Podcasts about automakers

Plus: Oil tops $90 a barrel as Middle East conflict continues. And shares of Utz Brands soar after the snack-food maker agrees to go private. Imani Moise hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

- Rising Material Costs Drag Down Chinese Automakers - Honda Adds Google Gemini To U.S. Lineup - BMW Launches ChatGPT Vehicle Configurator - Ford Reimagines 1964 Aurora Concept Using AI - Volkswagen Launches Affordable ID. Polo Electric - Stellantis Revives 50-50 Supplier Cost Saving Reward - Ford WEC Hypercar Engine Fires Up Successfully - Honda Backs Out of EV Segment Temporarily - Lexus Uses 3D Printed Faux Bamboo Trim - Range Rover Sport Electric Coming Soon

- Rising Material Costs Drag Down Chinese Automakers - Honda Adds Google Gemini To U.S. Lineup - BMW Launches ChatGPT Vehicle Configurator - Ford Reimagines 1964 Aurora Concept Using AI - Volkswagen Launches Affordable ID. Polo Electric - Stellantis Revives 50-50 Supplier Cost Saving Reward - Ford WEC Hypercar Engine Fires Up Successfully - Honda Backs Out of EV Segment Temporarily - Lexus Uses 3D Printed Faux Bamboo Trim - Range Rover Sport Electric Coming Soon

Everett Jay explores the history and future of rally racing, highlighting iconic manufacturers and the potential for new entrants in the sport. Discover how rally racing has shaped automotive innovation and what it could mean for the industry's future. #autolooks

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest news on automakers trying to sell direct to consumer. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy says aluminum wiring has many benefits and he anticipates more automakers will move to aluminum instead of copper in the future.

- VW AG Wants Split to End-Run Unions - Trump To Dump USMCA Tomorrow - Slate Destination Charge: $1,400? - Stellantis Falling Short of Production Promise to Italy - Chinese Made Jeeps Headed to Europe - Chinese Battery Co's Promise to Pay Suppliers Faster - More Automakers Want Aluminum Wiring - Next Nissan Frontier Due Late 2029

- VW AG Wants Split to End-Run Unions - Trump To Dump USMCA Tomorrow - Slate Destination Charge: $1,400? - Stellantis Falling Short of Production Promise to Italy - Chinese Made Jeeps Headed to Europe - Chinese Battery Co's Promise to Pay Suppliers Faster - More Automakers Want Aluminum Wiring - Next Nissan Frontier Due Late 2029

A New York Times deep dive ties the rise of huge pickups and SUVs to pedestrian deaths, spotlighting poor visibility and high hoods that “punt” people into a run-over path, while lawmakers push the Pedestrian Protection Act to force tougher federal scrutiny and consumer ratings. Automakers deflect toward road design and hype pedestrian-braking tech even as industry fights related rules. A fatal high-speed Tesla crash raises questions about driver-assist overrides, data transparency, and whether automation breeds complacency. A peer-reviewed argument says “edge cases” are inevitable in AI cars because testing every failure combination is impossible. Meanwhile: Waymo recalls, GM revives autonomy ambitions, and Ford unleashes a blizzard of recalls—many fixing earlier failed fixes.Support the show!https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/06/21/us/trucks-suv-pedestrian-crashes.htmlhttps://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2028https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/06/increased-pickup-and-suv-size-blamed-for-rising-pedestrian-fatalities/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/21/us/tesla-autopilot-crash-texas.htmlhttps://electrek.co/2026/06/23/tesla-fsd-katy-crash-driver-pedal/https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-senators-ask-review-teslas-full-self-driving-safety-data-citing-reuters-2026-06-16/https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/10/waymo-says-it-built-a-better-benchmark-for-comparing-robotaxis-to-humans/https://thenextweb.com/news/gm-autonomous-driving-robotaxi-sterling-anderson-super-cruisehttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E035-7637.pdfhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/recalls/2026/06/20/car-recall-leaders-2026-ford-stellantis/90611355007/More recalls on the website.

