Podcasts about Super Duty

Andy’s Brave New World: Part 2 The group leaves Yosemite, encounters Crystal. Based on a post by the hospital. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Day 7, Morning The morning sun caught the fresh paint scratches on the two Ford F-350 Super Duty trucks as they pulled out of the Yosemite Valley maintenance yard. Both were recent-model crew cabs in dark green, commandeered from the park's heavy maintenance fleet, their diesel engines rumbling with carefully checked fluid levels and fresh filters. Andy drove the lead vehicle, while Daniela rode shotgun, her Remington propped against the center console within easy reach and the binoculars Andy had found yesterday hanging around her neck. She sat at attention, eyes sweeping the tree line. Despite the A/C, they were sweating a little under their body armor. In the truck's bed, they'd packed their supplies with care. Multiple jerry cans of diesel fuel secured in metal racks, the heavy weapons cache (including the RPG and its rockets, carefully cushioned), cases of ammunition, tactical gear, and the most essential survival equipment. The rear seats held their medical supplies, communications gear including the Starlink array, and several days of ready-to-eat food and water. Sarah followed close behind in the second truck, its bed loaded with the bulk of their food stores, camping equipment, tools, and additional fuel. She'd gotten her way about the clothing, she wore a matching set in a striking deep purple: high-waisted Alo Yoga leggings that hugged every curve and a longline sports bra under a cropped zip-up jacket. Her highlighted hair was styled in loose waves, and she'd even put on light makeup. "If we get into any actual fighting, I'll be useless anyway," she had insisted, gesturing at Andy and Daniela's tactical loadouts. "You two are the ones with the training. I'm just a driver." She gave one of her practiced smiles. "Besides, first impressions matter. When we meet other survivors, one of us should look; approachable." Andy had started to argue, but Daniela simply shrugged. "She's right. We look scary. It'd be good to have someone look not scary." The conversation had ended there. Now, as they passed the park boundaries, Daniela pulled out their carefully annotated road atlas. Their route would take them west on Highway 140, then north on 99 through the Central Valley, avoiding both Fresno and Modesto. They'd skirt Sacramento to the east, then cut west to the Bay Area through the Delta region. The path balanced speed with security, staying on main roads for ease of travel while avoiding major population centers. "Time check," Daniela's tense voice crackled over their handhelds. "0700 hours. Three hours to the first waypoint." "Have you spent much time outside of the park?" Andy asked, trying to see if conversation might help her relax. Daniela shook her head, staring out the window at the wooded hills. "No, not really. Just for track meets. Dad hates cities. He'd always complain to the school that our trips weren't secure enough." Andy had a sudden mental image of Miguel lecturing an exasperated school bus driver on sight lines and evasive maneuvers. He chuckled slightly. "Yeah, that sounds like him." Noticing Daniela still looking somber, he tried to pivot. "Well, are you excited to see San Francisco?" A pause. "I don't know. I know it's the right place to go, but I'm a little scared to leave Yosemite behind." She looked off into the distance. "I'll definitely miss being in nature." "You might be surprised, SF has a lot of parks and green spaces. Maybe we'll end up somewhere nice." Day 7, Midday The Sierra foothills gave way to the Central Valley floor, and with it came the strange emptiness of abandoned agriculture. Vast almond orchards stretched to the horizon, their spring blossoms still clinging to the branches. A dairy farm's holding pens still contained its imprisoned casualties, forcing them to detour around the sprawling facility to avoid the smell. In an adjacent field, a small herd of escaped cattle grazed freely, looking up at the trucks' passage with mild curiosity. They passed a tomato field where harvesting machines stood frozen mid-row, the ripe fruit beginning to soften on the vine. "Movement, two o'clock, approximately two miles out," Daniela reported suddenly, her binoculars trained on the horizon. "Vehicle heading north." She tracked it for a moment, dust trail visible against the morning sky. "Pickup truck, moving fast. Can't make out details at this distance." Her voice remained neutral, but her grip tightened slightly on the Remington. Andy glanced in the indicated direction but kept the truck steadily on course. In the rearview mirror, he saw Sarah's truck maintain its careful following distance. After a few minutes, Daniela lowered the binoculars. "Vehicle has maintained its course northward. No change in direction." The radio crackled. "Everything okay up there?" Sarah's voice carried a hint of nerves. "Just another survivor," Andy replied. "They're heading away from us. Nothing to worry about." They passed through Merced without incident. The smaller city was eerily still, traffic signals dark at every intersection. A home security alarm wailed somewhere in the distance, its battery backup still functioning after a week without power. The highway was mostly clear, the outbreak had moved too quickly for large-scale evacuation traffic. Sarah's voice crackled over the radio: "Hey, I've had cell signal for the last few minutes, must be near a tower that's still running. There's a Beacon post from yesterday, someone near Turlock warning about a big pileup blocking the 99 around Keyes Road. They've been detouring around it on country roads." "Noted," Daniela responded crisply, already marking the atlas. "OK, here's the alternate route. We'll exit at Pueblo Avenue, rejoin the 99 past the blockage." She paused, then added with mechanical precision: "Adding fifteen minutes to estimated arrival time. Let us know if you see any other posts while you have signal." "Actually, let's stop real quick so I can give you my phone, it looks like I'm more likely to get signal than you, and I shouldn't be looking at this while trying to drive this thing." The valley heat was building as the day wore on. The radio stayed quiet. Each member of their small convoy seemed lost in their own thoughts, processing the scale of the abandonment around them. Occasionally they'd pass a house or farm with a hastily painted "Help" sign. Once they saw a pickup truck that had crashed into a pole, its driver still sitting upright behind the wheel, succumbing to the virus before the accident could kill them. As they approached the outskirts of Modesto, Daniela began scanning the atlas with renewed intensity, plotting their route around the city center. The midday sun cast a strong heat, and in the distance a thin column of smoke rose from somewhere in the city's north- whether from an electrical fire or something else, they couldn't tell. "Contact ahead, approximately one mile south," Daniela reported suddenly, binoculars trained on the distant road. "Single vehicle, silver Mercedes sedan. One subject visible outside the vehicle." She paused as she assessed the scene. "Vehicle appears to have front-end damage. Subject is; actively signaling for assistance." Andy keyed his radio. "Sarah, hang back for as sec." Through the windshield, he could just barely make out a glint of metal on the horizon. "Copy that," Sarah responded, as she let her truck slow to a stop behind them. "Update on subject?" Andy asked. Daniela adjusted her optics slightly. "Female, white. Light-colored hair. No visible weapons. Standing clear of the vehicle, continuing to wave." She swept her view across the surrounding terrain. "I don't see any other movement." They approached slowly, staying in the northbound lane, until they were about a hundred yards from the Mercedes. Andy could now make out a figure in light-colored clothing standing near the disabled vehicle's front end, still waving periodically. "Hello!" a woman's voice carried across the distance. "Please, I could really use some help!" "Stay where you are!" Andy called back through his opened window. "Are you alone?" "Yes! Just me! My car hit something back there, I think the suspension's broken!" Andy glanced at Daniela, who gave a slight nod. "Could be a trap," Daniela said quietly, though her tone suggested she didn't really believe it. "Though; it's a really crappy location for an ambush. A random gravel side-road in the middle of the fields? Plus you have poor sight lines, no cover, and multiple escape routes for potential targets." "Agreed," Andy said. He keyed his radio again. "Sarah, we're going to pull up closer. Stay a little bit behind us." They rolled forward slowly, closing the distance to the disabled Mercedes. As they got closer, the woman took a few steps back from her car, keeping her hands visible. Andy's breath caught slightly as her features came into focus. Even disheveled and stressed, she was stunning, the kind of beauty that belonged in magazines, not stranded on an abandoned highway. Tall and gracefully built, probably 5'9", with the kind of natural curves that didn't need strategic athletic wear to enhance them. Her light red-orange hair fell past her shoulders in natural waves, gleaming in the midday sun despite the obvious lack of styling products. Her face was a study in classical proportions, high cheekbones, full lips, straight nose, and large bright blue eyes framed by naturally long lashes. Even with smudged makeup and a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, her beauty remained striking. She wore form-fitting designer jeans that accentuated her long, slender legs, paired with an ivory silk blouse that was wrinkled and stained with grease from her attempted car repair. Impractical Italian leather boots completed the ensemble, the kind meant for Los Angeles sidewalks rather than Central Valley backroads. Despite her obvious exhaustion and the stress evident in her expression, there was something magnetic about her presence, an effortless grace that made even her nervous fidgeting seem elegant. Andy keyed his radio. "Sarah, we're going to talk to her. She's almost certainly not a threat. Your call whether to stay in your truck or join us." "Come with me," he said quietly to Daniela. "Stay alert." He opened his door and stepped out, Daniela following smoothly with her rifle held low but ready. The woman's face brightened with a nervous but dazzling smile as they approached. She took a step forward with her hand extended, but stopped when