Episodes

Kat DeLorean shares a personal story about her father, John DeLorean, and a memorable moment involving a check he gave her. Despite his warning against spending it on a car, she impulsively bought a Harley-Davidson F-150, a high-performance Ford Lightning pickup. The episode offers a glimpse into her relationship with her father and her passion for cars, highlighting the thrill of driving and the bond between family and automotive enthusiasm.

The Car Guy Coffee Podcast features a lively discussion with Joe Brown and newcomer John Vincent at the Drive for #DC20 event. They explore the importance of networking in the automotive industry, sharing insights on maximizing customer engagement and leveraging CRM tools. John reflects on his eye-opening experiences at the event, while Joe emphasizes the value of partnerships over vendor relationships. The conversation is filled with motivational anecdotes and practical advice aimed at improving dealership performance and fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Chris Higgins shares insights on the critical role of communication in the auto repair industry, emphasizing how effective dialogue can enhance workplace dynamics and improve job satisfaction. He discusses the physical demands of automotive work, the importance of maintaining a healthy routine, and the challenges technicians face in both dealership and independent settings. Their candid conversation touches on personal experiences, industry frustrations, and the evolving landscape of automotive repair, making it a relatable and thought-provoking listen for those in the field.

The discussion covers recent changes in US EV tax credit rules easing battery material sourcing restrictions, helping more EVs qualify for incentives. The UAW ratified a major contract with Daimler Truck, boosting wages and supporting unionization efforts. Chinese automakers continue to dominate global sales, while EV adoption in the US and China is slowing gasoline demand growth. France is aggressively raising EV sales targets and encouraging local production, despite limiting subsidies for high-carbon footprint imports. The US government is funding suppliers to aid their EV transition. Innovations in EV manufacturing and new Mercedes AMG convertible announcements round out the update.

Recapping the excitement of LS Fest West in Las Vegas, the hosts share their experiences with drag racing, drifting, and unique car builds. They discuss the vibrant car culture differences between the East and West coasts, highlighting the prevalence of low riders and LS-swapped vehicles. A thrilling story about a high-speed accident encountered on the way to the event sparks a conversation about the responsibilities of driving fast cars. The episode also dives into surprising statistics about the most ticketed vehicles, revealing unexpected trends in speeding violations.

Bobby and Aaron dive into the current state of the automotive marketplace, sharing their latest finds and discussing the slower market trends. They each present ten vehicles, ranging from a 1996 Nissan Stadia RS4 to a rare 1997 Mitsubishi FTO, highlighting unique features and pricing. The duo debates the value of various cars, including a questionable 90 Nissan Skyline priced at $18,700. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, they provide insights into the right-hand drive scene and encourage listeners to explore these intriguing options.

U.S. new car sales unexpectedly dropped in April, breaking a 20-month growth streak, while Audi faced a steep profit decline due to supply chain issues affecting V6 and V8 models. Rivian secured a substantial Illinois incentive package to expand its factory and workforce. Tesla is suing an Indian battery maker over trademark infringement. Renault is growing its remanufactured parts business and launching the Symbioz compact crossover. Meanwhile, luxury brands Aston Martin and Ferrari continue to champion V12 engines, with Ferrari unveiling new high-powered V12 coupe and convertible models.

Trevor Pault, former Chief Mobility Officer for Michigan, shares his transformative journey traveling the world with his family, exploring mobility through the eyes of his young children. The discussion highlights the differences in global mobility strategies, emphasizing community values over mere efficiency. The panel debates the current state of electric vehicle adoption, infrastructure challenges, and the evolving landscape of automotive technology. Insights into Tesla's recent leadership changes and the implications for the EV market are also explored, alongside the need for thoughtful urban planning and multimodal transportation solutions.