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the automakers who are feeling the pressure to sell cars ASAP. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

- Slate Prices Electric Pickup At $24,950 - Automakers Threaten to Halt California Car Sales - VW Launches Bidirectional Charging Service in Germany - Skoda Reveals New Peaq Electric SUV - Honda Revives the Element - JLR Unveils New Sustainable Concept Vehicle - LFP Battery Prices Surge Amid Rising Demand - CATL Sodium Batteries Powering New Electric Vehicles

- Slate Prices Electric Pickup At $24,950 - Automakers Threaten to Halt California Car Sales - VW Launches Bidirectional Charging Service in Germany - Skoda Reveals New Peaq Electric SUV - Honda Revives the Element - JLR Unveils New Sustainable Concept Vehicle - LFP Battery Prices Surge Amid Rising Demand - CATL Sodium Batteries Powering New Electric Vehicles

TOPIC: Mobility PANEL: Larry Burns, Mobility Expert; Joann Muller, Axios; Gary Vasilash, shinymetalboxes.net; John McElroy, Autoline.tv

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribeIn this episode, I talk with GM Energy executive Aseem Kapur about General Motors' move into bidirectional EV charging and home energy management. We dig into the practicalities of turning hundreds of thousands of EVs into mobile backup generators, how to navigate a patchwork of 4,000 different utilities, and what it takes to get everyday consumers to see their cars as grid assets.

Four stories today — all connected to your NIO positionand the broader Chinese EV investment thesis.William Li spoke at the China Auto Chongqing Summit onJune 13th and said something most CEOs would never saypublicly. China's domestic auto retail sales declined19.5% year over year in the first five months of 2026.Early June accelerated to down 22%. The full year couldfall 15-20%. He called this the most brutal competitiveenvironment he's faced since entering the industry.Then he reaffirmed NIO will grow 40-50% this year anyway.That's not a contradiction. China's passenger vehicleownership has reached 370 million units — the market hasshifted from growth to replacement demand. Saturatedmarkets reward brands with real differentiation andpunish brands that competed on price alone. NIO spent68.8 billion yuan on R&D and 20 billion yuan on chargingand battery swap infrastructure. The ES8 is number onelarge SUV in China for six consecutive months. The ES9has a 17-week queue. The Firefly outsells Mini and Smartcombined. NIO designed itself for this exact moment.From the Chinese internet — are American automakersisolating themselves from the world? Chinese EVs face102.5% tariffs in the US but are winning Canada, Europe,Southeast Asia, and the Middle East simultaneously.China and Canada just agreed to allow 49,000 Chinesevehicles in at reduced tariffs. The US consumer is beingpriced out of the world's most competitively priced EVs.The security arguments are real — but so is the marketoutcome. US auto faces higher costs and fewer globalopportunities while Chinese brands expand everywhere else.The Pentagon added NIO to its Chinese military companieslist on June 9th. NIO called it unjustified and threatenedlegal action. This is not a sanctions list and does notrestrict trading of NIO securities. Some institutionalmandates force selling — that's real but finite pressure.18 analysts have buy ratings. The average price targetimplies 27% upside. NIO's AGM is June 24th — nine daysfrom now. That's the meeting that actually matters.China's NEV penetration rate hit 62.9% in May. Purebattery electric vehicles were 42.2% of all new car sales.William Li said the transition is irreversible. Six outof ten new cars sold in China are electric or hybrid.That's not a trend anymore. That's a completed transition.NIO is built for the world that already exists.

- EU Automakers Demand Stronger "Made in Europe" Rules - Volkswagen To Cut 28,000 German Jobs By 2030 - Tesla Earns FSD Approval in Belgium - U.S. Tariffs Cost Japanese Automakers Billions in Losses - Renault Twingo EV Fleets Monitor Urban Infrastructure - Ford Explorer Sales Surge as Smaller SUVs Dropped - Waymo Launches Monthly Robotaxi Subscription - Xiaomi Expands into Extended Range Electrics - Peugeot Launches All-Electric E-208 GTI Hot-Hatch - Should Automakers Share a Common Skateboard Design?

- EU Automakers Demand Stronger "Made in Europe" Rules - Volkswagen To Cut 28,000 German Jobs By 2030 - Tesla Earns FSD Approval in Belgium - U.S. Tariffs Cost Japanese Automakers Billions in Losses - Renault Twingo EV Fleets Monitor Urban Infrastructure - Ford Explorer Sales Surge as Smaller SUVs Dropped - Waymo Launches Monthly Robotaxi Subscription - Xiaomi Expands into Extended Range Electrics - Peugeot Launches All-Electric E-208 GTI Hot-Hatch - Should Automakers Share a Common Skateboard Design?

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports Stellantis had been spending about $12 billion on capital expenditures each year, so the automaker will be saving billions under their new $70 billion investment proposal.

