Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A familiar automotive nameplate gets a bold update. We start with Toyota’s plan to make the Corolla impossible to ignore: a low, wide, sporty design paired with a platform capable of supporting gasoline, hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen powertrains. Instead of relying on a single future, Toyota is designing for many—shrinking engines without sacrificing power, improving aerodynamics, and using flexible manufacturing to cut le...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The headlines claim car buyers don’t want EVs, yet Mercedes just approved a fully electric CLA and a flexible platform to support hybrids and gas models as well. We explain why platform strategy—not hype—determines winners: amortized R&D, quicker model updates, and the ability to meet demand without risking the entire company on one powertrain. We also discuss pricing pressures, tariffs, and how software services and over-the-...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A phone manufacturer building your next “American” EV might seem crazy—until you see the plan. We explain how Foxconn shifted from making iPhones to building electric cars, why rebadging through a U.S. automaker could unlock scale, and how tariffs, incentives, and dealer networks influence what actually ends up in your driveway. The past offers clues—Chevy LUV, Ford Courier—and the future arrives on private-label platforms. We the...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A $200 belt buckle for your Ford F-150 key fob, police cruisers going electric, and oil prices refusing to sit still—this isn’t noise, it’s a map of how mobility really changes. We open with Ford’s limited-run “Truckle,” a handcrafted buckle that holds your key fob in plain sight. It’s clever and clearly a brand flex, but we question the practical trade-offs: is hands-free access worth the security risk of your keys sitting on you...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What if an electric SUV could accelerate like a supercar, hit the road like a gas guzzler, and charge 200 miles in roughly 11 minutes? We explore Lucid Gravity’s engineering choices—high-voltage architecture, ultra-efficient motors, and a smart route to Supercharger access—that turn range anxiety into range confidence. Along the way, we discuss tradeoffs, real charging times, and how clever power electronics make cross-network fas...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! While a luxury sedan bids farewell, the bigger story is how mobility continues to evolve. The departure of the Lexus LS Heritage Edition marks the end of the original model line that set new standards for quality and service. Next, we ask a key question: can legacy brands still craft designs that inspire, while new competitors raise the bar? From impressive Genesis cabins to standout models like the Lincoln Nautilus, w...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What if being “late” saved you billions—but cost you the future? We examine Stellantis’ decision to cancel the pure-electric Ram 1500 and explore the larger question behind it: whether pausing EV investments during a downturn preserves cash or erodes the expertise needed to succeed later. From GM’s Ultium investment to Nissan’s early lead with the Leaf—and how it slipped—we connect the dots on how timing, tooling, and relentless R...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What happens when the auto supply chain starts to wobble, a family SUV hits most of the right notes, and a startup promises a personal Level 4 robocar you can actually own? We connect the dots between factory floors, dealer lots, and your driveway to map out what’s next—and what to avoid. We begin with a clear look at supplier stress: one-fifth of automotive suppliers are already struggling financially, and tariffs plus specialty ...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Think the Camaro name can’t live on as an EV crossover? Let’s test that idea. We explore why legacy coupes struggle financially, how Ford’s Mach‑E shifted the market, and why GM’s Ultium platform—and Chevrolet's Blazer SS EV running gear—could make a performance-focused Camaro revival more than just a rumor. Instant torque, AWD grip, and fewer moving parts aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the economic and emotional reasons for a new...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Think the back seat is the safest spot in a crash? New IIHS testing challenges that idea, and we examine why rear-seat protection in many newer vehicles still lags behind that of the front. We highlight which models earned top marks, why small and midsize SUVs exceeded expectations, and why minivans—despite their family-friendly image—didn't make the cut. You’ll get straightforward, jargon-free insights on how modern restraint sys...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive landscape is changing underneath us, and this week's show explores three transformative stories that are reshaping how we view transportation and climate change. I begin with my heartfelt lament for Nissan's decision to discontinue the Ariya EV—a vehicle I found truly impressive during my test drive. While Nissan cites import tariffs and declining sales as reasons, their alternative plan of producing only 500 Leaf E...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive industry's long-term strategic vision takes center stage in this episode as we examine Rivian's bold move to begin construction on its manufacturing plant in Georgia. Despite current market hesitation around EVs, Rivian is doubling down with a facility scheduled to open in 2028. Why commit billions when consumer preferences seem to be shifting? The answer lies in understanding how global automakers operate with long...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive world never stops evolving, and this week we're tracking three fascinating developments that impact everything from your daily commute to your online shopping habits. Remember the Smart car? That tiny "pregnant roller skate" that briefly captured America's imagination is making a surprising comeback—this time fully electric. Through a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese automotive giant Geely (Volvo's p...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive landscape is experiencing a seismic shift as traditional manufacturers pivot while new mobility solutions gain undeniable traction. At the forefront of this evolution stands Jeep's strategic revival of the Cherokee, a model whose absence devastated dealer profits and slashed Stellantis' market share from 12.5% to below 8%. Now returning as a hybrid, this "America's Original Influencer" aims to recapture the sweet sp...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Key topics in this episode include the transformation of church real estate into affordable housing, an in-depth review of the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster pickup truck, advances in EV battery recycling, and the cybersecurity implications of software-defined vehicles. Church Real Estate Transformed Many aging churches with dwindling congregations, especially in the Northeast, are repurposing their buildings into low-income housin...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Technological innovation often emerges from unexpected partnerships and overlooked opportunities—a theme that runs throughout today’s exploration of evolving infrastructure. The Automotive Industry: Hyundai and GM’s surprising partnership to create an electric commercial van illustrates how even fierce rivals are rethinking competition. This isn’t just about sharing development costs—it’s about survival in a market where fixed co...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Ken Chester guides us through the constantly changing world of automotive technology, surveillance issues, and travel infrastructure in this thought-provoking episode of the TechMobility Podcast. The ongoing saga of Faraday Future continues as Ken examines their latest revival effort with an infusion of $105 million in funding. Eight years after unveiling their initial prototype, this EV manufacturer still faces significant challe...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! America's rural landscape is aging quickly, with more than one in five older Americans living miles from essential services. The latest Census Bureau data reveals a startling reality: in states like Vermont and Maine, over 60% of seniors live in rural communities where the nearest neighbor could be miles away, and basic necessities require long drives. This demographic shift presents unprecedented challenges around healthcare acce...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The relentless march of technology is transforming our world in ways both miraculous and unsettling, and this week's deep dive reveals just how profound these changes may become. Automobile design is at a crossroads as Hyundai announces plans to eliminate physical buttons in favor of Tesla-style touchscreens beginning with 2026 models. Their new "Pleos Connect" system promises smartphone-like functionality with multiple apps runn...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive world continues its rapid evolution as Volvo announces a strategic shift away from EVs, wagons, and sedans in the US market, focusing instead on their successful lineup of mild and plug-in hybrid crossovers. This pragmatic change reflects increasing consumer preference for hybrids that offer the ideal balance of range, easy recharging, and affordability. While enthusiasts will miss the luxurious S90 sedan, Volvo's d...