• Road user charges: NSW confirms plans to introduce a distance-based road user charge

• EV range claims: Independent testing shows significant gaps between advertised and real-world EV ranges

• Zeekr 7X launch: Chinese brand Zeekr announces its 7X SUV for Australia, promising fast charging and plush interiors

• Ercole Spada tribute: Celebrated designer Ercole Spada is remembered for shaping iconic cars

• Hitchhiking: Once common but now rare, hitchhiking is examined as both cultural curiosity and a possible model for future ride-sharing.

• Renault Dauphine EV: A quirky Canadian conversion of a Renault Dauphine in 2002

• Toyota Camry road test: The latest Camry hybrid proves refined, efficient, and more executive-like than its “dad car” reputation

Car sales: July Australian new car sales rose 2.9%, with Chinese brands climbing

Tesla case: A US jury held Tesla partly liable for a fatal crash

Idle Off program: Student-led action cut engine idling outside schools by up to 40%

Mercedes program: Manufaktur Exclusive lets buyers pay over $24,000 for paint

Foton Tunland ute: Chinese brand Foton launches a hybrid dual-cab ute

Ross Rowland: US rail enthusiast Ross Rowland remembered for steam preservation

Honda EV stance: Honda Australia promises 90% electrified sales by 2026

Sydenham Station history: Stuart Sharp highlights uneven planning and heritage tensions

Leapmotor C10 test: A plush Chinese EV SUV impresses with design but frustrates with software quirks and range on hills.

In this episode of Overdrive, David Brown and Brian Smith dive into the quirks, jargon, and big personalities of the motoring and transport world.

We start with a NSW Government report on Sydenham Station’s upgrades—dense with transport-speak but easily translated into plain English. From there, it’s off to Sydney’s first-ever Light Commercial Vehicle Show, where vans, utes, and even cargo bikes are vying for the last-mile delivery crown.

ANCAP’s latest safety results are in: Volkswagen’s Terramar aces the tests with five stars, but Peugeot’s hybrid 3008/5008 twins don’t quite make the grade. Nissan’s long-awaited Ariya EV gets its Australian specs and pricing, while Suzuki launches its first new nameplate in more than a decade—the compact hybrid Fronx, aimed at first-time buyers and downsizers.

A Facebook post sparks a chat about the SUV-ification of prestige sports car brands—think Aston Martin DBXs in the wild—and the team has a laugh over car jargon quirks, from “dampeners” to “VIN numbers.”

We wrap up with a full road test of Toyota’s colossal Tundra pickup. Equal parts luxury cruiser and towing workhorse, it’s a vehicle that raises the question: how big is too big for Australian roads?

Topics covered:

Sydenham Station report: translating jargon into plain English

Sydney Light Commercial Vehicle Show: vans, utes, and cargo bikes

ANCAP safety ratings: Volkswagen’s Terramar shines, Peugeot’s hybrids fall short

Nissan Ariya EV: Australian specs and pricing

Suzuki Fronx launch: a bold, compact hybrid SUV for new buyers

SUV-ification of sports car brands

Car terminology quirks and humour

Toyota Tundra road test: comfort, towing, and market fit

Tags: #Cars #Transport #Culture #OverdriveRadio #EV #SUV #Utes #RoadTest #ToyotaTundra #SuzukiFronx #NissanAriya #ANCAP

Welcome to Overdrive, the show that dives into the quirks, questions, and cultural shifts shaping how we move. Host David Brown is joined by Brian Smith, transport planner and original Overdrive contributor, for a jam-packed episode that blends industry news, thoughtful critique, and cheeky observations.

🎙️ This Week on Overdrive:

📊 1. J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Quality Study – More Tech, More Trouble

While overall vehicle quality has ticked up slightly, touchscreen systems remain the most complained-about feature in new cars. David and Brian discuss why the removal of physical buttons frustrates drivers and how infotainment failures are now a core part of early car returns.