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart BYD PLANS EUROPE-BUILT CARS FOR EUROPE https://evne.ws/4dG4jMX MAZDA DELAYS DEDICATED EV TO 2029 https://evne.ws/4u4YKNR AUTOMAKERS SEEK NEW EU CO2 CONCESSIONS https://evne.ws/4ua4O7K OPEL PREVIEWS 207 KW CORSA GSE https://evne.ws/4npat7D AUSTRALIA DELAYS FEDERAL EV ROAD CHARGE https://evne.ws/4f32vPt GERMAN OPERATORS BACK ELECTRIC TRUCKS https://evne.ws/48W6Kbz AI CHARGING METHOD CUTS EV BATTERY WEAR https://evne.ws/4d89o0j FIRST BUS TESTS DEPOTS AS GRID ASSETS https://evne.ws/4nrLMaA LUCID PUTS UK LAUNCH BACK TO 2028 https://evne.ws/3RlOVfY UK E-VAN RULES EASE FROM 2026 https://evne.ws/49r6OAg UK USED EV SALES HIT Q1 RECORD https://evne.ws/4d99qVU

Trumps Always Chickens Out. Als puntje bij paaltje komt, haakt president Trump af en zet hij zijn dreigement niet door. Een uitdrukking die je als belegger héél véél hebt gehoord. Er komt nu een bij: NACHO. Klinkt lekker, maar dat is het niet. En heeft te maken met de Iran-oorlog die diezelfde Trump is gestart. Not A Chance Hormuz Opens, dat is waar je als belegger nu rekening mee moet houden. Dat is waar we het deze aflevering over hebben. Het scenario dat de Straat van Hormuz voorlopig dicht blijft. Een redelijk realistisch vooruitzicht, nu de vredesgesprekken tussen Iran en de VS zijn geklapt. Met NACHO moet je rekening houden met een lange periode van hoge olieprijs én inflatie. Hebben we het ook over Air France-KLM. Dat gaat verdwijnen. De naam dan, lezen we in De Telegraaf. Topman Ben Smith wil op overnamepad en wil meer luchtvaartmaatschappijen toevoegen. Waardoor de naam Air France-KLM niet meer past. Goed moment voor ons om te kijken naar dat nieuwe concern dat ontstaat. Is dat dan eindelijk een goede investering? Ook in deze aflevering: een spannend verhaal over insider trading. Een netwerk van advocaten gaf maar liefst 12 jaar lang informatie aan elkaar door over enorme deals op Wall Street. Een explosief verhaal. Over explosief gesproken: we bespreken het aandeel Rheinmetall. Het Duitse defensiebedrijf gaat niet lekker op de beurs, terwijl het juist zou moeten profiteren van al het leed in de wereld. Te gast: Corné van Zeijl van Cardano. BNR Beurs is een journalistiek onafhankelijke productie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Saxo. Over de makers: Jelle Maasbach is presentator van BNR Beurs en freelance financieel journalist. Zijn favoriete aandeel om over te praten is Disney, maar daar lijkt hij de enige in te zijn. Sinds de eerste uitzending van BNR Beurs is 'ie er bij. Maxim van Mil is presentator van BNR Beurs en journalist bij BNR, waar hij zich focust op de financiële markten en ontwikkelingen in de tech-wereld. Je krijgt hem het meest enthousiast als hij kan praten over ASML, of oer-Hollandse bedrijven zoals Ahold of ABN Amro. Jorik Simonides is presentator van BNR Beurs, economieredacteur en verslaggever bij BNR. Hij wordt er vooral blij van als het een keer níet over AI gaat. Milou Brand is presentator van BNR Beurs, freelance podcastmaker en columnist bij het Financieele Dagblad. Jochem Visser is presentator van BNR Beurs, maakt Beursnerd XL en is redacteur bij de podcast Onder Curatoren. Vraag hem naar obscure zaken op financiële markten en hij vertelt je waarom het eigenlijk nóg leuker is dan je al dacht. Over de podcast: Met BNR Beurs ga je altijd voorbereid de nieuwe beursdag in. We praten je in een kleine 25 minuten bij over alle laatste ontwikkelingen op de handelsvloer. We blijven niet alleen bij de AEX of Wall Street, maar vertellen je ook waar nog meer kansen liggen. En we houden het niet bij de cijfers, maar zoeken ook iedere dag voor je naar duiding van scherpe gasten en experts. Of je nu een ervaren belegger bent of net begint met je eerste stappen op de beurs, de podcast biedt waardevolle inzichten voor je beleggingsstrategie. Door de focus op zowel de korte termijn als de lange termijn, helpt BNR Beurs luisteraars om de ruis van de markt te scheiden van de essentie. Van Musk tot Microsoft en van Ahold tot ASML. Wij vertellen je wat beleggers bezighoudt, wie de markten in beweging zet en wat dat betekent voor jouw beleggingsportefeuille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest info on destination charges. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

