Automakers are trying to build cheap EVs, flexible hybrids, and gas-powered performance monsters at the same time — and the strain is showing up everywhere.

Today’s episode breaks down hybrids overtaking EVs in California registrations, Honda reportedly turning to Tata Technologies for a flexible gas-hybrid-EV platform, Ford’s 784-horsepower Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible, massive recall pressure from Ram, Toyota and Mercedes, and why dealership AI only works when the back-end process is clean.

Today's Key Headlines

~Hybrids reportedly overtake EVs in California zero-emission registrations

~Honda reportedly turns to Tata Technologies for a flexible multi-powertrain platform

~Honda’s Triple Half initiative targets 50% cuts in development time, cost and workload

~Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible packs a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 making 784 horsepower

~Ram recalls 1.2 million pickups as Toyota and Mercedes face major safety issues

00:07 Auto’s identity crisis opens the episode

02:07 Automakers hedge between cheap EVs and hybrid demand

04:15 Honda reportedly turns to Tata Technologies

06:58 Ford leans into 784-horsepower V8 theater

11:58 Massive recalls expose manufacturing strain

13:02 Dealership AI moves behind the scenes

17:45 Big takeaway: look past the shiny front-end technology

18:14 Outro: batteries, code and supercharged V8 burnouts

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