Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!
Episode: Does Tesla Still Need Elon Musk? Will Tariffs Hit the Auto Industry? Doug Wants a Special Car!
Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of THIS CAR POD!, host Doug DeMuro is joined by regular co-hosts Filippo and Nick. Although Kenan is absent due to attending Amelia Island, Nick steps in to provide his unique insights, especially given his penchant for purchasing unconventional vehicles. The trio dives straight into the week's automotive news, debates the future of Tesla under Elon Musk's leadership, explores the impact of recent tariffs on the auto industry, and discusses Doug's desire to acquire a rare special car.

Tariffs Impact on the Auto Industry

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the new tariffs imposed on the auto industry. Nick attempts to explain the complexities but humorously acknowledges his limited expertise despite being an economics major.

• Nick (00:24): "Despite being an econ major, I'm not the right person."

Doug challenges Nick's credibility humorously, leading to a brief digression about Nick's troublesome Bentley, which has suffered two breakdowns in the past week.

• Doug DeMuro (00:29): "Can we talk about your Bentley real quick?"

The group then delves into the recent tariff changes affecting Canada and Mexico. The automakers have been exempted from these tariffs, a move that has been well-received by the market. However, the situation remains fluid, with Doug noting the complexity of today's auto supply chains.

• Doug DeMuro (01:17): "Those tariffs ain't changing. The China ones, they're not going anywhere."

Filippo and Nick add layers to the conversation by highlighting examples like Honda moving Civic production to Indiana and the broader strategic implications of the Trump administration's policies on auto manufacturing.

• Filippo (01:03): "It changed from two hours ago to now and it surely we'll change again by Friday."

The trio discusses how these tariffs might affect pricing, with Doug expressing skepticism about automakers' ability to adjust prices seamlessly without impacting sales.

• Doug DeMuro (03:59): "From a capitalist economic perspective, I think it's a crazy situation and I hope it comes to an end relatively soon for the auto industry and for many other industries."

Does Tesla Still Need Elon Musk?

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating Tesla's future post-Elon Musk. The conversation touches on Musk's influence, Tesla's stock performance, and the company's strategic decisions, including the reliance on emissions waivers.

• Doug DeMuro (56:23): "He became more conservative and people kind of held their noses and just were. Whatever. Things have changed and he has now gone pretty far in a direction that I suspect a lot of electric car shoppers are not."

Nick provides an insider perspective, sharing his experience with Tesla's advertising strategies and Musk's approach to marketing.

• Nick (58:29): "When they folded it back into Tesla, we were let go and they paused all their paid search ads, all their Facebook ads, literally all their advertising."

The hosts express concerns about Tesla's sustainability without Musk's charismatic leadership, especially in light of declining sales and rising interest rates.

Special Feature: Aston Martin V8 Signet

Doug introduces the Aston Martin V8 Signet, a one-off special edition that has garnered significant attention. The story unfolds with Doug explaining his interest in purchasing this rare vehicle, despite its non-legal status for US roads requiring certification under the "show or display" rule.

• Doug DeMuro (05:45): "Aston Martin signet was a tiny city car that they made around 2010, ostensibly to comply with rules about lineup, emissions and fuel economy."

Nick shares his attempts to contact the seller and offers to facilitate the purchase for Doug, highlighting the challenges of acquiring such a rare car.

• Nick (08:00): "I called them Saturday, got their voicemail. So I still don't know how much they won or even if it's available."

Doug humorously speculates on the pricing and feasibility of importing the car, while also expressing disappointment over the car's race-oriented modifications.

• Doug DeMuro (08:38): "I was hoping it was just like a signet. Like it would be annoying to use."

Latest News in the Automotive World

Mansari's Modified Cybertruck

The group discusses Mansari's carbon fiber modifications to the Cybertruck, critiquing its aesthetic appeal.

• Doug DeMuro (11:42): "This has been 10 years now at a dealership in the UK."