- Sales Below Expectations, Not Likely to Improve - Kia Slashes EV6 Pricing - Geely Buying Part of Ford's Spain Plant - GM Works to Fill Skilled Trades Shortage - VW Sets Fastest Front-Drive Car Record - Turkish Startup Partners with CATL - Lexus Gets 1st 3-Row EV - BMW iX3 Starts at $63K - Mercedes Reveals Pricing for New C-Class EV

- Sales Below Expectations, Not Likely to Improve - Kia Slashes EV6 Pricing - Geely Buying Part of Ford's Spain Plant - GM Works to Fill Skilled Trades Shortage - VW Sets Fastest Front-Drive Car Record - Turkish Startup Partners with CATL - Lexus Gets 1st 3-Row EV - BMW iX3 Starts at $63K - Mercedes Reveals Pricing for New C-Class EV

Today on The Peak Daily, we're heading to Beijing's massive auto show to see why China's EV makers are pulling ahead, and what it could mean for North American giants like Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Then, we break down a quiet Canadian tax change that could make it easier for business owners to sell to employees through Employee Ownership Trusts — potentially reshaping who owns the country's small businesses.The Peak Daily is produced in partnership with reframevid.com

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy says a playbook from 30 years ago could be used by American car executives to compete with the Chinese.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1330: Carvana keeps its growth streak alive with record sales and profits, automakers book billions in tariff refunds (on paper), and AI is forcing retail media to evolve from impressions to real, measurable outcomes.Carvana is back in the fast lane, posting another record-breaking quarter with massive sales growth and strong profits. The online retailer continues to scale, signaling confidence in its long-term used car dominance.Carvana sold 187,393 vehicles in Q1 2026, up 40% year-over-year and marking its sixth straight quarter of 40%+ growth.Revenue jumped to $6.43B with net income hitting $405M, beating analyst expectations across the board.The company is expanding capacity, integrating ADESA sites, and building toward 1.5M annual unit capability—with room to reach 3M.Carvana expects continued growth in Q2, assuming stable market conditions and momentum holds.“We are continuing to hit records… and scale a business of Carvana's complexity at high speed,” said CEO Ernie Garcia.Automakers are seeing a short-term earnings lift from expected U.S. tariff refunds—but the cash isn't in hand yet, and the optics could get tricky. As billions in reimbursements loom, companies are balancing accounting wins with political uncertainty.Ford, GM, Mercedes, and Stellantis booked roughly $2.3B in expected tariff refunds, boosting Q1 profits on paper.Ford alone expects $1.3B back, GM about $500M, tied to overturned tariffs under IEEPA.Automakers stress the cash hasn't arrived yet—so it's not counted as free cash flow.The refund process could take months, adding uncertainty to already complex financial planning.The overturned IEEPA tariffs are just one piece—automakers still face ongoing import taxes on steel, aluminum, and vehicles and parts from Mexico, Canada, and beyond.As AI agents begin browsing, buying, and acting on behalf of users, Cloudflare says the internet isn't fully prepared. A new push for “agent readiness” could reshape how businesses structure sites, data, and digital experiences.Cloudflare warns most websites are built for humans—not AI agents that search, decide, and transact automatically.“Agent readiness” means structuring sites so AI can easily access, interpret, and act on information.This includes better APIs, structured data, and permissions for what agents can or can't do.Businesses may need to rethink UX entirely—designing for machines as much as for people.“The web is being rebuilt for agents,” Cloudflare suggests, signaling a major shift in how digital commerce will operate.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

- Automakers Expecting Big Tariff Refunds - Ford Posts Strong Q1 - Stellantis Turning Things Around - Porsche Has Rough Q1 - VW Group Down As a Whole - GM Invests More in V8s and Big Trucks - VW Open to Sharing Excess Capacity w/ Chinese - A Tesla CyberCab in Michigan? - Tesla Growing Unsupervised Robotaxi Fleet - Tesla Semi Plant Starts Production

- Automakers Expecting Big Tariff Refunds - Ford Posts Strong Q1 - Stellantis Turning Things Around - Porsche Has Rough Q1 - VW Group Down As a Whole - GM Invests More in V8s and Big Trucks - VW Open to Sharing Excess Capacity w/ Chinese - A Tesla CyberCab in Michigan? - Tesla Growing Unsupervised Robotaxi Fleet - Tesla Semi Plant Starts Production

- Global Conflicts and Tariffs Hit Automakers' Q1 Earnings - BYD Eyes F1 Entry as Aston Struggles - German Company Creates Stunning Monaco F1 Model - GOP Targets Anti-Drunk Driving Vehicle Tech - GM Adds Google Gemini AI to Newer Vehicles - GM “Stress Tests” Level 3 Lidar Driving Systems - Volkswagen Launches Pre-Sales For New ID.Polo EV - Autoline Viewers Oppose High Executive Pay