Tesla is abandoning its ambitious plan for massive one-piece gigacasting but continues to expand the use of smaller castings to reduce parts and costs, as seen in the Cybertruck. The company is also scaling back new Supercharger locations after significant layoffs in its EV charging division. Recalls are surging industry-wide, driven by supplier defects and new tech challenges, costing automakers billions. Cadillac is delaying its EV-only lineup plans, opting for a mix of electric and gasoline vehicles. Meanwhile, Stellantis is cutting US engineering jobs in favor of lower-cost countries to reduce expenses. Other highlights include BMW’s innovative use of modified alternators in electric scooters, Porsche’s aluminum study to lighten EVs, and Toyota’s new renewable energy system at the Port of Long Beach.

Great leaders and effective leadership are at the forefront of this engaging discussion, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication in a dealership environment. The hosts delve into the significance of 'turnover' in sales processes, the role of technology in enhancing customer interactions, and the necessity of structured meetings for sales success. They share insights on how to coach salespeople effectively, avoid losing customers, and leverage data for improved performance. The conversation is lively and packed with practical advice for dealership leaders aiming to foster a productive sales culture.

Mike Spagnola shares a mix of spooky stories and serious industry insight, starting with a firsthand ghost encounter at Hawaii’s Turtle Bay Hotel—footsteps, a bump on the bed, and a “mischievous ghost” explanation followed by a sea-salt ritual. He then pivots to his role as CEO of SEMA, describing how the organization reinvests show profits into education, training, and legislation. The big debate: EV-only policy vs a broader future including hydrogen and synthetic fuels, plus how younger builders keep car culture alive through conversions and SEMA Garage projects.

Ross Bradshaw from Portland Transmission Warehouse shares insights about the Spring Classics Car Show, which he has been involved with since its inception in 1983. The show, held annually the Saturday before Mother's Day, has grown from a small gathering to a major event attracting over a thousand cars. Ross discusses the show's community spirit, the importance of early attendance, and how it serves as a kickoff for the car season. He also touches on the evolution of transmissions and the future of hot rodding, emphasizing the blend of classic and modern automotive culture.

Aston Martin faces significant first-quarter losses amid a transition with a new CEO and upcoming models, including a powerful new V12 engine. Toyota advances hydrogen fuel cell tech and battery recycling partnerships while streamlining North American leadership. In California, hybrid and plug-in hybrid registrations outpaced EV growth, signaling a shift in consumer preference. A study reveals hybrids are more cost-effective per mile than EVs or gas cars. Volkswagen offers buyouts to German workers amid declining profits. China launches a cash-for-clunkers program to boost new energy vehicle sales. Ford introduces an innovative dealer training platform featuring AI coaching to enhance customer experience.

Exploring the evolution of Honda's K-Swap, this episode features Mo's EK Civic, a unique 4WD drag car built by B2R Motorsport. Mo shares insights into his decision to swap from a B series to a K series engine, emphasizing the benefits of torque and power potential. The discussion covers the challenges of building for high horsepower, including the choice of a billet block, the intricacies of a wet versus dry deck, and the importance of reliable components. With plans to push the car into the 7-second bracket, Mo's journey highlights the complexities and excitement of high-performance builds.

Tesla faces ongoing layoffs amid a 9% drop in Q1 sales, including cuts in its EV Charging division. Hyundai shifts focus to hybrids globally, especially in India, alongside EV expansion. Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Mercedes-Benz report declines in sales and profits in a tough Q1. The US mandates automatic emergency braking on all new vehicles by 2029, aiming to save lives. Rivian opens its charging network to all EVs and plans major charger expansion. Advances in fast charging and battery tech from Pollstar, StoreDot, and Neo highlight EV progress. Porsche pushes synthetic e-fuels to extend ICE vehicle life, supported by EU regulatory easing.

Dora shares her journey from her first car, a Datsun 1600, to her current aspirations for a Ferrari. The conversation dives into her experiences growing up in Mexico, learning to drive at a young age, and the unique car culture she encountered. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, Dora recounts her adventures with various cars, including a Ford Probe and a Dart K. The episode also touches on car data privacy and the current state of auto sales, making it a rich discussion for automotive enthusiasts.

