Episodes

The discussion covers a range of automotive industry developments including ARC Automotive's refusal to recall defective airbags, George Soros' shifting investments in EV stocks like Tesla, Rivian, and Ford, and the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on foreign EV makers. Leasing programs to qualify for tax credits, rising used EV sales, and Tesla discontinuing right-hand drive Model S and X are highlighted. BMW's switch to electric ovens for gear heat treating and Honda's ambitious carbon neutrality and hydrogen fuel cell plans also feature. The episode explores supplier roles amid EV transitions and regulatory scrutiny of Tesla's Autopilot.

Exploring the world of obscure cars under $7,500, the hosts share their unique finds and experiences. From a quirky Daihatsu handi-van to a manual Mercedes C-Class, the discussion highlights the charm of lesser-known vehicles. The episode features lively banter among the hosts, updates on personal projects, and a fun car quiz that tests their automotive knowledge. Listeners will enjoy the camaraderie and insights into the automotive world, especially the thrill of discovering hidden gems.

The episode dives into the recent crackdown on street car takeovers in California, discussing new laws that allow police to permanently confiscate vehicles involved in illegal shows. Host Jay shares his thoughts on the implications of these laws and the potential for abuse. The episode also features guest Ira Leventhal, who discusses his experiences with Honda vehicles, including the new Acura Integra Type S and its pricing controversy. The conversation touches on the future of car technology, including GM's decision to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in some models, sparking debate among enthusiasts.

Navigating the complexities of car buying can be daunting, and this episode dives into the anxiety that often accompanies the process. Host Dave Polasch, along with co-hosts Cameron Chaos and Nate VB, share personal anecdotes and insights on the challenges of selecting the right vehicle, especially for first-time buyers. The discussion includes humorous exchanges about Nate's ongoing car search, the pitfalls of auction vehicles, and the importance of thorough inspections. Listeners will find relatable stories and practical advice to ease their car buying fears.

Car dealers in California and other states are losing market share and profits to EV startups like Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian that sell directly to consumers, prompting some dealers to adapt while others doubt they can compete. Tesla’s CEO transition has boosted investor confidence. Europe gains a battery plant in Germany backed by subsidies to rival US incentives. VinFast plans a NYSE listing via SPAC amid EV startup market cap challenges. Hyundai and Kia face lawsuits over vehicle theft vulnerabilities. Mercedes will discontinue the CLS to focus on the new E-Class. Honda plans to export Chinese-made EVs to Europe. Linamar is opening a gigacasting plant in Canada, and China’s vehicle exports are causing shipping shortages. Affordable EVs like the Mini EV and Baojun Yep are gaining appeal with cool accessories and customization options.

The episode dives into the challenges facing electric vehicle (EV) startups like Rivian, Fisker, and Lucid, highlighting their financial struggles and production delays. Industry experts Joe White and David Welch discuss the impact of rising interest rates, supply chain issues, and the competitive landscape shaped by Tesla and Chinese automakers. The conversation also touches on the UAW's evolving role under Sean Fain and the implications of the EV transition on employment within the automotive sector. With various strategies emerging from automakers, the future of the industry remains uncertain.

Global automakers face challenges as China’s ICE vehicle plants risk idling due to rising EV market share, prompting calls for faster EV plant conversions. GM consolidates commercial vehicle sales and plans a European EV return, targeting Nordic markets. Honda and Nissan report mixed financial results amid shifting sales. McLaren doubles down on combustion engines with new V8s, while Maserati phases out V8s for electrification. Lpene teases a rally-inspired EV hot hatch, and Volkswagen’s ID.7 GTX hints at sporty EV potential. Meanwhile, GM Cruise expands autonomous testing in Texas, and Wuling slashes prices on its popular Mini EV with a battery subscription model.

Chinese EV makers BYD and Aion have overtaken Tesla in China’s EV sales, with Tesla focusing on market share over profits. Toyota launches its BEV Factory to accelerate EV development, aiming for 10 electric models by 2026. The global electric grid is getting cleaner, though emissions vary by country. Hyundai and Kia face rising thefts due to security flaws, with slow software fix rollouts. Rivian shows production progress despite losses. Mini introduces a unique steering wheel design, and RAM teases a limited Lunar edition pickup. Ford unveils a redesigned Ranger targeting Tacoma with more power, wider stance, and advanced tech.