- Global Conflicts and Tariffs Hit Automakers' Q1 Earnings - BYD Eyes F1 Entry as Aston Struggles - German Company Creates Stunning Monaco F1 Model - GOP Targets Anti-Drunk Driving Vehicle Tech - GM Adds Google Gemini AI to Newer Vehicles - GM “Stress Tests” Level 3 Lidar Driving Systems - Volkswagen Launches Pre-Sales For New ID.Polo EV - Autoline Viewers Oppose High Executive Pay

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports automakers put a lot of work into making cars and trucks easy to assemble, but now they have to do the opposite.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1327: Dealers lose service share to quick lubes, EVs prove stronger range retention, and Chinese vehicles gain global credibility at the Beijing Auto Show.Dealership service lanes are losing ground as quick lube shops quietly gain share in 2025. New data shows fewer transactions and shrinking revenue for dealers, with pricing strategy emerging as the key battleground in keeping service customers loyal.The study analyzes credit and debit transactions across all service channels including dealerships, independents, quick lubes, and tire chains.Overall service transaction dollars fell 8.3 percent, but dealers declined faster at 11 percent.Dealership service transactions dropped 13 percent year over year, the steepest decline among all segments tracked.Quick lube shops gained market share while raising prices more slowly than dealerships, attracting cost-conscious customers.Even with free OEM-paid maintenance, dealers are struggling to retain customers in the critical first two years of ownership.“The quick lubes are what everybody should be worried about,” said Ducker Carlisle's Nate Chenenko.Electric vehicle range isn't fading the way many buyers fear. New data from over a billion miles of driving shows modern EVs are holding onto their range far better than expected, thanks to both improving battery tech and smarter software.Recurrent data shows EVs retain about 97% of range after three years and 95% after five years of ownership.The study is based on real-world driving data, factoring in climate, usage, and battery age, not just EPA estimates.About 68% of 2023 model-year EVs are still exceeding their original EPA range today.Automakers are offsetting degradation with OTA updates and built-in battery buffers that unlock over time.At the Beijing Auto Show, American YouTuber Ethan Robertson of Wheelsboy is giving global audiences a firsthand look at Chinese EVs, helping shift perception from “cheap copycats” to serious innovation leaders.Robertson led international visitors through the Beijing Auto Show, showcasing China's latest EVs and tech-forward designs.Perception has shifted dramatically, with Chinese brands now recognized for advances in batteries, software, and charging.Attendees highlighted futuristic interiors and features, calling the vehicles a “new generation” of driving experience.Competitive pricing remains a major disruptor, with fully loaded EVs around $30,000 undercutting U.S. options.“Our comment section is full of people saying, ‘I can't believe the government won't allow them to sell this car in my country,'” said Robertson.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Plus: Google plans to expand its investment in Anthropic. And Thrive Capital's new strategy includes taking a stake in the San Francisco Giants. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TOPIC: Company Culture PANEL: Jan Griffiths, AutoCulture 2.0; Jackie Charniga, Detroit Free Press; Gary Vasilash, shinymetalboxes.net; John McElroy, Autoline.tv

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1321: Sedans eye a comeback as affordability bites, tax refunds rise but don't fully convert to sales, and a $2K stripped Tesla proves EV durability in the wildest way possible.Show Notes with links:https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/automakers/an-general-motors-sedan-strategy-0419/#After years of getting crowded out by crossovers, sedans are quietly making a return. Rising prices, shifting regulations, and a hunger for something different have automakers reconsidering the segment many left for dead.Automakers like GM, Stellantis, and Infiniti are exploring new sedan entries, some targeting sub-$30K price points to win back budget-conscious buyers.Sedans are gaining traction again, with Camry, Accord, and K5 posting double-digit sales increases while some crossovers lose share.With average vehicle prices over $50K, sedans offer a more affordable alternative and fill an underserved gap in the market.Design fatigue is real—executives say SUVs are getting “boring,” while sedans offer more room for style and brand differentiation.“There's opportunity for sedans to nibble into utility vehicles,” said S&P's Stephanie Brinley.https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/https-news-dealershipguy-com-p-first-tax-season-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-ends-refunds-up-11The first tax season under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” brought bigger refunds—but not a clean win for dealers. Higher cash in pockets met higher costs at the pump and on loans, creating a mixed bag on showroom floors.Average refunds jumped 11% to $3,462, with total payouts up 14.5%, boosted by new deductions, credits, and no tax on tips or overtime.Dealers saw uneven results—some stores surged, others lagged—as gas prices topped $4 and interest rates stayed elevated.Used market demand leaned toward “near-new” value buys, as shoppers stretched dollars against $50K new-vehicle pricing.Subprime activity ticked up, but down payments shrank, signaling affordability pressure despite larger refunds.“If the war ends…we could see a monster Q4 in '26,” said Potamkin CEO Cole Potamkin.https://electrek.co/2026/04/18/youtuber-buys-stripped-tesla-model-3-go-kart-2000-212-miles-range/YouTuber, Remmy Evans, bought a completely stripped Tesla Model 3 for $2,000—and drove it like a go-kart. Somehow, the battery and motors didn't get the memo.The car had no body panels, windshield, or seatbelts—just the core EV components—and still showed 212 miles of range.Despite 78 error codes and missing safety systems, it was driven on public roads, drifted, off-roaded, and even jumped.Charging proved tricky, with hacked adapters and slow Level 2 charging due to software limitations.Tesla's software may eventually restrict functionality as it detects missing components, highlighting challenges for rebuilders.The big takeaway: EV drivetrains are incredibly durable—even when everything else is gone.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

