
AI Auto Podcast
byJavier Mota
LeisureAutomotiveTechnology
The AI Auto Podcast covers a wide range of automotive topics, including new car reviews, shopping guidance, buying advice and news stories impacting the automotive marketplace.
Episodes(40 episodes)
S7E44 – Driving the 2026 BYD Shark: The Plug-In Hybrid Pickup That Could Crush It in the U.S.
In this episode, I’m behind the wheel of the 2026 BYD Shark—the first plug-in hybrid 4x4 pickup available in Chile. Built on BYD’s Dual Mode Off-road platform, it pairs a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with dual electric motors for a combined output of more than 430 horsepower. It’s capable, refined, and genuinely impressive. So here’s the big question: just how successful could this truck be if it ever made it to the U.S. market? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...
Published: Sep 4, 2026Duration: 10m 21s
S7E43 - The Iván Espinosa Effect: Pride & Inspiration at Nissan Aguascalientes
In this episode, we travel to Mexico with Nissan CEO Iván Espinosa as he visits his native country for the first time since taking the top job. Under his leadership, Nissan has staged a remarkable turnaround—from the brink of bankruptcy to an operational profit of $488 million in Q1 2026 and a projected $1.2 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Join us as we witness the pride and inspiration his return has sparked at the Aguascalientes plant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adver...
Published: Aug 24, 2026Duration: 17m 36s
S7E42 – Who’s Behind the New Secret Sauce at Mitsubishi Motors USA?
In this episode, recorded outside Seattle, Washington, we sit down with Travis Wattles, Director of Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Motors North America. He unpacks the company’s electrification strategy and explains how it’s giving Mitsubishi’s vehicles a competitive edge that stands out in today’s market.
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Published: Aug 20, 2026Duration: 15m 29s
AI Auto Podcast S7E41 — Why You Should Be Paying More Attention to Mitsubishi
In this episode, we get an in-depth look at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander, featuring a new, highly advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain designed to improve performance, efficiency, and everyday usability. We also get behind the wheel of the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross EV for our first test drive. With bold styling, electric performance, and technology that could shake up the competitive North American SUV market, Mitsubishi may have a genuine contender for North American SUV of the Year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data...
Published: Aug 13, 2026Duration: 17m 37s
S7E40: The Auto Industry Is in Crisis—Is It Time to Walk Away?
The automotive industry is being hit from every direction: tariff wars, layoffs, bankruptcies, shrinking media, China's growing dominance, volatile fuel prices, the slow death of traditional auto shows and IA generated content. After 25 years in the business, we're asking a question we never thought we'd ask: Is it finally time to retire?
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Published: Aug 7, 2026Duration: 19m 52s
S7-E39 - One Month in Chile… and Suddenly Retirement Doesn’t Sound So Crazy
For the first time in 25 years, I took an entire month off. No press launches. No test drives. No deadlines. At first it felt strange.Then it felt necessary. Spending July in Chile, working on the (Not So) Tiny House instead of chasing the next story, gave me actual space to think.Maybe it’s time to start talking seriously about retirement.
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Published: Jul 29, 2026Duration: 11m 25s
S7-E38: Are Chinese EVs Being Banned? The Future of American Cars
In this episode we unpack why Polestar is leaving the U.S. market under new connected vehicle security rules, what the regulations mean for GM, Ford, and other automakers, and whether consumers should expect higher car prices. We also explore what makes a car "American" in 2026, why the Tesla Model 3 tops the American-Made Index, the truth about U.S.-built BMWs and Toyotas, and which new car we'd buy today.
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Published: Jul 2, 2026Duration: 14m 53s
S7E37: Automotive Media 2026 — Survival, Influence, and the Fight for Credibility
After months of conversations and analysis, one conclusion stands out: Traditional journalism is not perfectly independent, and creators and influencers are not automatically compromised. Most operate somewhere in the gray area between editorial integrity and industry access, balancing credibility with the need to earn a living.
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Published: Jun 25, 2026Duration: 15m 46s
S7E36: Top 10 Differences Between Traditional Automotive Media and New Media in 2026
In this episode, we asked Grok to break down the third installment in our series on Automotive Media in 2026. The verdict? The industry has become a glorious, chaotic circus. On one side, traditional media still serves up 6,000-word suspension deep-dives they genuinely believe make for riveting reading. On the other hand, new media is yelling “THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!” while launching cars with aggressive RGB lighting and theatrical launch-control fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Published: Jun 18, 2026Duration: 10m 14s
S7E35 - Ultimate 2026 Press Trip Survival Guide: What Media Should NEVER Do + What PR Pros Must Fix
In this special episode, we asked Grok to combine two of the most valuable topics from our 2026 Automotive Media series into one powerhouse episode. Discover the Top 10 Things Media Should Never Do on an Automotive Press Trip (2026 updated edition) and the Top 10 Things Automotive Journalists Hate at Press Events — now merged into a practical, no-nonsense survival guide for both sides of the table.