🔌 2. Plug-in Hybrids: The Worst of Both Worlds?

Despite their eco-friendly label, plug-in hybrids are proving problematic. Many owners don't plug them in, defeating their purpose and contributing to mechanical complexity without the payoff. We ask: are PHEVs just a stopgap that never lived up to their promise?

🛴 3. World’s Fastest Scooter – Innovation or PR Stunt?

A British startup wants to break the 160km/h mark with a high-speed e-scooter. But is this headline-grabbing move advancing micromobility—or undermining it? We explore why promoting e-scooters with speed risks repeating the mistakes of muscle car marketing.

⚡ 4. EV Ambitions Stalling? Inside the Industry’s Electric Pause

Volvo, GM, and others are hitting the brakes on US EV rollouts. We unpack the influence of changing subsidies, global tariffs, and consumer hesitancy—especially at the luxury end—and ask whether retro-styled EVs like the VW ID. Buzz are moving the market forward or clinging to outdated dreams.

🚚 5. Commercial Fleets & Carbon: Australia’s Net Zero Blind Spot

With commercial vehicles making up nearly half of new car sales and one-fifth of emissions, Australia’s electrification of its fleet is lagging badly. We examine five key reasons—from infrastructure gaps to outdated procurement mindsets—and highlight smart fixes like shared depot charging.

📬 6. Feedback from France: A Hot Hatch Lives!

A French listener shares his love for the Hyundai i20N—proof that the spirit of manual, high-revving hatches still has global fans. We celebrate a rare survivor in an increasingly homogenised auto market.

🎨 7. Austin-Healey Car Show: Colour, Character & Noise

David attends a vintage Healey event marking Donald Healey’s birthday. From two-tone colour schemes to the visceral sound of tuned exhausts, we reflect on an era when you really had to drive the car—and feel every bump and brake fade along the way.

🛻 8. Triton Road Test & The Ute Culture Problem

We take the Mitsubishi Triton GSR off-road and discuss how it stacks up against flashier competitors like the Raptor. Beyond the specs, we confront how oversized, aggressive utes are shaping driving behaviour, image, and even pedestrian safety—especially when piloted by P-platers with something to prove.

💡 Themes woven throughout:

Are EVs being sold with outdated emotional appeals?

How nostalgia can cloud smart design

Fleet electrification as climate policy in practice

Why engineering videos still miss the human story

The social impact of high-performance design choices

📡 More from Overdrive:

Want longer versions or to watch our reviews? Find us via:

🌐 Podcast / Website

📺 YouTube / 📸 Instagram / 👍 Facebook

Just search: Cars. Transport. Culture.

Overdrive is syndicated nationally on the Community Radio Network and was first broadcast on 26 July 2025.

Hosted by David Brown. Special thanks to Brian Smith, Mitsubishi Australia, Bruce Potter and Mark Wesley.

Let me know if you'd like the 140-character caption version or a version formatted for YouTube, Instagram, or newsletter as well.

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.

• Hyundai IONIQ 9 Launch: Hyundai debuts its new IONIQ 9 electric SUV, positioning it as a premium, spacious, tech-rich executive vehicle.

• Alfa Romeo Junior: Alfa Romeo’s new compact SUV, the Junior, brings hybrid and electric options to Australia

• HERE-SBD EV Infrastructure Report: A report shows uneven progress in EV charging across global regions

• EV Market Trends in Australia: EV sales in Australia are growing,

• Škoda EV Ad Campaign: Škoda UK’s campaign tackles EV stereotypes.

• Driver Assistance and Distraction:

• AI Monitoring in Fleets: AI-based in-vehicle monitoring aims to coach drivers

• Transport Modelling & AI Transparency: Avoiding “black box” decision-making.

• Mobility Scooter Accessibility: Listeners share real-world challenges with scooter portability

• Hyundai Santa Fe Petrol Road Test: The petrol-only Santa Fe offers solid performance and practicality.

