Daily Recap: Thursday, April 16, 2026
43 episodes · If you only listen to one: S7E26 - Nissan’s AI-Driven Future, Smart Strategy or Hype?, Total Car Score
Doug Field's departure from Ford's EV leadership and the potential impact of tax credit changes on the EV market drew significant coverage. On the lighter side, podcasts touched on a classic DeLorean EV conversion, Mark Groves' Thunderbird restoration, and a preview of the 2026 BTCC season at Donington Park. Cars drawing attention across episodes included the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Maxima, Chevrolet Corvette, and Chevy Colorado.
Headlines
Doug Field Departs Ford's EV Leadership
Doug Field is leaving Ford on a voluntary basis after leading the company's skunk works division, which was developing electric vehicles to compete with Chinese manufacturers on price and technology.
Field previously worked at Tesla where he helped launch the Model 3, and joined Ford from Apple in 2021.
"Doug Fields, who joined Ford from Apple and previously Tesla launching the Model 3, is departing Ford basically immediately, they say, on a voluntary basis."
His departure represents a significant leadership change as Ford restructures its EV strategy.
"He's the Silicon Valley technologist who led the company's skunk Works, which was all about developing EVs that could compete with the Chinese on price and technology."
EV Market Faces Significant Headwinds Amid Tax Credit Changes
Electric vehicle registrations have experienced substantial declines following the removal of federal tax credits, with EV market share dropping below 5% for the first time since credits ended in September 2025.
Tesla's EV registrations declined 22% in February 2026, while some manufacturers like Toyota have responded with aggressive incentives averaging over $12,000 per vehicle on their bZ crossover models.
From EV Demand To Texas Swap Meets
"GM has idled production at an electric vehicle plant in Detroit due to waning demand, less than three months after a mass layoff and reduction to a single shift. 1,300 workers remain in at Factory Zero, where were temporarily laid off March 16th."
April 16, 2026 | Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa on turnaround strategy; EVs plunge in February
"New electric vehicle registrations dropped 37% in February compared to last year. That brings EV share below 5% for the first time since federal tax credits disappeared last fall."
Episode Spotlights
DONINGTON PARK BTCC 2026 PREVIEW
On Donington Park's layout and history in British touring cars:
"Donington Park, then 10 corners debuted in 1977 for the British touring cars and just under two miles at 1.98."
Driven Radio Show #349: Andy Reid and John Saccameno
On Andy Reid and John Saccameno's car show circuit appearances:
"Since 22, we showed, John and I both showed cars at Amelia in 23, 24, 25 and 26 of this year. We also showed a car at Apple Beach this year for our first time."
On Reeves Callaway's legacy of high-performance BMW modifications:
"Reeves Callaway started this company over 40 years ago. You know, he he started actually doing turbo kits for BMWs... the Sledgehammer... hit like 254 miles an hour in 1988."
On managing extreme power delivery in classic Formula One cars:
"You are steering the car, waiting for the power... and then, violently and all at once, an extra 600 horsepower explodes through the rear wheels while you are trying to navigate a street barely wide enough for two normal cars."
C.R.E.A.M. #78 - Gallardo Sold, Car Event Names and US Emissions Regs
On unexpected battery drain issues with recently acquired vehicles:
"I drove at home last night about 95 miles... I got home. I was like, I'll just quickly get back in it and just move it again and then click... Battery's dead. So, I bought a new battery. For the grandson of 50 pounds, which is quite cheap for battery."
If You Only Listen To One
S7E26 - Nissan’s AI-Driven Future, Smart Strategy or Hype?
Covers Nissan's AI-driven mobility strategy, model lineup streamlining and electrification approach.
By the Numbers
Most-Discussed Cars
| Car | Mentions |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | 3 |
| Nissan Maxima | 2 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | 2 |
| Chevy Colorado | 2 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 2 |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 2 |
Trending Terminology
| Term | Mentions |
|---|---|
| horsepower | 4 |
| F1 | 4 |
| EV | 4 |
| Chat Concierge | 3 |
| pre-approved for financing | 3 |
| right hand drive | 3 |
43 episodes. 127 car mentions. 964 terms explained. Browse every episode with searchable annotations and plain-language term definitions in the Car Curious app.