Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! Episode: The Big Three are in Big Trouble, Industry Collapse Here? Nick Bought a Multipla?!
Release Date: July 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of THIS CAR POD!, host Doug DeMuro is joined by friends Filippo and Kenan, with Nick filling in for Kenan. The trio delves into significant automotive news, discussing trade deals, the struggles of major automakers, innovative car features, and listener questions. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their insightful discussions.

1. Trade Deals and Tariffs

a. US-Japan Tariff Agreement

The episode begins with Filippo and Kenan discussing the newly announced tariff deal between Japan and the United States. As of the recording on July 25, 2025, Japan agreed to impose a 15% tariff on cars imported from the US, a reduction from the previous 25% tariff. This move is viewed as a strategic shift to boost American car sales in Japan by allowing US-built cars that meet Japanese safety standards to be sold without adhering to Japan's stricter requirements.

Kenan [00:16]: “The Japanese automakers understandably are excited about this, or at least as excited as you can be when you go from basically zero tariffs to 15% tariffs.”

Filippo highlights Japan's significant ownership of US debt, suggesting that the trade deal serves as a diplomatic strategy to maintain financial stability.

Filippo [01:19]: “Japan owns an enormous amount of US Debt. So Trump was smart to make a deal with Japan early…”

b. Potential US-European Tariff Deal

Kenan adds that Europe is nearing a similar trade agreement, although details remain unclear, particularly regarding the inclusion of European-built vehicles.

Kenan [01:36]: “Europe is apparently close to a very similar deal. It's still unclear if it will include vehicles that are built in Europe or not at a 15% tariff amount.”

c. Impact on the Big Three Automakers

The discussion shifts to the repercussions of these tariffs on the Big Three—General Motors (GM), Stellantis, and Ford. GM reports a significant financial burden due to tariffs, with Q2 alone costing them $1 billion and projecting a total impact of $4-5 billion for 2025.

Kenan [04:02]: “GM says that tariffs have cost them $1 billion and they expect that over the course of 2025, tariffs will cost them $4 to $5 billion…”

Stellantis faces a $3 billion loss year-to-date, attributing part of this downturn to its pivot toward electric vehicles (EVs) and underperforming models like the Dodge Charger and Wagoner.

Nick [03:36]: “They are clearly paying a huge amount and it's tremendously difficult and problematic for their business.”

Filippo criticizes Stellantis for prioritizing Japanese and British automakers over their American counterparts, leading to financial strain.

Filippo [04:45]: “It's absolutely abhorrent. It's ridiculous. The concept that they would prioritize Japanese…”

2. Mercedes-Benz EQ Withdrawal from North America

The podcast highlights Mercedes-Benz's recent decision to cease sales of its EQ electric vehicles in North America. This strategic move involves exporting EQ models manufactured in the US to other international markets.

Kenan [06:39]: “Mercedes eq. Mercedes eq. EQS SUV.”

Filippo points out the overwhelming presence of EQ models in dealerships, reflecting market saturation and possibly low demand.

3. Ford's Recalls and Quality Concerns

Ford has announced its 90th recall, the highest in automotive history, raising concerns about the brand's quality control. Despite launching popular models like the Bronco and Mustang, Ford struggles with reliability issues, as exemplified by Nick's personal experiences with his Ford Focus.

Kenan [16:42]: “Their 90th recall, no less.”

Filippo and Kenan discuss whether Ford's openness to issuing recalls contrasts with brands like Tesla, which prefer over-the-air updates to address defects. They speculate that Ford's commitment to recall transparency may reflect deeper quality assurance challenges.

Nick [18:09]: “I'm a big Ford guy. I've used the recall on my Focus twice now.”

4. Toyota Supra’s Next Generation: Ending BMW Partnership

Toyota announces that its upcoming sixth-generation Supra will feature a proprietary 400 horsepower four-cylinder engine, marking the end of its collaboration with BMW. This decision underscores Toyota's confidence in developing its own high-performance engines and a belief in the market's appetite for a uniquely Toyota Supra.

Kenan [21:12]: “The remaining part is that, as a result of the weird consolidation that has happened…”

Filippo expresses surprise, noting that the Supra's success in collaboration with BMW demonstrated a viable market for Toyota's sports cars.

Filippo [22:17]: “So I'm surprised that they feel like they want to do this. My guess is that the subtext here is BMW does not see a Future for the Z4…”

5. Faraday Future's FF91 Minivan with AI Features

The trio discusses Faraday Future's latest innovation, the FF91 minivan, which incorporates advanced AI features, including a literal face screen. Despite Faraday Future's tumultuous history with limited vehicle sales, the company remains active with new technological endeavors.

Kenan [27:59]: “The makers of the FF91. Yes, obviously large SUV. The company still exists apparently.”

Filippo shares a personal anecdote about Faraday Future's elusive press events and the skepticism surrounding their ambitious AI integrations.

