Episodes

Ford faces dealer pushback on its EV program, leading to relaxed requirements amid market shifts. Battery maker One Energy lays off staff while ramping up Michigan production. Toyota plans a major stake sale in supplier Denso, reflecting government pressure for capital efficiency. Tesla wins and loses labor board rulings amid union disputes and delivery issues in Sweden. Luxseed’s new EV sets a new efficiency benchmark with an 800-volt system. Toyota unveils a redesigned Tacoma with hybrid power, advanced off-road tech, and multiple trims, aiming to maintain its midsize truck dominance.

April Simmons shares her insights on the dynamic energy of the Digital Dealer conference, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in the automotive industry. She discusses the need for dealers to engage more in conversations and understand the jargon that often alienates customers. The episode highlights the significance of education and collaboration among dealers and vendors to enhance customer experiences and foster a better understanding of the industry. April also touches on the challenges dealers face today and the necessity of adapting strategies to thrive in a changing market.

Justin Smith, owner of Smithy, shares insights on restoring classic cars, including a 1965 Corvette and a 1971 Bronco, emphasizing the challenges and joys of the restoration process. He discusses sourcing parts and modernizing vehicles with contemporary technology. The episode also features a review of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4, highlighting its design, performance, and features, including a powerful turbo engine and advanced tech integration. Listeners will appreciate the blend of restoration expertise and vehicle review in a lively automotive setting.

A deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of electrifying van fleets, especially for last-mile delivery and small businesses. The discussion highlights real-world examples like Riverford and Amazon, emphasizing the importance of route planning, depot charging, and innovations like portable batteries for home charging. Key barriers include range anxiety, charging infrastructure, total cost of ownership, and the lack of home charging for many drivers. The episode also stresses the environmental and health benefits of fleet electrification and the need for continued education and infrastructure development to accelerate adoption.

Electric vehicles are becoming a pivotal issue in the 2024 US and European elections, with political parties taking opposing stances on EV investments and their economic impact. Tesla prepares to deliver its first Cybertruck, revealing pricing after development challenges. Volkswagen outsources its Scout EV development to Magna to cut costs amid restructuring plans. The episode also covers the rise of Chinese brands in Europe, concerns over Chinese suppliers in Mexico, Stellantis' circular economy initiatives, Paris' efforts to limit large vehicles, and Porsche's advanced suspension system in the refreshed Panamera lineup.

Larry Way, the public relations director of AutoRama, shares insights from the 63rd Annual AutoRama event in Houston. He discusses the evolution of car shows, the impressive lowrider displays, and the growing presence of trucks. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during the recent F1 event in Las Vegas and the impact on local businesses. Notable guests like Noel G from Fast and Furious and Lou Ferrigno are highlighted, alongside the importance of family-friendly entertainment at the show.

Live from the Houston Autorama, the In Wheel Time Podcast features a deep dive into the history and restoration of a stunning 1965 Dodge Coronet 500, owned by Jim Tilley. The discussion highlights the legacy of Mr. Norm, a notable figure in performance car history, and the unique features of the Coronet. Additionally, the episode touches on the concept of 'shade tree mechanics,' exploring their significance in the automotive community and the skills they bring to the table. Listeners can expect engaging stories and insights from passionate car enthusiasts.

Black Friday brings a unique twist for car enthusiasts as the hosts dive into this year's automotive gift ideas. From tire gauges to OBD-II scanners, they discuss the practicality and relevance of these items on holiday shopping lists. The episode also touches on the controversial practice of companies paying for product placements in gift guides. Notably, dash cams and portable air compressors emerge as popular gifts, sparking debates about their usefulness. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the evolving landscape of car sales, including the potential for buying vehicles directly through platforms like Amazon.

