Scotty Kilmer on Toyota's Steel Purchase, Ford Recalls, Lincoln Sales, and EV Criticisms

Toyota's Steel Acquisition and Tariffs

• Toyota is acquiring Cascade Steel, formerly Snitzer Steel and Radius Recycling, an American steel recycling company.
• 💡 This move is seen as a positive step for American manufacturing, potentially influenced by tariffs, though large-scale reopening of US steel plants is doubted.

Ford Diesel Truck Recall and Fuel Pump Issues

• Ford is recalling nearly 300,000 diesel Super Duty trucks due to faulty Bosch CP4 fuel pumps.
• ⚠️ When these pumps fail in diesel engines, metal fragments can destroy the entire fuel injection system and potentially the engine.
• 🚗 Ram replaced similar faulty pumps with older, more reliable models (CP3), while Ford's proposed software fix is criticized as inadequate.
• 💰 Replacing hundreds of thousands of pumps would be a significant expense for Ford, leading to the less effective software solution.

Lincoln Sales and Pricing Strategies

• Lincoln is offering employee pricing on Aviator models starting April 2025 to combat declining sales, partly due to some models being made in China.
• 📉 Despite discounts, the high starting price of models like the Black Label Aviator (over $87,000) makes them expensive, large, and gas-guzzling SUVs.
• 📉 Lincoln, a brand owned by Ford for decades, is struggling to convince buyers to purchase their luxury vehicles, which are essentially rebadged Fords.

Used Car Tracking Devices

• 📌 Some low-end car lots install hidden transmitters on used cars to track buyers who may default on payments.
• 🔍 These devices, often with visible antennas, can be disguised and multiple units may be installed to evade detection.
• 🛠️ Buyers are advised to inspect used cars for these transmitters or hire professionals to locate and remove them.

Canadian Tariffs and Food Supply

• Canada is promoting products grown within the country with a "Look for the leaf" campaign, but faces challenges with items like bananas and oranges not grown locally.
• 🍎 The reliance on imported food, even for items like salads with lettuce from California, highlights the complexities of "local" food initiatives.
• 🌍 The discussion extends to organic produce, with examples of peaches shipped from South America, questioning the true locality and potential treatments.

Criticisms of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Toyota's updated BZ4X crossover features "battery precondition" to optimize battery temperature for charging and driving, addressing cold and hot weather issues.
• ⚠️ The speaker argues that battery electric vehicles are not yet ready for prime time, citing complexity in charging, limited range, and infrastructure gaps.
• 📈 While battery capacity is increasing (e.g., 73.1 kWh for a claimed 356-mile range), actual usable range is reduced by charging to 80% and not discharging below 20%.
• 💰 Repair costs for EVs are high, and a lack of trained mechanics is a significant issue.
• ⚙️ Ford's patent for fake gear shifting in EVs is seen as a desperate attempt to appeal to traditional drivers, indicating a struggle to sell EVs.

Skepticism Towards Wind Power

• 🌬️ Wind turbines are criticized for their high energy cost in manufacturing, reliance on specific wind conditions, limited lifespan, and environmental impact.
• 🏭 The speaker contrasts wind power with more reliable and long-lasting energy sources like hydroelectric (Niagara Falls) and nuclear power.
• 🤢 Offshore wind farms are described as visually unappealing, with examples of turbines breaking shortly after installation or remaining inoperable for extended periods.