G’Day and welcome to Overdrive, a program that practices what it preaches, most of the time, on the subject of cars and transport.

I’m David Brown 

For more information go to our website, podcast, or social media – just search for Cars, Transport, Culture.
Once again, I am joined by the tireless Paul Murrell from seniordriveraus.com

Recalls in America covering some 35 million vehicles
First-ever redesign of Genesis GV60 makes Korean debut
Some of the thoughts that came out of a chat with Justin Douglas who is head of Genesis in Australia 
Genesis is Hyundai’s Lexus
Sales volumes aren’t high, but orders are starting to look good 
They only have five dealers 
Servicing can be done by Hyundai Dealers 
No haggle pricing
Everything Electric Show coming up
Audi, BMW, BYD, Cadillac, Cupra, Deepal, GWM, Jeep, Kia, Leapmotor, Mini, MG, Peugeot, Polestar, Renault, Skoda, Tesla, Volkswagen, XPeng and Zeekr.
No Hyundai nor Toyota 
Stuart Sharp Railway history and a critical item for facilitating travel (public toilets)
I have always seen the provision of public toilets as a key issue of mobility. Particularly for women.
The reason for charging money is usually for the maintenance of the equipment. In NSW it was to limit the riff raff
Paying to use a toilet can be traced back almost 2000 years
As this is the anniversary from 1973 of legislation being passed to remove the charges on toilets in Chicago, the first American city to enact a ban
There is such a thing as The American Restroom Association
In Australia we here about several centenary anniversaries of developments in public toilets at railway stations 
Road Test of the Genesis GV80 coupe
Large SUV
Coupe body is not to everyone’s taste

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
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 8 March 2024 


I’m David Brown
Thanks for listening


Overdrive: Everything Electric in transport preview; Genesis GV80; don’t get caught short on a trip

MG Response
A listener wondered if his car had been upgraded with the latest software when he found the very performance disappointing. The response from MG is as follows 


The background to car badges

If ever we needed proof that all is not always as it seems, the Porsche badge is a perfect example.
While it looks like it’s been around forever, that’s far from the case.
Porsche is, of course, named after Ferry Porsche, the son of Ferdinand Porsche and designer of the Auto-union racers and the Kraft durche Freude people’s car (or Volkswagen).
But the badge was designed in response to a request from American Porsche importer, Max Hoffmann who thought sporting cars needed a badge worthy of their stature.
First appearing in 1953, the shield features the curving stag horns and colours of Baden-Württemburg while the centrepiece is the crest of the city of Stuttgart.
The rampant horse (reminiscent of the Ferrari badge) comes from origins in the Middle Ages – Stuttgart was a stud farm on the banks of the River Neckar.

Road Test - Tucson N-Line hybrid 

A medium SUV that is quite a complete package.


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 
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  


I’m David Brown
Thanks for listening

Overdrive: What Lidar can’t see; Breakdowns - ICEs vs EVs; Mazda CX-30; Larrikins in motorsport

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

In this episode of Overdrive – Cars, Transport, Culture, David Brown is joined once again by motoring expert Paul Murrell from SeniorDriverAus.com to unpack the latest developments from the world of transport and automotive innovation.

News Highlights:

Autonomous Vehicle Emissions – An MIT study warns that the computing power required for self-driving cars could one day rival the energy consumption of today’s global data centres, unless hardware efficiency dramatically improves.

Light Truck Safety – ANCAP’s first-ever safety assessment of popular light trucks such as the Isuzu N-Series and Hino 300 Series reveals shortcomings in occupant protection and advanced safety features, despite their increasing road presence.

Cupra Tavascan – The Spanish-branded but Chinese-built EV earns four ANCAP stars, falling short in Safety Assist due to the absence of certain European-standard features in the Australian version.

UK Tariff Relief – A new Trump-led tariff cut could revitalise UK car exports, especially for Jaguar Land Rover, just as it prepares for its EV relaunch.

GM Celestiq – A bold move into the Rolls-Royce segment, GM reveals the Celestiq: an ultra-luxury, hand-built electric sedan with 42 speakers, adaptive glass roof, and virtual development tech.

Ferrari’s Electric Future – The iconic Italian marque sets a date for its first EV (October 2026) and patents technology to simulate the sound and feel of petrol-powered cars, aiming to preserve its legacy in a new electric era.

Toyota Tundra Platinum – Toyota adds a luxury twist to its full-size pickup lineup, combining rugged capability with premium features like massaging seats and a JBL sound system.

Discussion Point:
David explores the “Expertise Deficit” in public sector transport planning, highlighting a shift toward generalist management that undervalues deep, domain-specific knowledge—posing risks to effective infrastructure policy and procurement.

Road Test:
We get behind the wheel of the Mazda BT-50, examining its performance, features, and suitability for Australian conditions.

