With Jaguar and Nissan announcing job cuts and factory closures this week, the lads discuss the worrying trend of OEMs facing headwinds.

California Dreamin' - we both spent some time living it up in the new Volkswagen camper van, find out how Mark got on in Wicklow and hear how Paddy rolled into Galway - the pros and cons of forking out on a camper van.

And we speak to Natisha Chattan, leading UK YouTube motoring journalist who is dealing with a seemingly growing trend of new motoring brands seeking to pay for editorial in order to gain a foothold in the massive UK market. 

Is paying car journalists the new norm?

Nadia has become a familiar face in motoring in Ireland. Whether it's her TikTok clips, her huge Instagram following or her regular appearances on both Irish TV & radio in relation to all things car news. 

She has also attracted some criticism for refusing to accept trade ins or retailing any electric cars despite 2025 being one of the better years for Irish EV sales. 

In this episode, Paddy and Mark visit Nadia in her new showroom in Ashford, Co. Wicklow and ask her all the questions people want to ask!

Nadia Adan from Ashford Motors - interview 

Of course, Paddy and Mark chat about the news this week including the latest SIMI sales figures, what they're both driving and all the other things two lads chat about BUT we also jump inside a new Leapmotor C10 EV ahead of its official launch in September in Ireland and we chat extensively to one of the key members of the team behind the launch of yet another Chinese manufactured car in Ireland, Stephen McGrath.

We speak to Leapmotor Ireland exclusively! 

Big shifts and bold plans in the motoring world.

Renault’s CEO makes a surprise exit, while BYD slows EV production in China. We put the all-new Dacia Bigster head-to-head with a four-year-old Skoda Kodiaq at a similar price point—what offers better value? Plus, exclusive insights into Mazda Ireland’s roadmap, including three brand-new models set to arrive in 2026.

We also dive into whether buying a used car from a dealer franchise really gives you better warranty protection—and of course, we couldn’t ignore that week Elon Musk and Tesla have had, as RoboTaxi plans hit another bump in the road.

Sponsored by DoneDeal.

BYD slow down, Mazda's plans for '26 & new Bigster V used Kodiaq

This week on Driver’s Republic: We’re recording from the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser! Paddy’s back from a UK classic car auction, Mark just returned from Iceland testing the Ford Ranger PHEV, and a surprise listener gatecrashes the show.

Plus, we chat with Giovanny Arroba, VP of Nissan Design Europe, about the bold new 2025 Nissan Leaf and how it’s ready to compete with the best in the EV world.



Nissan Leaf boss interview, Iceland with Ford Ranger & we get gatecrashed!

In this week's episode, we dive into the big reveal of the all-new Alpine A290, launched at Mondello – and yes, it’s as exciting as it sounds.

🚗 Paddy shares his first impressions after getting behind the wheel of the VW ID.3 GTX – does it live up to the GTX badge?


🚙 Mark is driving the 2025 facelifted Suzuki Vitara and has been jet-setting between Prague and London to check out two major launches: the new Skoda Elroq RS, and a very hush-hush look at the next-gen Nissan Leaf (spoilers strictly embargoed until next week!).

🎧 Our special guest is Martin Cardiff, Head of Sales at VW Passenger Cars. Martin brings a wealth of experience from his days in Skoda's factory to shaping VW’s product and planning strategy today. From trim and spec decisions, to price points, to what car colours Irish buyers really want, Martin lifts the curtain on how carmakers tailor their offerings for specific markets. It’s a fascinating listen for anyone curious about what really goes on inside the automotive “chocolate factory.”

Don’t miss this one – it’s packed with insight, first drives, and a look into how the cars we see on the road come to life.

How Irish car brands negotiate with the factories that build them! 

This week on the Driver's Republic Podcast:

We dive into the headlines as Trump and Musk stir controversy with their latest online antics, and a ship carrying EVs goes up in flames. Natasha Maher from MG Ireland joins us to share the brand’s journey so far, while we unpack big news on the rollout of new public fast chargers across Ireland.

In the drives of the week, Paddy gets to grips with the hot new Cupra Born VZ, and Mark takes a spin in the all-new €80,000 BMW X3.

Finally, ever wondered what life is really like for a motoring journalist? In part three, Paddy puts Mark under the spotlight—covering everything from glamorous European launches to the grind behind the Instagram stories.

Crisis at Tesla? MG’s S5 Irish Launch & The Reality of Car Journalism

Season 2 kicks off with a bang!


Mark heads to sunny Spain to get behind the wheel of the all-new Nissan Micra EV and sits down with one of its designers for an exclusive chat. Meanwhile, Paddy is head-over-heels for the reborn Renault 5 — a car we partly record the episode in (yes, really).

We’re also joined by Lisa Brankin, Chair and MD of Ford UK & Ireland, who reflects on her career at the Blue Oval and dives into the Ford Power Promise — a bold initiative to win over EV skeptics as it launches in Ireland.

Plus, we break down the latest industry headlines, including the big news: Gowan Motors becomes the official Irish importer for Leapmotor starting September 2025.

And finally, another listener sends in a classic car-buying dilemma — you know we had to get involved.

Driver's Republic is back. Let’s drive.

Ford MD Lisa Brankin speaks to us, new Nissan Micra first look & Gowan Motors go Chinese!

This Week: Budget EV Battles, Irish Road Trips & Cupra Conversations 🇮🇪⚡️

On this episode, Nobby takes the reborn Ford Capri for some driving around Dublin while Paddy clocks serious mileage on two electric road trips in the plucky Dacia Spring.

We pit the Hyundai Inster against the Spring in a cheeky twin test — who comes out on top in the battle of the budget EVs? 

Plus, Nobby jets to Barcelona to get behind the wheel of the new Ford Puma Gen-E. What’s it like to drive? He’s got all the answers.

And in our interview segment, we’re joined by Gaspar Alcaide, Brand Director of Cupra Ireland. From sunny Spain to the Emerald Isle, we talk about his journey, Cupra’s bold vision, and how the brand is striking a chord with both new and seasoned drivers.

Buckle up — it’s a good one.

Affordable EV Wars, Puma Gen-E Road Test & Cupra Ireland Boss Speaks

Episode 7: MG Cyberster, VW ID. Buzz, & Kia Ireland’s Ronan Flood

In this episode, Paddy takes the sleek, single-motor MG Cyberster for a spin, while Nobby revisits the now 7-seater Volkswagen ID. Buzz to see how it stacks up. Plus, we’re joined by Kia Ireland’s Managing Director, Ronan Flood, who gives us an insider’s look at running one of Ireland’s top car brands. And with Q1 2025 sales figures just in, we break down the biggest trends shaping the Irish car market. Buckle up for another packed episode!

MG's sporty Cyberster, Kia Ireland's Ronan Flood & EV sales are up again!

Driver's Republic Podcast covers all the latest motoring news from Ireland and beyond. New models, international car launches and all you need to know about the fast changing world of cars and mobility.

Drivers Republic Podcast

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