Overdrive

In this episode of Overdrive, host David Brown speaks with Ken Dobinson — a 95-year-old former transport leader with a career spanning government, consultancy, and groundbreaking urban planning. With a sharp mind and an unwavering commitment to public value, Ken unpacks why our cities still miss the mark in serving communities, and how infrastructure decisions must go beyond spreadsheets and silos to truly reflect how people live, move and connect.

In this episode of Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell discuss the latest in headlight testing technology at Mercedes-Benz, the real-world usability of driver aids and infotainment systems, and the challenges of understanding electric vehicle range. Plus, a look at GWM’s new Tank 500 plug-in hybrid SUV and how China's automakers are reshaping the value equation in Australia’s large SUV market. This Overdrive episode captures the tension between technological innovation and practical execution. Whether it’s headlights that bend around corners or plug-in SUVs that can tow 3 tonnes, the industry is evolving fast. But poor user interfaces, inconsistent standards, and unclear real-world data can still frustrate even the most experienced drivers.

News XPeng P7 endurance run: A 3961km record sparks scepticism about real-world EV performance and battery stress. Costco–Leapmotor partnership: Bulk-store marketing and discounts reflect new retail strategies in car sales. Skoda colouring-in promotion: A quirky family campaign illustrates the odd directions of brand engagement. Cherry’s Fortune 500 leap: Rising Chinese carmakers highlight global industry shifts and competitive pressure on Europe. Sydney Metro one-year review: Metro’s frequency and reliability are praised, but suburban design flaws limit its reach. Vehicle-to-grid challenge: Experts warn that 300,000 bi-directional EVs could strain networks without urgent upgrades. Feature Classic car culture: Enthusiasm remains strong, but younger buyers favour ‘youngtimers’ tied to pop-culture icons. Road Tests Volvo EX90 review: A tech-laden SUV proves stressful with app-based access and charging woes. Genesis G80 EV review: Luxurious and quiet but arguably over-blinged, with features of mixed practicality. Toyota Prado update: The refreshed Prado boosts Toyota’s sales, balancing rugged looks with family-friendly refinement.

• Road user charges: NSW confirms plans to introduce a distance-based road user charge • EV range claims: Independent testing shows significant gaps between advertised and real-world EV ranges • Zeekr 7X launch: Chinese brand Zeekr announces its 7X SUV for Australia, promising fast charging and plush interiors • Ercole Spada tribute: Celebrated designer Ercole Spada is remembered for shaping iconic cars • Hitchhiking: Once common but now rare, hitchhiking is examined as both cultural curiosity and a possible model for future ride-sharing. • Renault Dauphine EV: A quirky Canadian conversion of a Renault Dauphine in 2002 • Toyota Camry road test: The latest Camry hybrid proves refined, efficient, and more executive-like than its “dad car” reputation

Car sales: July Australian new car sales rose 2.9%, with Chinese brands climbing Tesla case: A US jury held Tesla partly liable for a fatal crash Idle Off program: Student-led action cut engine idling outside schools by up to 40% Mercedes program: Manufaktur Exclusive lets buyers pay over $24,000 for paint Foton Tunland ute: Chinese brand Foton launches a hybrid dual-cab ute Ross Rowland: US rail enthusiast Ross Rowland remembered for steam preservation Honda EV stance: Honda Australia promises 90% electrified sales by 2026 Sydenham Station history: Stuart Sharp highlights uneven planning and heritage tensions Leapmotor C10 test: A plush Chinese EV SUV impresses with design but frustrates with software quirks and range on hills.