Andy halted several paces away. "Thank you so much for stopping," she said, letting her hand drop gracefully to her side. "I'm Crystal. Crystal Parker." Andy kept his stance neutral but ready. "Where are you coming from? Where are you headed?" "I'm from Manteca," she replied, her eyes flicking briefly to Daniela's rifle before returning to Andy. "I was trying to get back to my apartment in L A, but;" She gestured at her car with a delicate wave. "The highways were so crowded with abandoned cars, I thought the back roads would be safer." "Did you get sick?" Andy asked directly. "During the outbreak?" Crystal nodded. "Yes, but just a mild fever for a day or two. Not like;" Her voice caught slightly. "Not like everyone else, like my parents." She stopped, composing herself with visible effort. Behind them, Andy heard Sarah's truck pull up. Crystal's eyes shifted to watch Sarah's approach, something subtle changing in her expression. "What happened to your car?" Andy pressed. "I hit something; maybe a pothole or debris, I'm not sure. There was this awful noise and then;" She gestured helplessly at the front end. "I don't know anything about cars. I tried looking at it, but;" "Why are you going to L A? Are there people waiting for you there?" Andy asked. "Anyone you know who survived?" Crystal's shoulders dropped slightly. "No, I; I haven't been able to contact anyone. I just;" She gave a small, elegant shrug, simultaneously helpless and dignified. "I didn't know what else to do. Where else to go. I thought maybe; maybe going home made sense?" The last part came out as almost a question, like she was realizing for the first time how little sense it made. A pause, then, "If you don't mind me asking; what's your name? Where are you all headed?" "I'm Andy," he answered. "That's Sarah and Daniela. We're heading north to San Francisco." Crystal took this as permission to step closer, extending her hand again. This time Andy accepted it, noting the contrast between her dainty fingers and the engine grease on her fingertips from her attempted repairs. Their eyes met as they shook hands, and Andy found himself momentarily stunned by her beauty up close; the perfect symmetry of her features, the remarkable clarity of her blue eyes, the way the midday sun caught golden highlights in her hair. She gave a small wave to Sarah and Daniela behind him, her smile warm and practiced. "Nice to meet you all. Sarah, I love your jacket." "Thanks" mumbled Sarah, briefly taken aback by the brief change in topic. "I hate to ask, but;" Crystal glanced back at her Mercedes. "Is there any chance you could take a look at my car? Or;" She hesitated, then continued with careful tact, "Or maybe give me a ride somewhere I could find another car? I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm really not sure what to do out here." "Give us a second to discuss it," Andy said. He gestured for Sarah and Daniela to follow him a few paces away, out of earshot. "Looking at the front end damage and the way it's sitting, could be a broken control arm, maybe the sub frame," Daniela said quietly. "Either way, we'd need a lift and replacement parts. Not something we can fix on the road." "So the car's done," Andy summarized. "Question is, do we give her a ride?" "To L A?" Sarah asked skeptically. "That's like three hours away, more like six at the speed we've been going, and totally the wrong direction. To another car, maybe. Honestly;" She glanced back at Crystal, who stood waiting with perfect posture. "I know I'm not exactly Rambo here, but at least I can handle myself OK. She looks totally clueless." Sarah paused, then added with careful casualness, "She is, uh, gorgeous, though." Her eyes flicked to Andy's face, studying his reaction. Andy kept his expression neutral, though his heart raced slightly at just the thought of Crystal's striking features. The idea of leaving her stranded here seemed unthinkable, but he didn't want to appear too eager. "We could offer to let her come with us to San Francisco," he suggested, trying to sound logical rather than hopeful. "She'd never make it to L A alone anyway." "Well, she has no supplies, no useful skills;" Sarah started. "We don't know that," Daniela interjected, then paused. "Well, yeah, she probably doesn't. But still, we should help her," the younger girl said firmly. Her voice softened. "Dad always said the whole point of our preparations was so we could help others when the time came. That's why we trained so hard, why we stored so much." She glanced at Crystal, then back at the group. "Someone like her, no survival skills, no supplies, no real plan; that's exactly who he meant. We have room in the trucks. It's not that much further to San Francisco." Sarah sighed. "Fine. We can give her a ride to San Francisco. But that doesn't mean she is a part of our group." Andy raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing at his lips. "Oh, we're officially a group now?" "Yes," Sarah said defensively. "We are. The three of us." Andy's smile faded as he recognized her genuine concern. He raised a hand and gently touched her arm. "Hey, I get it. Don't worry, I was kidding. We'll stick together, I promise." Daniela nodded, and Sarah relaxed slightly. "Okay." Andy turned and walked back to Crystal, who had been waiting with patience. "To us, it looks like the damage here isn't something we can fix, it needs replacement parts and proper equipment." Crystal's shoulders dropped again. "Also;" Andy continued carefully, "L A isn't a good place to go, now that we don't have working agriculture." He gestured vaguely around them at the quiet, empty fields. "They're gonna have real trouble with food after they scavenge everything already there." He paused to let that sink in. "We can give you a ride to somewhere you can find another car if you want. But you're also welcome to come with us to San Francisco. The Bay Area is better for a lot of reasons; it has better natural resources, direct access to farmland, etcetera. Your choice." Crystal bit her lower lip, considering. "Could I; could I think about it on the way back to a main highway?" Andy nodded. "Of course. No rush to decide." "Okay," Crystal smiled warmly. "Thank you again, I really appreciate this. Let me just grab my things." Sarah and Daniela headed back to the trucks while Andy accompanied Crystal to her Mercedes. She popped the trunk, revealing a large designer suitcase. As Andy reached for it, she gave him another dazzling smile. "You all seem so; prepared," she said softly. "I've been feeling so lost, but watching how organized you are, how you think everything through;" She trailed off as Andy lifted her suitcase. "It's impressive. Makes me feel a little less scared, you know?" To everyone's surprise, Crystal walked to the front of Andy's truck, opening the passenger door. "Oh, I;" Andy started, but Crystal was already sliding smoothly into the middle seat between the driver and passenger positions. "I hope you don't mind," she said. "I'd love to hear more about your plans, and why you think L A isn't safe. If I'm going to change my whole direction, I should probably understand why, right?" The back row was too full of equipment to sit there, so she settled in next to Daniela, the tight fit of three people in the front inevitable. Sarah caught Andy's eye, rolled hers, and shrugged before silently getting into her truck. Andy's mouth went briefly dry at the thought of Crystal pressed against him in the cramped space, but he climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine. Day 7, Early Afternoon The abandoned fruit stand provided a welcome break from driving, its weathered picnic tables shaded by an old oak tree. Fresh peaches and plums, barely starting to over-ripen, made a sweet complement to their rehydrated camping meals. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across their impromptu lunch setup. It hadn't taken much to convince Crystal to change her plans and head to San Francisco instead of Los Angeles. Though Andy wasn't entirely sure she'd fully grasped the strategic reasoning behind why L A was a poor choice, she seemed to have quickly intuited that his group knew what they were doing and that she'd be better off following their lead. Daniela had grown surprisingly talkative during the drive, opening up to Crystal about her father's training regimen after Crystal had shown genuine interest in her rifle. Now she sat quietly eating her peach, some of her usual tension eased. "So," Sarah asked, casually as she picked at her meal, "Have you thought about what you'll do once we reach San Francisco?" Crystal dabbed delicately at her mouth with a napkin. "I suppose I'll need to find my place, see where I can be useful." She pretended not to notice the implication of separation behind Sarah's question. "What kind of work do you do?" Sarah pressed. "I'm a receptionist at an investment firm," Crystal admitted with a small, self-deprecating smile. "And before that I was a model. Neither are exactly critical post-apocalyptic skill sets." She straightened slightly, her natural poise asserting itself. "But I used to babysit for some of the executives' children. I'm good with kids, really good, actually. I've been thinking maybe I could help set up some kind of care center, for orphans or children who've lost their families." Her voice softened. "There must be so many of them now." Andy stood, brushing crumbs from his pants. "Need to hit the head," he said, heading toward the small concrete building at the edge of the property. When Andy emerged from the bathroom, he was startled to find Crystal standing outside, her sudden presence making him take a quick step back. Her beauty was striking. She stood with her arms clasped behind her back, the posture naturally thrusting her full, pert tits forward against her silk blouse. Her head was tilted slightly to one side, a delicate smile playing across her full lips as she looked up at him through long lashes. She'd deliberately left the top few buttons of her blouse undone, the thin fabric draping open to reveal tantalizing glimpses of lace-trimmed cleavage and smooth, flawless skin. The silk draped enticingly over her narrow waist, and her entire stance radiated a calculated vulnerability that made her seem both alluring and in need of protection. "I'm sorry," she said softly, raising a hand gently in hello. "I just wanted to talk. Privately." She stepped closer, close enough that Andy could smell her perfume, something light and expensive that she must have brought with her despite the apocalypse. Her proximity was dizzying, making it hard for him to focus. Andy