GM hires Apple's former VP of engineering to lead its new software division, signaling a push away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lucid Motors reveals heavy losses despite revenue growth and production struggles, with concerns about cash runway. China's new energy vehicle sales decline amid price wars and cautious consumers, raising alarms in Europe about Chinese EV competition. Mitsubishi's sales drop sharply worldwide despite profit gains. Toyota's new Tacoma leaks ahead of its official reveal, intensifying the midsize pickup truck battle with Ford's Ranger. Subscription services face consumer skepticism, while Iveco buys out Nikola's shares to focus on Europe. Fisker faces software issues delaying Ocean SUV deliveries.

Volkswagen's Q1 profits plunged despite strong sales and revenue growth, mainly due to losses in its software division and drops in Audi and financial services profits. Lamborghini, however, hit record sales and profits. EV sales surged 34% in Germany, led by Volkswagen, Tesla, and Mercedes. GM plans a new battery plant in Indiana with Samsung SDI. China's EV market is saturated with many brands, sparking a price war and pushing some to export. New affordable Chinese EVs like Baojan's YEP are launching. Daimler updates its electric bus with better batteries, while BYD expands in Southeast Asia. Vietnam's rare earth mining is rapidly growing, challenging China's dominance.

Sergio Escamilla, a personal injury attorney, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful lawyer. He discusses his passion for cars, particularly JDM models, and how his automotive interests intersect with his legal career. The conversation touches on the Gwyneth Paltrow skiing accident case, exploring themes of liability and comparative negligence. Escamilla emphasizes the importance of client relationships and the misconceptions surrounding personal injury law, while also reflecting on the balance between work and family life.

New car pricing is a hot topic as the hosts discuss the dramatic increases in vehicle costs, particularly in Australia. They explore the implications of inflation, supply chain issues, and the impact of scalpers on the market. The conversation touches on specific models like the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Honda Civic Type R, highlighting how prices have surged beyond reasonable expectations. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about their own car projects and experiences with dealerships, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic buying in today's market.

A lively discussion kicks off with the hosts sharing their recent experiences at various car shows and events, emphasizing the excitement of the upcoming summer season. The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as they explore the implications of car connectivity and a potential social scoring system based on driving behavior. They debate the ethical concerns surrounding surveillance and privacy, while also touching on the rising popularity of armored vehicles among everyday consumers in urban areas. The episode wraps up with a nod to upcoming automotive events and a call to action for listeners to engage with their local car culture.

Ferrari and Porsche report strong first-quarter earnings with impressive profit margins and growing sales, highlighting the booming sports car market. Ford targets three-row electric SUVs to capture new customers, while Tesla faces a sales decline in China despite price adjustments. BMW warns nearly 90,000 owners not to drive older models due to defective airbags. VW and Shell introduce innovative, flexible fast-charging stations in Germany. The London Electric Vehicle Company unveils a versatile new EV platform for commercial vehicles. Buick launches a new Lacrosse sedan for China, and Bridgestone debuts a sustainable semi-slick race tire optimized for road and track use.

A deep dive into Buick's transformation into a premium SUV brand, with guests Russell Dad and Stephanie Brindley discussing impressive sales growth and the introduction of the new Invista model. The conversation highlights Buick's strategy to attract younger buyers with affordable pricing while maintaining a premium feel. The hosts also explore the implications of pricing strategies in the EV market, the challenges posed by legacy automakers, and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, including Tesla's recent price cuts and the competitive dynamics in the industry.

The discussion covers major automotive industry shifts including significant job cuts at GM, Ford, Stellantis, and Volvo despite improving market conditions. The White House praises Tesla and Toyota for their EV efforts, highlighting Tesla's open supercharger policy. Kia plans to double EV leasing, leveraging new tech in the EV9. BMW's profits dip but EV sales soar. Freightliner expands electric trucks, and Bosch creates a new mobility division. Waymo grows its robotaxi service in Phoenix and San Francisco. Platform sharing enables Stellantis to roll out improved EV powertrains across brands.

