Podcasts about Volkswagen

This week we put one more piece together with the bakersfield crew V-Dubs LTD. October 1987 was the month the "Chamange Notch" graced the cover of VW Trends Magazine. It was a really cool notchback sitting on some cookie cutters with a 1904cc engine. Dave showed that car for a while until the fatal run with California Highway Patrol changed the future for that car. Some say the car ended up in Japan some say the car is here who really knows but it's a wild story. We talk about starting from the bottom as an employee at Barth parts. Being overlooked in the succession plan and as fate would have it, he finally ends up as the owner of Barth. It's a crazy story that could only be tied to the Volkswagen world. Barth parts are still the number one foreign auto parts place in all of Bakersfield. And the last one left as the economy changes and so much is gone on around the automotive parts business. Barth parts is still the place to go in Baker and Dave has got stories for days. This one's a great one.    www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com ICON Pistons

In Sauna Talk Episode 138, Glenn sits down with longtime friend and fellow "thermal soul brother" Jeff Pyzyk—a Wisconsin sauna enthusiast with more than two decades of experience and an estimated 3,500+ sauna sessions under his belt. Jeff shares how one lakeside sauna and a cold plunge in 1998 turned into a lifelong pursuit. From building his own saunas and experimenting with wood-fired heat to helping inspire the low-profile Kuma stove, Jeff has developed his perspective the old-fashioned way: through years of time on the bench. The conversation moves from good heat, löyly, rock mass, bench height, and cold plunging into some unexpected territory: pizza, espresso, vintage Volkswagens, and why hands-on experience matters more than internet theory. At the center of it all is Jeff's simple message to anyone suffering from sauna analysis paralysis: There is no perfect sauna. Build your damn sauna. Glenn and Jeff also talk Sauna Days, friendship, the growing North American sauna community, and that special moment a few rounds into a sauna session when the fire settles, the rocks are hot, and everything just clicks. This episode is sponsored by Sauna Build: From Start to Finish by Glenn Auerbach. If you've been thinking about building your own sauna, Glenn's book is a practical guide designed to help take you from idea to finished hot room. It draws on years of hands-on sauna building experience and covers the key decisions that matter most—from layout and bench design to heaters, ventilation, materials, and the details that help create good heat. Buy the physical book here. Buy the e-book here. For anyone feeling stuck in research mode, it pairs perfectly with Jeff's message in this episode: learn what matters, make a plan, and build your sauna.

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest news from Ford and 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.

In this August 2026 Mailbag, Jason and Jeff tackle listener questions on high-conviction stocks gone wrong, unpacking the deceleration and agency friction at The Trade Desk. They explore how co-host overlap can lead to borrowed conviction, discuss what to do when you feel "stuck" in a frothy market, and analyze QuantumScape's shift toward data center power storage and licensing partnerships with Honda and Volkswagen.  04:24 Trade Desk Conviction Lessons 14:01 Valuation Regret And CEO Signals 18:52 Portfolio Overlap And Bias 22:57 Public Disagreements And Recent Buys 23:57 Valuation Debate Winmark 25:03 Rocket Lab Regret 26:02 Building Positions Slowly 27:51 Selling Rocket Lab Puts 30:02 Feeling Stuck Investing 32:56 Do Nothing Discipline 35:31 QuantumScape Honda Red Flag 36:18 QuantumScape Licensing Model 39:55 Verticals Mission Creep 44:50 Position Sizing Fun Bets Companies mentioned: AMZN, APH, GLW, GOOG, GOOGL, HMC, KNSL, META, MRNA, NFLX, NNI, NU, QS, RKLB, SE, SOUN, TTD, VWAGY, WINA Find where to listen & subscribe,  portfolio contests, and contact information at https://investingunscripted.com ***************************************** To get 15% off any paid plan at fiscal.ai, visit https://fiscal.ai/unscripted Listen to the Chit Chat Stocks Podcast for discussions on stocks, financial markets, super investors, and more. Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube ***************************************** Join our Patreon Subscribe to our portfolio on Savvy Trader. Use code Unscripted2026 for 30% off a one-year subscription! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

O setor automóvel na Alemanha está a atravessar tempos difíceis e o grupo Volkswagen está a ressentir-se, estando previsto o corte de milhares de postos de trabalho. Saiba o que está em causa neste episódio do Economia dia a dia, podcast diário do ExpressoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big one on the Kilowatt Half Hour this week – and not just because the podcast has once again spectacularly overshot the half-hour mark.Nicola, Tom and Mikeare talking big electric cars, big electric trucks and one very big question: is Volkswagen finally going to give us the electric Buzz camper van we've been waiting for?We take a look at the new Genesis GV90, a huge seven-seat electric SUV that's aiming squarely at the Range Rover, complete with a 123.5kWh battery, 350kW charging and a frankly ridiculous 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.Tesla's Semi is also finally heading for Europe, with more than 1,000bhp and the ability to add 60% of its range in just 30 minutes. But after all these years, is the Tesla electric lorry still relevant?Plus, the Renault 5 gets a new rival in the shape of the Aion UT, Geely reveals plans for its European production ambitions, and we look at the videos coming up this week – including our BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60 twin test and the return of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.In your EV questions, we tackle whether the Audi e-tron GT or BMW i4 makes the better used buy, whether the Renault Twingo could get a bigger battery, and whether EVs really are more prone to tyre blowouts.We also help another listener settle the eternal question: VW ID. Polo or Cupra Raval?And, of course, we dive into your comments – from Jaguar's controversial new interior and Volvo's EX60 door handles to the apparently devastating lack of exciting colours on modern cars.Join the conversation at podcast@electrifying.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meer dan de helft van de Nederlandse, particuliere beleggers denkt dat de AI-gekte eigenlijk een zeepbel is. Dat blijkt uit onderzoek van de Rabobank. Een flink aantal, maar liefst 57 procent. Alleen ontdekte de bank iets geks: een deel van diezelfde groep blijft wél lekker AI-aandelen kopen. We hebben het deze aflevering over dat bizarre gedrag. Waarom zou je je geld ergens in stoppen als het een zeepbel is? En in welke aandelen stoppen ze hun geld in? We zoeken het voor je uit. Hebben we het ook over Nvidia. De Nvidia-vrees om precies te zijn. Al zeven handelsdagen op rij is de beurskoers gedaald. Dat is de langste achtereenvolgende daling sinds 2022. Ook hebben we het over Operation Economic Outcast. Onder die naam willen de Amerikanen Iran slopen, economisch isoleren. Dus geen bommen, maar een boycot. Over Trump gesproken: hij blijkt fan van SpaceX te zijn, want hij heeft aandelen van het bedrijf van Elon Musk gekocht. Verder in dit beurstheater: Californië zegt dat Paramount lekt naar de media Klap voor Duitse economie: ontslagen Volkswagen vooral in Duitsland Eind volgend jaar al datacenters in de ruimte (zegt Elon Musk) Te gast: Mike Mulders van ING Investment Office 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. Je hoort hem ook in de BNR-podcast Moerdijk: dorp van de rekening. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, a look at the importance and geostrategic implications of the US-Canada trade stand-off, even if the current 50% tariff threat only impacts a small portion of the trade relationship. The geopolitical implications of the US threat to counter Iran's "enablers" are also considered, together with the latest news flow on AI data center financing stories, incoming earnings from Nvidia and other interesting names this week and much more, especially what to watch in the US and European sovereign debt markets. Today's pod was hosted by Saxo Global Head of Macro Strategy John J. Hardy. Links Michael Every X post highlighting key geopolitical points and why this latest round in the US-Canada "trade war" is critical stuff. The New York Times covers Powerus, the company already manufacturing thousands of drone interceptors a month in the UAE. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's threat to cut off Iran's economy from the world, focusing especially on its "enablers" - what might that mean for new US-China tensions, which have been put on the back burner for quite some time? Volkswagen wants to make some deep cuts to capacity and may repurpose some of its factories for defense. Read daily in-depth market updates from the Saxo Market Call and the Saxo Strategy Team here. Please reach out to us at marketcall@saxobank.com for feedback and questions. Click here to open an account with Saxo. Intro music by AShamaluevMusic DISCLAIMER This content is marketing material. Trading financial instruments carries risks. Always ensure that you understand these risks before trading. This material does not contain investment advice or an encouragement to invest in a particular manner. Historic performance is not a guarantee of future results. The instrument(s) referenced in this content may be issued by a partner, from whom Saxo Bank A/S receives promotional fees, payment or retrocessions. While Saxo may receive compensation from these partnerships, all content is created with the aim of providing clients with valuable information and options.  

