Is the transition to electric vehicles "Inevitable" ?  Today's Techstination.

Is the transition to electric vehicles "Inevitable" ?

In the Program
• The real costs of car insurance – EV vs PHEV vs ICE
• Beware of new cars about to be delisted due to ADR (Australian Design Rules)
• Elon Musk Admits He Was Wrong
• Problems with the MG Hybrid
• We review the car ads that were played in the Superbowl
• Road Test of the Genesis G70 – is it the modern equivalent of an old Jag?


Contacts Details 

Web Site: Driven Media: drivenmedia.com.au
Podcasts
iTunes: Cars Transport Culture 
Spotify: Cars Transport Culture 

Or our social pages 
Facebook
Cars Transport Culture
Instagram
Cars Transport Culture
Or YouTube site 
Cars Transport Culture

Search for Cars transport culture


Credits 

And this has been overdrive 

Thanks to 
Paul Murrell
Genesis Australia
Mark Wesley
Bruce Potter 
for their help with this program.
You can get more of our work including longer versions of the program on our website, through our podcasts, or more visual information on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. In all cases search for cars transport culture.

Overdrive is syndicated across Australia on the Community Radio Network

This program was first broadcast on  15 February 2025


I’m David Brown
Thanks for listening


Overdrive: Superbowl 2025 car ads; Genesis G70; Insuring EVs; Cars that don’t meet new design rules

Congressman Dwight Evans is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, and Center City Philadelphia since 2019.

Congressman Evans joins the show to talk about a proposed $11 million grant that would go to the city of Philadelphia received as a part of the Philadelphia Community Charging Project Regional Partnership, which would fund the installation of up to 200 charging ports throughout the Philadelphia region, including suburban and rural areas.

Congressman Dwight Evans | Reality Check w/ Tonya Pendleton - 2.24.25

P.O.C. (Proof of Consciousness) is the host of WURD’s environment-centered Friday morning show, “ecoWURD Magazine,” which airs every Friday from 10am to 11am ET. She is also the visionary Founder and Host of REVIVE RADIO, an influential online broadcasting platform.

P.O.C. joins the show to further give her take about whether she believes electric vehicles are going to be apart of the future as opposed to gasoline powered vehicles. 

P.O.C. | Reality Check w/ Tonya Pendleton - 2.25.25

We start this week with a call to action as the American Gestapo are attempting to deport a student for protesting against genocide. Our headlines section this week includes the Oscars, Long Island power plant workers, a first contract for battery plant workers, and Sesame Street.  The fight for a contract with VW is heating up, and workers at a parts distribution warehouse in New Jersey are joining the fight. We've got a Canadian double header this week, as thousands of education workers strike in Alberta while picketers in Waterloo face violence on the picket line. Workers at REI are taking the fight for a union to the company's board elections. Finally, we do our best to cover the whirlwind of attacks on government workers from the Trump-Musk Administration.

Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX 

Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter,  John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee

More info on the show at http://workstoppagepod.com/

Ep 249 - Free Mahmoud Khalil

https://www.techstination.com/interview.jsp?interviewId=5460  The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is arriving.  What is new and different?  They've listened to customers, says Product Marketing Director for EV Trucks Jason Mase.   He chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination interview: What's new in the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning

Summary:
In this episode of Overdrive, we delve into the evolving world of motoring and mobility—from high-tech pedestrian detection fabrics to nostalgic reflections on motoring larrikins. David Brown and Paul Murrell critique inconsistencies in safety tech, vehicle naming confusion, and the charm of classic cars. We also road test the Mazda CX-30 and examine whether EVs are truly delivering on sustainability promises. Plus, we pay tribute to rally legend Ed Mulligan.

Program Links and Credits
Overdrive is produced by David Brown with assistance from Paul Murrell, Graham Patterson, Bruce Potter, and Mark Wesley.
More info and extended segments available at Cars Transport Culture, or search “Overdrive Radio” on your favourite podcast platform.
First broadcast: 19 April 2025
Syndicated across Australia via the Community Radio Network.


Overdrive: What lidar can’t see; Breakdown rates for ICEs and EVs;Measuring car sustainability

Emporia Energy Pro Charger for EVs a smart investment.  Today's Techstination.

Emporia Energy Pro Charger for EVs a smart investment

Overdrive: Tesla’s Troubles, Touchscreen Backlash & Royal Recognition
In this episode of Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell unpack a mix of major shifts and motoring curiosities. From plummeting Tesla sales and BYD’s meteoric rise, to Australia's evolving road rules and the debate over touchscreens in modern vehicles—this week covers the latest in transport, design, planning, and culture.

⚡ Tesla’s Decline & BYD’s Boom
 Tesla has taken a major hit in Australia with a 75% drop in April sales, influenced by expiring tax perks and consumer uncertainty. Plug-in hybrid sales also dipped to 2.9%. Meanwhile, Chinese EV giant BYD has overtaken Tesla globally. In the US, Tesla is sitting on 10,000 unsold Cybertrucks, raising concerns about demand for the futuristic model before its Australian debut.