was glad that the bathroom building hid them from view of the others. "I can tell Sarah wants me to find my own way once we reach the city," she said, her voice gentle, her blue eyes meeting his. "And I understand, I'm not trained like Daniela or resourceful like her. But;" She took another small step closer, her voice dropping. "I'd much rather stay with your group. With you." Andy started to respond, but Crystal continued, her voice taking on a subtle warmth. "I know I'm not useful in the traditional sense, but;" She glanced down, then back up through her lashes. "I could make it worth your while. In other ways." Her lips curved in a small, knowing smile. "And I wouldn't be reluctant about it at all. You're very attractive, and I'd be happy to show you my appreciation. Very happy." She placed a delicate hand against his chest, then slowly slid it down his torso until she found his hardening shaft through his tactical pants, giving it a gentle squeeze and rub that made his breath catch. Her breath was hot against his neck as she whispered, "I think I could make you feel really good. And I'm not jealous. I've seen the way you look at Sarah. If you also wanted her too, I wouldn't mind at all." She turned smoothly and pressed her round ass against his crotch with practiced ease, grinding against him in a way that made his hand instinctively slide from her arm to her tit, squeezing the soft fullness through her silk blouse. She threw him a knowing wink as she pulled away, fixing her blouse. "Just think about it, please, sir" she said, then walked back toward the picnic area with her natural model's grace. Andy leaned against the concrete wall, his heart racing and body still responding to Crystal's touch. The fantasy was immediate and overwhelming, Crystal's skilled hands and mouth pleasuring him, her full lips on his, while Sarah rode his cock, both women competing for his attention. He'd already decided he wanted Crystal to stay with them even before her proposition, though he'd need to find a way to present it to Sarah. Taking several deep breaths, he straightened his uniform and walked back to the group. "I've been lots of times." Sarah said, as Andy caught the tail end of their conversation. "Recently for photoshoots at the famous spots, the Golden Gate, Lombard Street, Palace of Fine Arts. So mostly tourist spots I guess." Andy grabbed a few apples from a nearby crate, tossing one to each of them. "These look good," he said, trying to keep his tone casual, though his mind was still swimming with erotic possibilities. "We should take a few crates for the road." As he distributed the fruit, he noticed Sarah's quick glance between him and Crystal. "I've only been twice, for track meets. We mostly stayed near the Golden Gate Park." said Daniela. I used to go pretty often." Crystal chimed in. "The modeling agency I was with was actually headquartered in San Francisco rather than L A. They claimed it was part of them being a more realistic, less superficial brand." She looked to Sarah. "We also did photoshoots at those spots, I wonder if we ever overlapped and just didn't know it." she said sweetly. "You're a model? I mean you look amazing." "Oh, thanks, no, just Instagram" said Sarah self-deprecatingly. "Nothing legit. I had like, a decent following, good for free gear from sponsors and stuff but not really enough for a living." "No, that's cool! I could never, too much effort to post and make hashtags and plan everything out. I was always better when people told me where to go, what to wear, how to pose, you know. But, it sounds empowering to be in control of your content. Although I guess then you've gotta cater to your audience more directly. Did you ever think about Only Fans?" Andy raised an eyebrow, while Daniela chomped on her apple only half attentive. "No, never." said Sarah firmly. "Not my thing." Her cheeks took on some color as she bristled at the suggestion. Crystal raised a hand in graceful apology. "I didn't mean any offense, sorry. We didn't have much money growing up, and I wasn't great at school. I don't think there's anything wrong with using what you have. She turned to Andy. "What about you, Andy? Have you been to San Francisco before? Where are you from actually? You haven't said much." There was a brief pause at the table. Crystal had just broken the unspoken post-apocalypse rule against asking people about their past if they didn't volunteer it. Perhaps in realization of this, Crystal slid a hand surreptitiously under the table and rested it gently against Andy's thigh. "I'm from Seattle." he said, in a stiff tone. He thought to his parents and brother, back in Korea, probably dead. "I've been to San Francisco a few times." he said curtly. Crystal gave him an understanding, apologetic smile, which he tried to return. "Are we done?" he said, glancing around the table. "Go to the bathroom if you guys need, and we should head out." Day 7, Afternoon The early afternoon sun cast shadows across Interstate 580 as their two-truck convoy approached Oakland. Traffic thinned out considerably after they'd managed to navigate around several major blockages, but abandoned vehicles still dotted the shoulder sporadically, silent witnesses to the chaos of those final days. Andy kept one eye on his rearview mirror, checking that Sarah was following OK. Crystal had switched to riding with Sarah after their lunch stop, the two women seemingly settling into an uneasy quiet, while Daniela maintained her vigilant watch of their surroundings from his passenger seat. The highway curved sharply around a hill, and suddenly there was movement, a pickup truck appearing from the opposite direction. Both vehicles slammed to a stop instinctively, tires screeching on the asphalt. "Contact front!" Daniela called sharply, already reaching for her Remington. "Armed individual, driver's side!" Andy killed the engine and was out of the truck in one fluid motion, his ranger training taking over. He reached through the rear window of the cab, grabbing the AR-15 mounted behind the seats. Daniela mirrored his movement on the passenger side, her rifle trained steadily on the other vehicle. Andy keyed his radio quickly: "Sarah, Crystal, stay in the truck, get down below the windows. Now!" The man from the other truck had taken cover behind his own door, his rifle held ready but not directly aimed. He was middle-aged, wearing casual clothes and looking almost as startled as they were. "Identify yourself!" Andy shouted, his voice carrying the authority of his ranger training. "Hey, easy!" the man called back, his voice strained but not aggressive. "I don't want any trouble! My name's Mike Peterson, I'm just trying to get to my mom up north. She's alive, I got a message from her yesterday!" "Keep your hands visible!" Daniela commanded, her young voice carrying surprising authority. "Look, I'm sorry!" Mike responded. "You scared me as much as I scared you, wasn't expecting anyone on this road!" He carefully kept his rifle pointed down. "I swear I mean no harm!" Andy studied the man's body language. "Alright," he called out. "Let's both put our weapons back in our vehicles. Show of good faith. Then we can talk!" There was a moment of tense silence before Mike nodded. "Okay! On three?" "On three," Andy confirmed. "One; two; three!" Both men slowly placed their weapons back in their vehicles, movements deliberate and visible. After a moment's hesitation, Daniela followed suit, carefully placing her Remington back in the cab. Andy let out a deep sigh of relief and keyed his radio again. "Sarah, Crystal, you can come out now. Stand a few paces from the truck, hands where he can see them." He raised his voice to Mike: "We've got two more people in the second truck. They're coming out now, no weapons!" The rear doors of the second truck opened cautiously. Sarah emerged first, her designer athletic wear incongruous against the tension of the moment. Crystal followed, her beauty drawing Mike's attention momentarily before he caught himself and returned his focus to Andy. The two men walked toward each other, meeting roughly halfway between their vehicles. The late afternoon breeze carried the salt smell of the nearby bay, rustling through the wild grass growing between the highway directions. "I'm Andy Rhee," Andy offered, his posture relaxed but alert. "We're coming from Yosemite, heading to San Francisco. You?" "Gilroy," Mike replied, running a hand through his graying hair. "Been on the road since yesterday. My mother's up near Mount Shasta, finally got a message through on Beacon that she made it." He glanced at their trucks. "Any trouble on the roads?" Andy shook his head. "We've been checking Beacon for updates about blocked sections. Had to detour around a big pileup between exits 234 and 236, and there was another rough stretch near the 99-120 interchange, but otherwise it's been quiet. You?" "Seen a few other people on the move," Mike said. "Most heading either to San Jose State or the Presidio. Stopped at SJSU myself, they gave me some medical supplies, antibiotics." He patted the bag at his hip. "What's the situation like at San Jose State?" Andy asked. Mike shrugged, his expression uncertain. "Pretty loose organization, if you can call it that. There's a professor trying to coordinate things, but;" He paused, searching for words. "Nobody's really in charge. Most folks are just passing through, or locals coming out of their homes to get supplies when they need to. Everyone's still pretty shell-shocked, you know? Scared. Confused about what to do next." "I see," Andy nodded. "You need any supplies? We've got two full trucks here." "Thanks, but I'm good," Mike replied. "Stopped at a Walmart on the way up, loaded up pretty good. What's your plan?" he asked. "We're heading to the Presidio to check things out, probably look to settle there," Andy replied. He explained the logic that made San Francisco an ideal place to settle. Mike nodded thoughtfully. "I've been debating between heading there myself or maybe taking over a farm somewhere. My dad was a farmer, I grew up on a ranch, so I know the basics at least." "If you're thinking farming, the San Joaquin delta would be your best bet," Andy suggested. "Close enough to the Bay to stay connected, and the river means you won't need complex irrigation systems." He paused. "Though once people get more organized, there might be competition for that land." "Makes sense," Mike said, considering. "Hey, we should share Beacon handles, keep each other updated on how things are going." "Good idea," Andy agreed. They quickly exchanged their information. "Alright then. Good