On this episode of Connected, host Greg Uland sits down with Inga Maurer, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company. Inga leads McKinsey's work with dealerships, aftermarket players, and OEMs, keeping her very plugged into the automotive ecosystem.

She also recently co-authored an article titled "Boosting auto sales productivity: A playbook for excellence," and as soon as Greg read it, he wanted to have her on Connected to pick her brain on the topic of dealership efficiency.

Together, the two of them dig into the information in her article and dive deeper into topics like:

-AI as a means of boosting productivity and efficiency.
-Taking an end-to-end view on customer profitability.
-How new tariffs might impact the industry. 

Connected Podcast Episode 170: Boosting Dealership Efficiency

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

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a daily companion for many—summarizing texts, providing quick answers, or finding the right image for a presentation. What often goes unnoticed, however, is that AI systems are far from neutral. Distortions in training data, the concentration of AI development in the Global North, dominant cultural perspectives, and the lack of material in less widely used languages all contribute to biases that algorithms reproduce and even amplify.

In their ifa study “Inclusive and Secure Artificial Intelligence: A Global Perspective on Policy and Technical Developments”, researchers Dr Saiph Savage and Lili Savage examine how these distortions arise and explore ways to address them. In this episode of ‘Die Kulturmittler:innen’, they join host Amira El Ahl to discuss inclusive AI design, the role of cultural institutions and international NGOs, and how we can work toward more ethical and inclusive AI systems.

Find the ifa study „Inclusive and Secure Artificial Intelligence” under: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/forschen/ergebnisse/inklusive-und-sichere-ki/
More on the topic of inclusive Artificial Intelligence:
https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/en/research/results/democratising-ai-through-culture/
Podcast episode with Octavio Kulesz on Navigating AI in the Cultural Sector:
https://www.ifa.de/deep-dive-navigating-ai-in-the-cultural-sector-with-octavio-kulesz-ifa-podcast/

For all other information visit our website: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/en/
To learn more about ifa: https://www.ifa.de/en/

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

Die Kulturmittler:innen | Overcoming Bias: Building Inclusive AI. With Saiph Savage and Lili Savage

Are you ready for a revolution in 3D modeling? Dive into this episode of AI with Shaily as Shailendra Kumar explores the latest breakthroughs in Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) and 3D Gaussian Splatting. Discover how these innovations are making 3D scene creation easier than ever, and what this means for creators and developers. Get insights on practical AI solutions and a peek into the future of interaction with digital and physical environments! If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts! 🎙️✨🚀

Unlocking the Future: How NeRF is Transforming 3D Creation

Are we trading privacy for convenience? Join Shailendra Kumar on AI with Shaily as we dive into the rapid advancements in facial recognition technology. From Amazon's new security features to Hong Kong's surveillance cameras, we discuss the impact on our lives and civil rights. Learn what you can do to protect your privacy in this evolving landscape. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! 😊🔍💡

Facial Recognition: Convenience or Privacy Nightmare?

Did you know that children’s drawings can be a powerful tool for storytelling? Join Shailendra Kumar in this episode of AI with Shaily as we explore how narrative art fuels early literacy and emotional intelligence in education. Discover how blending technology with creative expression can nurture young minds. 🖍️✨ Gain insights into fostering children's unique voices and learning styles. Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more AI insights! 🎨📖

Unlocking Storytelling: The Art of Drawing in Early Education

Did you know that a centuries-old artistic technique is revolutionizing autonomous vehicles? Join Shailendra Kumar on *AI with Shaily* as we explore the fascinating connection between Renaissance art and modern AI in self-driving cars! Discover how the vanishing point concept enhances vehicle perception and reduces reliance on expensive LIDAR sensors. Gain insights into innovative AI solutions like VPOcc and unlock new perspectives in technology! 🚗✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for more AI news and share your thoughts in the comments!

How Renaissance Art Is Shaping Self-Driving Car Technology

Are you ready to embrace the driverless future? 🚗✨ Join Shailendra Kumar as we explore groundbreaking advancements in autonomous vehicles, from Tesla's new robotaxi service to China's ambitious plans for 100,000 robotaxis by 2030. Gain insights into AI technology transforming urban mobility and what it means for our roads. Don't miss out—like, follow, and share your thoughts! 🧠📈 #AutonomousVehicles #AI #Robotaxis

The Driverless Future Is Here: Autonomous Vehicle Revolution

Ever wondered how AI can recreate iconic voices like Michael Caine's? In this episode of AI with Shaily, host Shailendra Kumar explores the cutting-edge technology transforming voice synthesis. Discover how startups are making waves and why this innovation is both exciting and controversial in the arts. You'll gain insights into experimenting with voice AI tools and the ethical balance between innovation and authenticity. Don't miss out—subscribe for more AI insights! 🎙️✨🎬

Unlocking AI Magic: Voice of Michael Caine Comes to Life!

Jeff Freeland, Product Manager for Motorola Solutions' AI Agents and Assistants, and Wendy Lotman, Statewide Account Executive, give an update on what Motorola Solutions is working on, particularly their new Assist Suites. They discuss how their solutions assist emergency dispatchers, why sponsoring NAVIGATOR is a priority, and what you can look out for at their booth in the Exhibit Hall. 

 
For Your Information: 
Check out the Motorola Solutions website: www.motorolasolutions.com    
Learn more about the Assist Suites: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/ai/assist-suites.html  
Don’t miss Wendy’s session on Thursday morning, April 23, entitled “Unified Strategies for Emergency Response: Harnessing NG911 for Major Events.” 

Motorola Solutions: Assisting Dispatchers with Jeff Freeland and Wendy Lotman

Unlock the secrets of data mastery with Shailendra, a 27-year veteran in AI, ML, and Data Science, driving AU$ 6 Billion in transformative value. As the author of 'Making Money out of Data,' their strategies redefine digital success. With expertise honed at IBM and Accenture, they drive innovation and data monetization. Explore how loyalty programs like Flybuys and Everyday Rewards revolutionize business—connect with Shaily today.

Was macht Kultur in der Außenpolitik? Wie arbeiten Mittlerorganisationen wie das ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen? 
 
Der Podcast des Instituts für Auslandsbeziehungen „Die Kulturmittler“ beleuchtet die vielseitigen Themen der Auswärtigen Kultur- und Bildungspolitik: Erfahren Sie mehr über Klimamigration, die Kunstbiennale in Venedig, die Rechte von LGBTQIA+-Personen in Ägypten, die Ukraine oder die afghanische Zivilgesellschaft. 
 
Unsere Interviewpartner:innen und Expert:innen vermitteln jeden Monat eine neue Perspektive – politisch und kulturell, zwischen außen und innen, auf Deutsch und Englisch. Zu Gast waren bisher u.a. die Menschenrechtsexpertin Selmin Çalışkan, der Künstler und Fotograf Wolfgang Tillmans, die Politikerin Oby Ezekwesili und die Expertin für feministische Außenpolitik Kristina Lunz.
 
Themenwünsche, Lob und Kritik können gerne an podcast@ifa.de geschickt werden.

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.

New tracks tagged #ai technology