Episode #1432: Ben Hadley, CEO of Auto Genius joins as guest host and we look at automakers getting more comfortable handing key tech duties to Silicon Valley, Polestar still searching for answers after its U.S. setback, and Goodyear turning tire service into destination retail with a Motor City concept inspired by Starbucks and Nike.

Show Notes with links:

• Ford and Apple are taking their relationship deeper, with Apple Maps data now supporting both Ford’s next EV platform and future BlueCruise development. It’s another sign that automakers are becoming more comfortable relying on big tech for critical software, mapping and AI capabilities.

  • Ford will use Apple’s MapKit for Automotive on its Universal Electric Vehicle Platform for mapping, search, turn-by-turn directions and EV routing.

  • Ford’s Latitude AI team will use Apple map data to develop future BlueCruise capabilities, while Ford keeps control of branding and interface.

  • Other examples of the OEM/tech crossover include how Google powers infotainment and AI assistants, Nvidia supplies autonomous-driving and AI tech, and Amazon is providing BMW’s next-generation voice-assistant architecture.

  • AlixPartners’ Soumya Sen: “The brand is still belonging to the automaker, but the brain is coming from big tech.”

• Polestar says it was blindsided by the U.S. government’s decision to effectively push it out of the market, especially after Commerce officials reportedly indicated the company was on track for approval.

  • Polestar says Commerce officials told the company in 2025 they were preparing to recommend approval of its application.

  • In April, a senior Commerce official reportedly told Polestar management it was reasonable to expect approval if Volvo received the green light. Volvo was approved in May; Polestar was denied in June.

  • Polestar offered safeguards including restrictions on data storage and access, independent cybersecurity assessments, audits and reporting requirements.

  • Volvo and Polestar share majority owner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and the Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 share nearly identical hardware, software and production in South Carolina.

  • Polestar’s Peter Wexler said the company is trying to “understand the underlying basis for the denial.”

• Goodyear is taking a page from experiential retail, opening its first destination-style concept store in Detroit. The Motor City Garage blends service, brand history and car culture as Goodyear works to get closer to consumers and refresh its retail strategy.

  • The Goodyear Motor City Garage opened during the Woodward Dream Cruise and includes tire sales, installation, oil changes, alignments, brakes, batteries and inspections.

  • The concept was inspired by destination retail like Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Nike House of Innovation, with Goodyear aiming to make routine vehicle service feel more like an experience and 4-5 more destination stores planned.

  • Goodyear now offers mobile installation in 28 U.S. markets, bringing tire and basic service work directly to homes and workplaces.

  • Goodyear CEO Mark Stewart discussed the launch on the Autotown podcast (hosted by friend of the show Jamie Butters), calling Detroit the natural choice because it is “the center of car culture.”