luck," Mike said with a final nod. "You too," Andy replied, turning back toward his truck. They watched Mike's truck shrink into the distance before Andy walked back to where the others waited. The late afternoon sun cast their shadows long across the asphalt as he summarized the encounter. "He's heading up to Mount Shasta, his mom survived, managed to get a message to him," Andy explained. He saw the brief flickers of pain cross their faces at the mention of family, each of them carrying their own weight of loss. Sarah's hand moved unconsciously to the delicate necklace she wore. Daniela's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, while Crystal wrapped her arms around herself, as if suddenly cold. "He stopped at San Jose State," Andy continued quickly, pushing past the moment. "Says there's some professor trying to coordinate things, but it's pretty disorganized. Mostly just people passing through, getting supplies when they need them." "God, I was so scared when he first stopped," Crystal admitted, her voice still slightly shaky. "But he seemed nice! I hope he finds his mom." She brightened slightly. "It's kind of encouraging, right? Making new friends already?" "We're getting close to Oakland now," Andy said, his tone growing more serious. "This will be the most populated area we've been through. We should pull off somewhere, check Beacon for updates." He glanced at their loaded trucks. "And we need to cover those beds with tarps, don't want to advertise how much supplies we're carrying." Daniela was already moving toward the trucks. "There's an exit about a quarter mile ahead," she said, consulting their marked-up atlas. "Looks like it leads to some kind of business park. Should be good cover, and easy access back to the highway." The Business Park. The business park was quiet, its empty parking lot offering a clear view of the approach. Sarah and Crystal worked on setting up the Starlink array while Andy and Daniela methodically secured heavy tarps over the truck beds, their practiced movements suggesting they'd done this before. "I've been thinking about where to set up initially," Andy said, pulling the tarp tight before securing another tie-down. "There's a Korean consulate building in Presidio Heights I've visited before. It would make a good temporary base." Daniela paused in her work, considering. "Security features?" "Yeah, it's built for diplomatic security," Andy confirmed, testing the tarp's tension. "Reinforced doors, security windows, probably some basic defensive architecture. It's in a quiet residential area, but walking distance from the Presidio." He moved to secure another corner. "Plus it's designed to be relatively self-contained, might have backup generators, water storage." "Got signal," Sarah called from where she knelt by the array, her designer leggings collecting dust from the pavement. Crystal leaned over her shoulder, their phones illuminating their faces as they scrolled through Beacon updates. "The building, is it big enough for all of us?" Daniela asked practically, her young voice carrying that familiar tactical edge. "Three stories, if I recall correctly, and lots of office space we can convert," Andy replied. "And importantly, it's far enough from Downtown that we'll be far from the chaos there, and we won't be right in the middle of whatever organization efforts are happening at the Presidio, but close enough to stay connected." Crystal fidgeted with the hem of her silk blouse. "About that;" she began softly. "I was wondering if; if maybe I could stay with you all?" Her blue eyes flickered between them, settling briefly on Andy before dropping to the ground. "I know I'd be another mouth to feed, and I'm not exactly survival-trained, but I could help out. I could handle the cooking, cleaning, keep watch at night;" She trailed off, her offer hanging in the air. Sarah and Daniela both turned to Andy, waiting for his response. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the parking lot as he made a show of considering the request, though his mind was already made up. "We packed about three months of food for the three of us," he said thoughtfully, watching Crystal's face fall slightly before continuing. "But getting more shouldn't be too hard at this point. There are probably plenty of places we can scavenge from once we're in the city." He adjusted the tarp's final tie-down. "As long as you're willing to help with some scavenging runs, which we should do anyway to build up our supplies, it should work out fine. I can go with you, show you the ropes." Daniela's face brightened with obvious approval, while Sarah maintained a carefully neutral expression, offering a small nod of agreement. Crystal's relief was palpable, her usual poise returning as she straightened up. "Thank you," she said softly. "I promise I'll pull my weight." Arriving at the consulate. Andy and Sarah. Day 7, Late Afternoon The late afternoon shadows stretched across the quiet streets of Presidio Heights as their little convoy approached the Korean consulate. The building stood stolid and official-looking among the surrounding residences, its windows dark but intact. As they drove through the SF neighborhoods, they'd seen scattered survivors, mostly women. Most kept their distance, watching the trucks pass with wary curiosity before returning to whatever tasks occupied them in this new world. Andy pulled up to the front of the consulate, studying the building's facade. The American and Korean flags still hung limply from their poles. The front entrance featured heavy double doors with reinforced glass flanked by simple columns and dotted with CCTV equipment, now nonfunctional. "Stay in the trucks," Andy instructed over the radio. "Daniela and I will check the entrance first." They approached the front doors cautiously, Daniela's hand resting near her holstered Glock. Andy tried the handle, locked, as expected. He knocked firmly, the sound echoing through the empty building. "I don't see any signs of forced entry," Daniela observed, examining the door frame. "Any electronic security would be disabled when the power went out. Probably a pretty heavy deadbolt though." Andy nodded. "Let's try the back. No point destroying the front entrance if we don't have to." He keyed his radio: "We're going to check the rear access." The fence around the property's perimeter was tall but manageable. Andy went first, scaling it smoothly before dropping to the other side. Daniela followed with the grace of someone who'd trained for exactly this kind of situation, her feet barely making a sound as she landed. The back door was similarly secure, but its handle was less robust than the front entrance. Andy retrieved the fire axe from his pack, testing its weight before taking a controlled swing at the handle mechanism. The sound of splintering metal seemed impossibly loud in the quiet neighborhood. Two more precise strikes, and the handle fell away entirely. A careful push revealed an empty hallway beyond. Andy did a quick sweep before returning to the door. "Clear," he called softly. "We'll open the garage from inside." He radioed. "Gimme a sec." Minutes later, Andy and Daniela manually hauled the heavy garage door upward, revealing a spacious underground parking area. Sarah and Crystal guided the trucks inside, the engines' echoes filling the concrete space before falling silent. As the door lowered behind them, sealing them into their new sanctuary, Crystal's voice carried a mix of relief and uncertainty. "Home sweet home?" After securing the trucks, Andy pulled one of the Glock 19s from their equipment and checked the magazine. "We should clear the building together," he said, tucking a couple of flashbangs into his tactical vest. "No splitting up." Daniela nodded, already holding her father's Mossberg with practiced ease. "Standard sweep pattern?" "Sure. Let's trade" he said, handing her the pistol and flashlight. "I'll take point." The basement level revealed its first surprise in a mechanical room, a commercial-grade backup generator system connected to substantial fuel storage. Daniela examined the setup with interest, her usually sober expression breaking into a rare smile. "Looks like there's about three hundred hours of runtime with the current fuel," she calculated, sweeping her flashlight across the gauge. "If we're careful about power usage, could stretch that a while." "That would be amazing." Sarah breathed, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah, let's leave it off for now though." said Andy. Adjacent to the generator room, they discovered a significant water storage system and septic setup. "Diplomatic buildings always plan for siege scenarios," Andy explained, his own relief evident in his voice. "Four, maybe five months of water," Daniela estimated. "If we're careful." "Gosh" Crystal whispered, touching one of the tanks, almost reverently. "I never thought I'd be so happy to see plumbing equipment." "Me neither" said Sarah. "I need a shower so bad." They continued their sweep, finding a heavy steel door marked 'Security' that refused to budge. "Probably need specialized tools for that one," Andy noted, making a mental note to return later. The next door revealed a surprisingly well-equipped gym, free weights, cardio machines, and resistance training equipment. Sarah's eyes lit up immediately. "Oh thank god," she breathed, running her hand along a rowing machine. "I was terrified of losing this." She gestured winsomely at her meticulously crafted curves. "Do you know how many years it took to get my body like this?" Crystal watched her uncertainly. "You're worried about that? I'm barely holding it together right now, I couldn't imagine making myself more tired and exhausted on purpose." "I'd literally rather die than lose this body," Sarah replied firmly, her hand trailing along her flat, gently muscled abs. The seriousness in her voice made it impossible to tell if she was exaggerating. Andy watched this exchange with raised eyebrows, then noticed something else. "There's a sauna in here too," he noted, pleased. "Would be a real luxury to turn on some day." The main floor revealed a layout typical of diplomatic buildings, a reception area leading to various offices, with a modest break room and a more formal dining space clearly meant for official functions. The kitchen behind it was industrial-grade, though smaller than what you'd find in a restaurant. The second floor held more offices, their doors standing open to reveal desks still covered in papers and family photos, frozen in time. To be continued. Based on a post by the hospital, for Literotica.

