Electric Dreams, Tariff Nightmares: Inside the Austin Arrow

In this episode of the UrbanEV Podcast, hosts Rob Hoffman and Scott Murphy engage in a lively conversation with Nigel Gordon Stewart, the chairman and CEO of Austin Motor Company. They explore Nigel's extensive background in the automotive industry from McLaren to Lamborghini to Lotus and eventually Austin, where he is leading the legendary brand into the electric vehicle era with the Austin Arrow.

The discussion also touches on a Lamborghini test drive with Donald Trump, the challenges faced with entering the US market, disconnect between vehicle size and urban needs and the future of EVs. Additionally, they delve into Project Arrow, Canada's electric vehicle initiative, and Nigel's vision for the future of Austin Motor Company.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Electric Mobility and Austin Motor Company
01:01 Nigel Gordon-Stewart's Journey in the Automotive Industry
04:42 Transition to Austin Motor Company and Electric Vehicles
05:36 Development of the Austin Arrow and Urban Mobility
11:39 The Advantages of Electric Vehicles
17:31 Understanding the Quadricycle Concept
20:13 The Disconnect Between Vehicle Size and Urban Needs
23:55 The Future of EVs and Changing Perceptions
25:43 The Shift to Electric Vehicles
28:23 Performance and Specifications of the Austin Arrow
30:38 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles
32:40 BYD's Market Strategy and Impact
35:56 Future of Battery Technology
39:42 The Role of Features in Modern Cars
43:54 Project Aero: Reviving Canadian Automotive Pride
51:20 Manufacturing Challenges and Opportunities in Canada
52:17 Quality Control in Automotive Production
54:42 The Target Market for Austin Cars
57:34 Future Plans for Austin's Vehicle Lineup
01:03:41 A Surprising Encounter with Donald Trump