- Trump Admin Considers Tougher Auto Import Rules - Mercedes Debuts New Electric C-Class  - Investors Warn Mercedes To Focus on Tech in China - Detroit Automakers Scramble to Re-Enter the Sedan Market - GM Breaks Camera Systems to Advance Level 3 Tech - High Fuel Prices Drive European EV Sales Surge - UK Electric Vehicles Now Cheaper Than Gas Cars  - China Vehicle Exports Skyrocket 73% In March  - BMW Uses AI to Optimize Battery Cell Production - Ford Uses AI to Colorize Vintage Mustang Concepts

- Trump Admin Considers Tougher Auto Import Rules - Mercedes Debuts New Electric C-Class  - Investors Warn Mercedes To Focus on Tech in China - Detroit Automakers Scramble to Re-Enter the Sedan Market - GM Breaks Camera Systems to Advance Level 3 Tech - High Fuel Prices Drive European EV Sales Surge - UK Electric Vehicles Now Cheaper Than Gas Cars  - China Vehicle Exports Skyrocket 73% In March  - BMW Uses AI to Optimize Battery Cell Production - Ford Uses AI to Colorize Vintage Mustang Concepts

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1322: Dealers brace for long-awaited FTC answers, Ford walks a tightrope with China partnerships, and automakers could be heading back to wartime production. Show Notes with links:https://nada.zoom.us/webinar/register/9017738594625/WN_PU_CgJt2Rx-fOlCP7hJ6yw#/registrationAfter a frustrating first attempt, NADA is back with the FTC for a do-over webinar addressing the 97 warning letters sent to dealers. This time, expectations are high—and so is the pressure to finally deliver clarity.The initial webinar drew 4,000+ attendees but ended abruptly when the FTC declined to answer questions—leaving dealers needing guidance.Dealers are still seeking clarity on key issues like advertising practices, including whether doc fees must be included in vehicle pricing.NADA escalated concerns directly to FTC leadership, prompting a second session with new representation from the Bureau of Consumer Protection.Senator Bernie Moreno emphasized alignment on transparency goals but stressed the need for clear, actionable rules.NADA President Mike Stanton didn't hold back: “A complete waste of everybody's time… We were told that we would get our questions answered.”https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ford-will-partner-more-with-chinese-automakers-overseas-66cc23c9?mod=autos_news_article_pos2Ford CEO Jim Farley is threading a strategic needle—warning about China's growing dominance while simultaneously expanding partnerships overseas. The message is clear: compete where you can, collaborate where you must.Farley says Chinese automakers are leading in tech, cost, and speed—forcing global competitors to rethink strategy.Ford plans to deepen partnerships with Chinese companies outside the U.S. to stay competitive in international markets.At home, Ford is pushing for protections, warning that unchecked Chinese imports could “devastate” U.S. manufacturing and jobs.The company is accelerating its own EV manufacturing overhaul to better compete on affordability and scale.Farley didn't mince words: “You don't become fit like the rest of the Chinese… you aren't going to be around much longer.”https://www.jalopnik.com/2149778/pentagon-wants-automakers-build-fewer-cars-more-weapons/As global conflicts strain U.S. supply chains, the Pentagon is turning to an unexpected ally—automakers. Early talks suggest OEMs may once again be asked to shift from building cars to supporting national defense.Defense officials have approached leaders like GM's Mary Barra and Ford's Jim Farley about ramping up weapons production capacity.Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have rapidly depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles, accelerating urgency.The strategy echoes WWII-era manufacturing pivots, with automakers potentially backstopping traditional defense contractors.Automakers were asked how quickly they could shift production—and what barriers exist in contracts and bidding processes.A Pentagon official emphasized the mission: expanding capacity to ensure warfighters maintain a “decisive advantage.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

