Nov. 5, 2025 | Supreme Court justices question Trump tariffs; Slate Auto repair strategy
About this episode
A Michigan dealership faces suspension for selling used vehicles as new, raising concerns about compliance in the auto industry. The Supreme Court deliberates on the legality of Trump's tariffs, which could significantly impact future trade policies. Meanwhile, Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, introduces an innovative approach to EV servicing by partnering with independent repair shops to reduce costs and improve accessibility. The episode also discusses the recent decline in EV sales following the end of federal tax credits, prompting automakers to adjust their production strategies.
The Michigan Department of State suspends the license of a well-known dealership, alleging it sold used loaners as new. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court hears arguments on Trump’s sweeping tariffs and whether the president was lawful in his decisions. Plus, our own Laurence Iliff joins the show to talk about Slate Auto and how it plans to simplify its services.
federal EV tax credit
"[231.9s] especially with the end of the federal EV tax credit? [234.9s] Yes, so the federal EV tax credit went away September 30th."
The federal EV tax credit is a money‑saving offer from the U.S. government that lowers how much you pay for an electric car, up to a certain amount. It ended on September 30th, so buyers no longer get that discount.
The federal EV tax credit is a government incentive that reduces the purchase price of electric vehicles by up to $7,500, depending on battery size and manufacturer sales thresholds. It was designed to encourage EV adoption but expired for many models after September 30th, 2023.
EVs
"as we see what the natural demand for EVs is."
EVs are cars that run on electric power from batteries, so they don’t use gasoline and produce less pollution.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, cars powered primarily by electricity stored in batteries instead of gasoline.
General Motors
"including Tesla and General Motors."
GM makes many cars like the Chevy Silverado and Buick Enclave, and they’re also moving into electric vehicles.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles under brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.
Tesla
"including Tesla and General Motors."
Tesla makes cars that run on electricity, like the Model 3 and Model S.
Tesla, Inc. is an American automotive company known for producing electric cars and battery technology.
Slate Auto
"And speaking of EVs, coming up, Jeff Bezos backed startup Slate Auto"
Slate Auto is a new company that wants to make fixing electric cars easier and cheaper by working with local repair shops.
Slate Auto is a startup backed by Jeff Bezos that aims to change how electric vehicles are serviced, focusing on cost and convenience.
independent repair shops
"Our own Lawrence Iliff explains how partnering with independent repair shops could help the company keep prices low"
Instead of going to big car dealerships, people can take their cars to smaller local shops that fix them. This can be cheaper and more convenient.
The model of partnering with local, non-chain repair shops to service vehicles, potentially reducing costs and keeping customers close to home.
high-voltage EV repairs
"Only a fraction of shops can currently handle high-voltage EV repairs, but Slate says it's working to expand that network quickly."
When fixing an electric car, the parts that use a lot of electricity are called high-voltage. Repairing these parts needs special tools and safety steps.
High-voltage EV repairs involve working on the high-voltage battery systems and electrical components in electric vehicles, which require specialized safety procedures and equipment.
EV repair strategy
"He spoke with our own Jake Neer about how the startup company, backed by Jeff Bezos, is planning to navigate its repair strategy and how that could reshape expectations"
A plan for fixing electric cars that tells where and how they will be repaired, who does the work, and what parts are needed.
An EV repair strategy outlines how a company plans to service electric vehicles, including network expansion, technician training, and parts sourcing.
EV
"Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup"
An EV is a car that runs on electric power from batteries, so it doesn’t use gasoline.
EV stands for electric vehicle, a car powered primarily by electricity stored in batteries instead of gasoline or diesel.
repair shop expense for automakers
"Talk about what their plans are for repair shops, because this is one of those things that can be a major expense for automakers"
When a car company has to fix or maintain cars, it can cost a lot of money, especially for newer electric models.
Automakers often face high costs when repairing or servicing their vehicles, especially new technologies like EVs, which can impact profitability.
service center
"because there's not a service center near me"
A service center is a place that belongs to the car company where trained mechanics can fix your vehicle. It’s usually the safest spot for repairs.
A service center is an authorized location where a manufacturer’s technicians perform maintenance and repairs.
warranty repair
"and then you have a warranty repair, and you can't drive your car"
If your car is still under warranty, the maker will fix any problems at no cost to you. This usually covers parts and labor for certain issues.
