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.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be talking about Justin Timberlake’s DUI. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

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

Currently working on Aidens RAV4…  Insane to think I picked up 2 factory-fit fog lights with wire… with bulbs for 40 bucks.  Tie Rod was bad…  Was making a hell of a racket!  It’s like new.

The 1996 Celica is leaking oil…  badly!  Time to pull it in the shop and do the maintenance that’s overdue!  

The ’69 Volvo 144 is in the shop ready to get driveline work, but it’s TOO DAMN HOT.

I’m also working on getting the ‘55 Plymouth ready for a little road trip to Western Illinois Saturday. Oil, filter and lube. Something we never hear today. What happened to non-greaseable suspension parts? 

Source: CNN

 A second cyber incident at data provider CDK Global, whose software is used at 15,000 auto dealers, continued to slow operations to a near-standstill Thursday at US and Canada dealerships, the company said in a message sent to dealers.

On Wednesday, CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney said in a statement shared with CNN: “We are actively investigating a cyber incident. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.”

Later that day the company announced that most of the critical computer systems were back online. But Thursday morning, the company sent dealerships another message indicating things had a taken a turn for the worse.

CDK operates numerous different products that car dealers use to handle things like keeping records of negotiated deals to scheduling and communicating about service. Not every dealer uses CDK’s products, and even those that do may not use them for everything, but the system shutdown has been a problem for many.

Eric’s note: This is a big deal, even locally.  Our competition is hamstrung by it  

Source: electrek

Rivian’s new high-powered Ascend Quad Max R1T variant will race up Pike’s Peak, one of the longest-running and most difficult races in the world, this weekend.

The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is one of the longest-running races in the world, being held 102 times since 1916.

It’s a famously difficult race, starting at an already-high 9,390ft (2,862m) in elevation and finishing at 14,110ft (4,300m), with an average 7.2% vertical grade. Until 2011, the track was largely unpaved on dirt or gravel roads, and it is not uncommon for cars to leave the track and crash into the woods or, worse, end up tumbling down the mountain. The race is also commonly stopped by rain, snow, fog, or other inclement weather of the type you commonly get at the top of mountains.

In particular, the high altitude nature of the race (which earned it the nickname “Race to the Clouds”) has always been difficult, because at high altitudes there is less oxygen, which means less complete combustion of fuel. This means that gas-powered race vehicles need to have incredibly oversized engines to do well.

That difficulty does not apply to electric vehicles since EVs don’t need oxygen for combustion, so for years EVs have overperformed in the race. Currently the all-time record for the 12.42-mile hillclimb is 7:57.148, set by the Volkswagen ID.R in 2018. And this year, an EV (Acura ZDX) will be the pace car for the first time, and Hyundai is bringing its fun Ioniq 5N, hoping for a record among EV crossovers.

Rivian’s entry is a little less wild than those, consisting of what seems to be a stock R1T – but with Rivian’s new upgraded “Ascend Quad Max” trim,. This ups the torque and horsepower to 1,198lb-ft and 1,025hp respectively, much higher than the previous 835hp top-spec.

Source: Autocar

Lexus is set to launch a new V8-engined supercar as a rival to the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT and a spiritual successor to the legendary LFA.

Parent company Toyota’s hardcore GT3 GR concept car, revealed in 2022, has now evolved into a prototype that has been spotted running at Spa-Francorchamps, and its Gazoo Racing motorsport division is expected to have it ready for top-flight competition – including the Le Mans 24 Hours – in 2026.

FIA homologation rules dictate that any GT3 racer shares its basic body design with a related road car, so a toned-down version of the GT3 GR is expected in showrooms within the next two years.

Source: NY Post

“Two homicidal maniacs” have threatened to kill Elon Musk in the past seven months, the Tesla CEO claimed at a recent shareholder meeting, while comparing himself to the slain Beatles legend John Lennon.

During the question and answer portion of the electric vehicle company’s annual shareholders meeting last week, Musk said his high profile has put a target on his back — just like Lennon.

An anonymous shareholder asked Musk what he’s doing to make sure he stays healthy and safe, to which Musk acknowledged he should maybe start working out to avoid being “assassinated.”

Musk then revealed that Tesla “ actually did have two homicidal maniacs in the last roughly seven months come to aspirationally try to kill me, and a bunch of other people — so it’s not just me. 

“And then there wasn’t like an actual issue that they articulated, they were just in the homicidal maniac career, so I do need to be kind of careful,” Musk said

Musk said he’s been forced to “be a bit more standoffish” as a result and has stopped signing things for fans who come up to him in public.

Musk then compared himself to Lennon — who was notoriously shot and killed outside the Dakota Apartments in Manhattan in 1980 by Beatles superfan Mark David Chapman moments after Lennon signed an album for him.

“I will endeavor to stay alive,” Musk said.

Seller’s Description

Ever since the Bradley Car show a few years ago I have been intrigued by the Vanderhall.  There was a tan one there with some antiqued accents and it gave that British roadster vibe.

I have been smitten ever since!

