Jay Leno predicts that internal‑combustion cars will face a fate similar to that of horses. In an interview with Der Spiegel he said, “They were once a means of transport, now they’re a form of leisure”.
Despite his critique, the former late‑night host remains a devoted fan of combustion‑engine vehicles. After a long television career in the United States, Leno launched the show “Jay Leno’s Garage”, which has turned him into one of the world’s most successful car influencers. His YouTube channel now boasts nearly four million subscribers, and he owns a private collection of about 400 cars and motorcycles.
While many celebrity classic‑car enthusiasts shun electric vehicles, Leno is optimistic about their future. “In the end, money will decide” he told the magazine. “If electric cars keep getting cheaper and gasoline more expensive, people will make the switch”. Because of that he sees the policies of the Trump administration-particularly their stance on electric mobility and renewable energy-as a drag on progress. He also criticises the cultural war over transportation, calling it a mistake that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is now paying the price for. According to Leno, “Elon was far ahead of his time; once he aligned himself politically, he caused significant damage”.
Leno points out that in recent years Musk has increasingly courted Trump and the MAGA movement, alienating portions of Tesla’s customer base.