Jared, Flynn, and Ozz meet up after class and discuss, among other things, their history with the Geissele Super Duty and their experience running them.Check out our website for more info and to register for classeswww.lodestonetac.comContact us at info@lodestonetac.comFollow us on FacebookLodestone Training and ConsultingInstagram@lodestonetrainingandconsultingYouTube@lodestonetrainingandconsultingFollow our instructors on InstagramJared - @ltac_zuluFlynn - @sek_ltac'Light' Chris - @ltac_whiskeyAbby - @ltac_sixKirk - @ltac_basilOzz - @ltac_ozzMicah - @ltac_micahMike - @bluemountainbushcraft

The top 10 most stolen vehicles list for the first half of 2025 is out — find out which models made the list, plus a rising chip shortage tied to geopolitical disputes and supply disruptions that could affect automakers. We cover GM's split with Allison transmissions, Ted Ryan from The Ford Heritage Vault explains Ford's new Mustang Immersive experience, and Mike gives practical truck reviews: a hands‑on look at the Ram 2500 Rebel and the Ford F‑250 Super Duty, including towing and payload tips. Hosted by Mike Herzing with Paul Bertuccini filling in for new dad Jeremy Birenbaum, the episode mixes automotive news, interviews, reviews, and classic car coverage.

A vinyl roof once meant instant glamour. We open with the style story that turned sedans into showroom stars, tracing how factory-installed tops promised convertible vibes without the compromise. From luxury badges to muscle icons, the trend peaked with opera windows and bold textures, then collided with reality—moisture trapped under fabric, hidden rust, and a slow retreat from the option sheets by the 1990s.Then the conversation downshifts into the shadows: the machines that were too rare, too radical, or too rule-breaking to live a normal life. We unpack the near-mythic 1969 Corvette ZL1 with its all-aluminum 427, Ford's aero-slick Torino King Cobra stopped by a NASCAR rule change, and Pontiac's full-size Catalina 2+2 eclipsed by the GTO spotlight. Alongside them sit the AMC Matador Machine that marketing wouldn't bless and a ghostly Ford Fairlane prototype that left almost no trace beyond rumors and a few photos.We close under the hood with Pontiac's experimental Super Duty 455 aluminum blocks—lighter, hotter, and nearly impossible to cool with the era's hardware. It's a tour of ambition meeting constraints: fashion versus longevity in vinyl roofs, engineering prowess versus budgets and rulebooks in outlaw muscle. If you love automotive history, restoration challenges, and the legends that almost made it, this ride is for you. Subscribe for more deep dives, share with a fellow gearhead, and tell us: which lost car would you bring back and why?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com

This week, Coleman-Mach has announced a new variable-speed RV air conditioner, Suburban and AquaHot have new RV heaters, Ford recalls hundreds of thousands of Super Duty trucks and becomes the recall leader, and new special edition packages from  @Leisurevans  and  @CoachmenRVs    Get 25% Off RV Life Pro here: https://my.rvlife.com/bill/signup/3?s=rvtw&coupon=QE7KAHVF3E Get free shipping on orders over $99 at Etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001 Get your first month of Mile Marker Membership FREE at https://rvmiles.memberful.com/checkout?plan=96363 with code RVMILES.  Subscribe to the RV Miles Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/RVMilesPodcast.  ****************************** Connect with RV Miles:  RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles RV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1171: Ford scrambles after a supplier fire halts SUV production, Rivian doubles down on AI instead of Apple CarPlay, and young people rediscover the joy of “hanging up”... literallyFord is pausing production for several key vehicles, including the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and F-150 Lightning, after a massive fire shut down operations at its main aluminum supplier, Novelis. Novelis' upstate New York facility is responsible for 40% of U.S. aluminum sheet supply, and the fire will keep it offline until early 2026.Ford will halt output at five plants, including the Kentucky Truck Plant, where the Expedition and Navigator are built.Ford pulled forward downtime originally scheduled for late 2025 to manage the shortage.F-150 and Super Duty production continue, but analysts say Ford could lose up to $1 billion in profits if supply tightens.“They're focusing all their energy on making sure all their F-150s get built,” said Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions.Rivian is betting its future on in-car AI, aiming to create a seamless, branded ecosystem that integrates your favorite apps, without handing the keys (or the data) over to Apple.CEO RJ Scaringe says the goal is to “hold the glue” between apps like Spotify, Google Maps, and Apple Music as AI becomes central to the in-car experience.Automakers fear platforms like Apple's CarPlay could harvest vehicle data and weaken brand identity.Rivian's approach mirrors moves by other automakers who want to control software updates and user interfaces directly.“Customers will appreciate a seamless digital experience... not needing to jump between CarPlay and what we create as a Rivian environment,” said Scaringe.Call it the “landline revival.” Gen Z and millennials are rebelling against endless screen time, choosing intentional connection and analog simplicity over constant notifications and algorithm-driven distraction.Over 40% of U.S. adults — and 62% under 30 — say they're on their phones almost constantly, according to Pew Research.Tiffany Ng, a NYC writer, chained her iPhone using a belt for a week, describing it as “reentering real life.”Others, like Catherine Goetze, are modernizing the landline — selling Bluetooth-connected rotary phones under her brand Physical Phones, generating $118K in pre-sales.“It's not realistic to throw your smartphone into a river,” Goetze said. “But you can regain some level of balance and intentionality.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:35 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar on How and When To Move Used Vehicles2:30 Q4 Strategy Sessions NEXT WEEK3:54 Ford Pauses Production Due To Aluminum Supplier Fire7:08 Why Rivian Isn't Integrating Apple CarplJoin 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/

Mitch from Wandering Aus jumps on to the podcast to talk about the new Ford Ranger Super Duty and the place that it has in the current 4WD market, the legacy of his grandfather, Len Beadell, & the Anne Beadell Highway.Music by The Southern River Band.Tyrepower powering the podcast!Tough Dog Making Tracks Across the World!Autoline is a trusted supplier of 4WD and light vehicle parts to the mining, mechanical maintenance, civil, and hire industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Roush Jr. joins the show to talk about all things Roush, including his famous father, chasing down his own roads outside of the family business, racing, insights into Roush, and of course the latest Roush products. Holman also reveals what's in his driveway. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag.

Brit Mansell, owner and chief innovator of American Adventure Lab, joins Holman in the Pod Shed for a wide ranging discussion about business, the industry, and what should be done to improve Holman's new Wrangler 392. Holman also apologizes to Canada. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag.  

Get a great deal on home solar (or add a quality battery to your existing setup): https://autoexpert.com.au/solarSave thousands on a new car: https://autoexpert.com.au/contactIn this video I answer the following viewer question on heavy towing:Forgive me if I've contacted you the wrong way about this, but I watched your YouTube vid on the Ford Ranger Super Duty and really appreciated your honest approach and obvious expertise. I thought the Super Duty was going to be the answer to my Towing Weight dreams, :) but that is the context of my question really..... I just want a solid answer to the below (rather than dubious answers (ie opinons) from Facebook warriors who don't really KNOW what they're talking about.My question - If the manufacturer confirms a van towball weight of 170kg at a TARE of 2600kg, could it be considered generally safe to tow the vehicle loaded to its ATM of 3300kg, with the towball weight still at 170kg (ie the extra weight evenly distributed across the vans axles)I just want to be clear as Ive seen so many people say Towball mass rule of thumb is 10% of ATM, but of course that (330kg) starts eating into our Disco 4 payload Big Time.......My guess is the answer to the questions is "Yes". But as I said, I really appreciated your honest view and use of the actual physics that determine towing characteristics.Thanks in advance for your help and keep up the good work!

Jeep click bait, Hemis now available, return of Ford Racing, Hennessey 700hp Ram RHO, future Ford Super Duty, Nissan Armada pricing, write off the interest on your new truck, and more recalls. The Truck Show Podcast is brought to you in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag.