• Australian auto sales rose in June, but year-to-date totals remain down, with plug-in and hybrid growth outpacing traditional segments.

• Chinese carmakers surge in the UK, disrupting the market with value-packed electric offerings as legacy brands falter.

• China’s EV sector faces major consolidation, with only 15 brands expected to survive intense competition by 2030.

• Oxford RF’s radar tech may reduce AV blind spots and hardware needs while enhancing pedestrian safety and public trust.

• Mitsubishi’s 3D Triton configurator lets buyers visualise and price their dream ute online and in augmented reality.

• Salford e-mobility trial aims to improve disabled access to e-scooters and e-bikes through training and tech support.

• “Apology” to Elon Musk delivers a wry cultural take on influence and innovation.

• Big car, bigger memories segment reflects on a Dodge from childhood and contrasts with more modest family cars.

• Road test: Haval H6 GT PHEV delivers thoughts on performance, presence, and its place in the evolving SUV market.

1. NVES Launch: Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard begins

2. FCAI Response: The FCAI focuses too narrowly on EVs, ignoring affordable, efficient petrol and hybrid options.

3. Tyre Recycling Report: highlighting a gap between recovery and sustainability.

4. European SDV Initiative: Eleven major EU companies form an open-source alliance to speed up software-defined vehicle development.

5. AM Radio Legislation: A U.S. bill to mandate AM radio in all new vehicles

6. Ferrari Amalfi Launch: Ferrari unveils the Amalfi, coupe styled with “poetic precision and carbon-fibre flair”.

7. Hispano Suiza Experience: Hispano Suiza redefines ultra-luxury with a personalised hyper car journey.

8. Mahindra XUV 3XO Review: Mahindra enters the small SUV market with a well-equipped and sharply priced model.

China’s Sodium-Ion Scooter Revolution

Summary:

China is rapidly adopting sodium-ion batteries in its electric scooter market, led by companies like Yadea. These cheaper and safer alternatives to lithium are ideal for short-range urban transport and could eventually disrupt global battery supply chains.

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Toyota Bets Big on Logistics Tech

Summary:

Toyota is privatising Toyota Industries Corporation to focus on autonomous forklifts, logistics software, and low-emission powertrains. The move reflects a broader trend: rebranding transport as "mobility" and modernising freight handling from the warehouse floor up.

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Can Telematics Tame Young Drivers?

Summary:

A small-scale Aussie study shows real-time driver feedback via telematics might help young drivers—but only briefly. Long-term behavioural change remains elusive, and the research highlights the need for better message delivery methods behind the wheel.

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Great Wall Climbs 'Beer O'Clock Hill'

Summary:

Great Wall Motors proved its off-road mettle by conquering one of Australia’s toughest 4WD tracks. Notably, a plug-in hybrid Ute made the climb—demonstrating how EVs and hybrid tech are redefining off-road performance expectations.

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Dodge’s Electric Muscle Car Stalls

Summary:

Dodge has paused production of its EV muscle car after poor U.S. sales. Traditional petrolhead buyers weren’t sold on battery-powered bravado, highlighting the emotional and cultural resistance still facing EVs—especially in the performance segment.

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Driving While Female: Beyond Tokenism

Summary:

An international survey aims to understand women’s experience behind the wheel. While the intent is strong, David and Paul warn against shallow analysis. Real progress requires data that captures access issues, social pressures, and behavioural patterns—not just averages.

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Road Toll Stats: Misused, Misunderstood, and Misleading

Summary:

David unpacks Australia’s latest road fatality stats, urging caution when interpreting small sample sizes or percentage shifts. A major jump in remote area deaths is likely due to improved reporting or infrastructure gaps, rather than sudden behavioural changes.

