News Archives - Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be cutting 5% of its workforce through a voluntary redundancy programs.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All of that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches.

As always, we’d like to give special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin for their ongoing support of this program.

In addition to the fine folks at Fort’s, our Patreon supporters help keeping the wrenches flying. Thank you!

Eric’s Adventures: Racing, wheeling, detailed maps, and roadside attraction photography from the remote U.S. in his newly-equipped Land Cruiser. The man’s got a full plate… and an empty tank of gas.

Daryl

Back when German cars were still making exciting, well-engineered compact sedans, we had some absolute legends.

Doggone it, these cars had soul! They were engineered to last, easy to work on, and genuinely fun to drive. Compare that to today’s “connected” vehicles with sealed powertrains and software you can’t touch. We’d say the enpoopification is real.

Which would you choose to Race?

Let us know at [email protected] or on Facebook.

Two of the world’s biggest automakers are testing 100% renewable gasoline in Spain with partners Bosch and Repsol. Here’s the kicker: no engine modifications required. Your existing car, your existing fuel system, same fuel pump… just different fuel.

The renewable gas is made from cooking oil, animal fats, and biological waste. Since hundreds of millions of combustion vehicles will be on the road through the 2040s (especially in developing countries where charging infrastructure is sparse), this could be a realistic bridge to a cleaner future without replacing every car on Earth.

Source: Expedition Portal

BMW confirmed it will cut roughly 8,000 jobs through a voluntary redundancy program running October 2026 through end of 2027. The deal targets admin, development, and corporate functions—production jobs are explicitly off the table. Estimated savings: ~€1 billion annually starting 2028.

More than half of BMW’s global staff (87,000 of ~154,500) are based in Germany, with major concentrations in Munich, Regensburg, Dingolfing, and Leipzig. The Munich research center alone, home to 25,000 engineers and developers, will be hit hardest.

Source: Automotive World

Bloomberg dropped a report in July saying Tesla’s Cybertruck has become the auto industry’s biggest commercial flop—surpassing even Ford’s legendary Edsel disaster (1958).

The Numbers:

For context, the Edsel was supposed to sell 200,000 units in year one. It sold less than a third of that. The Cybertruck is following a similar trajectory but starting from the opposite direction: overhyped promise turning into the cold reality of consumer rejection.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Shell just divested Jiffy Lube to private equity firm Monomoy Capital Partners. The deal closed July 1, 2026.

The Timeline:

Jiffy Lube now operates some 2,000 independent service centers across North America. Shell is offloading “non-core” businesses as part of a strategic pivot away from traditional lubricants and drilling operations.

If you’ve got a Jiffy Lube horror story (and honestly, who doesn’t?), expect the franchise model to tighten under private equity. Pennzoil Quaker State will keep supplying the chain for now.

Source: Yahoo Finance

After nearly 40 years of faithful service, the USPS is finally retiring the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV). You know the one: right-hand-drive, aluminum body, famously tiny, powered by a Pontiac “Iron Duke” four-cylinder and Chevrolet S10 pickup chassis.

The Stats:

The Replacement? Oshkosh’s new Next-Gen Delivery Vehicle (NGDV). It’s actually a proper vehicle: airbags, air conditioning, modern safety features. Finally. The USPS allocated $9.6 billion for this overdue update.

The LLV is a slice of automotive history. It’s a humble, brilliantly simple machine that did one job and did it for longer than anyone expected. RIP to a legend.

Source: Hagerty

 Eric: 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder – $5,500

From the listing: 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder convertible. 102,000 miles. Full set of wheels and tires will go with the car. Aftermarket stereo. Custom black and silver leather seats. Aftermarket seat covers installed to protect them. $5,500 obo. No trades, no deliveries. Rebuilt title in hand.

Daryl: 1993 Chevrolet G20 Conversion Van – $6,000

From the listing: 1993 Chevy G 20 Conversion Van with 146000 miles on it. Has a 4.3 V6 with a automatic with overdrive. I have owned it for 26 years, has a very nice interior. It has some body damage on the passenger side, the 

doors open and close and is drivable as it is. The Van was damaged when I bought it, and I drove it the way it was. Van has a clean and clear title. I have the 3 doors needed to repair and they are included with the sale. I have done alot of maintenance work on the van, about  $3000 in parts, too much to list, This is a bargain!! 

Email us: [email protected]

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Patreon

The post Episode 112 – Cyber Edsel appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is talking 5th gen mods and SCC 2025

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All of that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

 Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide!

SPOTIFY COMMENTS and polls – New got some!

Check us out on YouTube, before we are banned for copyright!  

Sponsors

PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters. 

Welcome new members!  I need to do the rundown with the magic mirror-like romper room!

Itunes Premium –  people love it!  Full integration into your Apple Podcast app. 

On this show we will spend a bunch of time talking to Jacob and learning about his 2024 5th Gen 4Runner build along with the annual Southern Cruiser Crawl trip he and Eric took this past October.

NEWS:

Chery Automobile, one of the largest automakers in the Far East, was filming a video for its new Fengyun X3L SUV on November 12 when disaster struck.

The plan was for the company’s new SUV to be filmed ascending Tianmen Mountain’s famous 999 steps up to the natural arch known as Heaven’s Gate, located in Zhangjiajie, Central China’s Hunan Province.

Known to many as the “Stairway to Heaven,” in 2018 the steps had served as the setting for a similar stunt staged by fellow car manufacturer Range Rover to promote its Range Rover Sport range.

Whereas the Range Rover Sport successfully surmounted the steps, thought to be just 30 centimeters [12 inches] wide and on a gradient in excess of 60 degrees, the Fengyun X3L struggled with the ascent, ultimately losing momentum and rolling back down the hill.

A video, posted to X by @CollinRugg, captures what happened next, with a yellow version of Chery Automobile’s new SUV shown crashing into a protective guardrail, causing damage to the iconic tourist spot and shocking bystanders in the process.

National:

https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/infectious-diseases/other-infections/windshield-washer-fluid-may-be-source-of-legionnaires-disease/ 

Windshield washer fluid may contain bacteria that cause the deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease, according to researchers who say the study is the first to detect high levels of Legionella in automobiles or aerosolized by washer fluid spray.