Was bedeutet Qualität in einer Zeit, in der Autos längst nicht mehr nur Maschinen, sondern digitale Produkte sind? Darüber spricht Andreas Krepp, Chief Quality Officer von Volkswagen, in der neuen Folge von WAS MICH BEWEGT. Vom klassischen Verständnis technischer Zuverlässigkeit bis hin zu Software, Nutzererlebnis und Over-the-Air-Updates beschreibt Krepp, warum Qualität heute deutlich größer gedacht werden muss als in der Vergangenheit. Im Gespräch geht es um die Herausforderungen eines globalen Automobilmarkts, die unterschiedlichen Mentalitäten in China, Europa und den USA sowie die Frage, wie sich Geschwindigkeit und Gründlichkeit miteinander vereinbaren lassen. Andreas Krepp ist Sprecher auf dem Mobility Circle 2026. Alle Infos und Tickets unter: www.mobility-circle.com Mehr zu Pascal und Yannick finden Sie auf LinkedIn: Pascal Nagel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-nagel/ Yannick Tiedemann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannick-tiedemann Hinweis: Die im Podcast getätigten Aussagen spiegeln die Privatmeinung der Gesprächspartner wider und entsprechen nicht zwingend den Darstellungen des jeweiligen Arbeitgebers

Seit Jahren beschäftigt sich Mario Herger mit den Technologien, die ganze Branchen verändern könnten: autonomes Fahren, künstliche Intelligenz und humanoide Robotik. Im Gespräch mit Tobias Kramer wird daraus eine sehr konkrete Anlegerfrage: Welche Unternehmen profitieren von diesen Umbrüchen – und welche geraten trotz scheinbar günstiger Bewertung strukturell ins Hintertreffen? Herger erklärt seine Investmentlogik am Beispiel von Nvidia und den Technologien rund um Robotik und KI. Gleichzeitig zeigt Waymo, wie aus jahrelanger Forschung inzwischen ein kommerzielles Geschäft mit Millionen bezahlter Fahrten wird. Technologie allein genügt dabei nicht: Kapital, Management, langer Atem und die Fähigkeit zur Monetarisierung entscheiden mit darüber, wer neue Märkte tatsächlich besetzen kann. Genau hier beginnt die Bewertungsdebatte. Bei Tesla spiegeln sich Daten, Patente, Prozesswissen und große Zukunftserwartungen in einer enormen Börsenbewertung wider, während traditionelle deutsche Autobauer trotz großer materieller Substanz deutlich niedriger bewertet werden. Herger hält Volkswagen, Mercedes und BMW dennoch nicht für die attraktivere langfristige Anlage. Auch Management-Anreize und unterschiedliche Kapitalmärkte spielen für ihn dabei eine zentrale Rolle. Für Anleger stellt sich damit eine unbequeme Frage: Reichen KGV, heutiger Cashflow und vermeintlich günstige Bewertung noch aus, wenn technologische Umbrüche ganze Geschäftsmodelle verschieben? Oder lässt sich die Marktstimmung gegenüber Zukunftsunternehmen längst nicht mehr allein mit klassischen Bewertungsmaßstäben erklären? Eine Aktienanalyse über Value Investing im technologischen Wandel, Cashflow und Bewertung, KGV und Zukunftserwartungen sowie die Investmentperspektiven für Nvidia, Tesla, Volkswagen, Mercedes und BMW – und die Frage, wie sich langfristige Echtgeld-Investmentstrategien verändern müssen, wenn neue Geschäfts- und Plattformmodelle bestehende Märkte angreifen.

First came the "Bug Eye" Baja kit, pioneered by Miller-Havens and helping launch a whole new look for off-road Volkswagens. But the evolution of the Baja Bug was just getting started. After finding success with the Sandwinder dune buggy, Don Rountree and R&H Fiberglass turned their attention to fiberglass bodywork for the Volkswagen Beetle. Around 1972, Sandwinder introduced what would become one of the most recognizable Baja Bug designs of the era—the "Wide Eye" Baja kit. Instead of mounting the headlights close together in the nose like the earlier Bug Eye kits, the Wide Eye moved them outward into the fenders, creating the classic Baja look that would influence countless builds for decades. But there's a lot more to the story. On this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, we dig into the history behind Sandwinder and the people responsible for developing these early fiberglass kits. We hear how a sponsorship helped open the door, how the success of the Sandwinder buggy led to new opportunities, and how Burly became involved in designing everything from a '32 Ford-inspired kit to the now-iconic Wide Eye Baja kit. It's a fascinating piece of early Volkswagen off-road, dune buggy, and Baja Bug history, from the days when builders were experimenting with fiberglass and creating designs that would permanently change the look of the VW Beetle. If you're into vintage Baja Bugs, Sandwinder buggies, early fiberglass VW kits, desert racing, off-road Volkswagens, or the history of the Southern California VW scene, this episode fills in an important chapter of how the Baja Bug evolved from the original Bug Eye into the Wide Eye design we still recognize today. www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com www.hotvws.com www.letstalkdubs.com  

Air-cooling a Volkswagen engine has always been as much science as it is art. For decades, enthusiasts have debated which fan shroud cools the best, what compression ratio is ideal, which cylinder heads run the coolest, and how today's fuels affect engine temperatures. This week on Let's Talk Dubs, we're joined by one of the most respected names in air-cooled Volkswagen engine development—Jake Raby. Jake shares the incredible story behind the extensive cooling research that changed the way many enthusiasts think about building reliable, high-performance air-cooled engines. Beginning in 2006, Jake embarked on an ambitious cross-country journey in his famous blue "BluebonicPlague" Beetle, outfitted with more than 20 sensors strategically placed throughout the engine. Every mile of the trip generated an enormous amount of real-world data, with over two gigabytes of information recorded to analyze everything from cylinder head temperatures and oil temperatures to airflow characteristics and cooling efficiency under actual driving conditions. Rather than relying on opinions or bench racing, Jake set out to answer the questions that Volkswagen enthusiasts have argued about for generations—with data. In this episode, we take a look into: The evolution of VW cooling system design. The strengths and weaknesses of the various fan shrouds and cooling kits available today. Why some cooling systems outperform others in real-world driving. The relationship between engine displacement, compression ratio, ignition timing, and operating temperatures. How cylinder head design dramatically affects engine longevity and cooling. The impact of modern ethanol-blended fuels on air-cooled engines. Common misconceptions about engine temperature and reliability. The testing methods Jake developed to remove guesswork from engine building. Whether you're assembling a mild street engine, building a powerful Type 4, or simply trying to keep your classic Volkswagen running cooler and more reliably, this episode is packed with decades of hard-earned knowledge backed by real-world testing and engineering. If you've ever wondered what really keeps an air-cooled Volkswagen alive—and what actually works versus what has simply become accepted folklore—this is an episode you won't want to miss. DTM Shrouds 912 Engine Teardown link Jake's Road Trip data www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD 10 To get 10% off yur purchase ICON Pistons Here  

In der heutigen Folge sprechen die Finanzjournalisten Lea Oetjen und Philipp Vetter über Entspannung an der Inflationsfront, Übernahme-Euphorie bei Workday und den Aufstieg von Reddit. Außerdem geht es um Workday, Sandisk, Western Digital, Netflix, Hertz, Cisco, Cerebras, Coherent, TKMS, Thyssenkrupp, Vincorion, RWE, Sixt, Secunet, Hellofresh, Energiekontor, Evotec, Birkenstock, Palantir, Nebius, Reddit, AvalonBay, Volkswagen, Adidas, Deutsche Bank, SAP, Siemens, Bayer, Commerzbank, Deutsche Börse, Deutsche Telekom, Siemens Healthineers, iShares Core FTSE 100 (WKN: 552752), BIT Global Technology Leaders (WKN: A2N812) und ARK Innovation ETF (WKN: A408AW). Am 2. Oktober findet unser „Alles auf Aktien“-Summit in Berlin statt. Mit dem Code „AAAFRIENDS“ sparst du 50 Prozent auf dein Ticket – aber nur unter folgendem Link: https://veranstaltung.businessinsider.de/event/financesummit26/summary?rp=c6dc55d6-6f4f-4fb4-b75f-3f3501d84859 Wir freuen uns an Feedback über aaa@welt.de. Noch mehr "Alles auf Aktien" findet Ihr bei WELTplus und Apple Podcasts – inklusive aller Artikel der Hosts. Hier bei WELT: https://www.welt.de/podcasts/alles-auf-aktien/plus247399208/Boersen-Podcast-AAA-Bonus-Folgen-Jede-Woche-noch-mehr-Antworten-auf-Eure-Boersen-Fragen.html. Hier könnt ihr den AAA-Newsletter abonnieren: https://www.welt.de/newsletter/article232797673/Alles-auf-Aktien-Der-taegliche-Boersen-Newsletter-fuer-WELTplus-Abonnenten.html Und – ganz neu: AAA gibt es jetzt auch auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alles_auf_aktien/ Disclaimer: Die im Podcast besprochenen Aktien und Fonds stellen keine spezifischen Kauf- oder Anlage-Empfehlungen dar. Die Moderatoren und der Verlag haften nicht für etwaige Verluste, die aufgrund der Umsetzung der Gedanken oder Ideen entstehen. Hörtipps: Für alle, die noch mehr wissen wollen: Holger Zschäpitz können Sie jede Woche im Finanz- und Wirtschaftspodcast "Deffner&Zschäpitz" hören. +++ Werbung +++ Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte! https://linktr.ee/alles_auf_aktien Impressum: https://www.welt.de/services/article7893735/Impressum.html Datenschutz: https://www.welt.de/services/article157550705/Datenschutzerklaerung-WELT-DIGITAL.html