Filippo and Nick agree that the modifications are purely cosmetic and unlikely to add functional value, further questioning the practicality and marketability of such alterations.

Volvo's New EV Sedan and the Polestar Brand

Filippo introduces Volvo's new ES90 EV sedan, noting its advanced 800-volt architecture that theoretically allows for rapid charging.

• Filippo (24:56): "It isn't even the dealers. Yeah."

The conversation shifts to Volvo's Polestar brand, examining the brand's confusion and lack of clear identity amidst Volvo's broader EV strategy.

• Doug DeMuro (26:05): "Like why did they do this? The Volvo brand. I don't think they needed a new brand."

Chinese Dominance in the Global EV Market

A substantial discussion centers around China's 76% share of global EV sales in 2024, emphasizing China's strategic advantage in EV manufacturing and market penetration.

• Doug DeMuro (22:13): "76% is a 70%."

Doug laments Tesla's declining market presence and Musk's shifting focus, asserting that China is racing ahead in EV technology.

• Doug DeMuro (22:51): "China is shown up and China is here with."

Owner Stories: Nick's Car Experiences

Nick shares his recent experiences with his Bentley Arnage T and QP5, detailing the challenges and eventual sale of the latter via Cars and Bids.

• Nick (29:02): "It's sold. It actually has already been picked up."

The conversation highlights the difficulties of maintaining high-end vehicles, with Nick humorously noting his Bentley's fluid leaks and breakdowns.

• Nick (35:16): "Their CEO said, we're not going to get rid of the brand no matter how bad it gets."

Market Report

Doug presents the Market Report, spotlighting the sale of a 2014 Ford Focus STI and discussing the valuation trends of certain supercars, particularly Aston Martin models.

• Nick (46:21): "The market report is brought to you by the 2014 Ford Focus."

The hosts express admiration for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, noting its appreciating value despite high mileage.

• Doug DeMuro (50:01): "Aston Martin is a really compelling choice if you can't get into a Ferrari or Lambo."

Listener Questions and Discussions

The final segment features listener questions, with the top inquiry addressing Elon Musk's impact on Tesla's future. The hosts provide their insights, expressing concerns over Musk's leadership style and its repercussions on Tesla's stock and market position.

• Alec Metz (55:08): "How do you think Elon Musk will affect Tesla as a company moving forward?"

Additionally, questions about meeting Hoovy, comments on Scotty Kilmer's claims, and debates over the ugliest supercar are discussed with humor and candid opinions.

• Doug DeMuro (62:01): "What are yalls thoughts on Scotty Kilmer claiming that cars and bids is failing?"

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their ongoing passion for automobiles, despite the industry's shifting landscapes influenced by tariffs, leadership changes, and evolving market demands. Doug expresses his continued enthusiasm for unique and exotic cars, while Filippo and Nick contribute their own perspectives and experiences, ensuring the conversation remains both informative and entertaining for listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro (00:29): "Can we talk about your Bentley real quick?"
• Filippo (01:03): "It changed from two hours ago to now and it surely we'll change again by Friday."
• Doug DeMuro (03:59): "From a capitalist economic perspective, I think it's a crazy situation and I hope it comes to an end relatively soon for the auto industry and for many other industries."
• Nick (08:00): "I called them Saturday, got their voicemail. So I still don't know how much they won or even if it's available."
• Doug DeMuro (22:51): "China is shown up and China is here with."
• Nick (29:02): "It's sold. It actually has already been picked up."
• Nick (46:21): "The market report is brought to you by the 2014 Ford Focus."
• Alec Metz (55:08): "How do you think Elon Musk will affect Tesla as a company moving forward?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the diverse range of topics discussed in the episode, offering insights into the current state of the automotive industry, the influence of key figures like Elon Musk, and personal anecdotes that add depth to the conversation. Whether you're an avid car enthusiast or a casual listener, this summary provides a clear and engaging overview of the episode's key points.