Rupert Stadler avoids jail by admitting involvement in VW's diesel scandal and paying a hefty fine. Ford and Stellantis report strong Q1 earnings, with Ford showing significant profit growth despite EV losses. GM announces key management shifts, highlighting a rising star in EV engineering. Tesla reintroduces the Long Range Model 3 with reduced range and partial tax credit eligibility. China dominates global EV battery production, while Fisker aims to popularize battery swapping in the US. Fuel cell trucks gain momentum with Toyota, Paccar, and UNDE expanding efforts. Global EV sales hit 2.55 million in Q1, led by China and battery electric vehicles.

Major automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis are cutting thousands of jobs despite strong sales, hinting at concerns over an economic downturn and the shift to EVs. Japanese carmakers face steep sales declines in China due to slow EV adoption and digital innovation. Mercedes leverages its Formula One team to accelerate EV development, while BMW employs AI and robotics to enhance car painting quality. Ford launches a Bronco Trail app for off-road enthusiasts, and GMC introduces new off-road packages for its heavy-duty trucks. The episode also covers challenges for startups like Lordstown Motors and innovations in automotive safety tech.

BYD's explosive growth in EV sales and profits is challenging Tesla's dominance, with BYD's revenue soaring 80% and net profit up over 400%. General Motors now leads automakers in R&D spending, surpassing Tesla and Honda. California is pushing aggressive emission rules, targeting ICE trucks and trains with bans and zero-emission mandates by 2036-2042. Used EV trade-ins are rising, with Toyota owners leading the shift. The stretch limo trend fades in favor of discreet luxury vehicles. Innovations include a specialized EV firetruck for safer emergency response. Plus, Uber shares quirky lost-and-found items from riders.

Mike Jimenez, VP of Marketing at Jada Toys, shares insights into the toy industry and the challenges of creating diecast models. He discusses the evolution of Jada Toys from focusing solely on vehicles to expanding into various collectibles. The conversation touches on the importance of appealing to both urban kids and diehard collectors, as well as the complexities of licensing and production. Mike also shares personal anecdotes about his journey in the company, his love for cars, and the impact of pop culture on toy trends.

Unexpected repair bills and car maintenance costs take center stage as Matty J and his guests share their personal experiences with shocking automotive expenses. From costly clutches to surprise repair bills, the conversation dives into the realities of car ownership. The hosts also discuss their recent automotive adventures, including off-roading experiences and car shows. With a mix of humor and relatable stories, this episode highlights the ups and downs of being a car enthusiast while navigating the financial aspects of vehicle ownership.

North America is proving crucial for Nissan's profitability, contrasting sharply with Toyota's losses in the region. The episode covers the decline of New York taxi medallions due to ride-sharing services and Hertz's massive EV fleet expansion with orders from Tesla, Polestar, and GM. Daimler launches its Rising electric truck brand in the U.S. alongside plans for a large commercial EV charging network. Legal battles over EV charger installations on Germany's autobahn and innovative automotive designs and technologies, including GM's open-source software initiative and Mitsubishi Electric's advanced navigation system, round out the discussion.

Exploring the future of mobility, Dan Sturgis and Mike Austin discuss the challenges of car ownership in a rapidly changing transportation landscape. Sturgis emphasizes the need for smaller, purpose-built vehicles for local use, contrasting them with traditional cars designed for long-distance travel. The conversation delves into the importance of infrastructure, the role of electric vehicles, and the potential for multimodal transport solutions. Sturgis also shares insights from his new book, advocating for a shift towards a more efficient and sustainable mobility system that prioritizes user experience and accessibility.

Automakers are rapidly adopting Tesla's giga casting technology to streamline vehicle manufacturing, with companies like Geely, Volvo, Cadillac, and Toyota exploring or implementing large castings. Honda partners with TSMC to secure chip supply and accelerate automotive-grade chip design. Rolls-Royce expands bespoke customization instead of increasing production. Porsche focuses on rare earth recycling for EV motors amid rising demand. Shelby introduces a Europe-only performance package for the Mustang Mach-E with an active sound system. Smart debuts the larger Number 3 EV in China, blending Mercedes design with Geely platforms. Mercedes offers paid performance upgrades for EV owners, while Aurora and Continental collaborate on autonomous trucking solutions. The episode closes with a preview of a discussion on sustainable mobility shifts.