Many Americans are struggling with high prices, expensive housing, and recent job losses, leading to a significant car repossession crisis. People are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their car payments, contributing to widespread economic instability. This has resulted in a rise in voluntary car surrender, as individuals opt to give up their vehicles rather than face repossession, highlighting the immense financial stress many are experiencing.

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Your car doesn’t just drive anymore.
It stores data, connects to your phone, tracks locations, and communicates with the cloud. And according to cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano, that makes modern vehicles—and the dealerships that sell and service them—prime targets for criminals. In this episode, we sit down with one of the most trusted voices in personal and digital security to unpack a reality most drivers aren’t prepared for: cars are now computers on wheels.

Robert has spent over 30 years investigating crime, identity theft, and cyber threats. He’s appeared on CNN, CNBC, ABC, NBC, Fox News, and more—but today, the focus is on what every car owner, buyer, and dealer needs to understand right now. In this conversation, we break down:

• What data modern vehicles collect
• How hackers exploit connected car systems
• Why dealerships are attractive cyber targets
• The hidden risks tied to apps, EVs, and remote access
• Simple steps drivers can take to protect themselves

If you own a car, plan to buy one, or work in the auto industry, this conversation isn’t optional—it’s essential. 👇 Share this with someone who drives
👍 Like for more real automotive insight
🔔 Subscribe for weekly industry interviews and analysis


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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4

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In this exclusive episode of The Motor Files, we sit down with Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle, to unpack how recent tariff policies are reshaping the auto parts industry — from supply chains and pricing to innovation and expansion.
Detroit Axle grew from a small family shop in Dearborn into a national aftermarket powerhouse. But today, even established American manufacturers are feeling the pressure. Projects are paused. Costs are climbing. And customers are paying the price.
Mike didn’t set out to become a public voice in this debate — but when policies began threatening workers, affordability, and long-term competitiveness, staying quiet was no longer an option.

This conversation dives into:
How tariffs are disrupting the auto aftermarket
Why expansion plans were put on hold
What this means for car owners, mechanics, and families
Why market forces — not mandates — drive real competition
The hidden consequences few are talking about
If you care about cars, auto parts, American manufacturing, or where the industry is headed, this is a conversation you need to hear.

👇 Join the discussion in the comments
👍 Like if you want more real industry voices
🔔 Subscribe for weekly automotive news and deep-dive interviews



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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4




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For nearly a century, American auto workers built the backbone of the U.S. middle class.
Now, they’re being replaced — not by cheaper labor overseas, but by machines that never sleep.

While U.S. plants struggle to retrofit aging factories, China is building fully automated “dark factories” capable of producing hundreds of electric vehicles per day with minimal human labor. These facilities don’t need lights, breaks, or benefits — and they’re changing the global auto industry forever.

👇 Join the conversation
How is automation affecting your industry? Share your experience in the comments.

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Jaguar sales have COLLAPSED 97% after their controversial rebrand - and now Design Chief Gerry McGovern is OUT. This $10 billion mistake destroyed a 102-year legacy brand overnight. As a dealership insider with 20+ years experience, I'm breaking down exactly what went wrong and what this means for the automotive industry.

KEY POINTS:
• 97% sales drop in Q4 2024
• $10 billion brand value evaporated
• Gerry McGovern fired as Chief Creative Officer
• Jaguar Type 00 concept car backlash
• Dealer network in crisis mode
• What this means for luxury EV market

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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4



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A water bottle tips over in the passenger seat… and somehow turns into a $12,000 repair bill. Sounds impossible, right? This story is a warning for every driver, because what happened here exposes one of the most expensive traps hiding inside modern cars. In today’s breakdown, we’re looking at how a small water spill caused a massive electrical failure, why some vehicles are extremely vulnerable to liquid damage, and how repair shops respond when diagnostics hit the most expensive modules in the car.

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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4

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A mechanic used a scripted “chewed-wires” fear play to charge thousands — and victims were left with empty bank accounts. Listen this breakdown to spot the red flags, protect your money, and demand proof.

Immediate actions if you suspect a scam:

1. Ask for photos/video of the damage & the old parts before any work begins.
2. Get an independent second opinion — don’t accept only the shop’s word.
3. Require a detailed, itemized written estimate and refuse verbal-only quotes.
4. If keys are held hostage, contact local consumer protection / police and document everything

#MechanicScam #AutoRepairScam #BuyerBeware #CarRepairTips #ConsumerProtection

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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4




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Dealers are begging for customers right now — and if you know the signs, you hold all the cards. In this episode I break down the real reasons dealerships are discounting: overstocked lots, finance-arm stress, manufacturer incentives, and the calendar game that forces managers to move cars fast.

If this gave you leverage, hit Like, Subscribe, and share with a friend who’s shopping. Drop your location in the comments and I’ll highlight local timing strategies in a follow-up.


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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4


car dealership deals, how to negotiate car price, dealer incentives 2025, buy car saving tips, why dealers are discounting, dealership finance tricks, car buying strategy, month end car deals, floorplan pressure, dealer liquidation, best time to buy a car, auto industry discounts, new car rebates, used car market deals

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CarMax’s quiet executive exit is the signal buyers have been waiting for. In this video I explain why 2026 is shaping up to be the ultimate used-car buyer’s market — and how to win big.

