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:
https://partsmanagerpro.gumroad.com/l/qtqax
"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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"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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You think the car market is safe? Think again. 

Your next car probably won’t be a Ford, Toyota, or VW — and it may be built in your backyard. China’s automakers aren’t trying to win by shipping more cars — they’re winning by building inside the markets that tried to shut them out.
In this episode we break down the bold, real strategy behind that shift: speed, cost, and total control of the supply chain.

What you’ll learn:
• How Chinese makers (like BYD) are bypassing tariffs by building factories in Europe, Mexico, Brazil and beyond.
• The 3 secrets giving them a permanent cost advantage: faster product cycles, cheaper factory build costs, and vertical integration (batteries, chips, parts).
• Why tariffs didn’t stop them — and how “Made in Europe/Mexico” changes the game.
• What this means for prices, features, and the future of legacy automakers.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep dives on automotive trends and insider strategy.

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Buying a car should be exciting—but what if the dealership is playing YOU? 

Today, I’m going undercover to expose the sneaky tricks car dealerships use to drain your wallet. From hidden fees to financing traps and pressure sales tactics, I’ll reveal exactly how these scams work and how YOU can avoid them. Here’s the truth: dealerships are experts at making you think you’re getting a deal… when in reality, they’re stacking on fees, stretching out your payments, and pushing add-ons you don’t need.

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What if your collision repair shop could unlock hidden revenue streams while cutting ADAS calibration research time from hours to seconds? 
In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Joel Adcock, Director of Partnerships & Business Development at Revv, to uncover the secrets behind ADAS automation, post-accident vehicle safety, and how collision centers can finally eliminate the insurance pushback that eats into profits. 

Don’t miss this if you’re a collision shop owner, auto technician, or industry insider who wants to stay ahead in the most disruptive era of automotive repair. MAIN SCRIPT SUMMARY (SEO-rich):
Joel shares how Revv is transforming ADAS calibration with its automated VIN-specific research platform—integrated directly into CCC, Mitchell, and Audatex. We break down:

• How shops are generating $1,250+ per calibration job using Revv’s invoicing system.
• Why ADAS calibrations are the #1 overlooked profit center in the collision repair industry.
• How partnerships with companies like Autel are creating a seamless end-to-end solution for technicians.
• Real-world case studies of shops processing 300+ calibrations a month without bottlenecks.
• The future of ADAS: LIDAR, remote diagnostics, and what every shop must prepare for in 2025.

This isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about future-proofing your business, capturing untapped revenue, and leading in an era where vehicle safety and profitability go hand in hand.

🔔 Subscribe for more automotive industry insights, interviews, and growth strategies every week. 

#ADAS #RevvHQ #AutoIndustry #CollisionRepair #AutomotivePodcast #JoelAdcock #AutoRepairBusiness #ADASCalibration #BodyShopGrowth #AutoTech2025

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