00:00 Intro00:59 Sanctioned Chinese Tanker Turns Back in Strait of Hormuz01:56 Hegseth to Iranian Regime: “Choose Wisely”02:41 Hegseth: U.S. Controls Strait, Warns Iran03:50 Caine: U.S. to Pursue Ships Aiding Iran04:48 Hegseth: China Assures U.S. It's Not Giving Iran Weapons05:03 Pentagon Turns to Automakers for Weapons Production: WSJ06:24 20 Chinese Scholars Turned Away at U.S. Border08:10 Tightening VPN Bans, Fines, Raids: Chinese Netizens10:43 Supply Chains Shift From China to Mexico12:37 Aging China Loses Edge as Mexico Remains Young14:45 Cybersecurity Expert on AI Adoption and Power15:01 Rex Lee: AI Risk Comes Down to How It's Used18:56 Fixing AI Risk Starts With Changing Business Models

- BYD Aims to Join European Automaker Lobby - Stellantis and Microsoft Partner for Digital AI Transformation - Volkswagen To Pay Owners for EV Grid Charging - Saudi EV Startup CEER To Begin Production Soon - Xiaomi Rules Out Building Cheap Entry Level EVs - Mustang GTD Reclaims Nürburgring Record from Corvette - Linamar Shares Rise After Reaffirming 2026 Financial Guidance

- BYD Aims to Join European Automaker Lobby - Stellantis and Microsoft Partner for Digital AI Transformation - Volkswagen To Pay Owners for EV Grid Charging - Saudi EV Startup CEER To Begin Production Soon - Xiaomi Rules Out Building Cheap Entry Level EVs - Mustang GTD Reclaims Nürburgring Record from Corvette - Linamar Shares Rise After Reaffirming 2026 Financial Guidance

Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com  - Pentagon's Request to Automakers and US Weapons' Inefficiency (0:00) - China's Advantages and US Military Preparedness (1:15) - US Military Industrial Complex and Quality Control Issues (7:08) - Historical and Economic Context of US-China Conflict (29:04) - Global Economic Impact and Depopulation Agenda (30:35) - Social and Political Implications of Economic Instability (54:36) - Worker Discontent and Economic Protests (56:08) - Solutions and Alternatives to the Current Economic System (1:04:25) - Health and Wellness through Therapeutic Peptides (1:13:42) - Conclusion and Call to Action (1:18:39) - Bio Regulators and Peptides: The Cell Signaling Analogy (1:18:59) - Overcoming Fear of Injections and Introducing Bio Regulators (1:22:35) - The Role of Glyphosate and Aluminum in Disease (1:25:22) - The Impact of Toxins on Health and the Role of Bio Regulators (1:31:53) - The Science Behind Bio Regulators and Their Benefits (1:35:05) - The Importance of Purity and Sourcing in Bio Regulators (1:45:05) - The Cost and Value of Bio Regulators (1:48:30) - The Role of Bio Regulators in Female Health (1:48:48) - The Role of Bio Regulators in Weight Loss and Energy (1:59:08) - The Future of Bio Regulators and Their Potential Impact (2:08:05) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport  ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:

Welcome to Dealer War Room from Car Dealership Guy — a new series where host Yossi Levi sits down with top operators to break down the biggest challenges in auto retail. Today I'm joined by Matt Bowers, Owner of Matt Bowers Automotive Group, Todd Blue, CEO of LAPIS, and Andy Wright, Managing Partner of VINart Dealerships. In this episode, we get into the growing tension between dealers and OEMs — from affordability and negative equity to mandated tech. We also break down the split in the buy-sell market, rising FTC pressure, and why the franchise system is going through a major reset. This episode is brought to you by: 1. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. 2. Nomad Content Studio – The team behind the dealers you actually see online. Nomad works in your dealership to build a brand new pipeline of sales driven by social media content. If you want your dealership to be next, head to @ here and book a call. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgcircles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dealership recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgrecruiting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fix your dealership's social media ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.trynomad.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: 03:25 Why Toyota Stores Trade For 10X Earnings. 07:25 The California Buy Most Dealers Ignore. 09:15 Why Mercedes Dialed Back EVs Early. 12:35 Why Auto Retail Gets So Much Hate. 16:45 Why Small Country Stores Won't Sell. 21:10 How 84-Month Loans Trap Buyers. 26:40 The Dealer Decision That Forces OEMs To Change. 32:15 Why American Carmakers Killed Cheap Cars. 36:10 The Regulation Destroying Engines. 42:25 Why Follow-Up Became Adversarial. 46:20 The CSI Fix Nobody Will Try. 52:45 Just Leave The Brand If You Hate Stair Steps. 58:45 The Question Every CEO Must Answer. 01:02:50 Why Franchisees Have Zero Protection. 01:08:10 The Margin Obsession Killing Partnerships. 01:12:50 The $75 Million FTC Warning. Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠x.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy says remanufacturing is big business for the automakers, but the companies don't want to release any information.