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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4


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Car repossessions are skyrocketing — and it’s not just because people can’t pay. The system is designed this way.
Automakers are winning, finance companies are bleeding, and consumers are paying the ultimate price.
I break down the real truth behind America’s car finance crisis.
This isn’t just another “people can’t afford cars” story — it’s a deep look inside the machine that drives automakers, banks, and dealerships to push cars people can’t realistically maintain.
Ford, GM, Toyota — all reported record profits in 2025. Yet, the finance divisions are drowning in bad loans as repossessions soar to decade highs.
Interest rates may have dipped, but the monthly payment trap is still crushing households across North America.

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Grab a copy of my book:
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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4





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Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are shifting gears on electrification. In this video we dive into the changing EV plans of these German premium brands — what it means for you, your next car purchase, and the auto industry.


Porsche Mercedes electrification

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Grab a copy of my book:
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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4

Full video on Toutube:
https://youtu.be/kZHAs6XTEY4?si=v0IwNGgfEiI8jkpw


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Santino bought a “perfect” Ram — then his mechanic found $8,000 in undercarriage damage and the warranty was denied. Listen to me react and learn the exact checks that would’ve saved him thousands.

used truck problems, gray market car, Ram 1500 import, warranty denied used car, $8000 repair bill, used car checklist, buy used truck tips


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"The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4


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Ray Hartjen wrote about chasing the Indy 500 while fighting cancer. In this exclusive interview, he shares how resilience, purpose, and storytelling intersect with the auto industry and its future.

The automotive world is changing fast—EVs, autonomous vehicles, global disruption—but the lessons that drive innovation remain timeless. In today’s episode, we sit down with Ray Hartjen—writer, musician, marketer, and cancer survivor—to explore how his personal journey shapes powerful lessons for car enthusiasts, industry leaders, and storytellers.
Ray’s story bridges racing, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. His latest book, The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, isn’t just about the sport—it’s about grit, legacy, and what it takes to win in life and business.

We cover:
✅ Why the Indy 500 is more than a race—it’s a model for automotive storytelling
✅ How battling multiple myeloma reshaped Ray’s purpose and outlook on leadership
✅ What the auto industry can learn from vulnerability and crisis
✅ The “Drive + Story” framework for building legacy in mobility and beyond
Whether you’re a new car enthusiast, a dealer principal, or an industry observer looking for deeper insights, this episode offers rare perspective on the intersection of cars, storytelling, and resilience.

📚 Learn more about Ray Hartjen & his work:
🌐 Website: https://rayhartjen.com
📖 Books: Ray Hartjen Books

If you enjoy auto stories with real human depth—like, share, and subscribe. Drop your comments on what legacy YOU think the auto industry should leave behind.

#Indy500 #AutoIndustry #CarNews #RayHartjen #AutomotiveLeadership #EVnews #CarEnthusiast #Resilience


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Imagine dropping your car off for a simple repair — brakes, thermostat, or routine service — and weeks go by in silence. When the call finally comes, you’re told the job’s done… and you’re one of the lucky ones.
This isn’t fiction. It’s the harsh reality for millions across North America as the $2.8 trillion auto industry unravels in real time.
In this episode, we break down how the 2025 automotive crash shattered supply chains, triggered parts shortages, and left repair shops across the country struggling to survive. You’ll see why even industry giants like Ford — despite record revenues — are pointing fingers at a national shortage of skilled mechanics.


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Car dealerships don’t want you to know this…
Every time you walk into a showroom, your salesman is already losing money before he even shakes your hand. The reason? A hidden fee called the PAC (Personnel Adjustment Charge).

In this episode, I’ll expose exactly how dealerships secretly cut salespeople’s commissions, how it changes YOUR buying experience, and how you can use this knowledge to negotiate a better deal.

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Ten years ago VW built more cars in China than Germany. Today Chinese EVs are eating the market and factories are closing. In this video I break down the numbers, the playbook, and what’s next.

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Drop a comment: Which automaker do you think survives this shake-up? Will BYD replace VW in your garage?


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The manual transmission is dying—and nobody wants to admit why.
I broke my first stick shift in under 10 seconds, but that feeling of pure control was unforgettable. Today, less than 2% of cars sold in the U.S. have a manual gearbox. EVs, automatics, and cost-cutting killed it. But did we just vote the most fun way to drive into extinction?

Full Youtube Video:
https://youtu.be/sUvB9BF5oes?si=W0XfKZj7jrHQ-XIl

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Turbocharger vs Supercharger. It’s the debate that refuses to die. One promises instant response, the other delivers unmatched top-end power. But the truth is, there’s ONE question that cuts through the noise and decides which is right for you.

We’ll break down:

• The real-world driving difference between turbos and superchargers
• Why your driving style matters more than dyno charts
• Common myths about turbo lag and fuel economy
• Installation and maintenance differences every enthusiast should know
• The sound factor: turbo whistle vs supercharger whine

Whether you’re chasing lap times, daily drivability, or just love the sound of boost, this guide gives you the clear answer you’ve been searching for.

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Your car could be spying on you right now—and you’d never know it. For less than thirty bucks, a stranger can track every stop you make, every person you visit, even when you leave your house.

These devices are cheap, powerful, and scary easy to hide. Some can run for months on a single charge. Others wire straight into your car so they NEVER die. Worst of all? They’re sold online to anyone.

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THIS. IS. WILD. 🚨
A Silicon Valley startup just unveiled a real car you can OWN that drives itself — and the steering wheel literally folds away. Meet the “Robocar” from Tensor AI: they say it’s Level-4 autonomous, packed with 100+ sensors, and built for consumers. But the real question is: would you trust it?

Comment: Would you sit in a car with no driver and let it take you to work? YES / NO — and why? I read every reply.

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