6. Upcoming Automotive Events

a. Road America IMSA Sports Car Weekend

Kenan and Filippo announce their participation in the IMSA Sports Car Weekend at Road America on August 3rd, hosting the first-ever Cars and Bids Trackside Cars and Coffee event. They invite listeners to join them for racing excitement, car showcases, and potential giveaways.

Kenan [48:07]: “We're hosting the first Cars and Bids Trackside Cars and Coffee event during the IMSA Sports Car Weekend at Road America…”

b. NASCAR Race Moves to San Diego

NASCAR has relocated a race to San Diego's Coronado Island, replacing the Chicago event. Nick humorously claims he might drive the pace car, adding a personal touch to the news.

Nick [32:03]: “I will be driving the pace car. I will be acquiring an SRT10 RAM…”

7. Market Report: GR Corolla's Resale Strength

Kenan and Filippo examine the Toyota GR Corolla's impressive market performance, noting its superior resale value compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Subaru WRX. The GR Corolla maintains a lower depreciation rate, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts concerned about long-term value.

Kenan [50:45]: “The GR Corolla has held its value better than any of the other entrants in the space.”

Filippo highlights that limited editions, such as the Circuit Editions, further enhance the vehicle's market appeal.

Filippo [52:26]: “The circuit seemed to be holding in the high 30s or around 40.”

8. Listener Questions

a. Ranking BMW 7 Series Generations

Listener jsj33 asks the hosts to rank the BMW 7 Series generations from best to worst. The panel debates, ultimately ranking the E38 as the best and the E32 as the worst, with the E65 (Bengal edition) following closely.

Filippo [57:41]: “The worst is the E32…”

b. Obscure Car Features

Another listener inquires about the most obscure car feature that made sense but never caught on. Filippo mentions his desire for climate controls on the steering wheel, reminiscing about features from past decades.

Filippo [62:00]: “I've always felt the answer to this question is climate controls on the steering wheel.”

c. Relocation of the Podcast

A listener asks where the Cars and Bids team would relocate if they had to move out of San Diego. Filippo humorously suggests Princeton, New Jersey, citing proximity to major drug companies and Lake Como.

Filippo [67:39]: “I think we'd move to Princeton in New Jersey. You know why? Because all the big drug companies are there.”

d. Chinese Automakers in the US Market

A question probes whether Chinese auto brands could attain the same US market share as current top sellers. Filippo draws parallels to Japan's post-WWII resurgence in the US automotive market, expressing optimism if Chinese brands can overcome initial consumer skepticism.

Filippo [68:07]: “Do I think the Chinese could... move past some of the opinions that people may have about the quality of their products? Yeah.”

e. Favorite Cars in Movies/TV Shows

Listeners inquire about favorite cars featured in movies or TV shows that aren't primarily known for their association with media. Nick and Filippo share examples like the Mercedes G Wagon in The OC and the ML320 in American Beauty.

Filippo [70:34]: “Kevin Spacey's wife was like a Realtor in the suburbs in 1998, and she drove an ML320. It was just like, perfect.”

9. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

a. Nick’s Fiat Multipla Purchase

Nick shares his experience purchasing a Fiat Multipla from Stuttgart, detailing the complexities of importing a car from Europe, including dealing with repaints and transportation logistics.

Nick [41:21]: “I will do a YouTube series for the channel, sort of showing what it's like to import a car that's 25 years old…”

b. Ford Focus and Other Car Issues

Nick recounts multiple issues with his Ford Focus, including multiple transmission replacements and a persistent check engine light, highlighting ongoing reliability problems.

Nick [18:09]: “I've used the recall on my Focus twice now.”

c. Franchise Memories

Filippo reminisces about his time selling Saturns in college, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past automotive sales environment.

Filippo [13:15]: “I was at a Saturn dealership in 2008. This is a real story… None of this is made up.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts expressing excitement over upcoming events, sharing final thoughts on automotive trends, and engaging in playful banter. They reaffirm their commitment to delivering insightful and entertaining automotive discussions for their listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenan [00:16]: “The Japanese automakers understandably are excited about this, or at least as excited as you can be when you go from basically zero tariffs to 15% tariffs.”

• Filippo [01:19]: “Japan owns an enormous amount of US Debt. So Trump was smart to make a deal with Japan early…”

• Nick [18:09]: “I'm a big Ford guy. I've used the recall on my Focus twice now.”

• Filippo [57:41]: “The worst is the E32…”

• Filippo [68:07]: “Do I think the Chinese could... move past some of the opinions that people may have about the quality of their products? Yeah.”

• Filippo [62:00]: “I've always felt the answer to this question is climate controls on the steering wheel.”

This episode provides a thorough exploration of the current automotive landscape, offering listeners expert insights into trade dynamics, corporate challenges, and emerging market trends. Whether you're an industry insider or a car enthusiast, the discussions on THIS CAR POD! deliver valuable perspectives on the evolving world of automobiles.