Physical therapy has always told students some version of the same story:Work hard. Get the degree. Help people. There will be a job waiting.But what happens when the math starts to break?In this episode of PT Breakfast Club, Jimmy McKay and Tony Maritato start with a post from Richard Severin about the financial viability of the physical therapy profession. The conversation quickly moves into PT school ROI, student debt, academic program pressure, and whether the next generation of students is more willing to ask the uncomfortable question:Is this still worth it?Tony argues that the profession may be facing a bigger identity problem than it wants to admit. If a patient's desired outcome is less pain and better function, PT is only one possible delivery model. AI, tech-enabled MSK platforms, personal trainers, hospital systems, cash-pay clinics, PTAs, techs, and other professions may all compete to deliver parts of what PT has traditionally owned.Jimmy pushes the business angle: if you own a private practice, you are not just in the physical therapy business. You are in the marketing business, the patient attraction business, the hiring business, the customer experience business, and the human resources business.The second half of the episode turns into a practical marketing lab. Jimmy and Tony critique a listener's marketing pitch about targeting new families moving into a clinic's area, then break down why so much AI-generated healthcare marketing feels cheap, loud, and generic. They use classic advertising examples like Rolls-Royce, Grey Poupon, Holiday Inn, and Volkswagen to show how better strategy leads to better creative.The episode closes with Prompt's Career Connection program and the idea that maybe some clinicians do not need to leave physical therapy. Maybe they just need to leave the wrong job.Key IdeasPT has a financial viability problem, not just a morale problem.Students who really run the numbers may never enter the profession.“I just want to help people” is not enough if the career cannot support a life.The profession may need to separate outcomes from identity.Outpatient ortho under insurance may not be the future of private practice.If PT cannot scale the outcome, someone else will.Private practice owners are not only in the PT business.Marketing is not decoration. It is how the market understands your value.AI-generated design still requires strategy, taste, and iteration.Career matching may work better when it is human, specific, and trust-based.

Here is what matters in powersports this week, and what each story actually means for your store.The Dealership fiXit Rundown cuts through the headlines and tells you how the week's news lands on your floor, in your service bay, and in your next conversation with a customer. This week's rundown:Yamaha is ending in-house side-by-side production in the US after the 2026 model year. What that really means, why it is not the same as quitting the category, and how to talk to your Wolverine and Viking customers about parts, service, and warrantyWhy your 2026 Yamaha side-by-sides on the floor right now might be the last in-house units ever built, and how to tell that story to a buyerPolaris reveals its 2027 lineup: a 275 horsepower RZR Pro R Boost, a brand new air-controlled CVT called Numatix that cuts cabin noise up to 40%, and a $6,999 Sportsman 500 that covers the budget buyerCFMoto's new X-Force: 154 horsepower for under $24,000 and why the value brands are not the joke they were 10 years agoSea-Doo rumored to push its top skis to 350 horsepower for 2027, and why the current 325 units are where the value is sitting right nowNew motorcycle sales up 1.9% through Q2 per the MIC, and what a cooling but growing market means for how you sell the back half of the yearSonic Automotive's powersports arm is on fire, up 53%, and what big money buying into powersports means for what your store is worthBMW spy shots point to an M 1300 GS, the first M badge on its flagship adventure bike, and why a halo bike drives showroom trafficAn Italian firm claims a 2.5 billion euro bid for Ducati while Volkswagen says it is not for sale, and the one line to know if a customer brings it upKTM recalls Husqvarna and GasGas dirt bikes over a front brake defect, and how to turn warranty work into traffic, trust, and a possible salePlus DealerConnect 2026 is coming to Columbus, and why this dealer-to-dealer event is worth the tripNPDA Dealer Connect 2026 discount code: MOTOHUNT20Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit⁠Connect with Jacob: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry/⁠Follow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠MotoHunt for Dealers: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest news from Ford, VW, and Toyota. 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.

Episode #1419: We're kicking off the week with Steve Greenfield's optimistic take on technology and AI, plus Volkswagen's very American plan to grow its U.S. presence with a pickup truck, and EV lessees discovering their once-in-a-lifetime deals may ac...

- Ford Really Needs 4-Door Mustang - Ford Ignored 4-Door Mustang for Over 20 Years - Piech and Porsche Families Back VW Restructuring - VW Wants Pickup for U.S. Market - Daimler Truck Says Emissions Regs = €1 Billion Fine - India Car Market to Grow Over 6 Million/Year - Toyota Faces Another Production Disruption - Tesla Extends Cybertruck Warranty - Ford Leaks How UEV Modules Joined

- Ford Really Needs 4-Door Mustang - Ford Ignored 4-Door Mustang for Over 20 Years - Piech and Porsche Families Back VW Restructuring - VW Wants Pickup for U.S. Market - Daimler Truck Says Emissions Regs = €1 Billion Fine - India Car Market to Grow Over 6 Million/Year - Toyota Faces Another Production Disruption - Tesla Extends Cybertruck Warranty - Ford Leaks How UEV Modules Joined

Could Tesla really leave China—the market and manufacturing base that helped transform it into the world's most valuable automaker?In Episode #256 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing unpack reports that Tesla could potentially sell, spin off or close its China operations as Elon Musk considers a closer combination between Tesla and SpaceX.The implications would be enormous.Giga Shanghai accounts for roughly half of Tesla's global vehicle output, serves more than two million Tesla owners in China and remains a critical export hub supplying markets around the world.Tu and Lei debate whether Tesla could realistically walk away, who could possibly acquire Giga Shanghai, what the move could mean for Tesla's FSD ambitions in China—and whether the report could be signaling something deeper about Tesla's expectations for its automotive business.Then the conversation turns to another major disruption: Xiaomi's new SkyNomad EREV family SUVs.After finding enormous success with the SU7 and YU7, Xiaomi is now targeting the large family-SUV segment dominated by companies such as Li Auto.With the seven-seat N90 Max expected to start below RMB300,000 and offering a massive 76-kWh battery, 60-liter fuel tank and approximately 1,705 km of combined range, Xiaomi is once again using aggressive pricing to reset expectations.In this episode:• Could Tesla really sell or spin off its China business?• Why Giga Shanghai remains critical to Tesla's global manufacturing strategy• Tesla, SpaceX and the potential conflicts created by a merger• What happens to Tesla if FSD never receives full approval in China?• Who could realistically buy Tesla's Shanghai factory?• Tesla's growing reliance on exports from China• Xiaomi's new SkyNomad N90 and N70 family SUVs• Why Xiaomi's pricing should worry Li Auto• Xiaomi's highly automated Beijing factory• Why Xiaomi's latest technology event disappointed some investors• Audi's China-only EV strategy and Momenta-powered ADAS• BMW, Porsche and the continuing challenges facing German automakers• Why NIO is prioritizing profitability over global expansion• Battery swapping vs. charging outside China• How quickly ICE vehicles could disappear from China's domestic market• Why China's unwanted ICE capacity could eventually flood emerging marketsIf you want to understand the forces reshaping the world's largest automotive market—and what they mean for Tesla, Xiaomi, BYD, NIO, XPeng and the global automotive industry—subscribe to China EVs & More.Hosted by Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights and Lei Xing, bringing decades of firsthand experience covering China's automotive, EV, AV and mobility industries.

Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4597

Jeden Monat verschwinden nach seinen Angaben rund 15.000 Arbeitsplätze im gewerblichen Bereich – und die große Abbauwelle bei Konzernen wie Volkswagen und BMW stehe erst noch bevor.

Description: Bodie is joined by Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide and co-host of the Car Stuff Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about reviewing cars, buying them, and where the EV market is headed. Tom shares his experience driving the Lucid Gravity, including what impressed him and the software glitches that made an otherwise compelling luxury EV difficult to recommend without reservations. The conversation turns to what new cars actually cost today, increasingly long auto loans, and the things Tom and his daughter learned while shopping for a new compact crossover. They also talk about unusual option packaging, three-cylinder engines, Volkswagen diesels, the rise and fall of enthusiasm around the Ford F-150 Lightning, and how quickly consumer expectations can change. Tom and Bodie get into vehicle safety and airbags, including how difficult it can be to design around every possible type of crash or rare safety incident. Finally, they discuss the EV industry's transition from CCS to NACS charging and whether another change in charging standards could add confusion for buyers already hesitant about making the switch to electric. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Guest Links: Tom Appel on LinkedIn Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast Tom Appel on Bluesky Tom Appel on X *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

- Tesla Pushes to Keep EU FSD Safety Data Secret - Tesla and SpaceX Build $16.8B Texas Terafab - Porsche SE Backs Aggressive VW Restructuring - Debt Burden Crushes German Auto Suppliers - Toyota Beat Tesla to Aluminum Wiring - Stellantis Concept Eliminates Turbo Lag - China Reveals smart #2 Images - Volkswagen ID.Era 5X Blends Wagon, SUV

