The Plot Twist You Didn’t See Coming: China, EVs and More Tariff Talk with Michael Dunne
Episode 178
Buckle up for today’s wild ride with Michael Dunne, where we dive into the automotive world’s plot twist of the century. Chinese automakers are zooming into markets like Mexico faster than you can say, “Cinco de Mayo” and guess who’s accidentally handing them the keys? GM, outsourcing Chevy production to Chinese partners like it’s a global game of hot potato. We unpacked the high-stakes drama for American carmakers, who are skidding in the global EV race while China’s out here flexing its EV production, battery tech, and market swagger. This episode spills ALL the tea on why legacy automakers are sweating—think sky-high costs, very little battery game, and dealerships that are STILL having trouble selling EVs. Michael also shares his hot take on Slate Auto, the new kid on the block promising wallet-friendly EVs made in the U.S., potentially sparking a domestic EV revolution and battery supply chain glow-up. Plus, listen until the end where we played a game of “Fund It or Dump It” – a totally nonsensical game where Michael acts as a VC and tells me if any of my outrageous EV start-up ideas are any good.
______________________________
Read Michael’s full article here
_______________________________


This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway and FleetIT.
If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, “DWAY.” Learn more at driveitway.com/dealers
FleetIT guarantees that you never pay toll fees for your fleet again and directly integrates into your software. Learn more at fleetit.com
Links
Follow Michael Dunne on X
Subscribe to Michael’s newsletter
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Driving With Dunne Podcast