📉 The Touchscreen Controversy
 Euro NCAP will soon penalise cars that hide basic functions like headlights or air-conditioning behind complex touchscreen menus. From 2026, anything requiring more than two taps will impact safety ratings. Brown and Murrell welcomed the change, arguing that physical dials are more intuitive and safer—citing examples from the Genesis G80 and Lexus models. Australian standards often follow Europe’s lead, so local updates are likely.

🛑 New Road Rules Stir Debate
 Recent changes to road laws are drawing mixed responses:
In South Australia, speed limits when passing roadside assistance vehicles have dropped to 25 km/h, compared to 40 km/h in other states.


P1 drivers now face a national curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM and a one-passenger limit unless supervised.


Zero phone tolerance—including hands-free use—can result in $750 fines and 4 demerit points.
 Murrell noted the lack of clarity in the 25 km/h rule, particularly on high-speed roads where abrupt slowdowns could be dangerous.



👑 Jaguar Land Rover’s Royal Warrant
 JLR has retained Royal Warrants from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, continuing a tradition dating back to 1951. Though now owned by India’s Tata Motors, the brand’s British heritage still holds marketing weight. Murrell highlighted how such endorsements, while largely symbolic, remain powerful branding tools—comparable to historic racing sponsorships.

🏁 Fun with Lego and ‘Unexceptional’ Cars
 Lego showcased life-size, drivable Formula 1 cars at the Miami GP, made from over 1.3 tonnes of bricks and 22,000 hours of labour. In the UK, the Festival of the Unexceptional celebrates everyday classics like the Vauxhall Chevette—vehicles remembered not for their glamour but for their place in everyday motoring life. Both stories underline the emotional and cultural connection we have with cars.

🚙 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Review
 David Brown tested the Genesis G80 3.5T Sport—an impressive luxury sedan priced at $142,000 driveaway. Featuring a twin-turbo V6, noise-cancelling tech, and thoughtful design, it competes well with European rivals. Genesis stands out for offering premium features without the inflated options list. Murrell pointed out that Australians are growing accustomed to six-figure car prices, and Genesis is positioning itself as a smart alternative.

🛠️ Classic Cars: Restore or Reimagine?
 At the St Ives Motor Show, a classic Land Rover fitted with LED lights sparked debate: does modernising classics improve safety or compromise authenticity? Murrell leaned toward safety, especially with today’s traffic conditions, though both agree there’s a balance between preserving history and embracing progress. From LEDs to EV conversions, the fate of vintage vehicles remains a hot topic.

🎧 Listen & Explore More
 Overdrive is broadcast nationally via the Community Radio Network. Catch the full episode, road test videos, and extra stories at our website or search "cars transport culture" on your favourite platform.
Host: David Brown
 Guest: Paul Murrell (SeniorDriverAus.com)
 First Aired: 10 May 2025
 Production Support: Genesis Australia, Bruce Potter, Mark Wesley

Overdrive: Tesla’s Troubles, Touchscreen Turmoil, and the Curious Case of Royal Warrants

Having spent the last two years buying and selling electric vehicles in the retail space, Recharged CEO John Foley said he knows what buyers are looking for and flaws that exist in current remarketing solutions offered for EVs.

Foley shared his opinions during an appearance on the Live Stage presented by SYCN Auto Logistics at this spring’s Auto Intel Summit. The conversation is part of this episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast.


Recharged CEO on what can be improved in EV market

Eric Yeung discusses the global economic shift from West to East, driven by unsustainable U.S. national debt and de-dollarization. Physical gold is highlighted as a key neutral international reserve asset, with China establishing overseas vaults to allow trading partners to convert RMB into physical gold within their own jurisdictions. Bitcoin seems to be supporting the U.S. Treasury market through stablecoin reserves, suggesting it's primarily an "American phenomenon" that may be strategically inflated.

*Support Geopolitics & Empire!
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Websites
Eric Yeung https://x.com/KingKong9888

About Eric Yeung
Eric Yeung is a former contract manufacturer, businessman, and commentator who has lived between North America, Hong Kong, and China.

*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Eric Yeung: The Dollar, Gold, Bitcoin, & China's Bright Future #557

Resumo das Notícias da Semana - 19/05 -- 30/05 -- 2025

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

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

The Geopolitics & Empire Podcast conducts interviews with prominent international experts on a wide-range of topics.

Past guests have included diplomats, government officials, whistleblowers, soldiers, spies, economists, academics, scientists, wealthy investors, dissidents, journalists, and musicians.

The broadcast seeks to gain insight from guests who come from the left, right, and beyond. It should go without saying that the host does not always agree with beliefs espoused by podcast invitees, but maintains an open mind, and believes it important to respectfully listen to a multitude of voices and let listeners come to their own conclusions.

*Music used in podcast intro is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Your weekly dose of auto industry news and conversation with top executives, specifically tailored for the used-car side of the business.

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.

WURD Radio is the only African-American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, and one of few in the country. Taking a multimedia approach – on-air, online and in the community – WURD is widely recognized as the pulse of the African-American community locally, regionally, and nationally. From mayoral races to presidential elections, from the street corner to the corner suite, WURD has tackled the hard issues as an influential, respected and powerful voice in the marketplace.

New tracks tagged #Electric Vehicles