Episode 110 – Elon says burn your 401k but we can’t afford gas
Episode 110
Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be generating 427 Million in stock options.
On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…
- RJ gets paid
- Dont bother saving… Elon has a plan
- Want to save gas money… We have a plan
NEWS
Need cheap gas? Eric has you covered!
World:
Foreign Carmakers Threaten to Pull Cheapest Models From U.S. Without Trade Deal Some companies say affordable models are reliant on a renewed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
By
Sharon Terlep
Foreign-based automakers have warned the Trump administration that they are looking at pulling their cheapest car models out of the U.S. market if the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement isn’t renewed or is watered down, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Companies such as Nissan, Hyundai and Toyota are among the few carmakers to offer U.S. consumers new models of small, affordable automobiles after Detroit-based automakers ditched such cars in recent years in favor of SUVs and trucks.
Was Carlos Ghosn Truly An EV Visionary?https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/25/was-carlos-ghosn-truly-an-ev-visionary/
Garage article that kind of ends of praising Carlos at the end.
National:
There Are 25 Days-Worth Of Oil Supply Left In The USA, But Don’t Panic
https://www.jalopnik.com/2159510/25-days-oil-left-u-s/
With the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz down to a trickle, many countries are on the verge of running out of fuel. The United States has about 25 days of oil supply, however, it’s extremely unlikely that the country will ever run out of fuel. The larger issue is that the United States can’t isolate itself from the global market indefinitely. As prices soar in Europe, American producers will be tempted to export more of their oil for higher profits.
Americans are feeling the pinch at the pump with the average price of gasoline at over $4 per gallon, but the situation is far worse in Europe. According to The Detroit Free Press, the average price of gasoline per gallon in Europe has spiked from $5.93 to $10.10.
Americans use between 8 million and 9 million barrels of gasoline per day. With the country producing up to 13.9 million barrels of crude oil and exporting 4.8 million of those barrels, oil consumption would be almost at equilibrium if every drop of crude were somehow refined into gasoline. Domestic production has largely helped to temper price increases. Despite being the world’s leading oil producer, that oil is often refined into other petroleum products; the U.S. still needs to import oil for gas and diesel. But America is also sitting on a wealth of gas; 413 million barrels of crude in reserves. We could export less, or tap into those reserves, should things get dicey.
https://www.axios.com/2026/04/28/aging-tesla-software-hardware
Teslas are aging like old smartphones you can’t upgrade
Tesla‘s admission that millions of its older cars can’t support full self-driving underscores a new reality: software-driven vehicles are starting to age like smartphones — but without an easy upgrade path.
Why it matters: Cars last far longer than phones — about 13 years on average — setting up costly headaches as their hardware struggles to keep up with rapidly evolving features.
Local:
Rivian CEO Makes $403 Million
Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) CEO RJ Scaringe made $403 million last year. Given the EV company’s financial results and the fact that the stock is down to the point it has ruined the investment of long-term shareholders, that seems excessive.
Scaringe received $373.5 million in option awards, more than $26.6 million in stock awards, and about $1.12 million in salary, according to the Rivian proxy. The compensation committee of Sanford Schwartz (Chair), Karen Boone, and Jay Flatley should be fired (or voted off the board).
To make the entire amount, Scaringe has to hit several financial targets and meet stock-market price hurdles.
Another staggering number is that his pay was 4,458.1 times the median pay of Rivian workers. These workers should at least be puzzled.
Rivian’s stock prices are horrible by any measure. It is down year to date by 15%, about flat with the S&P 500 over the last year, and down 87% over the last five years.
What makes the pay package harder to defend is the company’s financials, vehicle production, and delivery. Last year, Rivian manufactured 42,284 vehicles and delivered 42,247
Moment of Musk: 
Cars of the Weak (Now with Cars and Bids) I notice that Spikes Car Radio is doing a similar
Eric:
THIS… is a 1997 Toyota Classic, finished in black and burgundy with a red interior.
- This is a right-hand drive, Japanese-market sedan that’s titled in Tennessee. It’s equipped with a metric instrument cluster and its odometer displays about 7,200 kilometers, which represents about 4,500 miles.
- This Classic is one of 100 units built. A partial list of notable equipment reported by the selling dealer includes 13-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a Nardi steering wheel, and air conditioning. The selling dealer reports no notable modifications.
- Toyota released the Classic in 1996 on the Japanese market to celebrate 60 years of the Model AA, its first mass-produced car. Part of the Toyota Excellent Conversion Series project, the Classic featured retro styling and underpinnings borrowed from the Hilux truck. In-house coachbuilder Toyota Technocraft built 100 units of the Classic, and none were sold new on the American market.
- Power comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at about 96 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Equipment
A partial list of notable equipment reported by the selling dealer includes:
- 13-inch wheels
- Leather upholstery
- Woodgrain interior trim
- Nardi steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- Cassette and CD players
Known Flaws
- 2013 date codes on the tires
Daryl: 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo $25,895
https://www.westportautocenter.com/vehicles/388/1973-chevrolet-monte-carlo
This is a stunning example of a 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that is in original condition and still retains the original Paint “Oasis Green Irid” Paint code (46) with 79,018 miles! This is a great color combination with the white interior and dual swivel front bucket seats! The paint still has a very nice shine and the chrome , trim and bright work is in good condition as well.
* NUMBERS MATCHING 350c.i.
* Automatic Transmission
*Power disc brakes
* Power steering
* Factory Air Conditioning
* Dual Swivel Bucket seats
* Center Console
* Split Rear Window
This is a excellent running and driving Monte Carlo that goes straight down the road and demands attention wherever it goes. Call 314-346-6039 with any questions or to purchase. 314-346-6039
Checking out https://www.classic.com/veh/1973-chevrolet-monte-carlo-1h57h3b641448-4yRN8yn?tab=specs
She’s been around
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