Episode Summary

Could your car become a battlefield in the New Cold War?

It sounds like the plot of a spy thriller, but it's actually one of the biggest stories quietly reshaping the automotive industry.

This week, The Car Chick® connects the dots between several recent episodes—including vehicle data privacy, EV tax credits, tariffs, and "Made in America"—to reveal the much bigger picture behind the U.S. government's upcoming ban on certain Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles.

You'll learn why China became a global automotive powerhouse, why companies like BYD are dominating worldwide despite never selling cars in the U.S., how connected vehicles have become a national security concern, and what the new 2027 Connected Vehicle Rule could mean for future vehicle availability, pricing, and the cars you may (or may not) be able to buy.

This isn't politics. It's about understanding the forces behind today's increasingly unpredictable car market—and why they're likely to affect every car buyer over the next several years.

In This Episode

• What the "New Cold War" really means—and why cars are now part of it 
• How China built a massive advantage in batteries, semiconductors, and EV technology 
• Why BYD has become one of the world's largest automakers despite having no U.S. dealerships 
• How connected vehicles collect and transmit data 
• Why the debate over connected cars is similar to the concerns surrounding TikTok 
• What the 2027 Connected Vehicle Rule actually does 
• Why Polestar is exiting the U.S. market while Volvo was allowed to stay 
• Which automakers and models could be most affected 
• How these changes may impact vehicle availability, pricing, and future model launches 
• Why understanding what's happening behind the scenes makes today's automotive "bullshittery" make a lot more sense 

Resources

Subscribe to The Straight Shift Newsletter for twice-monthly automotive news, market updates, and consumer advice:
https://www.thecarchick.com

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Electric vehicles were supposed to make cars more affordable. So why does the average EV now cost well over $50,000?

Enter Slate Auto, a brand-new American startup that's taking a completely different approach. Their first vehicle is a bare-bones, highly customizable electric pickup that starts at just $24,950. No giant touchscreen. No built-in stereo. Even crank windows are back.

But is Slate Auto really the future of affordable transportation...or just another EV startup that's destined to end up like Fisker?

In this episode, The Car Chick® breaks down everything you need to know about Slate Auto, how its unique "Blank Slate" concept works, and—most importantly—the tough questions every potential buyer should be asking before putting down a deposit.

In this episode:

• Why new cars and EVs have become so expensive 
• The story behind Slate Auto and its founders 
• How the Blank Slate platform works 
• Service, maintenance, and Right to Repair 
• Warranty coverage 
• Could Slate become the next Fisker...or the next success story? 

Whether you're excited about affordable EVs or just curious what all the buzz is about, this episode goes beyond the marketing hype to answer the questions nobody else seems to be asking.

Resources & Links:

🚗 Slate Auto: https://www.slate.auto/

Connect with The Car Chick

Website: https://www.TheCarChick.com

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Think hidden fees, fake discounts, rebate games, mandatory add-ons, and vehicles advertised at prices you can't actually get are just part of buying a car?

The FTC doesn't think so.

In this episode, The Car Chick® breaks down the six dealership advertising and pricing practices the FTC says may violate federal consumer protection laws. But before we get into the legal stuff, I share a real-life dealership fiasco that happened while shopping for a military family's Ford Transit van — a deal that took three days to put together before it completely blew up over a discount that apparently didn't apply.

We'll cover:

• The six pricing and advertising practices the FTC is targeting
• Hidden fees, fake discounts, rebate stacking, and financing games
• Why dealer add-on packages may be the next battleground
• What the FTC Act actually says
• Why the CARS Rule was overturned
• Why the FTC isn't handing out $53,088 fines left and right
• How dealership pricing transparency is improving — and where the bullshittery has migrated
• What consumers should look for before signing on the dotted line

5 Things to Watch for When Car Shopping Right Now

• Get an out-the-door quote in writing.
• Do your homework on rebates, financing requirements, and add-ons.
• Verify the vehicle is actually available.
• Don't assume "transparent pricing" means "best price."
• If a deal looks dramatically better than every other similar vehicle, get suspicious before you get excited.

Resources

FTC Consumer Complaint Center:
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Stay Connected

Sign up for The Straight Shift newsletter and get consumer-focused automotive news, car buying tips, and industry updates delivered straight to your inbox:

www.TheCarChick.com

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Summary
After a three-month hiatus, The Car Chick® is back — and apparently while she was gone, the global economy decided to completely lose its damn mind.

In this comeback episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick breaks down how conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, rising oil prices, tariffs, petrochemicals, EVs, and global supply-chain chaos are affecting far more than just what you pay at the gas pump.

Because modern cars aren’t just vehicles anymore — they’re giant rolling international group projects held together with wiring, software, synthetic rubber, plastics, petrochemicals, and a concerning amount of global instability.

This Episode Covers

• why gas prices jumped nearly 60% in less than 3 months
• what the Strait of Hormuz actually is
• why your car is literally made from oil
• why repair bills and insurance rates keep climbing
• why EVs aren’t immune from global manufacturing chaos
• bamboo dashboards, recycled fishing nets, and sustainable car materials
• why everything in the modern economy is more interconnected than most people realize

Also: there’s Yoda, there’s automotive bullshittery, and there’s a challenge to start looking at the bigger picture.

