Honda and Nissan Merge, Ram Delays EV, Chatting With Scout Motors

Jill and Tom opened the show by addressing the bombshell announcement that Honda and Nissan are merging. The hosts share their thoughts on one of the largest corporate mergers in automotive history. 

Also discussed was Ram’s decision to delay launching the all-electric Ram REV pickup, and push up introduction of the Ramcharger extended-range electric truck. The Ramcharger operates on electric power alone, until the battery is depleted, and then charges the battery via an on-board gasoline engine. The Ramcharger is targeted at EV intenders worried about range. 

Jill shared her impressions of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S, a high-performance variant of the brand’s popular C-Class sedan. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Ryan Decker of EV start-up Scout Motors to the show. Ryan discussed the company’s launch plans, including details regarding its firsts products, the Terra pickup, and Traveler SUV. Per Ryan, U.S.-built Scouts should see delivery as early as 2027. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a 2.0-Liter?” quiz. To wrap up the show, Tom shared his concerns about an emerging trend, dealership service/repair financing.