Ford Super Duty le Plus CHER ! COMBIEN ÇA COÛTE ? TORQ - Épisode 439Jusqu'où peut monter le prix d'un Ford Super Duty ? Dans cet épisode, Jul Torq se penche sur la question que tout le monde se pose : combien coûte le Ford Super Duty le plus cher disponible sur le marché, notamment ici au Québec et au Canada ?

In this episode, Chad sits down with Francis Hopping from Corning Ford, and they get into one thing we all care about...Trucks. From engine packages to suspensions, towing setups to tech features, they break down what really matters when you're buying your next rig and why Corning Ford is the #1 Super Duty dealer in the country. If you've ever wondered which truck fits your lifestyle, this one will help you dial it in. But it's not all specs and horsepower. Chad and Francis talk DEF, road trips, life, golf, fishing, and everything in between. This episode's all about what makes the Corning Ford family something we're proud to be a part of. If you love trucks and good conversation, you'll be all in on this one. This episode is brought to you by Corning Ford, LEER Truck Toppers, Mickey Thomoson Tires and Wheels, RIGID Industries LED, BedSlide, Bodyguard Bumpers, California Waterfowl Association, And, Oakley Sunglasses.

Bit late to the party but with the new Ford Ranger Super Duty pricing being released we thought we should have a look at it and see what the go is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Return of the Hemi, Ram goes racing, Ford F-150 Lobo, Super Duty changes, Braptor gets more affordable, Stroppe Bronco is special, Cummins recall, cool patents. The Truck Show Podcast brought to you by AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, UEM Pistons, and OVR Mag.

The Ford Ranger Super Duty is currently a fairy tale. Ford's PR team - doing what it does best: Selectively representing the truth about the Ranger Super Duty to the most domesticated car reviewers on the planet.The ones too timid, or otherwise incentivised not to ask any hard questions. Perhaps they just don't know what to ask. In any case, the official Ford-sanctioned reports so far are just a suck.Ranger Super Duty is going to be OK - too expensive, but OK. Meaning, not nearly as good at towing or load carrying as you've been led to believe. At this point, that's pretty obvious.I'm going to break that down for you, in this video, using (you know) facts.If you're thinking about buying a Super Duty Ranger, this report covers what you need to know. From someone who's not afraid to do ghetto engineering and actual journalism.

Is the Ford Ranger Super Duty going to take over from the 79 Series LandCruiser as the go to car? Ronny's off in the Pilbara and we catch up with him to see how he's going!Music by The Southern River Band.Tyrepower powering the podcast!Tough Dog Making Tracks Across the World!EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/4wd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're not convinced either way, but let us know what you think! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ford's new Super Duty, Ramcharger to Australia?, Tesla extended battery news, Kia pickup in the US, Mack Pioneer, GM Futureliner, BAT Ram, 2025 Q1 sales. The Truck Show Podcast brought to you by AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, Nissan, UEM Pistons, and OVR Mag.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1008: Cars Commerce drops a no-nonsense playbook for dealers while Ford rolls out employee pricing for all as tariffs loom large. Meanwhile, Tesla's Q1 delivery miss raises red flags far beyond a Model Y changeover. Show Notes with links:In a sweeping trade policy shift, Donald Trump announced a baseline 10% tariff on all imports; plus an additional 10–50% "reciprocal" tariff targets 60 nations with major U.S. trade deficits.Auto imports already under last week's 25% tariff won't face increases and Mexico and Canada are exempt—if goods comply with the 2020 USMCA terms.Brian Kramer of Cars Commerce released a Tariff Playbook to help dealers navigate the changes. Here's some of the highlights:Consumers are rushing to buy and scrutinizing where vehicles are built—use the Cars.com American-Made Index to guide inventory and messaging.EVs could see a short-term slump; hybrids and full-size trucks may surge. Align your lot accordingly.Six actionable strategies: reduce auction dependency, boost service-lane sourcing, go data-driven, ditch 45-day-old metrics, market American-made units, and build an offense-focused plan.“You won't lose profit because the market adjusted. You will lose profit because your process didn't,”Ford is throwing open the gates to its employee discount program, offering deep savings to all customers through June 2 as a preemptive strike against rising costs from newly announced import tariffs.The “From America, For America” campaign unlocks A Plan pricing—typically below dealer invoice—on most Ford and Lincoln models, with high-performance Raptors, new Expeditions, Super Duty trucks, and Lincoln Navigators being excluded.Discounts stack with other deals, including extended free EV charger installation now running through June 30.The announcement came just hours after President Trump enacted 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, which could significantly increase consumer prices.Ford's imported models include the Maverick, Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach-E (from Mexico), and Lincoln Nautilus (from China). “It's a way to give back to the communities that have supported us for generations,” said Rob Kaffl, Ford's U.S. sales director, adding the move brings “certainty to an uncertain situation.”Tesla's Q1 2025 delivery numbers are in—and they've landed with a thud. The EV giant delivered 336,681 vehicles, missing expectations by up to 55,000 units and raising tough questions about demand.Deliveries fell 13% year-over-year and a sharp 32% from Q4 2024.Tesla cited Model Y factory changeovers as a factor, but analysts see deeper demand issues—especially in the U.S.Model 3 sales in Europe dropped 30% in early 2025, despite not facing supply issues.“The ramp of the New Model Y contiJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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/

Sean brings some automotive news, from Cadillac and Kia, we forget to do an intro, and what is the ideal first car in these price ranges?

In this week's truck news recap, Publisher Tim Esterdahl is talking about the most reliable truck, Ford EREV and the Right to Repair lawsuit update amongst other things.Check out our Forum: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/Support the show

Shoot us a Text.We're excited to get into this Wednesday with guest host Elena Ciccotelli of the EVs for Everyone podcast. Today, we're covering Toyota's battery investment in the US and China, the future of GM's Cruise robotaxi program and how Ford is planning on integrating EVs with a gas-powered generator for extra range.Toyota is accelerating its electrification strategy in both the U.S. and China with a significant investment in battery production and a focus on hybrid vehicles.Toyota will begin producing batteries at its new North Carolina factory in April, initially for hybrid vehicles, before expanding to full EV production.The Liberty, N.C., plant will start with three battery lines for hybrids, adding a fourth soon after. By 2030, it aims for 30 GWh capacity.Toyota is launching a wholly-owned subsidiary in China to build Lexus EVs, with a Shanghai plant capable of producing 100,000 vehicles per year starting in 2027.Toyota CFO Yoichi Miyazaki emphasized the importance of hybrid vehicles, stating, “Demand for hybrid vehicles is quite strong in the United States… We will solidify our production by producing batteries for hybrid first.”The company is keeping a cautious eye on potential new tariffs from President Donald Trump, preparing by focusing on shorter product lead times and flexible strategies.Nearly 2 months after announcing they would no longer fund autonomous vehicle subsidiary Cruise, GM is officially shutting down its robotaxi operations, leading to mass layoffs including CEO Marc Whitten and several top executives.The layoffs impact nearly half of Cruise's 2,100 employees, with affected staff receiving severance and benefits through April and LinkedIn Premium for a year to assist with the job search.GM has now fully absorbed Cruise, ending its robotaxi ambitions to focus on its hands-free driving system, Super Cruise, and future autonomous consumer vehicles.The shutdown follows an October 2023 safety scandal where a Cruise robotaxi ran over and dragged a pedestrian, leading to permit suspensions in California.Cruise had been working on safety upgrades, including "Project Rhino," a sensor system aimed at preventing incidents like the 2023 crash.Ford is betting on Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs)—EVs with a gas-powered generator for extra range. This move aligns with Ford's focus on meeting consumer demand for EV efficiency without sacrificing range.Ford's EREV models will include Super Duty trucks, the F-150, Expedition, Explorer, Bronco, and Maverick.CEO Jim Farley was reportedly impressed by the success of EREVs in China and sees them as an affordable, practical alternative to full EVs.Ford expects the EREV versions within two years, but also expect confusion as dealers and buyers adjust to yet another drivetrain option.Finally, our editor friends at Cars.com released their ‘best of 2025” awards today and since we're talking EVs, let's talk about the 2025 Kia EV9Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

In this week's roundup, Jason covers the establishment of two new national monuments in California, and recent news from the truck world including new features of the 2025 RAM heavy-duty trucks. Idaho has a new reservation system, and layoffs have hit outdoor retailer REI. Get 25% Off RV Life Pro here: https://my.rvlife.com/bill/signup/3?s=rvtw&coupon=QE7KAHVF3E The Explore Act video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDtDALca6hE&t=2s Get your one-month free Mile Marker Membership at https://rvmiles.memberful.com/checkout?plan=96363 with code RVMILES.  Subscribe to the RV Miles Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/RVMilesPodcast.  ****************************** Connect with RV Miles:  RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles RV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers 00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Schedule 00:39 National Park News 01:37 New National Monuments 02:43 California Weather Impact 03:20 Sponsor Message: RV Life 04:11 Truck News: Ram and Ford Updates 06:36 Camping World Flag Controversy 07:05 Idaho Campsite Reservation System 07:48 REI Cuts Outdoor Programs 08:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