Subscribe to The Straight Shift Newsletter at https://www.thecarchick.com for automotive market trends, pricing analysis, tariff updates, car care tips, and consumer-focused advice that translates industry chaos into plain English.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Yoda
• BMW
• Ford
• Volvo
• Mercedes-Benz
• Hyundai
• Kia
• Mark Rober
• TeamSeas

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

We're pumping the brakes on The Straight Shift podcast for a little while, but that doesn't mean you can't still receive important automotive industry updates!

Visit my website to sign up for The Straight Shift Newsletter and keep driving safely!

https://www.thecarchick.com/

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

SUMMARY

Cars are no longer just mechanical machines — they are rolling software platforms.

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® breaks down the growing trend of subscription-based car features and what it actually means for consumers.

From life-saving systems like OnStar and connected services such as Subaru STARLINK and Hyundai BlueLink, to hands-free driving tech like Super Cruise and BlueCruise, we separate the subscriptions that make sense from the ones that feel like a toll booth for your tushy.

You’ll learn:

• How telematics systems actually work
• Why emergency services like OnStar have handled tens of thousands of real dispatches
• How Tesla normalized pay-to-unlock EV features
• What happened with Toyota’s remote start confusion
• Why BMW’s heated seat subscriptions sparked backlash
• What questions you MUST ask before signing a car contract

If you’re financing a vehicle for five to seven years, you need to understand what could stop working in year three.

This episode will help you avoid surprises — and the bullshittery.

TAKEAWAYS

• Modern vehicles are software-defined and can enable or disable features remotely.
• Emergency systems like OnStar have handled nearly 40,000 emergency dispatches in a single year.
• Tesla normalized over-the-air performance unlocks in EVs.
• Some manufacturers have experimented with charging for features already physically installed in the vehicle.
• Consumer backlash has influenced companies to reconsider subscription strategies.
• Subscription fatigue is entering the automotive world.
• Buyers must understand what features expire after trial periods.
• Asking the right questions before purchase prevents expensive surprises later.

RESOURCES

https://DrivingInTheUK.com/

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Summary

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® discusses the intricacies of car leasing, particularly focusing on what to do at the end of a lease. She shares a real-life example of helping a client navigate lease end options, emphasizing the importance of understanding positive equity and the often-misleading information from leasing companies. The conversation covers the impact of market dynamics on leasing, the importance of transparency when dealing with dealerships, and practical steps for maximizing equity at lease end. The episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge to make informed decisions about their leased vehicles.

Takeaways

• Leasing companies do not disclose positive equity options.
• Market value can exceed the residual value, creating equity.
• Pandemic changes have altered how leases are handled.
• Transparency with dealers can lead to better offers.
• Documenting your car's condition is crucial for negotiations.
• Researching market value helps in understanding equity.
• Bidding wars among dealers can maximize your return.

Resources 

CarBuyingCourse.com
TheCarChick.com

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Summary

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® discusses the importance of understanding different drivetrains, particularly in the context of winter driving. She reflects on the recent winter storms in the Carolinas and addresses common misconceptions about all-wheel drive vehicles. The conversation covers the differences between rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive, emphasizing the significance of tires and driving skills in snowy conditions. The episode concludes with advice on making informed decisions about vehicle purchases based on individual driving needs.

Takeaways

• Many people overestimate their need for all-wheel drive.
• Understanding the differences in drivetrains is crucial for safety.
• All-wheel drive does not improve braking on slippery surfaces.
• Tires play a significant role in winter driving performance.
• Four-wheel drive offers more control than all-wheel drive in certain conditions.
• All-wheel drive systems can be expensive to maintain and replace tires.

Resources:

Snow Day Driving Fun video:  https://youtu.be/ibOHd-BxS0Q?si=PZb7UgsjUY6ks7vn

Matt’s Off-Road Recovery YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MattsOffRoadRecovery

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Summary

Amazon Autos promises to make buying a car as easy as clicking “Buy Now.” But is it actually easier — and more importantly, is it better for car buyers?

In this episode, The Car Chick® breaks down how Amazon Autos really works, why Hyundai was the first automaker to partner with Amazon, how the platform has evolved into used and certified pre-owned vehicles, and where dealership bullshittery can still sneak in. We compare Amazon Autos to TrueCar, Autotrader, and Cars.com, explain who this model works for, and why convenience often comes at the cost of leverage.

Takeaways

• Amazon is testing a new car buying model.
• Hyundai's flexibility makes it a suitable partner for Amazon.
• The buying process is still dealer-centric despite the online platform.
• Fixed pricing reduces negotiation but may not guarantee the best deal.
• Convenience often comes at a cost in the car buying process.

Resources:  

https://www.thecarchick.com/perfect-car-package

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.

Summary

In this episode, The Car Chick® discusses the current state of the automotive industry as we enter 2026, reflecting on the challenges faced in 2025, including economic uncertainty and shifts in consumer confidence. She shares predictions for the upcoming year, emphasizing a potential shift from electric vehicles (EVs) to hybrids, and highlights the importance of empowerment through mobility, illustrated by a personal story of helping a woman in need.

Takeaways

• Car buying feels uncomfortable and risky in 2026.
• 2025 was marked by uncertainty and unexpected challenges.
• The automotive industry is looking for stability and profits.
• Interest rates have dropped, but car prices remain high.
• Financial incentives from manufacturers may increase in 2026.
• Leasing may become more attractive with lower rates.
• Hybrids are expected to gain popularity over EVs.
• Education and preparation are key for car buyers.

Resources

Help Mom and Daughter Escape Abuse: https://gofund.me/b8ae621da

You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. 

Connect with LeeAnn:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Work with LeeAnn:

• Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
• Car Buying Service

Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.