Episodes

Ford's Q1 US sales rose 6.8%, driven by strong hybrid and EV growth, while pickup sales dipped. Stellantis faced a 10% sales decline but saw gains in PHEVs and plans to launch multiple EV models. CEO Carlos Tavares sparked debate on sustainable mobility at a recent forum. BYD unveiled a new plug-in hybrid pickup targeting global markets. Renault refreshed the Captur with new tech and hybrid options. Autonomous startup May Mobility aims for high profit margins by replacing backup drivers. EV startup Canoe faces financial scrutiny over CEO jet expenses. Ford also released its historic Ford Times magazine archive online.

Brian Scotto traces his path from a New York upbringing surrounded by cars to founding car clubs and eventually building Hoonigan into a major car-content brand. He explains how community—cruises, “Dub and Grub,” and shared driving experiences—was the real spark, not just the cars. Scotto also reflects on leaving engineering for journalism, the tension between fame and creativity, and how Hoonigan’s eras shifted as the team changed. The conversation turns to Ken Block’s legacy beyond Gymkhana, plus what Scotto wants next: more collaboration, short-form experimentation, and embracing his Volkswagen roots.

Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal share their thrilling experience at the Alcan 5000 rally, a challenging 5,000-mile winter road rally through harsh conditions in Canada and Alaska. They discuss their victory in their class while driving the new 2024 Ineos Grenadier, detailing the precision driving required in time-speed-distance rallies. The couple recounts the camaraderie among competitors, the unique challenges faced, and their innovative use of basic navigation tools. Listeners will also hear about the vehicle's performance and the intense nature of the rally, making for an engaging and adventurous episode.

Strong Q1 sales highlight Toyota's surge in hybrid and PHEV vehicles, while GM shows mixed results with promising EV deliveries. Rivian impresses with high delivery rates and safety awards, but Tesla faces challenges with production oversupply and a critical stock price test. Renault explores innovative 3D-printed seats and solidifies an electric van partnership with Volvo and CMA CGM. Labor union efforts grow at Volkswagen and Mercedes plants in the US. Meanwhile, new tech shines with IM Motors' autonomous sedan and WeRide's driverless street sweeper. Environmental protests target Ford's F-150 Lightning, sparking debate on EVs and climate solutions.

Celebrating the Ford Mustang's 60th anniversary, this episode dives into the excitement surrounding the upcoming global event in Birmingham, Alabama. Host Don Armstrong and Mustang expert Randy Weldon discuss the significance of the Mustang's continuous production since 1964, the planned festivities, and the unique opportunity for enthusiasts to take their cars on the track. The episode also touches on the community aspect of Mustang ownership, with stories of personal connections and local club events, making it a heartfelt tribute to the iconic vehicle.

Casey from Electric 51 Speedshop shares insights on his Tesla-swapped Chevrolet Apache, a project that showcases the growing trend of electric conversions in classic vehicles. Originally equipped with a six-cylinder engine, the truck now boasts an 800-horsepower Tesla motor and an 85 kWh battery pack. The discussion covers the technical aspects of the conversion, including aftermarket control systems, battery management, and the integration of modern features like regenerative braking. Casey also highlights the environmental benefits of repurposing Tesla components, making this build both powerful and sustainable.

Electric vehicle sales in Europe have dropped sharply, with Volkswagen and Tesla among those hit hardest, while China sees a surge in EV sales despite many brands struggling. The world's fastest charging EVs from China and Liatto are pushing charging speeds closer to gas refueling times, though infrastructure is still catching up. Toyota's new R&D center mimics the Nürburgring to foster collaboration, and Hyundai's autonomous Ioniq 5 passed US driver tests. Volkswagen Australia is developing a sound system to deter kangaroos and reduce animal collisions. Liberty Media expands its motorsport portfolio by acquiring MotoGP.