For the first show of 2025, Jill and Tom opened the conversation discussing a few news item, including a New York City plan to curb midday traffic by instituting a “congestion fee” toll on drivers entering parts of Manhattan. The hosts also discussed Tesla 2024 global sales—which were down—and the demise of a diesel option in General Motor's half-ton trucks and SUVs. Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom reviewed the completely redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Mike Quincy to the show. Mike shared news from the outlet's new brand-reliability study. News: Neither Toyota nor Lexus is in the top spot this year. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's “Which is Longer?” quiz. Jill wrapped up the show discussing Ford's “COVID Recall,” affecting Super-Duty trucks outfitted with the maker's Power Stroke diesel engine. Tom also ran down the dates of upcoming auto shows. Business is Fcking HardBusiness owners share their business journey, and the lessons learned along the way.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Has anyone heard of the new super duty ute Ford are releasing in 2026? Music by The Southern River Band. Tyrepower powering the podcast, go check out your local Tyrepower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ultimate 4WD this week is a car that most wouldn't think of or consider. Duggo finds 3 cars for his CarSales segment and we look at the new 2024 Toyota Hilux Surf and the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty.Music by The Southern River Band. Tyrepower powering the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Mrzlak, Director of Operations Support for Team Rubicon joins the guys to talk about how they use the latest truck technology to assist their volunteers responding to disasters. Holman gives an update on his used truck search and the guys tease what they will be up to at SEMA this week. The Truck Show Podcast is proudly presented by Nissan in association with Banks Power, AMSOIL, and EGR USA.

If you want Video of this episode, please go to youtube, i could not get this to load Our new Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/Shootin_The_Shit/s/44jMexiCSH Hoodlum_Actual IG: https://instagram.com/hoodlum_actual?igshid=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg== Other IG: https://www.instagram.com/sts_hoodlum_actual?igsh=aGo0cGZwMWRvdnps ———————————————————- Adam's post nuke NEW IG: https://www.instagram.com/slvrtacofrommi?igsh=MXE0Y3k2bXNzNndrNA== Other IG: https://www.instagram.com/sts.adam?igsh=MW1tazVhZTZtMnlmNA== ———————————————————- Its.Millar.Time IG: https://instagram.com/its.millar.time?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA== Other IG: https://www.instagram.com/sts.millar?igsh=aHJheHYwcWVhdDZw Chris IG: https://www.instagram.com/sts.chris1?igsh=aWUzbTk4Z2g3b2pp —————————————————————- ——————————————————————- All affiliate links for the podcast below: Use code BOP10 for save 10% off 150 or more. Some exclusions apply —————————————————————- Badlands Ammo: use code 110Sass for a 10% discount Not an affiliate but been good ammo so far: https://badlandsmunitionsco.com/product-category/ammo/ —————————————————————- Geissele URGI 14.5: https://alnk.to/6IFLXv4 —————————————————————— Geissele Super Duty Uopers: https://alnk.to/3nhpUT3 —————————————————————— Brownells Glock Slides (new version): https://alnk.to/31rTXhD —————————————————————— Aimpoint Duty RDS for $469: https://alnk.to/1XXm4pq —————————————————————— Radian Ramjet P365: https://alnk.to/bitw3Fp —————————————————————— PRI MK12 Mod 0: https://alnk.to/7MajQqL —————————————————————— DD 16 inch Light weight upper: https://alnk.to/fHmpZ9x —————————————————————— KAK Complete 16in upper $399: https://alnk.to/7BfyRE9 —————————————————————— Brownells BRN-180 13.9/14.5: https://alnk.to/bPdKpfu —————————————————————— Brownells BRN-4 Upper complete $990: https://alnk.to/5ugt5Tm —————————————————————— DD 11.5 complete upper: https://alnk.to/bPdKphT —————————————————————— Zaffiri Glock 17 (Stripped)RMR cut slide: https://alnk.to/4qLVdaJ —————————————————————— Zaffiri Glock 19 RMR slide(stripped): https://alnk.to/3cmCltj —————————————————————— Zaffiri Complete Glock 17 Slide: https://alnk.to/58qX8tE —————————————————————— Zaffiri Complete Glock 19 slide: https://alnk.to/c08voiS —————————————————————— Vortex UH-1 Gen 2: https://alnk.to/2jMPrtj —————————————————————— LMT Mars H stripped lower: https://alnk.to/610K5R6 —————————————————————— S&B 1000 round case of 115gr 9mm for $229: https://alnk.to/aeYVDsE —————————————————————— Mag tech 124gr 9mm 1000 round case $239: https://alnk.to/4qLVgyJ —————————————————————— Mag tech Steel case 9mm 1000 round case for $206: https://alnk.to/fHmq2N5 —————————————————————— Speer Gold Dot G2 200 round case for $267: https://alnk.to/87ZPRJJ —————————————————————— https://linktr.ee/Hoodlums_Gun_Bench Content not for children. Mystery link you didn't know you needed: https://alnk.to/2uHAtIT

Nissan Z Warrior, existential threats, Ranger PHEVs, Super Duty range extending V-8, simplified Land Cruiser, Toyota trans issues, taillight theft prevention, Chevy drops Colorado engine, INEO supply chain, EV deals, and Cummins opposing piston engine. The Truck Show Podcast is proudly presented by Nissan in association with Banks Power, AMSOIL, and EGR USA.

Power Hungry Performance joins us today to talk 7.3L Powerstroke tuning! We go over OBS and Super Duty options, tuning tips, efficiency, fuel economy, and tons more! They also tell us about their recent 7.3 event and how 2025 will have a day open to the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have You Heard? It looks like a Super Duty hybrid is on the way, 3.0L Duramax failure, Rivian says “no” to popular feature, Ram recall, Ram settlement, '25 Nissan Frontier spotted, weird Ford Lightning spotted, and the Truckhouse carbon fiber camper is real. The Truck Show Podcast is proudly presented by Nissan in association with Banks Power, AMSOIL, and EGR USA.

The new interim director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service authored a report maligning concerns about gender ideology as a domestic security threat. Plus, Ford plans to build large Super Duty trucks at an Ontario production plant it had originally intended to use for electric vehicles. And Elections Canada wants to change rules for the political nomination process in the wake of foreign interference, including measures to bar non-citizens from voting in party candidate nominations. Tune into The Daily Brief with Lindsay Shepherd and Isaac Lamoureux! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shoot us a Text.As another week comes to a close, we're grateful for the auto industry. Today we're covering how inflation is affecting repos, how demand is affecting Ford's production plans and how iPhones and Androids might finally get along.Show Notes with linksAuto repossessions are up 23% in the first half of 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and indicating financial stress among consumers as interest rates and inflation strain household budgets.Vehicle seizures decreased during the pandemic due to leniency and stimulus checks, but have now surged back, with repos increasing 14% compared to 2019.Subprime auto borrowers are struggling, with 5.62% at least 60 days late on payments in June.Average interest rates: 7.3% for new cars, 11.5% for used cars; monthly payments average $739 for new and $549 for used, according to EdmundsRelief might come later this year, with some anticipating the Fed lowering interest rates in September, allowing the opportunity for refinancing and new buyers.Jeremy Robb, senior director of economic and industry insights at Cox Automotive summed it up: “I think a lot of consumers are really waiting to see if interest rates come down a little. That's kept a lot of people on the sidelines.” Ford Motor Company again has slowed down its EV plans, repurposing its Canadian Oakville Assembly plant to build larger gasoline-powered F-Series trucks, delaying the launch of three-row electric SUVs.The Oakville facility will now add capacity for 100,000 F-Series Super Duty trucks.“Super Duty is a vital tool for businesses and people around the world, and, even with our Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant running flat out, we can't meet the demand,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley.Ford lost nearly $4.7 billion on its EV business in 2023, with projected losses up to $5.5 billion this year.The company plans to invest about $3 billion to expand Super Duty production, securing 1,800 jobs at Oakville and adding about 220 jobs at engine and component plants.Apple's iOS 18 finally brings RCS support to iPhones, significantly improving messaging between iPhone and Android users. Photos are now high-resolution, ending the era of blurry, tiny images.iOS 18, currently in Beta but available on iPhone, includes homescreen customization, Siri improvements, and revamped Photos app.Apple added RCS (Rich Communication Services) support as a minor feature,  this comes after years of Apple refusing to bow to pressure to adopt the messaging standard.RCS improves messaging with features like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-res media.The green bubble persists with Android users, and Apple's RCS implementation lacks encryption.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

