ABG Pod Live Show - Alex Does Q&A!

February 9
53 mins

Episode Description

It’s a packed Friday live show covering one of the biggest shake-ups in the modern car market: dozens of vehicles disappearing for the 2026 model year. We kick things off with a rapid-fire rundown of discontinued sedans, coupes, EVs, and SUVs—and what those cancellations say about where the industry is heading.

From there, we dive deep into EV demand, plug-in hybrid realities, tariffs, pricing pressure, and federal incentives, plus honest answers to audience questions on everything from Kia and Toyota strategy to Volvo wagons, Stellantis indecision, and the real cost of owning modern EVs.

We also cover:

  • Why affordable $25,000 EVs are still a long way off

  • Whether plug-in hybrids actually get plugged in

  • Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions and CarPlay rumors

  • Used EV buying advice (Lightning vs Rivian, Audi vs Mercedes)

  • The future of minivans, wagons, and midsize trucks

As always, this one blends industry analysis with real-world ownership experience and zero PR spin.

 

00:00 – Welcome & live show setup
00:02 – Massive list of vehicles canceled for 2026
04:45 – Audience Q&A begins
04:55 – Why there’s no 2026 Kia EV6 yet
05:36 – Kia & Hyundai’s electric future in the U.S.
06:21 – EV demand slowdown, tax credits, and pricing math
07:06 – Toyota warns of multiple price hikes due to tariffs
07:27 – Volvo wagons: why they stopped working in the U.S.
08:17 – Refresh vs redesign: when automakers stretch platforms
09:51 – Are plug-in hybrids dying in America?
11:09 – Europe vs U.S. plug-in hybrid reality check
13:20 – GM, Mary Barra, and plug-in hybrid data
15:09 – Aston Vantage vs Porsche 911 ownership advice
16:29 – When (or if) $25,000 EVs will exist
18:09 – Used Mercedes EQ vs Audi e-tron reliability
18:58 – Why minivan seats don’t fold flat
19:43 – 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander refresh & warranty thoughts
20:54 – Blazer EV ownership update (pros, cons, issues)
23:46 – Solar, batteries, and Chinese subsidy changes
26:01 – Why EVs cost more in the U.S. than Europe
28:26 – Automakers writing off billions in EV investments
29:14 – Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot buying advice
31:39 – 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs Dodge Durango
33:47 – Volvo EX60 vs Rivian R2 expectations
36:10 – Polestar 3 vs Volvo EX lineup overlap
37:37 – Stellantis product delays and strategy confusion
40:31 – Rivian R1T vs Ford Lightning for camping
42:04 – Tesla CarPlay rumors & software strategy
43:06 – Honda Accord Hybrid MPG limits explained
46:00 – Tesla, robotaxis, and the future of carmaking
48:02 – Frunks, crash safety, and real-world risks
50:34 – Will the Accord ever get AWD?
51:52 – RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: worth the premium?
53:36 – Wrap-up and sign-off

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