- Tesla Pushes to Keep EU FSD Safety Data Secret - Tesla and SpaceX Build $16.8B Texas Terafab - Porsche SE Backs Aggressive VW Restructuring - Debt Burden Crushes German Auto Suppliers - Toyota Beat Tesla to Aluminum Wiring - Stellantis Concept Eliminates Turbo Lag - China Reveals smart #2 Images - Volkswagen ID.Era 5X Blends Wagon, SUV

In 1974, Mike Sinyard sold his Volkswagen van to go and buy bike components in Italy. Fifty years later, Specialized is one of the most iconic brands in world cycling — and at seventy-seven, he still rides.He welcomed me to the Morgan Hill headquarters in California, in the room they built for Peter Sagan. What was meant to be an interview about the bike industry became the most personal episode I've ever recorded.Because Mike has ADHD. Diagnosed late, like so many people. Fourteen years ago, he read the story of a kid who told his doctor: "Riding is my Ritalin." He called the doctor, learned that no pharmaceutical company would ever fund the research, and decided to fund it himself. Today, fifty thousand kids go through his OutRide foundation every year.We also talked about the Stumpjumper, born without a single piece of market research; about Robert Egger walking into a bike shop and saying "that's shit, I could do better"; about the Chinese brands and his answer to them — "it's nothing new"; about DJI's Avinox, gravel, artificial intelligence, women's racing, and his conviction that we'll soon look back at how we medicate our children the way we now look back at people smoking.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 — Introduction02:22 — Can a bike really change a life?04:09 — "Riding is my Ritalin": how OutRide began07:43 — Seventy-seven years old, and still no retirement10:31 — Finding a successor, and the soul of Specialized13:45 — Robert Egger, the Stumpjumper and the roots of the brand18:01 — Chinese brands: where does a brand's value lie?24:09 — E-bikes, Avinox and depending on a single supplier27:17 — The future of cycling, and kids on e-bikes30:28 — Racing, riders, and the price of caring37:54 — Gravel, heir to the touring bike — and riding in Asia43:03 — Artificial intelligence and cycling45:54 — What he still wants to accomplish47:04 — "We are over-medicating our children"49:48 — ADHD as a superpower50:43 — Starting over today, and Specialized in fifty years54:57 — The guest he'd like to hear, and the Green Room01:01:16 — What we can wish him01:02:55 — Closing words

Meta is keihard op de vingers getikt in New Mexico. Het moet van de rechter ruim een half miljard dollar betalen, omdat platformen als Instagram veel te verslavend zijn voor minderjarigen. Maar daar blijft het niet bij. Ook moet het ineens aan allerlei strenge regels voldoen. Regels die het voor Meta (en adverteerders) ineens een stuk minder leuk maken. Deze aflevering kijken we naar deze tegenvaller. Een tegenvaller die sowieso niet op zichzelf staat. Er komen nog heel veel rechtszaken aan in heel veel Amerikaanse staten. Waarvoor Meta zelf 'maar' 2,4 miljard dollar achter de hand heeft gezet. Is dat te weinig? We zoeken het uit. Kijken we ook of die strenge regels het bedrijf niet veel meer gaan kosten dan die miljardenboetes. De Czechoslovak Group (CSG) komt ook voorbij. Het defensiebedrijf kwam voor de tweede keer als Amsterdams beursbedrijf met de kwartaalcijfers. Cijfers die aanvankelijk goed werden ontvangen. Beleggers waren blij met de extra omzet, vooral door orders uit Azië. Al verdween dat enthousiasme in de middag ineens weer. Verder hebben we het deze aflevering over president Trump die poeslief is voor Fed-baas Kevin Warsh. Rente verlagen? Graag, maar Warsh gaat er zelf niet helemaal over. Aldus een opvallend milde Trump. Ook aandacht voor Philip Morris. Dat wordt op de vingers getikt vanwege hun AI-beleid. En je hoort over Volkswagen. De voorzitter van de RvC roept de ceo op om flink te bezuinigen. Te gast: Erik Mauritz van Trade Republic 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. Je hoort hem ook in de BNR-podcast Moerdijk: dorp van de rekening. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercedes-Benz gerät in den USA wegen seiner chinesischen Anteilseigner unter Druck. Ein neuer Gesetzentwurf sieht ein Verkaufsverbot für Autohersteller vor, an denen Investoren aus sogenannten „Foreign Adversary“-Staaten beteiligt sind. BAIC und der Geely-Gründer Li Shufu halten zusammen fast ein Fünftel an Mercedes - für einige US-Senatoren ist das offenbar zu viel.

Volkswagen took the good looking iDBuzz off the US market prematurely. Thankfully, they're bringing it back. We're happy!Trauma surgeon safety: our trauma surgeon Dr Stephan Moran says, "Don't take the doors off your Jeep Wrangler/Ford Bronco!" There's a reason.Steve-0 discusses the (kinda hard to understand) Personal Luxury Coupe craze of the late 1970s/early 1980s. Was it due to the sexual revolution? Maybe.Finally, Dr Moran says bring on traffic calming and other measures to make our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.#carsoncallpodcast #carpodcast #traumasurgeonsafety #traumasurgery #vwidbuzz #oldsmobilecutlass #personalluxurycoupe #vwmicrobus #vwbuslove

A 1 million kilometre Toyota LandCruiser gets retired, Volkswagen have been testing a new badge that is said to deter kangaroos & Jaiden goes the wrong direction on a recent trip... That plus plenty more on this episode. The 4WD Podcast is recorded out of BC Studios, built by grounded. building tomorrow, together. https://grounded.com.au/ Follow us on Instagram: @the4wdpodcast. Music by The Southern River Band. Hunt and Brew. Real Coffee. Real Milk. Always hunting for coffee. w: www.huntandbrew.com Terrain Tamer. Making 4WD parts and accessories that have been designed, manufactured and tested to withstand the harshest conditions Australia has to offer. w: www.terraintamer.com

It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 30 July 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyBMW IX3 ORDERS NEAR 100,000BMW has taken nearly 100,000 orders for the iX3 since launch and is raising output at its Debrecen plant in Hungary, which built its 50,000th unit just nine months after opening — the fastest ramp-up of any new BMW plant. The Neue Klasse flagship uses sixth-generation eDrive tech and a 108.7 kWh battery, charges at up to 400 kW to add 373 km (231 miles) in ten minutes, and starts at €73,925 ($85,200) in Germany for the iX3 50 xDrive with up to 805 km (500 miles) of WLTP range.BMW TO BUILD IX5 BATTERY PACKS IN SOUTH CAROLINABMW will begin mass production of iX5 high-voltage battery packs in December at its new Plant Woodruff in South Carolina, near Plant Spartanburg where the iX5 is assembled, keeping pack assembly in-house to build a local supply chain, cut geopolitical risk and reduce logistics costs. AESC, now majority-owned by China's Envision Group, supplies the 120 mm cylindrical cells — which deliver 30% more usable energy than the iX3's 95 mm cells — giving the US iX5 a 144 kWh pack (141 kWh in Europe), an estimated 435 miles of range, 460 kW peak charging and a 10-80% charge in 22 minutes.ZEEKR 9X ARRIVES IN EUROPEZeekr has launched the 9X Ultra 6-Seater in Europe as a luxury SUV and its first Super Hybrid, pairing a 900V dual-motor system with a 2.0-litre turbo engine used purely as a generator for 897 horsepower, 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, up to 737 km of range and a 10-80% DC charge in 9.5 minutes. Designed in Gothenburg with adaptive air suspension and CDC dampers, it offers reclining, massaging first and second rows, an onboard refrigerator, a ceiling-mounted 17-inch 3K OLED screen and a 32-speaker Naim system, and marks Zeekr's fifth European model in three years across 16 markets.SK ON AND FACTORIAL TARGET SOLID-STATE SCALESK On and Factorial Energy have partnered to push solid-state batteries towards production, combining Factorial's FEST cell technology with SK On's manufacturing network to tackle the scaling problem that has held back a chemistry promising higher energy density, longer range and faster charging than lithium-ion. Factorial is already testing cells in North America and has integrated them into Stellantis' Dodge Charger Daytona prototype, claiming 375 Wh/kg energy density, while its work with Mercedes-Benz produced a modified EQS that covered over 745 miles on a single charge.TESLA SHIP LOAD SETS SHANGHAI RECORDThe Chinese-built car carrier Glovis Nova loaded 7,738 electric vehicles — all Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cars — at Shanghai's South Port Terminal on Sunday, a domestic record for a single voyage, and set sail for Zeebrugge, Belgium, for distribution across Europe. The 10,800-car vessel and its sister ship Glovis Leader, which berthed the same day before heading to Busan, were built by Guangzhou Shipyard International, a China State Shipbuilding Corporation subsidiary, and rank among the largest of their kind in the world.NORWAY LEADS GLOBAL EV ADOPTION INDEXNorway tops the latest Global EV Adoption Index with 73.2 out of 100, ahead of Denmark on 64.7 and China on 64.5, backed by a 92% EV sales share in 2024, 32 public chargers per 1,000 battery vehicles and 41.9% fast-charger coverage. Denmark climbed 40 percentage points since 2020 to a 56% sales share with 73 chargers per 1,000 EVs, China recorded a 48% share and 103 chargers per 1,000 vehicles, and Tesla led brand interest across 75 countries with 71.6 million Google queries in the past year.MITSUBISHI RETURNS TO NORTH AMERICA WITH LEAF EVMitsubishi will re-enter the North American EV market with the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV, on sale in the US and Canada by late summer or early fall of 2026 through around 300 dealerships. Billed as all-new, it is in fact based on the next-generation Nissan Leaf via the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, sharing its 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery, native NACS port, Supercharger access and 150 kW charging (10-80% in about 35 minutes) beneath new fascias, lighting and alloys, with range and pricing still undisclosed.LEPAS L8 TARGETS EUROPE ON VALUEChery has launched the Lepas L8, a D-segment family SUV priced from £34,900 to £37,900, using the upmarket Lepas brand to challenge BMW and Volkswagen on space, equipment and price alongside stablemates such as the Jaecoo 7, Omoda 7 and Chery Tiggo 8. Power comes from Chery's Super Hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and 18.4 kWh battery, while the cabin offers an upmarket feel, generous tech, vast rear legroom and headroom despite the panoramic roof, and a 507-litre boot comparable to a Nissan Qashqai's.KERBSIDE CHARGING SEARCHES JUMP AS EV COST SCRUTINY GROWSVertu reports that searches for "kerbside EV charging" rose 125% over the past three months while searches for "cheapest EV tariff" climbed 173%, suggesting buyers are weighing access and running costs together before switching. The trend matters because government figures published in 2024 found 40% of UK households have no access to off-street parking, leaving a large share of the market dependent on public charging and highly sensitive to the cost of every kilowatt-hour.PRINCE AL WALEED RAISES LUCID STAKEPrince Al Waleed bin Talal's investment office bought just over 19 million Lucid shares, lifting his stake to about 5% according to an SEC filing, with the prince saying he bought when Lucid's market cap was below $2 billion following speculation — since denied by Lucid — about bankruptcy or a take-private deal. The purchase, which Lucid welcomed as an independent vote of confidence, comes as the company restructures under new CEO Silvio Napoli after cutting 18% of staff in June on top of an earlier 12% lay-off, and adds to Saudi ownership alongside the Public Investment Fund's roughly 60% stake held since the 2021 SPAC merger.

