Overdrive – Cars, Transport & Culture
Originally broadcast: 14 June 2025
Host: David Brown | Guest: Paul Murrell (SeniorDriverAus.com)
In this episode of Overdrive, we explore the intersection of technology, culture, and controversy in the transport world. From electric vehicle supply chains to self-driving cars and tragic consequences of urban mobility experiments, we cover it all. The show blends analysis, interviews, and a dose of humour to make sense of the evolving car and transport landscape.
Key Segments and Topics Covered:
1. News Headlines and Industry Trends
We begin with a look at China’s suspension of key rare earth exports, which has forced companies like Ford to pause production in the U.S. The discussion examines Australia’s opportunity and challenges in filling the gap, particularly around local skills shortages in metallurgy and refining.
2. Commercial Driver Health Reforms
Paul and David unpack a new discussion paper from the National Transport Commission, aimed at improving health screening for commercial drivers. The goal is to detect high-risk conditions—like sleep apnea—before they cause accidents, using evidence-based protocols and fleet-monitoring technology.
3. Artificial Intelligence in Road Safety
Two firms are pushing AI into different lanes of vehicle safety. Nauto supports human drivers with real-time warnings based on driver behaviour, while Imagry is developing fully autonomous, map-free driving. We contrast the philosophical and practical implications of both approaches.
4. Vehicle Ruggedness and Robotic Testing
Ford’s Ranger undergoes brutal durability testing at Victoria’s You Yangs proving ground using robotic test drivers—highlighting the importance of consistency and safety in off-road evaluation. The discussion also references how electric powertrains could enhance off-road capability.
5. E-scooter Fatality and Policy Response in Perth
A tragic incident involving a pedestrian killed by a drunk e-scooter rider has led to an indefinite suspension of Perth’s e-scooter hire program. Paul and David discuss the broader implications of poor regulation, excessive speeds, and rising injury statistics across Australia.
6. The Rapid Rise of Waymo in San Francisco
Self-driving car company Waymo now accounts for 27% of San Francisco’s rideshare market. We explore why consistency, comfort, and reduced crash rates are contributing to faster-than-expected adoption of autonomous vehicles, despite their higher cost compared to traditional rideshare options.
7. Car Myths Debunked
From battery longevity and fuel economy to aerodynamics and fire risk in EVs, the team breaks down popular car myths. Key points include:
Car batteries can last well beyond five years with proper maintenance.
Smaller engines aren’t always more fuel-efficient in real-world driving.
EVs are statistically less likely to catch fire than petrol vehicles, but fires are harder to extinguish.
8. Spotlight: Giotto Bizzarrini
We dive into the remarkable story of Giotto Bizzarrini, a brilliant but overlooked automotive engineer who worked with Ferrari, Lamborghini, and others before creating his own exotic car marque. The discussion includes a recent revival of his 5300 GT Strada and the challenges of branding in the automotive world.
9. Road Test: 2025 Mitsubishi Triton GLS
We test the latest Mitsubishi Triton dual cab ute and assess its appeal to both tradies and families. Topics include:
Toughness and payload capability
Security and lockable tray cover
Interior simplicity vs. tech complexity
Safety features and lane assist quirks
Parking challenges due to size
We also touch on the marketing impact of using Russell Coight in ads, and how humour wears thin over time.
Credits and Further Info:
This episode was produced with thanks to Paul Murrell, Mitsubishi Australia, Bruce Potter, Mark Wesley, and mechanical engineer Fred Brain.
Get more from Overdrive:
For videos, longer interviews, and road test visuals, search Cars Transport Culture on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or your preferred podcast app.
Overdrive is syndicated nationally via the Community Radio Network.