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Published: Jun 10, 2026Duration: 11m 32s
Unifier Wanted
Chris talks all things politics Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Published: Jun 9, 2026Duration: 35m 9s
S7E34: The First-Ever Ford Bronco Filson – Rugged American Heritage?
In this episode, we’re joined by Ford to explore the First-Ever Bronco Filson Edition — a powerful collaboration where Bronco’s Built Wild spirit meets Filson’s legendary Unfailing Goods. This is more than a special edition — it’s a celebration of rugged adventure and field-tested excellence.
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Published: Jun 4, 2026Duration: 18m 29s
S7E33: Luxury, Performance & Rescue Dogs at Bentley Palm Beach
In this episode we experience an exclusive first drive of the all-new 2026 Bentley Continental GT S and Continental GTC S at a special charity event hosted by Bentley Palm Beach in partnership with Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Published: Jun 1, 2026Duration: 8m 43s
S7E32: Behind the Scenes with two of Chevrolet’s Indy 500 Heroes
In this episode from the 110th running of the Indy 500, we go behind the scenes with two of Chevrolet’s most passionate and knowledgeable professionals: Judith Dominick, Chevrolet Racing Trackside Communications Representative, and Cody Bulkley, Chevrolet Corvette Chassis Development Engineer. These are the people who make the magic happen — both on the racetrack and on the road.
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Published: May 26, 2026Duration: 14m 13s
S7E31 - Why Don’t People Listen to the Experts on a Race Track?
In this episode, we head to the legendary Road America race track during the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, where we get a private lesson from Bradley Pines, Chief Instructor at CGI MotorSports High Performance Driving Schools.
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Published: May 21, 2026Duration: 20m 20s
AI Auto Podcast S7E30: Lexus’ Bold Electrification Move – Right on Time
In this episode, we’re in La Jolla, California for an exclusive test drive of the 2027 Lexus ES — now available as both a hybrid and full EV — plus our first look at the all-new three-row 100% electric TZ SUV. We sit down with Lexus marketing executive Sam Wintermyer to discuss why this electrification strategy is landing at exactly the right moment for the iconic Japanese luxury brand, balancing heritage, performance, and the evolving demands of luxury buyers.
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Published: May 14, 2026Duration: 11m 8s
S7E29: Ford and Carhartt Celebrate a Century of Workwear and Truck Heritage
In this episode, we travel to Detroit for a special celebration between Ford and Carhartt — two iconic American brands shaped by generations of hard work on the same job sites. We take a closer look at the expanding partnership, including exclusive new merchandise and the upcoming 2027 Ford Super Duty Carhartt Special Edition truck, set to arrive later this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Published: May 7, 2026Duration: 12m 36s
S7E28: Inside Hyundai’s MetaPlant—A Multi-Propulsion Future Takes Shape in Georgia
In this episode, we visit Hyundai Motor Group’s MetaPlant near Savannah, Georgia, for a closer look at the company’s forward-looking manufacturing and product strategy. Dan Hwang, Senior Manager of Advanced Vehicle Technology Planning, explains Hyundai’s commitment to offering a full spectrum of propulsion options—from internal combustion and hybrid to plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles—while also advancing toward fully autonomous mobility through its partnership with Waymo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Published: May 1, 2026Duration: 14m 48s
S7E27: 2027 Infiniti QX65 First look – Real Gold Paint, Next-Gen Tech & Klipsch Audio
In this episode we’re in Nashville for an exclusive first drive of the all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65, where we break down the SUV’s bold new direction, including the stunning Sunfire Red paint infused with real gold-coated glass flakes, a refined driving experience, and a tech-forward interior designed for comfort and connectivity.
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Published: Apr 23, 2026Duration: 15m 34s
S7E26 - Nissan’s AI-Driven Future — Smart Strategy or Hype?
In this episode, we break down Nissan’s bold AI strategy unveiled during the Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life event. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa positions artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of Nissan’s short-, mid-, and long-term vision—but how realistic is that roadmap?
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Published: Apr 16, 2026Duration: 13m 5s