Legionella bacteria, which are naturally occurring and typically found in water, are transmitted to people through mist or vapor from water containing the bacteria. For example, air conditioners and hot tubs can be sources of infection. The bacteria do not spread from person to person.

Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria don’t become ill, but some develop Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also cause a milder illness similar to the flu.

Researchers found Legionella bacteria in the windshield washer fluid of 75% of school buses they tested in one central Arizona school district. The investigators also discovered that Legionella bacteria can grow in windshield washer fluid and maintain stable populations in the fluid for up to 14 months.

“Washer fluid spray can release potentially dangerous numbers of these bacteria into the air. These results suggest that automobiles may serve as a source of transmission for Legionella infections,” study author Otto Schwake, a doctoral student at Arizona State University, said in a society news release.

Moment of Musk:

Are we past the 3rd rail phase with this guy?

Technologie

By Jessica Hagen 

During a talk with Ron Baron, founder of asset management firm Baron Capital, Elon Musk said Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, will one day perform surgeries with better precision than a human. 

“Imagine a world where everyone has access to the best surgeons, literally everyone,” Musk said. 

“Optimus will have the level of precision that is frankly superhuman and will be able to do medical procedures, very sophisticated medical procedures, any medical procedure, perhaps things that really humans can’t even do because they’re too difficult, and that will be available to anyone.”

Musk stated that people often talk about eliminating poverty and providing great medical care but never actually have a solution.

“Money doesn’t solve it, because there are only so many, there’s a very limited number of great doctors and surgeons. They don’t grow on trees. But now they will get built in factories,” Musk said. 

Currently, there is no medical version of Optimus, and the robot is still in the early stages of development.

THE LARGER TREND

Musk stated during Tesla’s Q3 2025 earnings call that he foresees the robot being “the biggest product of all time” and eventually making enormous strides in healthcare. 

“It won’t even seem like a robot. It will seem like a person in a robot suit. It will seem so real that you’ll need to poke it, I think, to believe that it is actually a robot,” Musk said. 

Meanwhile in Russia…

updated

Nov 14, 2025 at 05:04 AM EST

Novosiltsev Artur/Moskva Agency

By Jesus Mesa

Politics Reporter

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

Russia’s first humanoid robot with artificial intelligence fell on stage during its official debut at a technology event in Moscow on November 10, prompting staff to cover the machine from public view while attempting to fix the malfunction.

The robot, named AIdol, was introduced by developers as an advanced example of anthropomorphic robotics built largely from domestic components. As the robot was being led on stage by two staff members to the soundtrack from the film Rocky, it lost balance and fell, leaving several pieces behind on the stage.

Video footage of the incident, shared by independent Russian outlets, shows staff rushing to hide the robot behind a screen as it was being dragged off the

Cars of the Weak  

Eric: 

This interior is insane…  And I have to ask… Whats the point?  

The “W” platform (is that right?)  that spawned a series of 80’s and 90’s benzes that looked like stacking dolls still does not look very collectable to me.  Am I alone on this?  

1991 Mercedes 300e runs and drives nice ,recent front springs ,the rods ,bilstiens front shocks.  139k automatic, IL title. Includes an extra set of Blizzak snow tires and winter wheels.  

Jacob:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bd3vobekM/ 

Hi, here I got is a 1985 Toyota 4runner best year for the first gen 4runner has the 22re with solid front axles. It has 46k original miles lowest mileage one I seen so far it’s in really great shape everything works how it should! If interested inbox me please don’t waste my time if you don’t have the money or want to lowball me don’t bother inboxing me or you will get blocked thanks for looking. Trades are welcome but have to be the same value or cash on top!

The post Episode 106 – 5th Gen 4Runner Mods and SCC 2025 with Jacob appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that singing the blues in our Little Deuce Coupes.  (R.I.P. Brian Wilson)

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

As always, we’d like to give special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin 

In addition to the fine folks at Fort’s, our Patreon supporters help keeping the wrenches flying. Thank you!

Suzuki’s Jimny 5-door is so popular in Japan that they’ve suspended orders after just four days, creating a 3.5-year backlog with 50,000 orders and only 1,200 units per month production capacity.

We explore the newly opened World of Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, celebrating the Swedish automaker’s 100-year history, and discuss GM’s massive $4 billion investment to move production from Mexico back to US plants, including the shuttered Orion Assembly facility.

Car Culture

In tribute to the late Brian Wilson, we dive into how the Beach Boys shaped American car culture with classics like “Little Deuce Coupe” and “409,” plus Wilson’s surprising hit about a Honda scooter that introduced Americans to the Japanese brand.

1995 right-hand-drive Suzuki Jimny – $15,995

You might say Eric was smitten by the Suzuki after he and Mrs. Stahl traveled across Iceland in one. Sure, it’s lacking a few creature comforts. Maybe the crash rating isn’t spectacular. And no, you can’t buy a new one here in the United States. That’s why he found a USED Japanese-market import to call his own.

He also found something that may replace “Little Mule” one far-off day. It rhymes with Mahindra.

2023 Lordstown Endurance EV Truck – $32,000 

What’s this? Why, it’s a barely-used 2023 Lordstown Endurance EV truck, of course. We’ve talked about Lordstown Motors quite a bit over the years but never actually seen one in the wild until now.

It’s hard to believe these didn’t take off.

Maybe that’s a good thing?

Got something that really grinds your gears? Let us know at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

The post Episode 102 – Beach Party Iceland appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is starting with a new SLATE…  Get it?

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All of that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Sponsors

PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters.

patreon.com/throwinwrenches

Welcome new members!  I need to do the rundown with the magic mirror-like romper room!

iTunes Premium –  people love it!  Full integration into your Apple Podcast app. 

Thanks for listening.   Thanks for sharing.  Thanks for commenting.  THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!!   

