Last Updated on November 23, 2025 by Daily News Staff

From early childhood to adulthood, I vividly remember the catchy jingle that echoed through our house whenever Cal Worthington’s Dealerships commercials aired during news breaks, sporting events, and our favorite television shows.

Sadly, that era has come to an end. The legendary dealership, which once peaked at twenty-seven locations across the Western states, has closed its last remaining location in Long Beach, California.

The dealership had a remarkable seventy-year run. However, after Cal Worthington’s passing nearly a decade ago, it struggled to find its financial footing. According to Nick Worthington, Cal’s grandson, the iconic business faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to this closure.

Calvin Coolidge Worthington (November 27, 1920 – September 8, 2013) was a well-known American car dealer, celebrated especially on the West Coast of the United States. He gained fame through his eccentric radio and television advertisements for his Worthington Dealership Group, a car dealership chain that extended across the western and southwestern U.S. at its peak.

Cal Worthington’s advertisements were unique and memorable, often starting with the announcement, “Here’s Cal Worthington and his dog Spot!”—though “Spot” was never actually a dog. Instead, “Spot” could be anything from a tiger, a seal, an elephant, a chimpanzee, to a bear. In one particularly notable ad, “Spot” was a hippopotamus, which Worthington rode during the commercial. Occasionally, “Spot” even took the form of a vehicle, such as an airplane on whose wings Worthington would be seen standing while airborne. “Spot” was officially retired in the mid-1980s, but was occasionally mentioned in later commercials, maintaining the legacy of the unconventional mascot.

According to a 1990 profile published in the Sacramento Bee, Worthington grossed $316.8 million in 1988, making him the largest single owner of a car dealership chain at that time. His dedicated advertising agency, aptly named Spot Advertising, had only Worthington as its client and spent a staggering $15 million on commercials, more than any other auto dealer at the time.

Cal Worthington sold automobiles from 1945 until his passing in 2013 and owned an impressive 24,000-acre (9,700 ha; 38 sq mi) ranch located in Orland, California, north of Sacramento. His legendary marketing tactics and the persona of “Spot” have left an indelible mark on the car dealership industry and television advertising.

With the closure of the last Worthington dealership, an iconic chapter in automotive retail history and television advertising has come to an end, leaving behind fond memories and an enduring legacy.

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Sentra re-energizes the compact sedan segment with a bold new design and even greater levels of drive-enhancing technology

2026 Nissan Sentra: Redefining Compact Sedan Value at $22,400

A Bold New Look That Punches Above Its Weight

Technology That Simplifies Your Drive

Comfort That Goes the Distance

Performance That Adapts to Your Mood

The Premium SL Experience

• Power sunroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 64-color ambient lighting
• TailorFit™ quilted seating
• ProPILOT Assist for effortless highway cruising
• Bose® premium audio system

Exceptional Value Across the Lineup

The Bottom Line

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/

Slate Automotive captured national attention earlier this year when it unveiled what many called the most anticipated “budget” electric pickup truck in America. Promising a minimalist design, domestic manufacturing, and a base price under $20,000 (after incentives), the Slate Truck was positioned as the EV industry’s boldest answer to the affordability problem.

But since its April 2025 debut, several developments have reshaped that story — including pricing adjustments, production plans, and questions about whether “affordable” will still apply once federal incentives fade.

⚙️ From Concept to Production

In April, Slate Auto revealed its small two-door electric pickup — a compact, customizable EV designed for simplicity over luxury. The company’s philosophy is centered around what it calls the “Blank Slate” concept: a base model stripped of unnecessary features but built for expansion.

• Base range: ~150 miles, with an optional battery upgrade to ~240 miles
• Length: ~175 inches (roughly the size of a compact SUV)
• Body style: 2-door truck, with a conversion kit planned for a 5-seat SUV variant
• Manufacturing site: Warsaw, Indiana — a repurposed 1.4-million-square-foot former printing plant
• Production start: Targeting late 2026
• Estimated deliveries: Early 2027

For more on early EV innovation and transport development, check out our recent stories on Boom Supersonic’s Overture and The Evolution of Public Transportation in Los Angeles.

💲 Price Bump and Policy Changes

When Slate’s founders — backed by investors including Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter (Guggenheim Partners) — launched the concept, they confidently pitched a price “under $20,000 after incentives.”

However, recent developments have changed that equation. The loss of a key federal EV tax credit under recent legislation means the base price now sits closer to $27,000 before incentives. Even with state-level rebates, the total cost will likely land in the mid-$20K range for most buyers.

That’s still lower than most EVs on the market, but Slate’s base model is extremely minimal: manual windows, no touchscreen infotainment, and unpainted exterior panels in the entry trim. The company argues that the simplicity keeps prices low and durability high — echoing the utilitarian design of early pickups.

“We don’t believe an affordable EV should start at $60,000,” a Slate spokesperson said during the reveal. “Our truck is for people who want a reliable tool, not a gadget.”

🧩 Reservations and Early Demand

According to TechCrunch, Slate logged over 100,000 $50 refundable reservations within two weeks of launch — an impressive early show of interest.

That figure, however, does not guarantee actual orders. As seen with other EV startups, reservation enthusiasm doesn’t always translate into deliveries. Still, with $700 million in investor funding and a clear U.S. manufacturing plan, Slate’s prospects appear stronger than many early EV challengers.

🏭 Building in America

The company’s decision to set up shop in Indiana is strategic. It provides central U.S. access to suppliers and a lower-cost workforce compared to coastal hubs. The plant conversion is underway, and Slate aims to ramp up to 150,000 units annually by 2027, according to industry reporting.

If successful, the Slate Truck could become the first mass-produced electric pickup under $30K built entirely in the U.S.

🚦 What It Means for Affordable EVs

Slate’s progress comes at a pivotal moment for electric mobility. As other manufacturers focus on high-margin luxury vehicles, the affordable-EV space has thinned out. Slate’s entry signals a renewed interest in accessible electrification — but also highlights the fragile balance between price, policy, and practicality.

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If production holds, the Slate Truck could mark the beginning of a new chapter for everyday EV ownership — proof that electric doesn’t have to mean expensive.

📎 Further Reading and Related Links

From STM Daily News:

• Boom Supersonic and the Future of Flight
• The Evolution of Los Angeles Public Transportation
• The Long Track Back Podcast: America’s Transportation Comeback

Outside Sources for Further Information:

• TechCrunch: Bezos-backed Slate Auto Debuts “Analog” EV Pickup
• Car and Driver: 2027 Slate Truck Revealed
• Hagerty: Slate to Build Affordable EV Truck in Indiana
• Business Insider: Slate Auto Drops “Under $20K” Tag After Policy Change
• Newsweek: Slate Auto Confirms Funding and Bezos Involvement