It's EV News Briefly for Friday 31 July 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyMERCEDES LAUNCHES ELECTRIC GLA FIRSTMercedes unveiled the all-electric GLA in Warsaw, breaking from its usual pattern by launching three battery-electric versions first in November, with hybrids following in early 2027. Built on the 800-volt MMA platform, the GLA offers up to 657 km WLTP range, 320 kW charging, and starts at €48,599 as Mercedes' cheapest electric SUV.FERRARI LUCE BEATS 2026 SALES TARGETFerrari's electric Luce hit its 2026 sales target of nearly 500 units within two months of its May launch, despite public backlash, an 8% share price drop, and the departure of marketing chief Enrico Galliera. Demand proved strongest in China, where its 88-unit allocation sold out at roughly $589,000, with Ferrari targeting 2,500 total Luce sales by 2030.RENAULT PROFITS BEAT ON EVS AND CUTSRenault posted a 5.2% operating margin and 9.5% revenue growth in the first half of 2026, beating forecasts through cost cuts and a stronger EV lineup, outperforming Audi and Mercedes-Benz margins for the period. CEO Francois Provost is pushing cheaper EVs like the €19,490 Twingo and €25,000 R5 to defend market share against BYD, Opel and Citroën, while targeting €400 in annual per-vehicle cost savings.WALMART BUILDS OUT US FAST CHARGINGWalmart has opened about 46 high-speed public charging stations with 380 cords across roughly 326 of its 4,600 US stores, ranking second only to Tesla in network expansion during the second quarter. The retailer is leaning on its vast footprint—90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a store—to combine charging dwell time with shopping, potentially lifting store sales by about 5%.CANADA'S FAST CHARGERS OUTPACE DEMANDCanada's DC fast-charger utilization fell to just 9.5% in Q2 2026, down from 11.3% in Q1 and well below the 15-20% operators typically need to break even, trailing the US average of 15.8%. Paren's data, covering nearly 10,000 ports, shows profitability is highly site-specific, prompting calls for demand-led charger siting and better reliability.FORMER VW ENGINEERS CHARGED OVER RIVIAN DEAL TRADESProsecutors charged former Volkswagen engineers Michael Stamp and Michael Plank with insider trading ahead of VW's $5 billion Rivian joint venture announcement in June 2024, which sent Rivian shares up 23%. Stamp allegedly made $250,000 and Plank $50,000, with Plank also accused of tipping a family member who made $12,000, while incriminating searches about insider trading laws feature in the case.IONIQ 3 OPENS UK AND EUROPE ORDERSHyundai's new IONIQ 3 electric hatchback has drawn more customer interest than any previous Hyundai launch, debuting at Goodwood with UK pricing expected under £25,000 and offering up to 308 miles of range from a 61 kWh battery. Built on the E-GMP platform for the European market, the compact IONIQ 3 is not planned for a US launch.KIA COMMITS $649 MILLION TO MEXICO EVSKia will invest $649 million in its Pesquería, Mexico plant to begin producing the EV3 compact SUV starting August 4, marking its first EV production in the country. The move, tied to Mexico's Plan México initiative, is expected to create 500 jobs this year and 1,500 by 2030, while helping Kia navigate USMCA trade rules and tariffs.V2G COULD DWARF MANAGED CHARGING VALUEA General Motors-commissioned E3 study found vehicle-to-grid technology could deliver five to 15 times more value per EV than one-way managed charging, totaling roughly $7 billion nationwide by 2030, with the strongest returns in California, ERCOT, and the Pacific Northwest. GM already has 250,000 bidirectional-capable vehicles on the road and is pushing utilities to speed up V2G tariffs and approvals, including a plan to use 52,000 vehicles to balance PG&E's grid by 2030.SC01 SET FOR UK ARRIVAL IN 2027Small Sports Car Company will bring its China-built SC01 lightweight electric sportscar to the UK, featuring 429 bhp, a 1,365 kg curb weight, a 2.9-second 0-62 mph time, and a 500 km CLTC range. UK demonstration cars arrive in Q4 2026, with right-hand-drive customer cars following from April 2027, though pricing has not yet been announced.

Does driving a manual transmission actually make you smarter? New research from Japan suggests that operating a stick shift may stimulate the brain's prefrontal cortex. Matt breaks down the science behind manual transmissions, why stick-shift cars may create safer and more attentive drivers, and why learning to drive manual could still benefit new drivers today. Also is California's Driver's Education system broken? The state DMV orders 11,000 drivers to retake their written license tests or risk losing their licenses. Matt examines the possible testing failures, fraud concerns, and why America's driver education system should focus more on real-world driving skills than obscure written-test questions. Finally, Matt returns to the internet's dumbest car questions to judge a Reddit user who rejected a free classic Volkswagen Beetle because she wanted a newer VW New Beetle instead. That leads to a history of the original Volkswagen Beetle, the problems with modern Volkswagen ownership, and an important lesson about appreciating a free project car. Support The Show While Getting Your Next Set Of Tires From Tire Rack! Wash Your Car with The BEST from Chemical Guys while Supporting The Show On The Radio in Colorado: AM1460 & FM101.1 The Answer — LIVE Sat 2pm, Sun 9am & 6pm • 100.7 The Word — Sat 7pm • 91.7 KLZR — Sat 10:30am Stream live On The Radio! Join the community on Facebook! ️Support SEMA's Work #ManualTransmission #DrivingTest #VolkswagenBeetle #CarNews #AutomotiveADHD Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI the last great affordable sports sedan? On this week's episode, we debate whether Volkswagen's final manual-transmission sedan is destined to become a future classic—or if the DSG automatic is actually the better buy. We break down the GLI's turbocharged performance, handling, ride comfort, practicality, and why it may be one of the best cars left to learn stick shift. Plus, we answer audience questions about the best used manual cars for beginners and whether driving a stick can actually make teen drivers safer.   Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 0:00 - Intro 00:15 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 02:01 Driving Experience 07:29 Performance, Handling, and Ride Quality 16:39 Comfort, Seats, and Interior Features 22:13 Manual vs. DSG Transmission Debate 26:50 Practicality and Interior Drawbacks 30:00 Would We Buy the Jetta GLI? 33:29 Questions #1: Where did Mike Quincy buy his classes? 36:25 Question #2: What is the best used manual transmission cars for teen drivers     ----------------------------------  Test Results: Volkswagen Jetta https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/jetta/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Which Brands Make the Best Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Best used cars under $20,000 for teens https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens-a2115540753/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT    Car Distractions: How to Stay Focused While Driving https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-distractions-how-to-stay-focused-while-driving-a1144545692/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI the last great affordable sports sedan? On this week's episode, we debate whether Volkswagen's final manual-transmission sedan is destined to become a future classic—or if the DSG automatic is actually the better buy. We break down the GLI's turbocharged performance, handling, ride comfort, practicality, and why it may be one of the best cars left to learn stick shift. Plus, we answer audience questions about the best used manual cars for beginners and whether driving a stick can actually make teen drivers safer.   Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 0:00 - Intro 00:15 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 02:01 Driving Experience 07:29 Performance, Handling, and Ride Quality 16:39 Comfort, Seats, and Interior Features 22:13 Manual vs. DSG Transmission Debate 26:50 Practicality and Interior Drawbacks 30:00 Would We Buy the Jetta GLI? 33:29 Questions #1: Where did Mike Quincy buy his classes? 36:25 Question #2: What is the best used manual transmission cars for teen drivers     ----------------------------------  Test Results: Volkswagen Jetta https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/jetta/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Which Brands Make the Best Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Best used cars under $20,000 for teens https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens-a2115540753/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT    Car Distractions: How to Stay Focused While Driving https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-distractions-how-to-stay-focused-while-driving-a1144545692/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