Projects

Eric: 

Daryl:

NEWS:

World:

Tariffs Tariffs Tariffs.  We are not going to get into it.  Mostly because this show could be 2 weeks old by the time you hear it, and he could change his mind again.  The Foxconn story intrigues me…  

As Deals and Tariffs Loom, Foxconn Sees U.S. Production Power in Former GM Factory

Front and center at the Foxconn booth here sits a midsize crossover with supersize ambitions. If all goes to plan, the Model C all-electric utility could help catapult the Taiwanese electronics giant into the U.S. market as one of its newest automotive players. Foxconn, best known as the world’s largest contract manufacturer of iPhones, plans to start shipping the Model C to a customer across the Pacific by the end of the year. And if the Trump administration’s tariffs prove too thorny for long-term exports from Foxconn’s factory in Taiwan, Foxconn has a formidable Plan B.The company is rapidly refurbishing a former General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, as a U.S. production hub. The plant, which has capacity for hundreds of thousands of vehicles when fully tooled, could be pumping out vehicles as early as next year.

Source: Automotive News

Excessive Tech on display at the shanghai auto show

Imagine vehicles with holographic instrument panels floating in thin air; cars with see-through doors that allow drivers to see nearby pedestrians and cyclists more easily; biometric health monitoring using facial recognition and various health metrics; and less-costly massaging car seats. This is a small sample of the diverse technologies French auto supplier Forvia is showcasing at the Shanghai auto show beginning April 24.

Source: WardsAuto

National:

GM 6.2L V8 L87 Engine Recall Unrelated To Valve Lifter Issues Source: GM Authority

General Motors recently announced a wide-ranging safety recall involving the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States. While the recall addresses two potentially serious mechanical defects that can lead to engine failure and a loss of propulsion, GM has confirmed that the recall is not related to the well-documented valve lifter problems experienced by some owners.

As covered previously, the new L87 engine recall impacts a wide array of full-size GM vehicles, including GM trucks and SUVs built between the 2021 and 2024 model years. In total, 597,630 units are impacted in the U.S.,with global recall figures approaching 721,000 units.

Source: Auto Dealer Today

Dealers should prepare for a shortage of affordable vehicles and manage inventory carefully as the impact of tariffs begins to hit new-car supply, David Greene, principal, industry and marketplace analytics at Cars.com, tells WardsAuto. Two learnings emerge from the Cars Commerce Q1 2025 Auto Market Review: “The most affordable vehicles come from our neighbors to the north and the south, and those are going to be under the most (price) pressure,” Greene says.

Source: WardsAuto

Volkswagen Keeps 2025 GTI for the U.S. After Deleting Standard Golf

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues its legacy as a quintessential hot hatch, blending performance, practicality and the best modern tech that the Volkswagen Group could muster for the enthusiast crowd. While the GTI, introduced 50 years ago in Germany, retains the core elements that have made it a favorite among devotees the world over, the 2025 model introduces several updates and changes that enhance its appeal. Under the hood, the U.S.-spec 2025 GTI maintains the turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 delivering 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque. This engine is exclusively paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as the manual option has been discontinued for this model year. Oh, the pain.

Source: WardsAuto

Slate Auto Unveils Refreshingly Simple And Small Two-Seat Electric Truck Designed To Be Customized, Starting Under $27,500 – Jalopnik

After a brief but very buzzy teaser campaign, Jeff Bezos–backed startup Slate Auto just revealed its electric pickup at an event in Long Beach, California. The extremely simple, refreshingly small truck is designed to be a blank slate for owners to easily customize how they want — hence the Slate name — with a wide variety of more than 100 accessories available at launch. You’ll even be able to transform the two-seat truck into a five-seat SUV, and the rear-wheel-drive Slate will have a range of up to 240 miles. Slate says the truck will proudly be made in the U.S. “as part of a commitment to re-industrializing America,” and it’ll cost less than $20,000 with federal incentives factored in when it starts production late next year….

Read More: https://www.jalopnik.com/1843154/slate-auto-electric-truck-suv-customizable-design-specs-details/

The press conference was terrible, which is refreshing. These people looked like deer in the headlights when it came to a TED talk. It was much better than I could do, so kudos to them for even standing up there and getting uncomfortable.  

Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto announces factory location for its $25,000 electric truck

By Benjamin Zhang

Personalized Slate EV pickups at its reveal event this month. Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Slate

Apr 29, 2025, 3:40 PM CT

Slate Auto, the Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup, confirmed to Business Insider on Tuesday that its $25,000 electric pickup would be assembled at a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana.

New bill would require speed-limiting tech on cars of frequent speeders  By WNYT

A new bill could limit how fast delinquent drivers can go in New York state.

The Stop Super Speeders Act would require speed-limiting devices on cars that get six or more red light tickets in a year, or any drivers who get more than 11 points on their license in a two-year span.

Those devices would prevent cars from going more than five miles per hour over the speed limit.

Three states have already passed similar legislation, and the National Safety Transportation Board has even recommended the policy.

Car Subscription Features Raise Your Risk of Government Surveillance, Police Records Show

Records reviewed by WIRED show law enforcement agencies are eager to take advantage of the data trails generated by a flood of new internet-connected vehicle features.

Automakers are increasingly pushing consumers to accept monthly and annual fees to unlock preinstalled safety and performance features, from hands-free driving systems and heated seats to cameras that can automatically record accident situations. But the additional levels of internet connectivity this subscription model requires can increase drivers’ exposure to government surveillance and the likelihood of being caught up in police investigations.

A cache of more than two dozen police records recently reviewed by WIRED show US law enforcement agencies regularly trained on how to take advantage of “connected cars,” with subscription-based features drastically increasing the amount of data that can be accessed during investigations. The records make clear that law enforcement’s knowledge of the surveillance far exceeds that of the public and reveal how corporate policies and technologies—not the law—determine driver privacy.

“Each manufacturer has their whole protocol on how the operating system in the vehicle utilizes telematics, mobile Wi-Fi, et cetera,” one law enforcement officer noted in a presentation prepared by the California State Highway Patrol (CHP) and reviewed by WIRED. The presentation, while undated, contains statistics on connected cars for the year 2024. “If the vehicle has an active subscription,” they add, “it does create more data.”

Local: 

Stellantis to Build New Truck in Idled Belvidere Plant  Jan. 22, 2025.  The recommitments follow a threatened national strike by the UAW. 