Mike Jensen shares his automotive journey, starting with his first car, a 1965 Dodge Dart, and the nostalgic memories tied to it. The conversation delves into the evolution of cars from carburetors to modern electronics, highlighting the challenges of car repairs today. Mike also discusses his transition to a 1965 Buick Special, emphasizing its power and features, and wraps up with his current vehicle, a 2022 Genesis GV80. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and reflections on how car culture has changed over the decades.

Jeff Barnes shares insights on the evolving landscape of automotive repair, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and proper procedures in independent shops. He discusses the challenges faced by technicians, including programming issues and the need for quality parts. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding customer intent and the impact of new regulations on the industry. Jeff also reflects on the changing dynamics of vehicle reliability and the necessity for technicians to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining high standards of service.

Greg Riley from Garage Deluxe shares insights about an upcoming collector car tour in historic Beaumont, Texas, featuring pre-World War II vehicles. The discussion touches on the camaraderie among car enthusiasts, the unique cars expected at the event, and the rich automotive history of Beaumont. Greg also shares personal anecdotes about his family and his passion for cars, emphasizing the joy of driving and maintaining vintage vehicles. The episode includes a review of the Infiniti QX55, highlighting its luxury features and performance.

Wall Street is anxious about Tesla's Q1 sales, with analysts predicting a decline possibly due to Elon Musk's controversial image and external production issues. Despite this, Tesla maintains strong brand loyalty. Stellantis faces challenges in the US market, potentially dropping to sixth place behind competitors like Hyundai and Honda. The EPA introduces strict emissions rules for heavy-duty trucks, sparking industry pushback. Innovations in wireless EV charging show promise for adoption. Nissan and Mitsubishi collaborate on new North American EVs and pickups. Meanwhile, workforce cuts loom in China for SAIC plants tied to GM and VW, reflecting sales struggles. EV demand remains price-sensitive, as seen with the Mustang Mach-E.

The latest episode dives into Jeep's innovative concept vehicles showcased at the Easter Jeep Safari, highlighting unique designs like the Lowdown Wrangler and the Vacationeer. The hosts share their experiences from past automotive events and discuss the excitement surrounding car auctions, featuring notable sales from Hemmings. Listeners also get a glimpse of upcoming automotive events and cruise-ins, making it a well-rounded episode for those interested in off-roading and collector cars.

A lively discussion on the implications of modern automotive technology and its impact on driver distraction takes center stage. The hosts debate the merits of touchscreen controls versus traditional knobs and buttons, questioning whether the shift towards larger screens contributes to distracted driving. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with rental cars and the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar controls. The episode also touches on the evolving landscape of automotive safety ratings and the growing influence of technology in vehicles, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging tone.

The discussion centers around the evolution of automotive forums, exploring their peak popularity and eventual decline. Bobby and Aaron reminisce about their first experiences with car forums, highlighting their role as community hubs for buying, selling, and sharing knowledge. They delve into the factors contributing to the fall of forums, such as the rise of social media platforms and issues with forum management. The episode captures a nostalgic look at how these platforms fostered connections and knowledge sharing among car enthusiasts.

US EV sales are expected to surge 54.5% this year, driven by strong growth outside Tesla, whose sales slowed to just 3.3% in Q1. Used EV sales jumped 70%, aided by tax credits and battery health monitoring. GM and Ford plan North American battery plants with Chinese firm CATL, sparking political debate. The UAW faces declining membership despite high-profile efforts. Chinese automakers claim impressive plug-in hybrid ranges, while Panasonic sells its automotive systems unit but maintains partnerships. Automotive chip demand rises sharply, and Bridgestone unveils a new durable lunar rover tire made of metal for space exploration.

Cybersecurity in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly critical as vehicles become more connected. Jason Masker from Upstream Security discusses alarming trends in cyber attacks, revealing that 50% of attacks could potentially impact thousands of vehicles. The conversation dives into the motivations behind these attacks, the sophistication of hackers, and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for OEMs. With the rise of AI in both offensive and defensive strategies, the episode underscores the need for constant vigilance and innovation in protecting vehicles from cyber threats.