A.M. Edition for July 28. Monday's slump in chip stocks spreads to Asian markets. Finance editor Alex Frangos says new concerns that China is catching up in the technological arms race come just as investors brace for updates on how much hyperscalers are spending on the AI buildout. Plus, as Volodymyr Zelensky returns to the White House, WSJ's Marcus Walker says the Ukrainian president is hoping to turn President Trump's fresh optimism about the war against Russia into a promise of more support. And Mercedes-Benz is the latest automaker to warn of headwinds in China, as the country's appetite for foreign cars continues to decline. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The global automotive industry may have just crossed another major turning point.In Episode #255 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing examine why Ford and Geely are partnering in Europe, what it means for the future of global manufacturing, and why more legacy automakers are turning to Chinese technology despite growing geopolitical tensions.The discussion also explores Mercedes-Benz's challenges with the proposed Connected Vehicle Security Act in the United States, Volkswagen's expanding partnerships in China, Honda's renewed commitment to its Chinese joint venture, Tesla's latest earnings, and whether the global industry has reached a point where competing with Chinese automakers alone is no longer enough.This episode covers:Ford & Geely's new European joint ventureWhy Spain is becoming Europe's next automotive hubMercedes-Benz and the Connected Vehicle Security ActVolkswagen's growing reliance on Chinese technologyHorizon Robotics and Volkswagen's AI partnershipTesla's latest earnings and shrinking marginsChina's increasingly competitive EV marketBYD's global ambitionsWhy more legacy automakers are partnering with Chinese companiesWhat this means for Europe, North America and the future of global manufacturingIf you want independent analysis on where the automotive industry is heading—not where it has been—subscribe to China EVs & More.Hosted by Tu Le (Sino Auto Insights) and Lei Xing, bringing decades of experience covering China's automotive industry from the inside.Chapters00:00 Welcome to China EVs & More #25500:50 The week's biggest stories: Ford, Mercedes & Volkswagen02:10 Why Mercedes could be blocked from selling in the U.S.06:30 How China and U.S. policy are squeezing German automakers09:00 Mercedes' EV struggles continue in China11:45 Ford & Geely team up in Europe15:45 Why Spain is becoming Europe's next automotive hub18:15 Is Ford's Geely partnership the future of the auto industry?20:00 What's next for GM in China and Europe?21:30 Why every legacy automaker is partnering with Chinese companies23:45 Volkswagen doubles down on China27:45 Has Volkswagen reached the bottom in China?29:00 "If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them"30:15 China's EV price war is becoming unsustainable33:00 Tesla earnings: Sales up, margins down35:50 Is Tesla's China advantage starting to fade?37:30 Financial Times: Chinese premium brands target Europe39:00 Can Chinese premium brands win outside China?40:15 Live Q&A begins41:00 XPeng X9 recall: Should buyers be worried?44:15 Is XPeng really Tesla's biggest rival?46:00 Can BYD overtake Toyota as the world's #1 automaker?48:20 Why hybrids still dominate the U.S. market50:10 Battery swapping vs. autonomous charging52:10 Xiaomi's next big launch53:15 Should we move the livestream to 12 PM Eastern?55:20 Thanks for watching!SEO KeywordsChina EVChina EVsChina EV podcastChina EVs and MoreChinese EVChinese automakersChina auto industryFord GeelyFord Geely partnershipGeely Ford joint ventureFord EuropeFord ValenciaGeelyMercedes-BenzMercedes ChinaConnected Vehicle Security ActConnected vehicle securityVolkswagenVolkswagen GroupVolkswagen ChinaHonda ChinaGAC HondaHorizon RoboticsCARIZONTeslaTesla earningsBYDBYD global expansionGM ChinaSAIC GMLeapmotorStellantisNIOXPengLi AutoToyotaElectric vehiclesEV newsGlobal automotiveMobilityAutonomous drivingAI vehiclesSoftware-defined vehiclesFuture of mobilityTu LeLei XingSino Auto InsightsSupport the show

XPeng just held the biggest launch event in company history—and they chose Munich, Germany, the heart of Europe's automotive industry.In Episode #254 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing break down XPeng's global launch of the new MONA L03, why Europe has become the next major battlefield for Chinese EV makers, and what this means for Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and the rest of the legacy auto industry.The discussion covers XPeng's pricing strategy, autonomous driving ambitions, Google Maps integration, charging infrastructure investments, software licensing opportunities with Volkswagen, and whether Chinese automakers are entering a new phase of global expansion.They also examine:• Why Munich—not Shanghai—became XPeng's biggest event ever• How the MONA L03 compares with the Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3• XPeng's plans for advanced driver assistance across Europe• Why BYD continues raising the bar globally• Could Volkswagen eventually manufacture XPeng vehicles?• The future of software-defined vehicles and AI-powered driving• Bill Ford's comments about competing with Chinese automakers• Why Europe may become the proving ground for autonomous driving before the United StatesIf you want to understand where the global automotive industry is heading—not where it has been—this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe for weekly analysis of the global EV, autonomous driving and mobility industries from two of the most experienced China automotive analysts anywhere.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Welcome01:00 Lei reports live from XPeng's biggest global launch in Munich03:05 Why launching in Volkswagen's backyard matters04:35 XPeng MONA L03 pricing: Europe vs. China06:15 XPeng's autonomous driving strategy for Europe08:00 Google Maps, AI and XPeng's global software stack09:45 Why Europe is becoming the autonomous driving battleground11:25 Is XPeng taking direct aim at Tesla and Volkswagen?13:00 XPeng's charging infrastructure plans for Europe15:15 Can the L03 become XPeng's next blockbuster?16:45 Why Paris Motor Show just became much more important18:00 Will Chinese marketing strategies work in Europe?20:20 Can XPeng succeed in 65 global markets?22:05 XPeng's global expansion challenges beyond China24:10 Europe could become the proving ground for AI driving25:20 Could Volkswagen build XPeng vehicles?26:30 Is software licensing the next big opportunity?27:30 Why BYD deserves credit for paving the way29:00 Bill Ford admits Chinese automakers can't be ignored31:20 Volkswagen's future and BYD's race to become the world's #1 automaker35:15 China's slowing auto market and what it means for global OEMs37:20 Live audience Q&A38:00 Is the U.S. really closed to Chinese automakers?39:15 XPeng's X9 recall explained43:00 Are XPeng and Tesla becoming true rivals?45:30 Toyota vs. BYD: Can BYD really become #1?47:45 The future of battery swapping and autonomous charging49:45 Closing thoughts & next week's previewSearch-Optimized KeywordsChina EVsChina EV podcastChinese EVsXPengXPeng MONA L03XPeng MunichXPeng EuropeXPeng GermanyVolkswagenVolkswagen GroupVolkswagen ChinaBMWBMW GroupMercedes-BenzAudiPorscheBYDTeslaTesla Model YBYD Atto 3Volkswagen ID.4Skoda ElroqLi AutoNIOXiaomi EVChinese automakersChina auto industryChina automotiveEuropean EV marketElectric vehiclesAutonomous drivingSelf-driving carsAI vehiclesSoftware-defined vehiclesGoogle Maps automotiveSmart drivingNGPADASEV chargingEuropean charging infrastructureGlobal automotiveFuture of mobilityEV newsChina EVs & MoreTu LeLei XingSino Auto InsightsSupport the show

China's automotive market may have just crossed one of the most important milestones in modern automotive history.In Episode 253 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing analyze the latest Chinese auto sales—and the numbers are staggering.China's domestic ICE vehicle sales plunged 50% year-over-year, while Chinese automakers continue expanding globally at an unprecedented pace. Foreign automakers—including Volkswagen Group, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW—are facing mounting pressure as Chinese brands continue taking market share.This episode also covers:✅ China's domestic ICE collapse and what it means for global automakers✅ Why BYD, Geely, Chery and Leapmotor continue gaining momentum✅ China's vehicle exports surpassing one million vehicles in a single month✅ Volkswagen's latest board meeting and the difficult decisions ahead✅ Why Porsche's China strategy continues to deteriorate✅ NIO's product cadence, ES8 momentum and upcoming NIO Day✅ Li Auto's launch strategy and how Chinese OEMs are changing product rollouts✅ Reuters' recent reporting on China's auto industry and why the government is trying to slow the "involution" and price war✅ How new safety regulations and payment reforms could reshape China's automotive market✅ Why Western automakers still underestimate China's competitive advantagesWhether you're an automotive executive, investor, supplier or simply passionate about the future of mobility, this episode explains why the world's largest automotive market is entering an entirely new phase—and why its effects will be felt across Europe, North America and beyond.