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Northern Territory Tops Road Risk Charts

Summary:

The NT continues to record Australia’s highest road fatality rate per capita—over four times higher than most other states. Long distances, rough roads, and speed are likely factors. The data underscores the life-saving power of infrastructure investment.

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Respecting the Lane: Lessons from the Autobahn

Summary:

Paul reflects on how German road courtesy—like letting buses overtake trucks—contrasts with Australia’s often combative driving culture. It’s a reminder that education, not just engineering, plays a key role in safer roads.

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Review: Jaecoo J7 SUV – Chinese Sophistication on a Budget

Summary:

The Jaecoo J7, a more refined cousin of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, offers great value with a premium feel. It’s better built, offers AWD, and comes with a future buyback guarantee—appealing features in a rapidly evolving Chinese car landscape.

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Program Links and Credits

This Overdrive program originally aired on the 7th of June 2025. For extended interviews, video content, and podcasts, visit our website, or search “Cars Transport Culture” on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

Credits: Hosted by David Brown. Contributor: Paul Murrell from seniordriveroz.com. Production: Bruce Potter. Technical support: Mark Wesley.

Syndicated nationally via the Community Radio Network.

Overdrive: Tesla Backlash, Smarter Road Safety, and a Fresh Crop of SUVs

This week on Overdrive, the show where cars and transport meet culture, David Brown and Paul Murrell cover a wide sweep of industry news, innovation, and history.

Real-Time Safety Data

A new agreement between Euro NCAP and the Data for Road Safety (DFRS) platform aims to improve road safety by encouraging carmakers to share real-time hazard data. The system will help vehicles warn each other of dangers like crashes or icy roads. It’s a big step for Euro NCAP’s 2026 safety protocols and a glimpse into how connected tech is reshaping driving.

Tesla's Adelaide Trouble

Tesla’s plan to build a battery facility in Adelaide’s south has met heavy resistance. Locals and online respondents raised concerns about environmental damage, Elon Musk’s controversial image, and the loss of community land. Though battery tech is booming, this project shows how public trust matters more than just clean energy slogans.

Insurance Deal Divides

The ACCC has approved Insurance Australia Group’s takeover of RACQ’s insurance arm. RACQ sees it as a growth move, but the Motor Trades Association of Australia says it reduces competition and risks higher premiums. There’s also concern over whether profits will still support traditional motor club activities like road safety advocacy.

SUV Refresh: RAV4 and Forester

Toyota has launched its sixth-generation RAV4 globally. It’s a tech-heavy update with a new hybrid system offering up to 150km electric-only range, plus AI voice control and a rugged GR SPORT option.

Subaru’s next-gen Forester brings a stronger hybrid system and better handling thanks to WRX-derived steering. It retains Subaru’s full-time AWD, though only petrol models include a full-size spare tyre. The SUV market is crowded, so these upgrades are key.

Electric MICRA Reboots the Small Car

The quirky Nissan MICRA is back, this time as a fully electric car. Built for city driving, it offers up to 408km range and a sharp new design. With other compact EVs like the Hyundai Inster on the rise, it’s clear the small car is making a comeback—just with zero emissions.

Land Speed Legends

Paul Murrell reflects on land speed history—from Sir Malcolm Campbell’s 1920s records to how ordinary cars today outperform them. Campbell’s “Blue Bird” once hit 301mph and is now on display in Daytona, USA. It’s a reminder of just how far—and fast—automotive progress can go.

Road Test: Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

We test the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, a mid-size SUV priced under $40K. It impresses with dual 12.3” screens, a full-size spare, and a solid 7-year warranty. However, its real-world fuel economy lags, the steering feels vague, and its infotainment can be tricky to use. Strong on value, but not flawless.

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Program Links and Credits

Program Date: 31 May 2025

Contributors: David Brown, Paul Murrell, Bruce Potter, Mark Wesley, Chery Australia

More Info: Search Cars Transport Culture or visit carstransportculture.com

Overdrive is syndicated across Australia on the Community Radio Network.