Earl "Sticks" Brown joins the Fixed Ops Friday Show to discuss his innovative company, Radiant Ride, which offers a unique one-stop shop for cosmetic repairs and routine maintenance at dealerships. The conversation explores how combining these services can enhance customer loyalty and retention in an increasingly competitive automotive market. Sticks shares his background in music and how it parallels his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among dealership departments. The episode highlights the potential for growth in the fixed ops sector and the benefits of providing comprehensive service solutions.

Simon Longdale from Prototypo shares his journey from dissatisfaction with existing engine options to creating his own bespoke V8 engines. He discusses the development of a 2.4L V8 using Kawasaki ZX-12R components, which became competitive in speedway racing and even set records at Bonneville. The conversation covers engineering challenges, the evolution of his business, and insights into future technologies like hydrogen fuels and electric vehicles. Simon's passion for engineering and motorsport shines through as he reflects on the importance of following one's interests.

The team reports live from the 2024 New York Auto Show, highlighting the trend towards affordability in new vehicles. They discuss popular models like the Toyota Camry and Kia K4, emphasizing their practicality and reliability. The episode also covers Honda's new Prologue EV, a collaboration with GM, and the nostalgic Volkswagen ID Buzz. The hosts reflect on the evolving automotive landscape, including the importance of safety features and community engagement initiatives by manufacturers. With something for everyone, the show captures the excitement of the auto industry.

BYD is outspending GM and Ford combined on global plant expansions, signaling aggressive growth despite concerns over slowing EV sales. Fisker slashes prices on its Ocean SUV by up to $24K to avoid bankruptcy, raising questions about consumer confidence. Nissan adjusts its EV strategy in Europe, balancing electric and hybrid models. The Baltimore bridge collapse disrupts US car imports, causing shipping reroutes and rate spikes. Hyundai and Kia unveil refreshed Tucson and new K4 sedan with tech upgrades. Chinese EV maker Xpeng enters Germany with premium models, backed by Volkswagen. Metallica partners with Iveco for sustainable tour transport, while Ford's remote vehicle service sees booming demand. Cybersecurity challenges in automotive are also highlighted.

Tipping culture sparks a surprisingly personal debate, with Amelia and Sung trading stories about awkward prompts at checkout and how service workers should be paid. The conversation then shifts to guest Jonny Lieberman, a MotorTrend exec and open book about life beyond cars: dog loss, family deaths, therapy for anger, and the fear of time moving too fast. Lieberman also shares high-octane racing stories, including Bugatti Veyron top-speed attempts and a foggy, snow-to-rain Pikes Peak run, plus how cars shaped his childhood and his career.

The episode covers major shifts in the automotive industry, including Stellantis' voluntary job cuts in Italy amid EV transition challenges and BYD's explosive growth, surpassing luxury brands with strong profits. Hyundai's $51 billion investment in EVs and software-defined vehicles highlights the industry's future focus. Other topics include Plastic Omnium's rebranding and US expansion, innovative automotive tech like Intrepid's Raspberry Pi platform and Via's adaptive LED headlights, and Neo's cutting-edge 900V drive unit for its flagship EV. JD Power's study reveals EV owners face faster tire wear, presenting new service opportunities for dealers.

Dive into the world of JDM cars with Trevor King from Kaiso Exports as he shares insights on the best and worst vehicles available in the marketplace as of March 2024. The episode highlights Trevor's journey in the automotive industry in Japan, his experiences with various iconic cars, and the intricacies of exporting vehicles. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about pricing trends, the car importing process, and recommendations for car enthusiasts visiting Osaka. Trevor's passion and expertise shine through, making this a rich discussion for anyone interested in JDM culture.

A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts explore the question, 'What kind of car are you?' Each member reflects on their personality and how it aligns with different vehicles, leading to humorous and insightful comparisons. From Edward's self-identification as a Peugeot 406 to David's choice of a four-wheel steer Accord, the conversation flows with anecdotes and car trivia. The group also shares updates on their automotive projects, including sales, repairs, and maintenance, while engaging in a spirited quiz that tests their automotive knowledge.