As always, you can find extended versions of our program, visuals, and more content across our platforms—just search for Cars Transport Culture on your favourite podcast app or social media.

First broadcast on 17 May 2025 on 99.3FM and syndicated nationally via the Community Radio Network.

Overdrive: Emissions, Safety, Electric Dreams – and the Disappearing Expertise

Please welcome Amsterdam’s own Dennis Quin back to the decks this week. Dennis has been super busy producing, gigging and recently launching a new label, Eardrums. Eardrums is an outlet for his constant flow of productions, in addition, he’s also just released on Nervous Records, remixing the mighty Louie Vega’s ‘Seven Mile’ feat. Moodymann.. PIV, Haven Trax, Constant Sound and Nu Groove Records all have acquired heat from Dennis as well, but today’s main focus is Eardrums where you will find his latest EP ‘The Liberation’ out now at Traxsource!

Dennis’ mix is packed almost entirely his own works and remixes with loads of unreleased material as you would expect! He is one of the hardest working artists in the scene and shows no sign of slowing. Catch a vibe!


20+ countries, 80+ radio networks and 10 million+ weekly listeners can’t be wrong. Keep it Traxsource. Keep it underground.

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Dennis Quin - https://www.traxsource.com/artist/147947/dennis-quin?ipp=100
The Liberation EP - https://www.traxsource.com/title/2539091/the-liberation-ep
Eardrums - https://www.traxsource.com/label/74153/eardrums?ipp=30

DENNIS QUIN TRACKLISTING: JUN 12TH

01. Dennis Quin - ID
02. David Brown - Feel Love (Dennis Quin Rework)
03. Louie Vega feat. Moodymann - Seven Mile (Dennis Quin Remix) Nervous Records
04. Dennis Quin feat. Mr V. - My Amsterdam Legacy (original mix) Kaoz Theory (forthcoming)
05. Dennis Quin - Serious Music (Unreleased)
06. Dennis Quin - The Liberation - Eardrums
07. Job de Jong - Like This - Slabs
08. Dennis Quin - Muscle - Eardrums
09. Dennis Quin - ID
10. Smokin’ Beat & Lucas Alexander - Dreams ft. Lyn Eden (unreleased)
11. Dennis Quin - Change This Record (unreleased)
12. Dennis Quin - ID
13. Dennis Quin - Delicious - Haven Trax
14. Dennis Quin - Lucky Bastard - Solid Grooves RAW

FORTHCOMING GUESTS ON TRAXSOURCE LIVE!

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Traxsource

Traxsource LIVE! #535 Dennis Quin

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

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

This week on Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell (SeniorDriver.au) dig into what’s changing inside cars and on our roads — from the future of in-car radio and voice control to over-the-air updates that add features after purchase. They also unpack NZ’s roadside drug testing rollout, sidewalk delivery robots, the rise of Chinese brands in the UK, a Louis Chevrolet history detour, and a major expose on why dodgy traffic data can distort real-world decisions.

In-Car Audio, OTA Updates and Bad Traffic Data

Description
This week on Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell unpack the first results from Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and what they really mean for car makers and buyers. They examine winners, losers and the politics of emissions averaging. Subaru returns to frontline motorsport safety, JAC fine-tunes a plug-in hybrid ute at Lang Lang, and Leapmotor updates its EV over the air. Plus, listener feedback on traffic data, marketing jargon, Bathurst memories—and a road test of the MG U9 ute that surprises in more ways than one.
Episode Breakdown
•	NVES first results analysed – including winners, losers 00:00:39
•	Subaru’s new Supercars role – 00:16:23
•	JAC Hunter PHEV tested locally – 00:26:05
•	Leapmotor OTA update explained – 00:30:56
•	Traffic data & governance debate – 00:39:51
•	Road test: MG U9 ute – 00:50:37
________________________________________
NVES first results analysed
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard’s first six-month snapshot shows about two-thirds of suppliers beating their CO₂ targets. Passenger cars averaged 21 per cent below target, but light commercials—especially utes—lagged. The scheme works on fleet averages, not individual bans, raising questions about offsets, real-world use and whether it drives genuine change or simply mirrors market trends already underway.
Winners, losers & carbon credits
BYD leads on credits, with Toyota and Tesla strong thanks largely to hybrids and EVs. Mazda sits deep in deficit, with Nissan and Subaru also behind. Performance brands such as Ferrari and Rolls-Royce top the per-vehicle emissions stakes, though low volumes soften impact. The ability to trade credits adds economic pressure—but also fuels debate about “buying the right to pollute”.
Subaru’s new Supercars role
Subaru becomes exclusive on-track support vehicle supplier for the Repco Supercars Championship from 2026. WRX tS Spec B models will act as safety and course cars, with Outback handling medical duties. The move reinforces brand credibility in performance and safety, even as motorsport’s marketing value remains hard to quantify.
JAC Hunter PHEV tested locally
JAC’s Hunter plug-in hybrid ute is undergoing 50,000km of Australian validation at Lang Lang and on public roads. With dual electric motors, turbo petrol engine and V2L capability, it’s being tuned for towing, durability and local conditions. It’s another sign Chinese brands are investing seriously in market-specific engineering.
Leapmotor OTA update explained
Leapmotor adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via over-the-air update, alongside refinements to driver assistance and one-pedal driving. OTA updates promise convenience, but also raise questions about feature creep, intrusive alerts and subscription-style activations. The challenge remains clear communication without distracting drivers.
Traffic data & governance debate
A response from Transport for NSW on traffic counting raised broader concerns: data collection quality, calibration and governance. Measuring traffic flow is complex, but accuracy and transparency matter. Without robust oversight, even well-intentioned policy can rest on shaky foundations.
Road test: MG U9 ute
In 35 years of testing, David never expected to review an MG ute. Yet the U9 is wide, comfortable and thoughtfully packaged, with a practical tray and clever folding tailgate. Its 2.5-litre turbo diesel feels old-school, and the gearbox can hesitate, but ride comfort on sealed and dirt roads impresses. At around $60,000, it’s competitive—less testosterone hero, more practical family-friendly dual cab.