A warranty repair is a service covered by the vehicle’s manufacturer warranty, meaning the owner pays nothing for parts or labor.
independent shops
"they are going to partner with these independent shops"
These are local garages that aren’t part of the car company. They can fix your car too, but they might not have the same parts or warranties as a dealer.
Independent shops are third‑party repair facilities not owned by the vehicle manufacturer, often offering more flexible scheduling and pricing.
RepairPal
"through a recommendation service called RepairPal, which is owned by Yelp, and so they are going to certify the independent shops"
RepairPal helps people find trustworthy repair shops and get fair prices for fixing their cars.
RepairPal is an online platform that connects car owners with certified repair shops and provides price estimates for repairs.
Yelp
"through a recommendation service called RepairPal, which is owned by Yelp, and so they are going to certify the independent shops"
Yelp is a website where people can read and write reviews about businesses, including car repair shops.
Yelp is a popular online review site that also owns RepairPal, the service mentioned for finding certified repair shops.
blank slate
"you have your slate vehicle and it comes out and it's what they call a blank slate, right?"
A "blank slate" car has no paint or body panels yet, so you can choose your own colors and styles when you finish it.
A vehicle that has no factory paint or bodywork, typically with plastic panels, allowing the buyer to customize its appearance from scratch.
vinyl wrap
"And then you can get a vinyl wrap. You can get accessories."
A "vinyl wrap" is a sheet of colored material you stick on the car to give it a new look, like a temporary paint job.
A large sheet of vinyl material applied over a vehicle’s surface to change its appearance without painting.
roll-up windows
"It comes with roll-up windows, but you can buy a kit to make electric windows."
Roll‑up windows are the old style car windows that you lift up or lower down by hand, instead of using a power button.
Roll‑up windows are manually operated window mechanisms that slide vertically up and down, commonly found on older or classic cars.
electric windows kit
"but you can buy a kit to make electric windows. So at least at the very beginning, these shops can install those things for you"
An electric windows kit lets you turn a hand‑lift window into one that opens and closes with a button, making it easier to use.
An electric windows kit is a set of components that convert manual roll‑up windows into power‑operated ones, typically including motors, switches, and wiring harnesses.
Slate certification program
"and Slate will certify, you know, a certain number of them"
Slate is a program that checks mechanics to make sure they do good work before you trust them.
Slate is a certification program that verifies repair shops meet certain quality standards, ensuring reliable service for vehicle owners.
high voltage repair
"only 200 have high voltage repair, right?"
When fixing an electric car’s battery, technicians need special equipment because the batteries carry dangerous high electricity levels.
High voltage repair refers to servicing the high-voltage battery systems in electric vehicles, which requires specialized tools and safety protocols.
internal combustion engine
"[733.9s] And there's no internal combustion engine."
An internal combustion engine is the kind of engine that burns gasoline or diesel inside its cylinders to make a car move. It’s what most cars use, but electric cars don’t have one.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel inside the engine’s cylinders, producing combustion gases that push pistons and create mechanical motion.
Valvoline
"Valvoline oil change centers and things like that"
Valvoline is a company that sells motor oil and runs service centers where you can get an oil change.
Valvoline is a well-known oil and lubricant brand that operates service centers for routine maintenance like oil changes.
oil changes
"but to your point about EVs, they don't need oil changes. They don't need a lot of those things"
Cars that use gasoline or diesel engines need their oil changed regularly to keep the engine running smoothly.
Oil changes are routine maintenance for internal combustion engines to replace used engine oil and filter.
Ford
"[898.3s] Ford does that for me for free."
Ford is a big car company that makes many different kinds of cars and trucks. They have lots of dealerships where you can buy or get your car fixed.
Ford Motor Company is an American automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from cars and trucks to SUVs. The brand offers extensive dealer networks and service facilities worldwide.
mom and pop store
"[905.9s] If you're going to a mom and pop store,"
A mom and pop store is a small, local garage owned by a family or individual. They usually give more personal attention than big chains.
A mom and pop store refers to a small, independently owned automotive repair shop typically run by family members or local entrepreneurs. These shops often offer personalized service and flexible scheduling.
Big O Tires
"[909.1s] like Big O Tires or something."
Big O Tires is a store chain that sells tires and does simple car repairs like changing your wheels or fixing brakes.
Big O Tires is a national chain of tire and automotive service centers that specializes in tire sales, rotations, balancing, and basic maintenance services.
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