Resumo das Notícias da Semana - 01/05 -- 12/05 -- 2025

With Kia going all in on electric vehicles, the company's head of corporate communications says EVs represent a seismic shift in transportation.   James Bell chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination interview: EVs are an automotive seismic shift- Kia's James Bell

If you’ve driven in Atlanta since April 2024, you’ve likely seen retrofitted Jaguar I-Pace vehicles navigating the streets without a driver behind the wheel. These robotaxis, operated by Waymo in partnership with Uber, are now available to passengers within a 65-square-mile area in the city. 

 

Atlanta is one of five cities in the U.S. to have access to the new ride option, but with plans to expand to seven by 2026, are the roads and riders ready for an autonomous future?

 

In the latest episode of Generating Buzz, Srinivas Peeta — director of the Autonomous and Connected Transportation Lab and the Frederick R. Dickerson Chair and Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering — shares his expertise on how Waymo’s systems differ from other vehicle manufacturers, how social media influences adoption of the new technology, and what comes next.

Generating Buzz: Your Driverless Ride Has Arrived

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.



OverDrive: Triton Road Test, EV Fire Myths, AI Cars, E-Scooter Ban & The Legend of Bizzarrini

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.

Touchscreens, Utes & EV Slowdown: Transport Trends on Overdrive – 26 July 2025

What to know about Ford's Universal EV Platform. Today's Techstination.

What to know about Ford's Universal EV Platform

Ford has unveiled the 2026 F-150 Lightning STX.   New styles, better range and towing capacity.   More?   Marketing Manager Will Marchand chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination interview: 2026 F-150 Lightning STX on the way from Ford

In this episode of Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell discuss the latest in headlight testing technology at Mercedes-Benz, the real-world usability of driver aids and infotainment systems, and the challenges of understanding electric vehicle range. Plus, a look at GWM’s new Tank 500 plug-in hybrid SUV and how China's automakers are reshaping the value equation in Australia’s large SUV market.

This Overdrive episode captures the tension between technological innovation and practical execution. Whether it’s headlights that bend around corners or plug-in SUVs that can tow 3 tonnes, the industry is evolving fast. But poor user interfaces, inconsistent standards, and unclear real-world data can still frustrate even the most experienced drivers.

Why Headlight Tech, Interface Design and EV Range Still Matter

Jonathan Wellum - Canada's Role in the Coming Resource Boom

This week on Green Street Patti and Doug talk about concerns over radiation in electric and hybrid cars (EMFs and RFR), and the Trump administration's continuing war on science, from which government agencies may never recover. Then Tim Judson, Executive Director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, talks about the push for nuclear energy, the problems associated with nuclear, and the opportunities we have to use better sources to satisfy current and future demands for power.

The New Push for Nuclear

Techstination is a daily report on consumer tech produced by Fred Fishkin.  Listen to full interviews and daily reports here and find more at www.techstination.com

Inspiring leaders with the person and values of Jesus

Overdrive: Cars, Transport and Culture.

A weekly radio program featuring motoring & transport news from Australia & around the world, road tests, feature interviews & quirky stories.

David Brown is a respected motoring broadcaster heard online and across Australia on commercial, public and community radio.

Green Street is a science-based environmental health program hosted by Patti and Doug Wood. Each week, we bring you news and information you need to know and practical solutions for navigating an unhealthy world.

New tracks tagged #Electric Vehicles