PODCAST: We Charge Back and Toyota Charges Up Tesla

After taking a break that went on far too long, we are back at the microphones.

And so is Toyota, which is spending some money to invest in Tesla and giving them to the key to its NUMMI plant in California.

Tesla's Model S sedan (Photo from Tesla Motors)

But the electric Model S that will be built in the plant starting in 2012 will need to make some noise to adhere to new regulations the industry has agreed on.

Audi considers adding apps to its vehicles, but not like those found on an iPhone.

Audi and BMW are struggling to sell their smallest vehicles. But we don't think its because demand for small cars is sinking, its because overpriced cars don't typically sell well.

Consultancy A.T. Kearney predicts a strong rebound for the auto sales in the next couple of years and we take issue with their outsized expectations.

Finally, new regulations being proposed by auto regulators make us a little nervous. NHTSA is looking for the ability to stop all sales of a car that they conclude poses an "imminent hazard" to the public, eliminating the current public-hearing process. 

GetThisShowOnTheRoad May 21, 2010.mp3