mandates come out."

These are rules set by the government that cars must follow, like limits on pollution or safety requirements.

Term

emissions device

"you need to spend $800 on an emissions device. I'm not saying we need to be rogue and pollute, but some of it's extreme for you paying to sustain that car and that check engine light off."

An emissions device is a part that cleans the car’s exhaust gases so it doesn’t pollute the air too much. It’s required by law in many places.

Term

EV

"[1380.8s] EV is here."

An EV is a car that runs on electric power instead of gasoline. It uses batteries and an electric motor to move.

Car

Ford Mustang

"It wasn't a top seller. Emok Mustang violated the whole Mustang legacy came out with t..."

The Mustang is a classic sports car that looks fast and can be very powerful. It’s famous for its long history and cool design.

Car

Tesla Model Y

"... didn't get political, but you don't care for the model Y S three. And you want another?"

The Model Y is a small electric car that can seat five people and has a big touchscreen. It’s fast for its size and doesn’t use gasoline.

Car

Nissan Leaf

"I can, I'm into it. 2026 Nissan leaf. Get it on your radar."

The Leaf is an electric car that’s easy to drive and doesn’t need gas. It’s a good choice if you want something simple and cheap to run.

Car

Hyundai Kona

"...said two, but I'll give you three total. Hyundai Kona Electric, the 25. That's another strong value fo..."

The Kona is a small SUV that looks modern and can run on gas or electricity. The electric version is cheap for an EV.

Car

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

"[1658.5s] 2026 Nissan Leaf, 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric."

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a small SUV that runs on electricity, so you can charge it instead of using gasoline.

Car

Toyota Camrys

"... they're going to still sell the traditional, the Camrys and, you know, all the ice vehicles that sell. S..."

The Camry is a regular car that’s comfortable to drive and doesn’t break down often. It can run on gas or electric power.

Concept

traditional ICE vehicles

"Now they're going to still sell the traditional, the Camrys and, you know, all the ice vehicles that sell."

These are the regular cars that use a gasoline engine and don’t have electric power as part of their main drive.

Car

Ford Escape

"... news on what has sold Ford is getting rid of the escape. Can you believe this?"

The Escape is a small SUV that can carry families and cargo. It’s been around for many years but may be replaced by newer models soon.

Term

$30,000 midsize pickup

"They want to come out with that $30,000 midsize pickup."

A midsize pickup is a truck that’s not too big but still can carry loads. $30,000 means it should be a reasonably priced truck for most buyers.

Car

Ford Maverick

"Smaller, $30,000. 2026 Ford Maverick. That's it."

The Maverick is a small truck that can still pull things like a bigger truck but costs less. It’s good for people who need a truck without spending too much.

Car

Honda Prelude

"Sorry. I'm saying that, that, that, that's the prelude that you're going to be fired. They want you to ..."

The Prelude was a small, fast car made by Honda that people still like because it’s fun to drive. It’s not sold anymore, so you’d look for used ones.

Term

leaking oil

"[2437.8s] 2020 RAV4 leaking oil."

When a car leaks oil, it means some of the engine's lubricating fluid is dripping out. This can cause the engine to run low on oil, which might damage it if not fixed.

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