Tariffs or Not, Reopen Is Still On Schedule For 2027

Despite all the chaos surrounding the auto industry lately—tariff battles, production pauses, temporary layoffs—Stellantis says it’s still full speed ahead on reopening its Belvidere Assembly Plant in 2027.

That’s straight from the company, which told the Chicago Sun-Times this week that nothing has changed regarding the timeline agreed upon in last year’s UAW contract.

“The launch timing for the plant has not changed,” said Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson. “We’ll honor the timing indicated in the 2023 [UAW] Collective Bargaining Agreement, so still expecting to launch in 2027.”

Moment of Musk:

Atlantic Writer Speculates Elon Musk Could Have ‘100 or More’ Children: ‘Definitely More Than 14’

“Sanity” podcast co-host Alisyn Camerota says “there’s something very dystopian” about the billionaire’s family planning

Stephanie Kaloi  April 26, 2025 @ 10:23 AM

Elon Musk is known to have at least 14 children, but the real number could be much higher than that, The Atlantic’s Elizabeth Bruenig told Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs on the “Sanity” podcast in an interview 

“I believe he has 14 known children, but people who spoke to the Wall Street Journal for their exposé on his childbearing habits suggested the number is much higher,” she said. “I have heard people estimate [it] at 100 or more.” Bruenig is the author of the piece “The Harem of Elon Musk.”

Camerota jumped in and added that “the reason we don’t know about “all these other children and women is because he makes his baby mamas sign NDAs and he’s very lawyered up and he’s litigious and he does suit them if they speak” — and Musk pays the mothers of his children a lot of money to stay silent.

St. Clair reportedly received $15 million and a $ 100,000-a-month living stipend to keep news of the birth of the pair’s baby quiet, Bruenig added.

Cars of the Weak  

Eric:

*** CARFAX GAURANTEED! 75 SERVICE RECORDS! LEATHER! COLD AC! FLORIDA VEHICLE! WARRANTY AVAILABLE! *** Reliability and performance come together with dependability and style in this 2002 Lexus IS300 sedan. This example is extremely clean inside and out and very well maintained by it’s previous owner with 75 documented service records. Equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, Remote Entry, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Leather, Moonroof, Cruise Control, Dual Power Seats, Climate Control, Rear AC, Traction Control, 17 inch Alloys with Like New Tires. Only $9,995 Cash!

236,160 Miles

Daryl:

1948 Kaiser Custom – $8950

Original 6 cylinder flathead motor – 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive – original interior.

Located in Emden, IL

The post Episode 101 – A New Slate appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is sending you an audio Valentine.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide!

Special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin for their ongoing support of our podcast. If you’re in the market for a new or used Toyota, or service, please give them a try!

We’d also like to thank our dedicated Patreon supporters and iTunes Premium supporters for helping to make this program possible.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Nissan’s board has determined that Honda’s terms for a combination of the two automakers are unacceptable, people familiar with the matter said, endangering a merger plan designed to shore up Nissan’s faltering business. In a statement, Nissan said no decision had been reached but one option under discussion was scrapping its December agreement with Honda to aim for a merger. Both automakers said talks were continuing and they aimed to announce their direction in mid-February.  

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Source: Reuters

 New U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order on Tuesday directing U.S. regulators to rescind landmark fuel economy standards issued under President Joe Biden that aimed to drastically reduce fuel use for cars and trucks.

In a memo, Duffy directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reconsider the 2022 model year through 2031 model years for cars and trucks.

The agency in June said it would hike Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements to about 50.4 miles per gallon (4.67 liters per 100 km) by 2031 from 39.1 mpg currently for light-duty vehicles.

Duffy, who took office late Tuesday, also directed NHTSA to reconsider rules for heavy duty pickup trucks and vans through 2035.

“Artificially high fuel economy standards designed to meet non-statutory policy goals, such as those NHTSA has promulgated in recent years, impose large costs that render many vehicle models unaffordable for the average American family,” Duffy’s memo said. “They also put coercive pressure on automakers to phase out production of various models of popular (internal combustion engine) vehicles.”

Source: Automotive News

Increased throughput across Mazda’s dealer network helped the Japanese automaker achieve its highest sales in nearly four decades. “Mazda is focused on pushing more sales through the current dealerships rather than trying to add on more dealers for growth,” Rob Sickel, chairman of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Council, told Automotive News after the automaker held a virtual franchise meeting on Jan. 30. Mazda has 545 dealers in its network. In 2024, they sold an average of 669 vehicles, up from 625 in 2023. Sickel said 21 Mazda dealers topped sales of 2,000 vehicles last year.

Source:Auto Dealer Today

Car insurance rates are expected to continue to rise this year, though at a slower pace. Rates climbed 15% across the country last year and have jumped a cumulative 42% since 2022, according to insurance comparison-shopping website Insurify. 

Insurify forecasts a 5% rate increase this year to a national average full-coverage rate of $2,435 by year-end.

Source: CBT News

Despite South Carolina granting Scout Motors $1.3 billion in incentives to build its $2 billion EV plant in Blythewood, state residents won’t be able to buy the company’s vehicles when they hit the market in 2027. Due to state laws prohibiting direct sales, even the 4,000 workers employed at the facility will have to go out of state to purchase a Scout EV.

Scout, owned by Volkswagen, has opted for a direct-to-consumer sales model, similar to Tesla and Lucid, aiming to provide a more transparent and cost-effective buying process. However, South Carolina is among the nearly 20 states that mandate vehicles to be sold exclusively through dealerships. Other states with similar restrictions include Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and Kansas, while North Carolina allows direct sales.

Source: InsideEVs.com

What an age of miracles we find ourselves in. The internet is the greatest tool for disseminating information that humanity has ever created, but it also allows anybody to just instantly broadcast whatever is on their mind at any given moment, regardless of how true it is or not. That does lead to the occasional bit of misinformation that news outlets like InsideEVs must correct.

Since the recent debut of two new electric concepts from Scout Motors, the American truck and SUV brand revived by the Volkswagen Group, we have noticed more than a few comparisons drawn to another EV truck company: Rivian.

The comparisons are fair; Scout’s two concept vehicles bear a strong resemblance to Rivian’s first two vehicles, the R1T truck and R1S SUV. And the lines between the two brands are further blurred by the fact that the Volkswagen Group and Rivian have recently started working together.