¿La Casa de Toño realmente vale 400 millones de dólares? En este primer análisis de noticias revisamos cómo podría valuarse el negocio, qué dejó económicamente el Mundial y por qué Tesla sigue perdiendo la confianza de algunos inversionistas.También hablamos sobre los recortes de Volkswagen, los riesgos que OpenAI está detectando en sus modelos, la enorme carrera de inversión por dominar la inteligencia artificial y por qué México salió bien librado de la nueva ronda de aranceles.Todos los lunes analizaremos en vivo las noticias más importantes de finanzas, economía y negocios, explicadas de forma clara y sin complicaciones.Déjame en los comentarios qué noticia quieres que analicemos la próxima semana y suscríbete para acompañarnos en los siguientes en vivos.Prueba café el Capitalhttps://cafeelcapital.com/s/08a484________________________________00:00 Introducción 10:53 ¿La Casa de Toño se venderá por 400 MDD?14:30 ¿Cómo gana dinero La Casa de Toño?21:24 ¿Por qué La Casa de Toño es tan atractiva para los inversionistas?26:22 ¿El Mundial realmente dejó dinero?26:33 Restaurantes vs. Visa: ¿quién tiene la razón?27:57 El problema de organizar un Mundial tan disperso31:44 ¿Cuándo gastó más la gente durante el Mundial?36:51 La gran crítica al modelo del Mundial39:21 Tesla se desploma en bolsa39:47 El verdadero problema de Tesla: sus márgenes44:00 ¿Los inversionistas siguen confiando en Elon Musk?51:23 El riesgo de que Tesla dependa demasiado de Elon Musk55:05 Noticias rápidas de la semana55:40 OpenAI admite comportamientos preocupantes en sus modelos58:47 Volkswagen planea recortar 100,000 empleos1:00:12 Microsoft anuncia más despidos por la inteligencia artificial1:01:36 Moody's alerta por las enormes inversiones en IA1:02:46 La gran ventaja de China en la carrera de la inteligencia artificial1:04:26 México evita una nueva ola de aranceles1:06:20 Conclusiones y cierre

Welcome to this week's episode of the PEBCAK Podcast!  We've got three amazing stories this week so sit back, relax, and keep being awesome!  Be sure to stick around for our Dad Joke of the Week. (DJOW) Follow us on Instagram @pebcakpodcast   Please share this podcast with someone you know!  It helps us grow the podcast and we really appreciate it!   Simple 6 signup link https://simple6.co/r/CFUR98   Hugging Face allegedly had to fall back on China's GLM 5.2 to investigate the OpenAI hack after US frontier models refused to help with forensic analysis, unable to distinguish attacker from defender. - https://x.com/coinbureau/status/2079663328021057654?s=46 - https://x.com/t3chfalcon/status/2079998873183949221 Per the claim, safety guardrails on US frontier models blocked forensic assistance during the incident response because the models couldn't tell the investigating security team apart from the attacker, forcing Hugging Face to run GLM 5.2 on its own servers to complete the analysis — a notable reversal given the assumption that domestic models would be the trusted fallback in a crisis.   VW drivers running GrapheneOS say the automaker's app has locked them out entirely, deepening fears carmakers are forcing users back into Google's ecosystem.  VW has now confirmed to German outlet heise that it deliberately blocked GrapheneOS, LineageOS, and /e/OS users via Google's Play Integrity API — the same certification gatekeeper already used by Barclays, HSBC, Monzo, Netflix, and Disney+. - https://cybernews.com/privacy/volkswagen-grapheneos-app-issues/ - https://x.com/intcyberdigest/status/2079992915972018246?s=46 - https://x.com/orwellday/status/2079704437241610443?s=46 Roughly 500,000 GrapheneOS users are affected; VW's app still supports outdated Android versions but rejects the privacy-focused OS, and VW told one user GrapheneOS "is not an official Volkswagen offering." The lockout follows a recent VW API change that also cut off third-party smart-charging and home-automation tools, raising questions about EU Data Act compliance.   A 19-year-old alleged Scattered Spider member's globe-trotting VPN op-sec got shredded by a Windows telemetry ID he probably didn't know existed. - https://cybersecuritynews.com/windows-device-identifier-tracking/ Peter Stokes (dual US-Estonian, 19) allegedly ran an $8M extortion hit on a luxury retailer using voice-phishing, ngrok tunneling, and 77GB of S3 exfil — but the FBI cross-referenced his Microsoft Global Device Identifier (GDID) across Apple, Snapchat, Facebook, and even a Ubisoft login to place the same device on the same IPs in Tallinn, NYC, and Thailand, matching his travel records. Microsoft has since acknowledged using the GDID to track the user across three countries — meaning the VPN masked his network endpoint, but the GDID rendered that protection moot.   Dad Joke of the Week (DJOW)   Find the hosts on LinkedIn: Chris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlouie/ Glenn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennmedina/ Jason - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-seemann-12b7075/

EUROPEAN EV SALES JUMP 52% IN JUNE  European EV sales rose 52% in June, with volume models up 59% and premium models up 31%, pushing year-to-date growth to 35% overall. Tesla led the market with the Model Y and Model 3, while models like the Renault 5, Skoda Enyaq, and Leapmotor T03 showed strong gains, and BMW topped the slower-growing premium segment.GM EV RESET COSTS $10.9 BILLION  GM's shift away from aggressive EV expansion has now cost $10.9 billion, including a new $2.3 billion charge tied to reducing battery capacity and retooling factories for more petrol vehicles. The reversal follows weaker EV demand and missed targets against Tesla, mirroring similar multi-billion-dollar pullbacks by Ford, Stellantis, and Volkswagen.RANGE ROVER SHOWS ELECTRIC GT PROTOTYPE  JLR has unveiled a low-slung electric GT-style crossover as a fifth Range Rover model, blending SUV and saloon design on its EMA platform. A production version is expected next year with likely dual-motor AWD, though performance and range figures remain undisclosed.HOLLYWOOD TESLA DINER TOPS GLOBAL SUPERCHARGER NETWORK  Tesla's Hollywood diner and Supercharger site became the busiest in its global network within a year, delivering 21.2 GWh and averaging about 1,600 daily charging sessions. The location significantly outperforms other sites in weekly energy delivered, highlighting demand for high-traffic charging hubs.SWEDEN EV SHARE HITS 67% IN Q2  Plug-in vehicles reached a 67% market share in Sweden in Q2 2026, driven mainly by BEVs rising to 42% while PHEVs declined slightly. Overall car sales grew 22%, supported by new rural-focused incentives, with the Volvo EX40 remaining the top-selling BEV.VOLKSWAGEN ID. POLO STARTS AT £23,945  Volkswagen's new all-electric ID. Polo will start at £23,945, marking a key model in its “True VW” strategy with improved design, usability, and physical controls. Offering up to 280 miles of range and modern tech across trims, it aims to balance affordability, practicality, and everyday performance.VOLKSWAGEN BACKS SAFETY-LED E-BIKE RANGE  Volkswagen has backed a premium e-bike line featuring 250W motors and a 25 km/h limit, focused on safety and urban usability rather than speed. Key features include a radar-assisted rear-view system, integrated lighting, and optional smart helmet and HUD glasses to bring car-style safety tech into micromobility.HYUNDAI UNITES V2X UNDER ALL DAY ENERGY  Hyundai has launched All Day Energy, a unified V2X platform that combines its regional systems into a single global service accessible via vehicle apps. The system enables EVs to supply power to homes, buildings, other vehicles, and the grid, with the UK set as the first rollout market.BURNHAM CUTS POWER VAT, WIDENS EV CHARGING GAP  The UK will remove VAT on domestic electricity from October, cutting bills and benefiting EV owners who charge at home while leaving public charging taxed at 20%. This widens the cost gap for the 32% of households without driveways, intensifying calls for equalised charging taxes.ABARTH 500E GETS UK GRANT  The Abarth 500e now qualifies for a £3,750 UK government grant, reducing its price to £24,245 and making the electric hot hatch more accessible. The incentive aims to broaden its appeal beyond early adopters since its 2023 launch.ILLINOIS EV REBATES RETURN ON AUGUST 1  Illinois will relaunch its EV rebate program on August 1 with $14 million in funding, offering up to $4,000 for low-income buyers and $2,000 standard rebates. The program runs until funds are exhausted, with strict eligibility rules including price caps, dealer requirements, and no leases.USED EVS KEEP MORE BATTERY THAN FEARED  A Swedish study of nearly 10,000 tests found many EVs retain 95–97% battery capacity after over 100,000 km, challenging common concerns about degradation. Models like the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona performed best, while battery chemistry and supplier differences also significantly affected long-term health.

