America’s car scene has a problem…

For decades, America was considered the epicenter of import tuner culture. From packed parking lots and late-night street meets to the glory days of magazines like Super Street and Import Tuner, the U.S. helped shape modern car culture as we know it.
But has that changed?

In this episode of the Behind the Wheel Podcast, we discuss whether the most exciting car scenes in the world have shifted to Southeast Asia. Looking at countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, we explore the incredible builds, massive automotive events, thriving motorsports communities, and unique creativity emerging from the region.

Are fewer regulations, greater access to parts, and a different enthusiast mindset allowing builders in Asia to push boundaries that enthusiasts in America no longer can? Is Southeast Asia experiencing the same energy that defined the import tuner boom in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s?

Join Nick and Matt as they compare the two worlds and discuss where automotive culture is headed next.

Topics Covered:

• The current state of the American car scene
• Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia’s growing automotive communities
• How regulations affect modification culture
• Car shows and events around the world
• The evolution of import tuner culture
• Why some of the wildest builds are coming from Asia
• Is the U.S. losing its influence on global car culture?
• The future of enthusiasts, builders, and motorsports

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

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