While Scout and Rivian have similar designs and will probably compete for the same customer, and Scout will use the new electrical architecture that VW is co-developing with Rivian, the two vehicles and brands are not the same. They do not use the same platform, are built (or rather, will be built) in different places and should have considerably different price tags.

Auto Industry Bracing for Further Disruption in 2025, Experts Say

Source: Detroit Free Press

Tariff threats, affordability issues and electric vehicle adoption hurdles are among the many dark storm clouds blocking projections of the 2025 auto industry landscape. 

Analysts, experts and professionals from the auto industry spoke out about their concerns Wednesday at the 31st Annual Automotive Symposium hosted at the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on Wednesday.

Some key takeaways from the event include: 

Kristin Dziczek, policy adviser for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, told guests and assorted news media that everything is changing when it comes to the auto industry — the vehicles sold and what fuels them; the infrastructure needed to support those new fuel sources; the technologies those products use; and how automakers produce them. The potential for disruption is absolute, but really, what else is new?

“What never changes is people need a car,” Dziczek said. “The U.S. is a large country.”

Source: Investor’s Business Daily

Rivian (RIVN) has made its all-electric commercial van available for sale to the general public after years of it being only available to Amazon.com (AMZN).

Late Wednesday, the EV startup officially made the Rivian commercial van available with a starting price of $79,900 with deliveries slated to begin in April 2025. There are two variants, a 500 series and a 700 series, with both getting around 160 miles of range.

Rivian signed an agreement with Amazon in 2019 to design and develop electric commercial delivery vans and has prioritized production for Amazon since then. The online marketplace ordered 100,000 of Rivian’s electric vans and said in December 2024 it had 20,000 Rivian electric vans in its delivery fleet.

Amazon currently has a 15.6% stake in Rivian, according to FactSet. However, Amazon is also looking elsewhere to electrify its fleet.

However, Rivian in November 2023 amended its agreement with Amazon to allow the EV startup to sell commercial vans to any other commercial customers. At the end of the third-quarter, Rivian said it expected Amazon to increase its delivery order of vans in Q4 and announced it had launched the Rivian Commercial Van platform for the commercial market.

Meanwhile, Bernstein on Jan. 28 initiated coverage of Rivian with an underperform rating and a 6.10 price target, 52% below the current trading level.

The firm believes Rivian has built a brand based on adventure and has the resources to scale it, but it faces slower market growth, rising competition and limits to the segments its brand can address.

Bernstein analysts wrote that Rivian can succeed in its plan to reach more than 500,000 units by 2030, but that financial success for shareholders is not a given and that Rivian’s breakeven is “years away” and the company is facing “mounting risks.”

Source: CarBuzz

You’ve probably heard of the so-called Ferrari blacklist, which is essentially a list of individuals the Italian automaker won’t sell cars to. Why does the list even exist? Well, Ferrari and its Prancing Horse logo have a carefully curated reputation, and it remains one of the most exclusive brands out there.

You may argue that a car company has no right to tell you what to do with an expensive car you paid for, but it works. Ferrari is one of the most valuable car brands in the world, and most of its vehicles can be found in the garages of any avid car collector. You may own the car, but Ferrari owns the brand, and it will go to great lengths to protect it from people like Justin Bieber.

(Best Write-up Award-Winner) 

Features

Seller’s Description:

Divorced? Single? Lonely? Confidence taken a hit? 

Never fear, help is here! Cancel that Bumble account, put away those ED pills and grab this once-in-a blue-moon opportunity for permanent MoJo.

In fact, once finished digesting this advert, I suggest hitting a furniture store and acquiring a new bed. You can transport it home in your size-substitution pickup and prepare to embrace your new life.

Here in sunny Broad Ripple (46220), I offer you this fine 1969 Classic Fiat 500. Imported by myself from Naples (Italy, not Florida), this has been my (occasional) daily driver, and I am hoarse from shouting ‘I have a girlfriend’.

Powered by an eager 495cc, delivered to the rear (12”) wheel via an agricultural (it’s a 1969) 4 speed gearbox, fun and attention are a guarantee.

Proud in Ferrari Red with a black interior, the bodywork is in perfect shape. Drives as smooth as your new girlfriends panties.

Like a clown looking for a circus, I have decided, reluctantly to part with it.

If it is listed, it is available. ‘Is it available?’ will be ignored. 

Low ballers will be forwarded to the MOJO Gods and you will forever sleep alone

Source: ClassicCars.com/

Seller’s Description

The 88 is a full-size car that Oldsmobile produced from 1949 until 1999 and was an image leader for GM when first introduced. It was one of the best performing vehicles on the market at the time due to its relatively small sized, lightweight, high compression V8 engine whose performance enabled the Olds 88 to be considered the first muscle car by some even though the title is disputed.

Specific to the 1957 model year is the Golden Rocket 88 whose only badging was 88’s under each taillight. It was equipped with a 371ci Rocket V8 rated at 277hp. Styling highlights were more evolutionary than radical, with a three-piece rear window design marketed as the “Twin-Strut Rear Window.” This particular example is a two-family car that the original owner traded for a new vehicle in 1977. The original owner left his name & number for the 2nd owner and they became life-long family friends shortly after.

In the early 80’s the 2nd owner repainted it in its original color of Banff Blue. The 2nd owner sold it back to the original owner (and his son) in 1987. The original owner gifted the car to his son in 2016 and his son has been the sole owner since. At just over 100,000 miles the current owner had the original Rocket V8 and 4 speed Jetaway auto transmission rebuilt and both run incredibly.

We’re close to our 100th episode, so stay tuned for a special celebration.

The post Episode 98 – Love is in the Air (Unless You Drive a Nissan) appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be merging with Honda, Nissan and Mitsubushi.

In this week’s episode, hosts Eric & Daryl dive into the transforming automotive landscape, from industry mergers to electrification challenges.

We explore two highly anticipated releases:

This week’s spotlight falls on a meticulously restored 1998 BMW M3 Coupe with DINAN upgrades, representing the perfect blend of classic BMW engineering and modern performance enhancements.