The Right Hand Drive Guys dive into their 2023 JDM car guy gift guide, sharing unique and practical gift ideas for enthusiasts. From must-have books like 'Cult of GTR' to essentials like 10mm sockets and stylish Nismo gear, Bobby and Aaron cover a range of items that any JDM fan would appreciate. They also discuss fun gifts like Japanese snack boxes and even the ultimate present: a trip to Japan to drive an R34 GTR. This episode is packed with creative suggestions and personal anecdotes that will inspire listeners as they shop for the car lovers in their lives.

A lively discussion unfolds around the quirks and oddities of the automotive world, focusing on cars that seem pointless or unnecessary. The hosts share personal car updates, including classic auctions and project cars, while debating the merits of various models like the BMW X6 and the Land Rover Defender. They also explore the significance of certain vehicles in their lives, touching on the emotional connections and memories tied to them. The episode culminates in a fun quiz that tests their automotive knowledge.

John Vincent from U.S. News joins the In Wheel Time Podcast to discuss the 2024 Best Vehicle Brands and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Program Awards. The conversation highlights surprising winners like Rivian for luxury brands and Honda for best car brand, along with Mazda dethroning Hyundai in the SUV category. They delve into the criteria for rankings, the significance of innovation in automotive design, and the importance of user-friendly technology in vehicles. The episode also touches on automotive news, including industry shifts and upcoming car shows.

A Thanksgiving-themed mini episode turns into a mix of gratitude, travel talk, and food obsession. Sung Kang and Amelia Hartford reconnect after doubts about the podcast’s future, crediting their chemistry with keeping it going. They swap highlights from F1 in Las Vegas—Max Verstappen’s win and the new, more restricted viewing setup—plus Amelia’s whirlwind trip through England and Poland, including Poland’s drift scene and craftsmanship. The rest is pure holiday banter: friendsgiving plans, Costco pumpkin pie bargains, and Amelia’s quest to perfect eggs (poached and Japanese omelet).

The latest episode dives into the current state of the collector car market, highlighting a significant price drop of 17% in October 2023 compared to the previous year. The hosts discuss auction trends and the implications of this market correction. Additionally, Mars reviews the redesigned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, emphasizing its spacious interior, safety features, and all-wheel drive capabilities. The Crosstrek's performance, pricing, and comparisons with competitors like the Ford Bronco Sport and Chevy Trailblazer are also covered, making for an engaging discussion on both collector cars and modern SUVs.

Tesla faces mixed legal outcomes with a win in China over brake failure claims but a US lawsuit over a fatal Autopilot crash moves forward. Battery innovations include Northvolt's sodium-ion cells, Toyota's limited solid-state battery rollout, and Ford scaling back EV battery plans while Stellantis expands testing facilities. Tesla introduces a congestion fee at Superchargers to reduce idle times. Pony.ai begins Level 4 truck platooning tests in China, reviving interest in this fuel-saving tech. GUI offers a yoke steering wheel to improve screen visibility, and Carbon Revolution plans a North American factory for lightweight carbon fiber wheels aimed at EVs and SUVs.

Bobby and Aaron dive into the November Marketplace Sweep, highlighting various right-hand drive cars available across the U.S. They discuss unique finds, including a 1996 Nissan March, a 1995 Supra, and a rare 1998 Nissan Skyline GTS type X. The hosts share their thoughts on pricing, modifications, and the challenges of buying and selling cars in the current market. Personal anecdotes about their own car sales add a relatable touch, making this episode a valuable resource for enthusiasts looking to navigate the marketplace.

A lively discussion with Texas State Trooper Steven Woodard covers traffic safety, new laws affecting driving, and the evolving landscape of police vehicles. Woodard shares insights on the upcoming busy travel season and the implications of new electric vehicle regulations, including registration fees. The episode also touches on the importance of community safety during the holiday season, while humorously debating the merits of various police cars. Tune in for a mix of safety tips, automotive news, and engaging banter.

At the World Time Attack Challenge 2023, Deanne, the race engineer for the RP968 Porsche, discusses the significant transition from dot control tyres to full slicks, which has allowed the team to reset their lap record. The conversation delves into the limitations of the dot tyres, particularly regarding temperature management and grip, and highlights the advantages of slicks, including improved handling and the ability to maintain consistent performance over multiple laps. Deanne shares insights on tire management, the impact on aerodynamics, and the ongoing quest for faster lap times.

