The logic of car buying has flipped: a high-tech EV can look like the bargain while basic commuter cars get bid up by shoppers trying to escape $52,000 averages.

Today’s episode breaks down Ford’s $1.5 billion quality-cost savings, 12 million vehicles still tied to recalls, record $51,974 new-vehicle asking prices, a 17% Hyundai IONIQ 5 price drop, and O’Reilly’s reported pursuit of NAPA in a deal that could value the parts business at $10 billion or more.

Today's Key Headlines

~Ford cuts warranty and materials costs by a reported $1.5 billion

~Ford still faces 53 recalls covering more than 12 million vehicles

~Average new-vehicle asking prices hit a record $51,974

~Hyundai IONIQ 5 asking prices drop 17% while compact sedans jump 12%

~O’Reilly is reportedly pursuing NAPA Auto Parts in a deal valuing t ...