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Episode #1081: Today’s episode sounds the alarm on EV shipping risks after a $560M shipwreck, dives into the dealer-driven defense of EV tax credits with Alex Lawrence at the helm, and bids farewell to Microsoft’s iconic Blue Screen of Death.

• The June sinking of the Morning Midas cargo ship—loaded with Chinese EVs—has sparked serious concern across the shipping and auto industries. Estimated losses are pegged at $560 million, but the implications go far deeper.
  • The ship was carrying 3,048 vehicles, including 750 EVs and hybrids, when it caught fire en route to Mexico.
  • It’s the third major EV ship incident in just over three years, bringing total damages from these disasters to nearly $1.8 billion.
  • The fire’s cause remains unknown, but experts say EVs increase the chance of thermal runaway turning into catastrophe.
  • “This is a huge cost, and another blaring warning claxon to the industry,” said AEG CEO Patrick Anderson, pointing to the growing frequency of these incidents.
  • Calls are growing for stricter EV shipping protocols—better fire detection, increased vehicle spacing, and limits on how many EVs can be transported per vessel.

• A coalition of 19 dealers including Carmax, Carvana, and Utah’s EV Auto is urging the Senate to reconsider abrupt EV tax credit rollbacks. At the center of the push is Alex Lawrence, who’s making a strong case for used EV affordability.
  • Lawrence says converting the credit into a down payment changed everything for middle-class buyers.
  • He argues that without it, many families couldn’t qualify for financing or reliable transportation.
  • Though confident in EV Auto’s future, he warns a sudden end “would disrupt the used car market,” calling for a multi-year phase-out instead.
  • The letter emphasized the vital role of the used EV rebate as “a bridge” for working-class Americans.
  • At ASOTU Con last month, Alex quipped “I didn't realize when I got into the car business five and a half years ago I was getting into politics. But boy, did I ever.”

• Microsoft is officially phasing out one of the most recognizable (and dreaded) elements of the Windows experience: the Blue Screen of Death. After four decades, Windows crashes are getting a new look—and a new name.
  • The classic BSOD will now become the “Black Screen of Death” in an upcoming Windows 11 update.
  • The redesign ditches the frowny face and QR code in favor of a cleaner, more focused layout.
  • The new format will show the stop code and faulty driver right on screen, simplifying diagnosis for IT teams.
  • The update is part of broader efforts to boost Windows 11 stability, especially after last year’s CrowdStrike-related crash wave.
  • “This is really an attempt on clarity and providing better information so we can fix it faster.” says David Weston, Microsoft’s VP of Enterprise and OS Secur

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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