Electric vehicle sales in Europe have surged, with EVs surpassing diesel for the first time and hybrids also seeing strong growth. In China, plug-in hybrid sales are booming, led by BYD's exports to regions with limited charging infrastructure. Nissan plans wage hikes for US non-union workers amid union organizing efforts. Tesla Insurance faces challenges with customer service as it expands. Neo and Chang'an Auto collaborate on battery swapping networks in China, while Stellantis partners with a Chinese battery maker for European EVs. Hyundai introduces a robot-driven, cell-based production system in Singapore, blending automation and digital twins. Ford adjusts EV dealer requirements after legal pushback, and Toyota faces a fine over financing practices.

The Houston AutoRama is set to return Thanksgiving weekend, featuring a variety of hot rods, customs, and performance cars at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The episode highlights the excitement around the event, including celebrity appearances and freestyle motocross shows. Additionally, the hosts discuss must-visit car museums across the U.S., such as the National Corvette Museum and the Peterson Automotive Museum, sharing insights on their unique collections and attractions. The lively banter among the hosts adds a fun dynamic to the informative discussions.

Exploring the challenges of electrifying heavy trucks, this discussion highlights the energy demands of large vehicles compared to passenger EVs, using examples like Tesla's Semi and Mercedes-Benz eActros 600e. It covers the importance of fast charging infrastructure, such as the megawatt charging system (MCS), and initiatives like Gridserve's Electric Freeway project aiming to support electric freight transport. The episode also touches on urban policies promoting zero-emission zones, exemplified by Stockholm's upcoming fossil fuel vehicle ban in its city center, emphasizing the shift toward sustainable urban mobility and freight solutions.

GM faces multiple challenges including production issues with its EVs, costly UAW contracts, and safety concerns halting Cruise's US robotaxi operations, though testing continues abroad. Despite losses, Cruise robotaxis show fewer accidents than human-driven taxis. The NTSB urges speed limiters to reduce speeding fatalities, sparking debate over safety implications. Tesla wins dismissal of an antitrust lawsuit over repair monopolies. Meanwhile, Mercedes digitizes leasing in Germany, Honda invests in EV battery tech, and China expands battery swapping infrastructure. EV range loss in cold weather is highlighted, with heat pumps proving effective in mitigating this issue.

Exploring the legacy of Tyrrell Racing, Richard Jenkins discusses his new book that covers the untold stories of the team beyond its famous Jackie Stewart era. He highlights Ken Tyrrell's innovative spirit and the team's unique contributions to Formula One, including the infamous six-wheeled car. The conversation also touches on Jenkins' research process, interviewing over 100 individuals connected to the team, and the challenges of writing during the pandemic. Additionally, the episode features a segment on notable events in auto history, including the launch of the Dodge brothers' first car and the GM EV1.

A remarkable conversation unfolds with Ben Welch, who shares his journey of reaching a million miles in his 1994 Chevy Suburban without a complete engine overhaul. The hosts delve into his meticulous maintenance routine, including oil changes and tire care, revealing the secrets behind his vehicle's longevity. Additionally, a review of the 2024 Buick Encore GX highlights its design, performance, and features, sparking a lively discussion about its place in the compact SUV market. The episode also touches on local car events and automotive history, making it a well-rounded listen for car enthusiasts.

Donnie Sanford shares his journey transitioning from owning an independent auto parts store to managing a location within a larger family-run chain. The conversation explores the pros and cons of entrepreneurship versus working for someone else, including the challenges of business ownership like inventory management, cash flow, and employee relations. They also dive into technical topics such as key programming complexities, module sourcing, and diagnostic challenges. Both hosts reflect on the evolving automotive repair landscape, specialization benefits, and the realities of running a business versus being an employee.