NVES results, Local Car Testing, Unexpected MG Ute

Overdrive: Fuel security, fast rail reality and living with the Deepal E07

Fuel security, fast rail; living with a Deepal E07
Short description
David Brown and Paul Murrell cut through the headlines and hype, starting with fuel security risks as Middle East tensions unsettle oil markets and sharpen the case for electrification. They look at China’s rapid rise in Australia’s new-car market, revisit Grand Prix history through the Repco Brabham BT19, and question Cadillac’s EV push. The program also highlights overlooked engineering pioneer Frederick Lanchester, the inventor behind the dashboard fuel-door arrow, tests the Deepal E07 as a day-to-day vehicle, and brings a more practical lens to the federal government’s very fast train proposal.
Episode Breakdown
Fuel security and EV shift —			00:00:25
China’s car surge — 				00:05:32
Grand Prix history and Cadillac EVs — 	00:11:05
Frederick Lanchester remembered — 	00:23:41
The fuel-door arrow idea — 			00:27:51
Very fast train reality check — 		00:30:16
Deepal E07 living-with review — 		00:43:22
Fuel security and EV shift
The program opens with concern over fuel prices and supply resilience as conflict near the Strait of Hormuz rattles oil markets. David and Paul argue Australia remains too exposed because it imports most refined fuel, and they suggest the issue is not only price but availability, queues and broader economic disruption.
China’s car surge
They discuss February 2026 sales data showing China overtaking Japan as Australia’s biggest source of imported vehicles. The conversation links that shift to growing sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids, with both presenters arguing buyers may increasingly value energy security and reduced dependence on petrol.
Grand Prix history and Cadillac EVs
Paul highlights the Repco Brabham BT19, which returns to prominence at the Australian Grand Prix as a rolling tribute to Sir Jack Brabham and Ron Tauranac. They contrast its light, mechanical simplicity with modern Formula One, then turn to Cadillac’s local EV launch, questioning whether brand cachet and Formula One exposure will translate into real sales in Australia.
Frederick Lanchester remembered
A standout history segment profiles British engineer Frederick Lanchester, credited with pioneering ideas including four-wheel drive, turbocharging, fuel injection, disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. Paul presents him as one of motoring’s great forgotten innovators whose ideas arrived decades before the market was ready.
The fuel-door arrow idea
David notes the death of Jim Moylan, the Ford engineer credited with popularising the small dashboard triangle showing which side the fuel filler is on. It is treated as a modest but brilliant piece of user-focused design that matters even more when drivers regularly swap vehicles.
Very fast train reality check
The federal government’s Sydney–Newcastle very fast train plan gets a sceptical but measured review. David questions whether the project is solving the right problem, arguing that cheaper improvements to existing rail and better local transport could deliver more practical public value than a prestige megaproject.
Deepal E07 living-with review
Rather than focusing on raw performance, the review examines usability, controls and communication. The presenters like the E07’s refinement, features and clever touches, but they also criticise awkward translations, screen-heavy interfaces and some confusing functionality, concluding it is impressive yet still imperfect as a daily driver.
Program Links and Credits
Overdrive is broadcast across Australia on the Community Radio Network.
For longer versions of the program, past episodes and more content, search for Cars Transport Culture on the website, podcast platforms, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

First aired 7 March 2026.



Fuel security, fast rail; living with a Deepal E07

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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.

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