Jill and Tom open the show covering a few news stories. First, Toyota is claiming it will have a solid-state EV battery in a production vehicle around 2030. Could be big news in regard to EV price and range. Listen in for details. The hosts went on to discuss Mercedes-Benz’s new turquoise marker- and tail lights. Why are they doing this? Listen in. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared details of a story she wrote about how the similar-size Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser crossovers differ. Clue: One is more family friendly than the other. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam walked the hosts through the headwinds faced by the auto industry as a result of the current administration’s tariff plans. 

Sam also discussed Tesla’s plant capacity situation, which may be most acute in Europe, where the company recently opened a new manufacturing facility. 

In the last segment, Jill is tormented by Tom’s “Pontiac or Oldsmobile?” quiz, and the hosts talk a little about Polestar, a new EV brand with Volvo roots. 

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Tom Appel Host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Long-time publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, and frequent radio and podcast guest. Currently co-hosting the Car Stuff podcast with auto-review veteran Jill Ciminillo. Life-long Chicagoan. Live with my wife of 30 years, and have a daughter earning her masters degree in animal behavior.