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports there are fewer people buying cars and other factors that could make Ford, GM and Stellantis reluctant to build a new plant. LAKE ORION - APRIL 23: The GM Orion Assembly Plant sign is shown April 23, 2009 in Lake Orion, Michigan. According to to reports, GM is planning to shut down most of its U.S. plants for up to nine weeks this summer in an effort to reduce its backlog inventory of vehicles. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

TOPIC: US Auto Industry PANEL: Keith Naughton, Bloomberg; Michael Robinet, S and P Global; Gary Vasilash, shinymetalboxes.net; John McElroy, Autoline.tv

Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comIn this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde examines the push to mandate surveillance-adjacent safety technology in new cars by 2027, with a sharp focus on the United States. As regulators, automakers, insurers, and privacy advocates clash, one question looms over the future of driving: when your car is built to watch for danger, who else is watching you? Will these systems save lives without turning every commute into a stream of data? And if safety becomes the justification, where should the limits be?Sponsors and partners:Promeed: 100% mulberry silk pillowcases and bedding that feel incredibly soft, stay breathable, and are naturally gentle on hair and skin.SurviveX: professional-grade FSA/HSA eligible first aid and preparedness kits designed in Virginia, USA and produced in an FDA-registered facility.Alison US CA: Alison is the world's largest free online learning and skills-training platform, helping more than 50 million learners in 193+ countries build career-ready skills with 6,000+ free courses, certificates, and diplomas.eSign (iOS only): eSign is a clean, privacy-first document-signing app that works entirely on your device, letting you sign PDFs, DOCX files, images, and scans, edit and assemble pages, and export crisp 300 DPI PDFs in seconds, without accounts, cloud uploads, or compromising sensitive documents.Support the show

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1297: The EV world is getting hit from all sides — punishing fee proposals, $50 billion in industry write-downs, and a bold $1.25 billion Uber-Rivian robotaxi bet.A growing wave of state and federal EV fee proposals would charge electric vehicle owners two to three times what the average gas car driver pays in federal fuel tax.House Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves introduced a federal $200 annual EV fee — more than double the ~$95 average gas car driver pays in federal fuel tax each year.The fee is a flat charge with no connection to actual road usage, meaning a grandmother driving 3,000 miles pays the same as a daily commuter logging 25,000.36 states already impose EV fees that result in EV owners paying more than gas drivers contribute through fuel taxes, with Texas charging $400 upfront plus $200 annually.Automakers are unwinding EV bets at a combined cost approaching $50 billion, a stark reminder of how aggressively the industry moved, and how quickly the market shifted beneath them.Ford leads the charge with roughly $20.9 billion in EV-related write-downs through 2027, including the cancellation of the F-150 Lightning and a pair of three-row electric crossovers.Stellantis previewed €22 billion in charges — the largest single write-down — covering canceled vehicle programs, EV supply chain restructuring, and the end of a battery joint venture in Canada.GM and Honda round out the list, with GM topping $7 billion in 2025 EV charges and Honda projecting $1.9 billion by March — including winding down the Prologue and Acura ZDX programs.As iSeeCars analyst Karl Brauer put it, “There's just been an overinvestment and, certainly, obviously too aggressive of a timeline”Uber is betting $1.25 billion on Rivian to power its next robotaxi push, with plans to deploy up to 50,000 autonomous R2s across 25 cities by 2031.The deal includes an initial $300 million investment and commitments to purchase 10,000 autonomous R2s, with options for 40,000 more starting in 2030.Rivian's R2 robotaxis will launch exclusively on Uber's platform, starting in San Francisco and Miami in 2028, then expanding across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.The deal follows Rivian's $5.8 billion Volkswagen software partnership and adds to Uber's growing roster of AV deals with Lucid, Zoox, Stellantis, and Nvidia.Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: "That vertical integration, combined with data from their growing consumer vehicle base and experience managing the complexities of commercial fleets, gives us conviction to set these ambitious but achievable targets."Today's show is brought to you by HeyGreenlight. HeyGreenlight's Wingman gives your sales and BDC team live, real-time guidance so they consistently say the right things, at the right time, on every call.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest on Volkswagen. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.