Plus: Crude oil slips on new hopes for peace talks. And SAP's stock jumps after the software maker reported higher quarterly revenue from its cloud business. Julie Chang 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.

We had the opportunity to speak with James about his early interests in mk2s, S-2s, Corrados and more. James told us how SpoonFed got started, some challenges along the way, and where its headed. Check it!

A.M. Edition for July 23. Oil futures are rising again today, after Iran-backed Houthi militants claimed attacks on a pair of Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, and as the U.S. surges special-operations forces to the Middle East. Plus, Alphabet and Tesla shares tumble as the big-spending tech giants turn cash-flow negative. WSJ reporters Meghan Brobowsky and Becky Peterson break down the numbers and what to make of Elon Musk's most boring earnings call ever. And the FDA investigates a new outbreak of cyclospora. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, the AI clown car somehow shifted into another gear. Apple is suing OpenAI over alleged trade-secret theft, newspapers accuse ChatGPT of training on stolen journalism while asking a judge to sanction the company, Anthropic is out here marketing AI with what looks like a feature-length anxiety attack, and Meta managed to launch—and kill—a creepy AI photo feature in less time than it takes to binge The Bear. Meanwhile, AI Appreciation Day wants you to thank the machines, but we'd rather thank the people still creating actual art while the rest of Silicon Valley burns cash convincing us the next chatbot is definitely different this time.Outside the AI bubble, the rest of the tech industry isn't exactly inspiring confidence. Volkswagen is cutting back on its lineup, New York paused new AI data centers before the electrical grid hits its limit, Europe and the UK are getting serious about keeping kids off social media, and publishers are finally realizing maybe feeding Google's AI isn't the best business move after all. Add in surveillance companies sulking over lost police contracts, lawsuits claiming Meta let algorithms decide who gets fired, smart glasses disqualifying cyclists, and a new pile of orbital junk threatening the satellites we depend on, and it's another reminder that "move fast and break things" eventually leaves you ankle-deep in broken glass.Of course, we still made time for the important stuff: Project Hail Mary, Black Bag, the return of Middle-earth with The Hunt for Gollum and rumors that OpenAI's "revolutionary” gadget might just be a smart speaker with delusions of grandeur. Throw in digital piano repairs, anti-data-center lawn signs, AI trying to sell solar panels, too much stuff at Downtown Disney, and you get another week where reality out-satirizes satire itself. As always, never build your house in someone else's backyard, and maybe don't let the chatbot build it either.Sponsors:CleanMyMac - Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use code OLDGEEKS for 20% off at clnmy.com/OLDGEEKSDeleteMe - Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use promo code GOG at checkout.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/755Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Vv2W5OCBXR4SHOW NOTESVolkswagen will dramatically shrink its model lineup and factory footprintElon Musk Could Still Face Criminal Charges for Trying to Bribe Voters in WisconsinEurope takes step toward social media ban for kidsThe UK Is Planning a Social Media Curfew for 16- and 17-Year-OldsOnce Unimaginable, Publishers Are Preparing to Opt Out of Google SearchWhat are your plans for AI Appreciation Day?New Anthropic Ad Implies AI Could Kill Us AllThe Public Got So Mad at Meta's New AI Photo Tool That It's Scrapped AlreadyFlock Says ‘We Hope to Resume' Work With LAPD After Getting DroppedApple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theftApple F*cking Did It: One Month With Siri AIOpenAI faces sanctions bid as newspapers say ChatGPT was trained on stolen newsA Majority of Americans Now Support Seizing Wealth From AI IndustryNew York enacts first US ban on data center constructionAstronomers Found a Hidden Swarm of Space Junk Threatening Earth's Most Valuable OrbitLawsuit claims Meta's layoff decisions were made by AI, not humansJudge dismisses lawsuit accusing Apple of failing to stop CSAM on iCloudSmart Glasses Just Got a Pro Cyclist Nixed From a RaceProject Hail MaryGood Luck, Have Fun, Don't DieThe New ‘Lord of the Rings' Film Gets an Epic Filming AnnouncementBlack BagPhilips offers free replacements after update bricked smart lighting hubsWaze rolls out new AI features including Motorcycle and 'Less Chatty' modesThe OpenAI Mystery Device Will Reportedly Be Basically Just a Smart SpeakerPhoebe Gates' AI shopping app Phia reportedly claimed unearned affiliate sales through fake clicksThe End of Reading Is HereDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the Building‘The Mandalorian and Grogu' Is Finally Coming HomeDave Kendall, Creator and Host of MTV's 120 Minutes, Has DiedSam Neill, Jurassic Park Star, Dies at 78The DishSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CLiz Peek discusses the strong American economy, noting that small businesses feel relief as tariff threats abate and inflation falls. Lower energy and gasoline prices have cheered investors. Anecdotal evidence from local bookstores and ice cream parlors reinforces a positive outlook for consumer sentiment. (1)Liz Peek highlights the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America as a significant threat to established Democraticincumbents. Young voters are flocking to radical platforms promising free services. Rahm Emanuel emerges as a blunt voice for the party, urging a challenge against these "loons." (2)Jonathan Schanzer reports on the restart of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, where oil prices have hit $87 per barrel. The US is conducting air strikes against Iranian naval assets and drone bases. Schanzer questions why these strategic targets were not hit earlier in the conflict. (3)Jonathan Schanzer explores the Houthi threat in North Yemen and the potential for a wider regional conflict. While the US keeps Israel on the sidelines to avoid escalation, Turkey's "neo-Ottoman" ambitions are rising. Schanzer warns that Turkey seeks to fill the power vacuum left by Iran. (4)Mary Kissel analyzes the failure of the Iran ceasefire, noting that Iran calculated the US lacks the will for ground intervention. The conflict centers on Iran's suspect nuclear program, with potential new targets at Pickaxe Mountain. Public engagement remains low despite rising energy costs. (5)Mary Kissel discusses NATO's decision to reinforce Ukraine with advanced drone technology and Patriot missile manufacturing. Ukraine is hailed as the "future of warfare," transitioning from a security consumer to a security contributor. Kissel emphasizes the need for the US to counter Russian propaganda. (6)Joseph Sternberg examines Germany's economic struggles under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a shift toward deregulation and infrastructure borrowing. Massive layoffs at Volkswagen signal the end of traditional "lifetime employment." Merz faces political challenges from Social Democrats who resist aggressive free-market changes. (7)Joseph Sternberg addresses the assassination of former MP Ann Widdecombe, which is being investigated as a possible act of political violence. Sternberg notes that existential political rhetoric on social media often inspires such attacks. These tensions reflect broader global concerns regarding political polarization. (8)Gregory Copley critiques the stalemate in the Persian Gulf, suggesting that US air strikes alone cannot win without a plan for regime change. He advocates for supporting the domestic Iranian population against the clerical leadership. Turkey's opposition to empowering Kurdish forces remains a significant complication. (9)Gregory Copley discusses the inevitability of Ukraine's path to NATO, a move he views as a provocation to Russia. He argues the war preserves President Zelensky's power without a democratic mandate. However, he acknowledges Ukraine's technological ingenuity in developing swarming drone capabilities for modern combat. (10)Gregory Copley highlights Australia's declining regional power as Indonesia and India rise strategically. China'smissile tests and interest in Antarctica further destabilize the South Pacific. As the Antarctic Treaty ends, a scramble for the world's largest oil deposits appears imminent. (11)Gregory Copley details King Charles III's visit to the Isle of Man, the world's oldest continuous parliament. The King also held a private, discreet meeting with Prince Harry. Meanwhile, the UK faces rising anxiety over security for political leaders following the assassination of Ann Widdecombe. (12)Jeff McCausland discusses the closing of the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian threats from land-based missiles and drones. President Trump faces a dilemma: muddle through, escalate with ground forces, or withdraw. McCausland warns that seizing territory like Kharg Island would result in significant casualties. (13)Jeff McCausland notes that Europe now views Ukraine as a security contributor due to its mastery of drone and robotic warfare. While Putin considers escalation or mobilization, Chinese pressure likely prevents the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The US continues to communicate "serious consequences." (14)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa condemn Gustavo Petro's refusal to recognize election results in Colombia. They criticize Brazil's President Lula for his silence on criminal leftist regimes. The "Shield of the Americas" alliance is emerging to defend regional democracy and fight corruption. (15)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report that 60,000 people are missing in Venezuela following catastrophic earthquakes and government neglect. They propose an emergency temporary government to replace the Rodriguezsiblings. Brazil hosts 700,000 refugees fleeing the "gangland" regime's destruction. (16)All 16 segments formatted, tail numbers (1)–(16). Name check clean: Liz Peek, Peña Esclusa, Araújo with the accent, Ann Widdecombe all correct.

Joseph Sternberg examines Germany's economic struggles under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a shift toward deregulation and infrastructure borrowing. Massive layoffs at Volkswagen signal the end of traditional "lifetime employment." Merz faces political challenges from Social Democrats who resist aggressive free-market changes. (7)1839 RHINELAND