I totally want to drive one of these sometime.  WHY ARE THESE ALL AUTOMATICS?!?!?!?!?

Source: Kraft Auctions

The post Episode 90 – CARSTAR North Peoria with Jack Allison appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that did not buy a Bentley Continental last week…

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

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

Eric explains how a trailer toilet works, rattles off some rally time with his son, Aiden, and recaps this year’s MOORE Overlanding & Off Road Expo. It sounds like a really cool event and may be worth checking out in 2025.

Meanwhile, Daryl is tracking down some tires for his 1947 Chevy Fleetline and preparing for some spring cleaning on all the daily drivers. He needs to get a good coat of wax on everything.

Source: Bloomberg

Tesla’s edge over Toyota narrowed to about $83 billion before the start of regular US trading Tuesday. After the close, the electric-vehicle maker is expected to report its first decline in quarterly revenue in four years and a 40% plunge in operating earnings. Toyota has drawn criticism for biding its time on cars entirely powered by batteries and wagering that consumers will be more open to its gas-electric hybrids. Its strategy has paid off in recent months as EV sales growth has slowed.

Source: Automotive News 

A group of state dealer associations is pressing Honda Motor Co. and Volkswagen Group not to sell planned electric vehicles from Scout and Sony Honda Mobility outside of the country’s franchised dealer system. The Automotive Trade Association Executives, in perhaps the most public display of frustration yet, addressed the issue in a full-page ad in the April 15 issue of Automotive News, calling out both automakers as well as Scout, a brand formed by Volkswagen Group, and Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda that is developing electric vehicles under the Afeela brand.

Source: Automotive News

Big discounts to move electric vehicles off dealership lots means consumers have a selection of vehicles priced below $41,000. Automakers and retailers offered huge incentives — sometimes five-digit discounts — to sell EVs that lingered on dealership lots for more than 100 days in the first quarter of 2024. They are trying to overcome consumer worries about EV driving range limitations, a lack of public charging stations and high prices. The price-cutting strategy is not sustainable long term, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.

Source: Automotive News

Subaru said it will end production of its oldest U.S.-built model, the Legacy sedan, after the 2025 model year, citing a shift in consumer preferences away from cars to crossovers and SUVs. The Japanese automaker also said Tuesday that it plans to produce eight electric vehicles globally by 2028. Ending Legacy output at a plant in Lafayette, Ind., would presumably free up capacity for Subaru to produce at least one of those EVs in the U.S., helping it to potentially qualify for EV consumer tax credits.

Source: NBC News

More than 40,000 people were killed last year in traffic crashes, according to preliminary data released Monday, remaining above pre-pandemic levels but slightly down from their peak in 2021. Traffic deaths spiked in 2020 and again in 2021 and have since declined slightly. Still,they are up 25% since 2013, and the Governors Highway Safety Association found that pedestrian deaths reached a 40-year high in the United States in 2022.

The NHTSA said that “distracted driving,” an issue that has grown in urgency with the ubiquity of smartphones, resulted in 3,308 deaths and 289,310 injuries in 2022, and 3,522 deaths in 2021.

The agency released the data to coincide with the launch of an April campaign to spread awareness about distracted driving called “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” which hopes to scare people away from texting and driving, but which some advocates call an ineffective waste of resources.

Source: CI PROUD

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 a 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 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: The Hollywood Reporter

Elon Musk‘s X platform is continuing its video push, launching a dedicated app for smart TV sets.

The X video app launched Tuesday, with the company touting a handful of key features, including a trending video algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered trending topics and cross-device compatibility, so users can start watching on their phone and continue watching on TV.

The X TV app will not have any ads at launch, according to a note sent to the company’s corporate partners Tuesday.

“We’re focusing on launching this new feature for consumers first, but we do plan to monetize it, and will discuss different forms of partnerships — and that may include ads,” the note said.

The company also posted a preview video of the video experience, providing a brief glimpse of the TV app. The videos included in the preview video included Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin and footage of a SpaceX rocket lifting off. SpaceX is also owned by Musk.

Video has emerged as a key priority for X, which is led by CEO Linda Yaccarino, a veteran NBCUniversal advertising executive.

In addition to letting users upload their own videos, à la YouTube, the company also cut deals with some third parties, like a multiyear deal with Range Media Partners. That deal included a show hosted by sports personality Jim Rome, with the tech company also unveiling shows hosted by Tulsi Gabbard and Don Lemon.

Source: Car From Japan

Car from Japan for the win this week…  Searching for Toyota models from 1928 to 1999 with a max value of 5k.  96 cars showed up…  Lots of weird stuff… and one cool hatch. You might be more familiar with this model as a Tercel.  Sold in the US with a 2 or 4-door option without the hatch.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Original Colorado barn find. That’s all the ad says. Maybe it’s a scam. Maybe it’s a cool 50’s car that should come to the Scott Auto Museum.

That’s all for this week. Thanks again for your support and we’ll catch you on the next episode!  

The post Episode 88 – Leaving a Lasting Legacy appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.