And Eric picks a tiki hut on wheels that spent its life on Gilligan’s Island.

Join the conversation:

Catch new episodes of Throwin’ Wrenches on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin for their continued support.

The post Episode 96 – Automotive Merger Mania appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Episode 94

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is talking Fort’s Trail Team

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, email us at [email protected] or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide!

Sponsors

PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters. 

Itunes Premium –  people love it!  Full integration into your Apple podcast app. 

NEWS:

Polestar Says Biden Proposal Would ‘Effectively Prohibit’ Sale of Its Cars in US

Polestar said on Monday that a proposed Biden administration rule to bar the use of Chinese vehicle hardware and software would “effectively prohibit” the automaker from selling vehicles in the United States, including cars made in the U.S. The Swedish automaker, a brand of Volvo Cars that is majority-owned by China’s Geely said in comments filed with the Commerce Department that a proposed rule prohibiting Chinese-connected vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns would bar the sale of vehicles that Polestar is building in South Carolina as well as those produced in China.

Source: Reuters 

‘Past Its Peak’: Slowing Jeep Gladiator Sales Raise Concerns at Toledo Factory

In late 2018, then-Jeep boss Tim Kuniskis pledged the brand’s new burly off-roading pickup, the Gladiator, would do battle with other popular midsize truck entries like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma while also setting a “new benchmark” for the segment. For a couple of years, it did. Gladiator sales surged to nearly 90,000 in the United States by 2021, matching the popular Jeep Cherokee SUV that year. But since then, sales have fallen sharply — from 78,855 in 2022, to 55,188 last year, to just 32,670 sold through this year’s third quarter. The slow sales have spurred big discounts on Gladiators.

TRAIL TEAM Talk

Cars of the Weak  

Eric:

2006 STERLING, LT9500, Heavy Duty Trucks – Car Hauler Trucks, MERCEDES-BENZ MBE4000, power windows, differential lock, dump valve, cruise, suspension gauge, air seat, 2006 COTTRELL CAR TRAILER VIN: 6G088410 TRUCK HAS SET A WHILE AND WILL NEED GOOD GOING OVER, SELLING AS IS IN NON-RUNNING CONDITION, 450 Horse Power, Air Ride Suspension, Aluminum Wheels, Wheel Base, 19.5, Axle, 3.58 Ratio, VIN 6AW46627

Daryl:

1987 Renault/AMC Alliance GTA

66,000 Original Miles

2.0 L fuel-injected 4-cylinder

5-Speed Manual

New Timing Belt

New KYB StrutsR11 Turbo Springs from Europe

Needs a New Fuel Level Sending Unit – correct fuel level not displayed, otherwise no driving issues.

Original Low mileage example in incredible shape for its age.q

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zqWHwJNXW5ujXmep/

The post Episode 94 – Fort’s Trail Team review of 2024 (with Jake Irish) appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is ready for some trunk-or-treat!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:

Source: CNBC

Stellantis’ U.S. new vehicle sales during the third quarter continued a yearslong freefall despite CEO Carlos Tavares’ actions to fix what he has called “arrogant” mistakes by the company. The Transatlantic carmaker reported U.S. sales Tuesday of 305,294 from July through September, a 19.8% decline from the third quarter of 2023 and an 11.5% decrease from the prior three months of this year. Stellantis was expected to be the worst sales performer of major automakers during the third quarter, and auto industry forecaster Cox Automotive had projected a sales decline of roughly 21%.

Source: Reuters

European automakers are the most likely to be affected by the dockworkers strike at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports because they rely heavily on those locations, but a longer walkout could prove “debilitating” to the entire sector, industry officials and analysts said. The dockworkers began their first large-scale stoppage in nearly 50 years early on Tuesday, halting the flow of about half the nation’s ocean shipping.

Source: AP News

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Saturday that would have required new cars to beep at drivers if they exceed the speed limit.

California would have become the first to require such systems for all new cars, trucks and buses sold in the state starting in 2030. The bill, aimed at reducing traffic deaths, would have mandated that vehicles beep at drivers when they exceed the speed limit by at least 10 mph (16kph).

The European Union has passed similar legislation to encourage drivers to slow down. California’s proposal would have provided exceptions for emergency vehicles, motorcycles and motorized scooters.

In explaining his veto, Newsom said federal law already dictates vehicle safety standards and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety “is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance systems, and imposing state-level mandates at this time risks disrupting these ongoing federal assessments,” the Democratic governor said.

Source: Wards Auto

General Motors recently entered into a Memo of Understanding with Hyundai Group for co-development of a wide array of possible projects, technology sharing and purchasing for shared projects. GM President Mark Reuss says he has high expectations for the agreement despite the automaker’s spotty history with joint ventures. “This is really a shared vision around what both of our goals are and objectives, and open communication and I think staying agile and flexible because this industry and market isn’t stagnant,” says Reuss.

Source: CNBC

Source: Autocar

Mercedes-AMG is hatching plans for a spectacular electric supercar that will launch the performance brand into the EV age.

The new performance halo model was previewed by last year’s retro-inspired Vision One-Eleven concept, and it is described as a “brand-defining successor to the SLS Electric Drive”, the 730bhp quad-motor EV that was launched in 2013 and which cost £333,000. But while that car was limited to just nine examples, the new AMG supercar is planned for significantly higher production numbers when it arrives later this decade.

Making its flagship less of an exclusive offering is central to AMG’s evolving electrification strategy. It has already launched powered-up versions of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV, with specific motors and battery technology separate from those of their standard siblings.

The new electric supercar is considered a key part of Mercedes-AMG’s future, despite CEO Michael Schiebe moving to extend the life of some of AMG’s more profitable combustion-engined models amid slower than expected sales of its EVs.

However, Schiebe leaves little doubt about the company’s ultimate trajectory, telling Autocar: “It’s clear that we are going all-electric.”

The new supercar will be charged with cementing AMG’s performance credentials as it switches from high-output combustion engines to electric power. Autocar understands it is likely to outpace the 1049bhp Mercedes-AMG One, whose Formula 1-derived, V6/electric hybrid set-up is good for 0-62mph in 2.9sec and 0-186mph in 15.6sec.

Source: Facebook Markplace

From the Listing: 1996 Fiat Panda 4×4 imported from Japan over a year ago.  Has all original import documents as well as clean Michigan title.  Engine is recently rebuilt and has a ton of life left.  4×4 works great without issue, is FWD with 4×4 disengaged.  Has 1.1 liter Fiat FIRE engine that gets great mileage and has no problem hitting highway speeds.  Has new engine and tranny oil, antifreeze, tires, water pump, timing belt, 4×4 bushing, and thermostat.  Has small rust spots on rockers and seats have slight blemishes.  Also has cold working AC and a 5 speed manual transmission.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Listing: Who needs a sweet solid 1963 AMC rambler custom wagon project as a Ford straight six. It will need a motor I’m told. Automatic transmission, Ohio Title. If you know somebody looking for a project wagon, please feel free to share my ad.

The post Episode 93 – Panda Versus Rambler appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] at any time.

The contenders this time are all three-wheeled wonders.

Source: NADA

For the largest global automakers, profits in China have been hit by falling sales as consumers embrace electric vehicles from homegrown brands such as BYD, which last year supplanted Volkswagen as China’s bestselling carmaker. In July, EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for over half of all cars sold in the country for the first time, while the share shipped to dealers by non-Chinese brands slipped to 33%, down from 50% two years earlier.

Source: Electronics Weekly

Nissan and Honda announced an EV collaboration in March.

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, Nissan says: “We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan. Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, said the industry is going through a “once in a century” period of transformation towards electrification and collaboration would help resolve related issues more quickly.

Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato, said that collaboration is essential to future success in the automotive industry.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was scathing about the  move: “I can’t imagine for one moment how it’s going to work between Honda and Nissan unless it’s a takeover, unless it’s a disguised takeover by Honda of Nissan and Mitsubishi with Honda in the driver’s seat. It’s going to be a takeover, a disguised takeover,” he told Automotive News.

One of the most controversial executives in the car industry is not afraid to call things as he sees them. After saying Nissan is “boring, mediocre” and in a “bad position” while describing the Renault-Nissan alliance as “small and fragile,” the 70-year-old fugitive now has something to say about the newly formed Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership.

Source: Motor1

Mercedes-Benz becomes the first foreign automaker to gain approval to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology in prototype vehicles on selected roads in Beijing. The approval, granted by the Chinese government, is described by Mercedes-Benz as a “crucial step” in advancing its existing Drive Pilot system to a level where it possesses full control from start to finish of any given journey where the conditions and autonomous regulatory framework allow.

Source: WardsAuto

Source: Automotive News

Stellantis is halting production for a week at the Trenton, Mich., plant that makes V-6 engines for the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 Classic to whittle down a large backlog. The downtime is because of a need “to balance engine inventories with production,” the automaker said. Stellantis has been adjusting its production output and laying off workers, in some cases, amid sliding sales and changes to its vehicle portfolio.

Source: Reuters

Source: Axios

Source: POLITICO

Most states now levy a dedicated fee on electric vehicle owners. Some also have rolled back other incentives, such as New Jersey’s decision this year to restart sales tax on EVs. Or they have reconfigured registration fees to land more heavily on EVs, as in Maryland. The justification from both Democratic and Republican policymakers for making EVs more expensive is that states are staring down a budgetary cliff. The gasoline tax — long the backbone of transportation funding — has lost potency as vehicles become more efficient.

“It’s more of an anti-electric vehicle policy than a road funding policy,” state Rep. Frank Hornstein, the Democratic chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Committee, said of states trying to make up gas tax revenue by charging EV owners.

States face a balancing act: The more quickly drivers go electric, the more quickly gas tax revenues decline; the more states lean on EVs to make up lost gas tax revenue, the more it weighs down EV demand.

“We’re not at a point where electric cars are in any way, shape or form quote-unquote ‘stealing’ from the gas tax,” Hornstein said. “We’re far from that. … It’s a drop in the bucket.”

Source: Motor1

Ferrari is set to reveal its first electric vehicle by the end of 2025 and it should be a big deal for the Italian automaker. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says that the automaker’s first electric car won’t lose the brand’s “unique” feel. Vigna also pointed out the obvious—Ferrari’s first EV “will have four wheels.”

Ferrari has been testing heavily camouflaged prototypes ahead of the EV’s debut, but we don’t really know if the test mules will resemble the finished product.

Ferrari has turned to former Apple Design Chief Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson to work on the car’s outside appearance.

Our friends over at Motor1 stated the following in regard to the vehicle’s design:

Our first look at Ferrari’s EV was hiding underneath a heavily modified Maserati Levante body with fake exhaust tips tacked on the back. But just because the prototype is an SUV doesn’t necessarily mean Ferrari’s EV will be one as well. It’s unclear what the final form looks like at this stage of its development, although we expect some light crossover-like features (like minor cladding and a slight lift).

Like some other automakers, Ferrari wants to develop “sound signatures” for the vehicle. So, this means that it won’t be virtually silent.

Ferrari CEO Vigna previously stated, “Electric cars are not silent,” but he didn’t reveal what sort of non-silence we should expect from Ferrari’s first EV.

Ferrari has been working with SK On, a South Korean vehicle battery manufacturer, and the two companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue their ongoing collaboration. So, it seems likely, though not guaranteed, that the batteries for Ferrari’s first EV will come from SK On.

We expect the EV to have at least two electric motors, but of course, there’s room for more. Perhaps a top-level version will have three or even four motors.

There have been some reports suggesting that Ferrari would price the EV at over $500,000 to start. However, Ferrari CEO Vigna said $500,000 was “a surprise” to him, so we expect a lower figure.

It won’t be cheap though. Our friends over at Motor1 suggest, “It’ll likely cost much more than the Portofino M, which starts at around $250,000, but it could cost less than the SF90 Stradale that’s on its way out.”  That model starts at over $520,000. There’s a lot of space between those two figures. We should find out its price when it debuts.

Source: Bring a Trailer

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Ad:

The post Episode 92 – Electric Ferraris and a Trike Showdown appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that does not require a special license to listen to… unless you live in Australia!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches!

We joke all the time about our retirement job.  More often than not, we find ourselves looking at being a Good Humor salesman. (Remember them?)

They all have wheels, and some even have motors, so it all counts for Throwin’ Wrenches.

Similar style to Race Daily Kill…  I want to know what your opinions are on these three different levels of food trucks… Would you quit your day job and make this the full-time gig…  Maybe it’s something you might do part-time?  What about a straight side hustle?

What are your choices for…  Full-time, Part-time or Side Hustle?

(A side hustle is a secondary job or small business that someone has in addition to their main career to earn extra money or fulfill a passion. Side hustles can offer more freedom and control than part-time jobs, allowing people to choose when and how many hours they work, and to pursue activities that align with their interests. Some people may eventually turn their side hustle into their primary career.)

Source: The U.S. Sun

All cars will now have to be fitted with speed-limiting AI tech due to new EU rules. The new gadget can, in some cases, slow the vehicle down for you if it catches you breaking the speed limit.

Intelligent Speed Assitance (ISA) systems became a legal requirement for motors across the EU as a law passed two years ago came into effect on July 7.

ISAs make use of AI, GPS data and even onboard cameras to assess your speed in real time as you drive along.

The system will then intervene if you go above the limit it has worked out for the road you are on.

For example, the system can assess things like road markings to determine whether you are in a 20mph or 30mph zone.

From there, there are three types of ISA which firms could opt to install, with each offering different levels of intervention.

First of all, informative ISAs only result in a warning message and sound to alert the driver that they are breaking the limit.

One level up from that is the supportive ISA, which works by increasing the upward force on the accelerator pedal to try and make it harder for drivers to speed up.

Finally, intervening ISAs are the most active, with the system actually slowing the vehicle down, whether the driver wants it to or not, until it goes back under the limit.

Source: Morning Edition, NPR

Depending on where you live, you may have already heard of street takeovers: impromptu events, usually at night, in which drivers of muscle cars take turns doing donuts in intersections for cheering crowds.

In Alabama, the police refer to it as “exhibition driving.” Birmingham officer Mark Jones says it’s hard to miss.

“You can see the smoke from them burning their tires from several blocks away,” he says.

Police say the phenomenon grew during the pandemic, but it isn’t new. Filmmaker Yakpasua Zazaboi encountered it 25 years ago as a young man in Oakland. Californians call the events “sideshows,” and he says it helps to understand the original slang.

“When you see young fellas pulling up in their cars and they’re trying to look cool,” he says, “the way that you kind of lean back and towards the side — it was generally called ‘sidin.’ ”

And he says the sideshow is just a show of show-offs. People showing off their souped up cars, along with elements of style and fashion. He says it was “love at first sight” for him.

“[It was] hundreds if not thousands of black faces, all getting along together, all having fun in the middle of the night,” he says.

But sideshows also disrupt traffic, disturb neighbors and endanger lives. Spectators make a game of crowding in as close as they can around the spinning cars, and the resulting collisions are prime viewing on social media.

For coastal automobile dealers, contingency planning for severe tropical weather is muscle memory. But higher insurance premiums are an added pain point this year, some said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an 85 percent chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. It expects 17 to 25 named storms. Dealers told Automotive News they are confident in their hurricane readiness, though they plan to closely monitor the weather.

Source WMBD-TV, Peoria

Three 15-year-olds are now in the Peoria Juvenile Detention Center and one in the hospital after officers stopped two cars that were reported stolen early Tuesday morning.

According to a Peoria police news release, officers saw two cars traveling south on Western Avenue around 4:30 a.m. One was excessively speeding and the other car following had a missing passenger window. Both cars were reported stolen.

One car stopped near AutoZone on W. Proctor while the other continued south. Three 15-year-old boys were inside the stopped car. Officers detained and interviewed the three at Peoria Police Department before they were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of cannabis. The driver of the stolen car was also cited for no driver’s license.

The second car attempted a left turn on SW Jefferson Street. When the driver saw the police, he abandoned the car and ran.

He was taken into custody after a brief chase, being taken to a local hospital for a hurt ankle.

When released, he will be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center for possession of stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools.

Source: Road & Track

Younger drivers in the United States are already familiar with the restrictions brought by graduated licensing, with the grindingly slow graduation from provisional, probationary, or intermediate status to the glorious freedom that comes with a full license. From that point onwards, you are free to drive any car you can afford and insure.

Now one Australian state is set to impose new restrictions on all drivers wanting to drive the most powerful cars, regardless of their age or level of experience. From December this year, anybody in South Australia wanting to operate what is categorized as an Ultra High Powered Vehicle (UHPV) will have to take and pass an additional test to earn a new U-License. Failing to do so will result in a fine of up to $2500 Australian if caught in a qualifying car; that’s nearly $1700 at current exchange rates. Get caught a second time and you face up to a year in jail.

Earning the U-License will be done through an online training course followed by a test; there is no practical element to prove any level of driving skills. Much of the course is reportedly dedicated to explaining the function of active safety systems.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Ad: 1929 Mercedes Gazelle kit car. I belongs to a friend of mine. Want info? Call or text. 

What a comprehensive ad, wouldn’t you say?

There’s a TON of these air-cooled VW Beetle-based kit cars lurking around Marketplace these days. Just taking a quick look yielded quite a few:

Could these be the cheapest and most fun roadster “fun cars” out there today?

Speaking of roadsters…

Source: Hemmings

From the ad: Gateway Classic Cars of Atlanta is proud to present this 1991 Buick Reatta convertible. Its red exterior turns heads while the tan leather interior offers a touch of elegance and sophistication. Under the hood a 3.8 liter V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This Reatta is equipped with power features including power brakes power locks power seats power steering and power windows all designed to provide you with a convenient driving experience. 

For your comfort the Reatta comes with air conditioning and the AM/FM radio provides a variety of entertainment options for your journey. The manual convertible top is easy to operate allowing you to enjoy the open air at a moment’s notice. The car also features seatbelts. The leather interior adds a touch of luxury to this classic car. This 1991 Buick Reatta convertible is a blend of classic style and modern convenience offering a unique driving experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this classic Reatta.

The post Episode 91 – Food Truck Frenzy! appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.