Great leaders in the automotive industry emphasize the importance of daily sales meetings to boost team morale and productivity. Hosts Lu Ramirez and Frelin Art discuss how these meetings can set the tone for success, focusing on positive reinforcement and accountability. Special guest Larry shares insights on effective meeting strategies, including celebrating wins and utilizing data to drive discussions. The conversation highlights common pitfalls in sales meetings and offers actionable advice for dealership leaders to foster a more engaging and productive environment.

Celebrating the 500th episode, Matty J is joined by a lively group of guests including Anthony, Adrian, Rob, and Holly. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, reflections on past episodes, and memorable moments from their journey together. The crew shares their favorite highlights, from car adventures to memorable guests, all while engaging in light-hearted banter. The camaraderie and shared passion for cars shine through as they reminisce about their experiences, making for an entertaining and nostalgic episode.

Exploring the latest JDM finds on Facebook Marketplace, Bobby and Aaron dive into a selection of unique cars for April 2024. They discuss a range of vehicles, from a 1996 Nissan Stagia RS4 to a 1991 Honda Beat, highlighting their features, prices, and market trends. The duo notes a slowdown in the marketplace but still uncovers some interesting gems, including a rare 1972 Nissan Hakosuka and a questionable 90 Nissan Skyline GTST priced at $35,000. Tune in for insights on pricing and the current state of JDM imports.

Tesla aims to boost revenue by launching Full Self-Driving (FSD) in China, navigating regulatory hurdles with local partnerships. Meanwhile, GM struggles in China, unveiling new Buick and Chevy models tailored to local tastes to regain market share. BYD shows strong profit growth despite a price war, and Europe faces a massive challenge to expand public EV charging infrastructure eightfold by 2030. Henrik Fisker is selling his mansion to save his struggling car company. The episode also highlights advances in automotive tech, including Intrepid's Raspberry Pi platform for vehicle data and Hyundai's AI collaboration with BYD.

Recalls in the automotive world can be confusing, but understanding them is crucial for car owners. This episode dives deep into what recalls are, how they differ from lemon laws, and the importance of addressing them promptly. Host Dave Polage shares personal anecdotes and insights on the recall process, including how to check for recalls using your VIN. He also discusses the implications of recalls on vehicle safety and the responsibilities of manufacturers and dealerships. Tune in for a thorough exploration of recalls and their impact on car ownership.

Current events in the automotive culture take center stage as Bobby and Aaron reflect on their recent trip to Japan and the excitement of spring car season. They discuss their adventures exploring Up Garage, a unique thrift store for car parts, and the challenges of navigating the Japanese car scene. The episode also highlights Lewis Hamilton's recent escapades with a GTR, the impressive Drift Games HQ, and the unfortunate explosion that devastated their shop. With insights on car culture and personal stories, this episode captures the essence of automotive enthusiasm.

Major EV investments are underway in North America with Honda committing $11 billion to build EV and battery plants in Canada, aiming for 240,000 EVs annually by 2028. Toyota is investing $1.5 billion in Indiana for a new three-row electric SUV and battery assembly. Honda and Mazda also revealed new EV models in China, expanding their electric lineups. Ram launched the RHO, a high-performance off-road truck with a powerful Hurricane engine. The UAW scored a historic union vote at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant, signaling increased labor activity in the US auto industry. Additionally, NHTSA is investigating Tesla's autopilot recall due to ongoing safety concerns.

The episode dives into the recent successes of the UAW in organizing labor at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant, highlighting the strategies that led to a historic victory. Guests Merrick Masters and M Martinez discuss the UAW's shift in approach, focusing on grassroots organizing and direct worker engagement. They analyze the implications of this win for future unionization efforts at other automakers like Mercedes and the potential impact on the broader labor movement. The conversation also touches on the political landscape and the reactions from industry leaders and state governors.