- Trump to UAW's Fain You're Fired! - Trump Welcomes Chinese Auto Plants in U.S. - Ford Axes EVs, Adds Super Duty to Oakwood Assembly - GM Sinking Fast in China - Is China's Price War Ending? - Tesla Sales Drop in California… - …And Across the U.S. - Many Chinese Don't Like Robotaxis - VI-Grade Unveils Virtual Proving Ground  - New Land Cruiser Debuts in China as The Prado

- Trump to UAW's Fain You're Fired! - Trump Welcomes Chinese Auto Plants in U.S. - Ford Axes EVs, Adds Super Duty to Oakwood Assembly - GM Sinking Fast in China - Is China's Price War Ending? - Tesla Sales Drop in California… - …And Across the U.S. - Many Chinese Don't Like Robotaxis - VI-Grade Unveils Virtual Proving Ground  - New Land Cruiser Debuts in China as The Prado

Minister of Labour and Liberal MP Seamus O'Regan confirmed his resignation and that he will not seek re-election in the next federal election in a statement on Thursday. Plus, Ford Canada is reversing course and plans on using an Ontario facility originally designated for EVs to produce Super Duty trucks. And the Liberal cabinet is said to be holding a virtual meeting to discuss “appointments” on Friday, leading some to speculate if the prime minister is considering another cabinet shuffle. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and William McBeath! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored and reported by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger.

July 18, 2024 | EV sales grow despite Tesla drop; Ford moves Super Duty production to Canada by Automotive News

Hoy, Eugenio Gavibay y Miguel Muñoz discuten los últimos reportes financieros de varias compañías destacadas en su podcast. Analizan el notable aumento de beneficios de United Airlines, impulsado por la fuerte demanda de viajes internacionales, aunque su previsión para el tercer trimestre es menos optimista debido a la sobrecapacidad del mercado. También se menciona a Ford y su inversión de $3 mil millones para ampliar la producción de camiones Super Duty en Canadá, desviándose de sus planes iniciales de un centro para vehículos eléctricos. Además, se destaca a Volvo Cars, que reportó un beneficio operativo récord en el segundo trimestre gracias al aumento en las ventas de vehículos híbridos y eléctricos. Estos temas y más se abordan en detalle en el episodio de hoy, brindando una visión completa de las últimas noticias financieras y su impacto en la industria.

One of the fastest growing segments in diesel is creating a capable overlanding truck. When did the trend really take off? How capable can these trucks be with suspension upgrades, lighting and cargo management? Justin from Alpine Diesel walks us through his Super Duty build and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have You Heard? On this week's short(er) episode, the guys interview longtime mini trucker Tim Gilbert about his slammed Ford 7.3L Godzilla-powered Alumiduty and his mini truckin' roots. The Truck Show Podcast is proudly presented by Nissan in association with Banks Power and AMSOIL.

The guys delve deeper into the IGLA product that saved Lightning's TRX from being stolen, a friend of the show makes big emissions-present power on a late-model Super Duty, and a listener solves our latest culinary mystery. The Truck Show Podcast is proudly presented by Nissan in association with Banks Power.

The towing and torque wars are here, and we're all in the trenches. Ford unleashed an updated PowerStroke diesel in 2020 and moved the production-grade heavy-duty diesel world into four figures worth of torque. Naturally, Ram punched back with a more potent Cummins that sent 1,075 lb-ft worth of torque to the driveline. Well, for '23 Ford stuffed a high-output version of its PowerStroke diesel under the hood of its revamped Super Duty trucks and pushed the torque figure to the moon. The star of the latest-generation Super Duty's show is that high-output, 6.7-liter PowerStroke V8 that sends 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission and to the rear or all four wheels. In a special configuration, this latest Super Duty rig packs enough muscle to tug 40,000 pounds. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek's executive editor Tom Murphy climbs behind the wheel of the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty and puts it through its paces. Murphy takes you on a guided tour of the F-250 Super Duty and highlights some of his favorite features. Later in the show, Murphy takes you along for a live drive review of this 1,200 lb-ft torque machine. Adding to those segments, Murphy chats with host Wesley Wren about the latest F-250, its engine, and more. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty special.

Does Blakley ever let Jonathan drive the Super Duty? What's the deal with Blood Flow Restriction bands and do I need them? I've plateaued after losing 25lbs... how can I get things moving again? Alkaline water... gimmick or the real deal? Do sets of 3x5 always have to be across at the same weight? What do you look for in a Coffice? We got some terrific questions this week! Thank you for those who submit. If you've got something on your mind you can always reach out at jonathan@digitalbarbell.com and we'll get you on the list! Free smoothie recipes - www.digitalbarbell.com/smoothie YOU WORK HARD, YOU DESERVE RESULTS Here at Digital Barbell We Help People Finally Look Like They Work Out We combine the best of Strength Training, Body Building and CrossFit to get you the BEST RESULTS OF YOUR LIFE!

On Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, Ford Motor Company announced its latest earnings. The company's CEO, Jim Farley, stated during the call, "Last year was a foundational year for our company. The impact of choices made regarding power and powertrains is evident, particularly for the F-Series. Our global hybrid sales increased 20% last year, and we project a further 40% increase this year. In the U.S., we're the number one and two best-selling hybrid trucks, with Maverick taking the lead, making us the third top hybrid brand behind Toyota and Honda." Farley also spotlighted the company's progress with their technology, mentioning, "BlueCruise has surpassed 150 million miles of hands-free use, with quarter-over-quarter growth up by 25%, and the gross margins for both BlueCruise and Ford Pro Intelligence are at 70%-plus." He acknowledged the firm's success in work vehicle production, specifically the new Super Duty, Transit, and Ranger models. In 2023, Ford saw an 11% rise in revenue, reaching an adjusted EBIT of $10.4 billion. The company also presented a healthy financial state with nearly $29 billion in cash reserves and over $46 billion in liquidity, demonstrating its resilience against potential market uncertainties. In 2023, the standout was the Ford Pro division, which includes both hardware and software services. It achieved a doubling of EBIT to $7 billion, attributed to steady demand, a desirable product mix, and a focus on profitability. Farley discussed the division's potential, saying, "This is a robust profitability; we've never had 20% attach rates, 0.5 million units of software with 50% margins. We are only just beginning to concentrate on Pro aftersales, where 20% of the profit is coming from attached services." The earnings call indicated a customer preference towards environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient options, as seen in the strong sales of Ford's hybrid vehicles. Consumer interest in advanced technology and digital connectivity in vehicles is also evident in the popularity of Ford's services such as BlueCruise and Ford Pro Intelligence. Although Ford did not reveal specific future plans or investments, its financial results confirmed the company's dedication to fiscal discipline, shareholder returns, quality improvements, and further development of the Ford Pro business segment. Ford is looking at profitability and cost reduction, with a particular interest in the electric vehicle sector. However, while the company appears to be heading in a positive direction, future prospects can only be ascertained through action and results. For more comprehensive details regarding Ford's strategic direction and future initiatives, refer to the full earnings call transcript or other public company materials. F Company info: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/F/profile For more PSFK research : www.psfk.com  This email has been published and shared for the purpose of business research and is not intended as investment advice.

We've been covering diesel for a long time and this is the first swap of its kind we've seen! Today's guest tells us about swapping a 7.3L Powerstroke and ZF-6 into his 2016 Super Duty. The focus was to make it look like a factory option. We review the truck, fitment, electronics, paint, and interior! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jump into a conversation with Matt Howell from Howell EFI and learn what goes into transforming vintage carbureted vehicles into reliable and enjoyable rigs with an electronic fuel injection conversion. The guys cover another light-duty diesel leaving the market and one outrunning the competition. Mother Nature also checks into the show. The Truck Show Podcast is proudly presented by Nissan, in association with Banks Power and SD Wheel.

Ben and Tyler discuss the most recent modifications on Ben's Super Duty.  America's Diesel Podcast is sponsored by F-Bomb Diesel Fuel Additive. Drop an F-Bomb on Bad Fuel Economy! Fuel Bomb's F-Bomb Diesel Fuel Additive is a unique proprietary blend of chemicals to help your diesel run better and cleaner. Learn more at https://fuelbomb.com/product/f-bomb/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben and Tyler build out a new 2023 Ram and Super Duty.  America's Diesel Podcast is sponsored by F-Bomb Diesel Fuel Additive. Drop an F-Bomb on Bad Fuel Economy! Fuel Bomb's F-Bomb Diesel Fuel Additive is a unique proprietary blend of chemicals to help your diesel run better and cleaner. Learn more at https://fuelbomb.com/product/f-bomb/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices