{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"AD #4245 - U.S. Production Up, But Sales and Jobs Down; Kia Sales Surge Past Hyundai; VW Brand Goes Premium in China","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ad-4245-u-s-production-up-but-sales-and-jobs-down-kia-sales-surge-past-hyundai-vw-brand-goes-premium-in-china","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70416110/daily030326.mp3","description":"- Kia's U.S. Sales Surge Past Hyundai - U.S. Production Up, But Sales and Jobs Down - VinFast Splits Into Three Brands - Rising Oil Costs Threaten OEM's Plans - VW Brand Goes Premium in China - Audi Struggles in China Despite \"Car of the Year\" - Agibot Bringing Humanoids to EU Auto Production - Ford Supercharger Kit Expensive But Effective"},"annotations":[{"startTime":77.3,"endTime":86.4,"type":"brand","title":"VinFast","url":"/glossary/vinfast","quote":"US production is up, but sales are down, and so is manufacturing employment. Vietnamese evy startup VinFast announced it's restructured its business into three automotive brand lines.","canonicalId":"brand:vinfast","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"VinFast is a Vietnamese electric vehicle startup that has quickly expanded its presence in the automotive market by introducing multiple brands and models.","simplifiedExplanation":"VinFast is a new car company from Vietnam that makes electric cars and is growing fast with different types of cars."}},{"startTime":98.8,"endTime":106.2,"type":"car","title":"VinFast Lac Hong 900S","url":"/cars/vinfast/lac-hong-900s","quote":"VinFast revealed two new models for lack Hong, the eight hundred S and the nine hundred S.","canonicalId":"car:vinfast:lac-hong-900s","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The VinFast 900 S is another new electric vehicle model from VinFast's luxury brand Lack Hong, equipped with a powerful tri motor setup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The VinFast 900 S is a new luxury electric car from VinFast with strong motors to make it fast."}},{"startTime":98.8,"endTime":106.2,"type":"car","title":"VinFast Lac Hong 800S","url":"/cars/vinfast/lac-hong-800s","quote":"VinFast revealed two new models for lack Hong, the eight hundred S and the nine hundred S.","canonicalId":"car:vinfast:lac-hong-800s","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The VinFast 800 S is one of the new electric vehicle models under VinFast's luxury brand Lack Hong, featuring advanced electric powertrains.","simplifiedExplanation":"The VinFast 800 S is a new fancy electric car made by VinFast's luxury brand."}},{"startTime":106.2,"endTime":111.0,"type":"car","title":"VinFast Lac Hong 900 LX","url":"/cars/vinfast/lac-hong-900-lx","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Newone_-_VinFast_Lac_Hong_900_LX_VPAM_VR-7_003.jpg","quote":"Those models joined the flagship nine hundred Lex, which was introduced last year.","canonicalId":"car:vinfast:lac-hong-900-lx","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The VinFast 900 Lex is the flagship model of VinFast's luxury brand Lack Hong, introduced prior to the 800 S and 900 S models, featuring high-performance electric powertrains.","simplifiedExplanation":"The VinFast 900 Lex is the top luxury electric car from VinFast's brand Lack Hong, made to be very powerful and fancy.","imageAttribution":"Newone (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":111.0,"endTime":123.28,"type":"concept","title":"tri motor powertrain","url":"/glossary/tri-motor-powertrain","quote":"Not many details about the new models were shared, but they do feature a tri motor powertrain with one front and two rear motors that combined for four hundred and US sixty kilowatts or six hundred and sixteen horse power.","canonicalId":"concept:tri-motor-powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A tri motor powertrain uses three electric motors to drive the vehicle, typically with one motor powering the front wheels and two powering the rear wheels, which can improve performance and traction.","simplifiedExplanation":"A tri motor powertrain means the car has three electric motors that help it move, making it faster and better at handling the road."}},{"startTime":253.2,"endTime":260.0,"type":"concept","title":"OTA","url":"/glossary/ota","quote":"...analyze and resolve your problems using OTA, allowing your executives oversight throughout the process...","canonicalId":"concept:ota","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"OTA stands for Over-The-Air updates, a method of wirelessly delivering software updates or diagnostics to vehicles without requiring a physical connection or visit to a dealership.","simplifiedExplanation":"OTA means your car can get updates or fixes through the internet, like how your phone updates apps, so you don't have to go to a shop."}},{"startTime":300.0,"endTime":310.0,"type":"term","title":"EREV powertrain","url":"/glossary/e-rev-powertrain","quote":"...called the id Era nine X. The model features an EREV powertrain using a turbocharged one and a half liter engine to generate electricity...","canonicalId":"term:e-rev-powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain uses an electric motor as the primary source of propulsion, with an internal combustion engine acting as a generator to produce electricity and extend driving range.","simplifiedExplanation":"An EREV car mostly uses electricity to drive but has a small gas engine that makes more electricity when the battery runs low, so you can drive farther."}},{"startTime":305.0,"endTime":315.0,"type":"part","title":"turbocharged one and a half liter engine","url":"/glossary/turbocharged-one-and-a-half-liter-engine","quote":"...features an EREV powertrain using a turbocharged one and a half liter engine to generate electricity to send to either a single or dual motor setup...","canonicalId":"part:turbocharged-one-and-a-half-liter-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is a small displacement internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger to increase power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a small gas engine that uses a turbo to push more air inside so it can make more power than a normal small engine."}},{"startTime":310.0,"endTime":320.0,"type":"term","title":"single or dual motor setup","url":"/glossary/single-or-dual-motor-setup","quote":"...generate electricity to send to either a single or dual motor setup and one of two battery sizes roughly fifty one or sixty five kilowat hours...","canonicalId":"term:single-or-dual-motor-setup","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Single or dual motor setups refer to the number of electric motors powering the vehicle; single motor usually drives one axle, while dual motors provide all-wheel drive by powering both axles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The car can have one or two electric motors. One motor moves either the back or front wheels, two motors can move all wheels for better grip."}},{"startTime":315.0,"endTime":325.0,"type":"term","title":"battery sizes (51 or 65 kWh)","url":"/glossary/battery-sizes-51-or-65-kwh","quote":"...and one of two battery sizes roughly fifty one or sixty five kilowat hours. A range of up to four hundred kilometers...","canonicalId":"term:battery-sizes-51-or-65-kwh","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery size, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), indicates the energy capacity of an electric vehicle's battery, affecting its driving range and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The battery size tells you how much electricity the car can store. Bigger batteries let the car drive farther before needing a recharge."}},{"startTime":320.2,"endTime":329.2,"type":"term","title":"rear wheel drive","url":"/glossary/rear-wheel-drive","quote":"...The single motor variants are rear wheel drive","canonicalId":"term:rear-wheel-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rear wheel drive means the engine or motor powers the rear wheels of the vehicle, which can improve handling dynamics and weight distribution.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rear wheel drive means the back wheels get the power to move the car, which can make driving feel sportier."}},{"startTime":329.5,"endTime":332.0,"type":"term","title":"horsepower","url":"/glossary/horsepower","quote":"and make just under three hundred horse power, while the all wheel drive version produces five hundred and ten horse power.","canonicalId":"term:horsepower","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time. It is commonly used to compare the performance of vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is. The more horsepower, the faster or more powerful the car can be."}},{"startTime":329.5,"endTime":332.0,"type":"term","title":"all-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"and make just under three hundred horse power, while the all wheel drive version produces five hundred and ten horse power.","canonicalId":"term:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and handling, especially in adverse conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels, which helps it grip the road better when driving in rain, snow, or off-road."}},{"startTime":336.1,"endTime":340.0,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen ID.7 X","url":"/cars/volkswagen/id-7","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Volkswagen_ID.7_1X7A1777.jpg","quote":"The id Era nine X is expected to launch in China sometime this month, but no word on pricing for VW's new premium suv, and while this seems like an impressive vehicle, it still might not appeal to Chinese buyers.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:id-7","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen ID.7 X is a new premium SUV from Volkswagen, part of their ID family of electric vehicles, expected to launch in China. It features an all-wheel-drive version producing 510 horsepower.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen ID.7 X is a new electric SUV that Volkswagen is releasing in China. It has a powerful version that sends power to all four wheels.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":363.1,"endTime":370.0,"type":"concept","title":"Chinese market-specific vehicle","url":"/glossary/chinese-market-specific-vehicle","quote":"which was developed with Seic specifically for the Chinese market, and while the vehicle won the China Car of the Year award last year,","canonicalId":"concept:chinese-market-specific-vehicle","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Vehicles developed specifically for the Chinese market are tailored to local preferences, regulations, and conditions to better appeal to Chinese consumers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some cars are made just for China because people there want different features or styles."}},{"startTime":363.1,"endTime":365.0,"type":"concept","title":"China Car of the Year award","url":"/glossary/china-car-of-the-year-award","quote":"and while the vehicle won the China Car of the Year award last year, consumers haven't warmed up to it,","canonicalId":"concept:china-car-of-the-year-award","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The China Car of the Year award is an automotive industry accolade recognizing outstanding vehicles in the Chinese market based on innovation, design, and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The China Car of the Year award is a prize given to the best new cars in China each year to show which ones are really good."}},{"startTime":363.1,"endTime":370.0,"type":"car","title":"Audi E-tron Sportback","url":"/cars/audi/e-tron","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Audi_A6_Avant_e-tron_DSC_7425.jpg","quote":"It also launched a new affordable electric model called the E five Sportback, which was developed with Seic specifically for the Chinese market, and while the vehicle won the China Car of the Year award last year, consumers haven't warmed up to it,","canonicalId":"car:audi:e-tron","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Audi E-tron Sportback is an affordable electric SUV developed specifically for the Chinese market. Despite winning China Car of the Year, it has faced challenges with sales due to issues like buggy infotainment and slower charging.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Audi E-tron Sportback is an electric SUV made for China. Even though it won an award, some problems with its technology and charging have made people less interested.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":390.0,"endTime":395.0,"type":"term","title":"charging times","url":"/glossary/charging-times","quote":"A buggy infotainment system and slower charging times compared to competitors are turning away some buyers,","canonicalId":"term:charging-times","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Charging time refers to how long it takes to recharge an electric vehicle's battery, which affects convenience and usability for drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Charging time is how long it takes to fill up an electric car's battery so you can drive it again."}},{"startTime":422.4,"endTime":430.0,"type":"concept","title":"automotive production humanoid robots","url":"/glossary/automotive-production-humanoid-robots","quote":"The E seven acts the autowindustry is going gaga over humanoid robots, and now Chinese robotics startup Agibot is planning to produce humanoids in Europe for automotive production.","canonicalId":"concept:automotive-production-humanoid-robots","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Humanoid robots in automotive production are robots designed with human-like forms and capabilities to assist in manufacturing tasks, improving efficiency and precision.","simplifiedExplanation":"Humanoid robots are machines that look and move like people and help build cars in factories."}},{"startTime":430.0,"endTime":440.0,"type":"company","title":"Agibot","url":"/glossary/agibot","quote":"and now Chinese robotics startup Agibot is planning to produce humanoids in Europe for automotive production. The company partnered with auto supplier Mynth Group","canonicalId":"company:agibot","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Agibot is a Chinese robotics startup specializing in humanoid robots for industrial applications, including automotive manufacturing, with plans to expand production in Europe.","simplifiedExplanation":"Agibot is a company from China that makes robots that look like people to help build cars and other things."}},{"startTime":435.3,"endTime":440.0,"type":"company","title":"Mynth Group","url":"/glossary/mynth-group","quote":"The company partnered with auto supplier Mynth Group to produce its X two robot as well as train them for industrial applications for European automakers and suppliers","canonicalId":"company:mynth-group","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mynth Group is an automotive supplier collaborating with robotics companies like Agibot to integrate humanoid robots into manufacturing processes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mynth Group is a company that helps make parts for cars and is working with robot makers to improve car factories."}},{"startTime":459.9,"endTime":480.0,"type":"term","title":"torque","url":"/glossary/torque","quote":"It takes twenty twenty one to twenty twenty six F one fifties from just over four hundred horse power up to seven hundred horse power, and torque goes from about four hundred pound feet to nearly six hundred pound feet...","canonicalId":"term:torque","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Torque is a measure of rotational force produced by the engine, important for acceleration and towing capability. More torque means the vehicle can move heavier loads or accelerate more quickly from a stop.","simplifiedExplanation":"Torque is how much force the engine uses to make the car move, especially when starting or pulling heavy things."}},{"startTime":459.9,"endTime":480.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford F-150","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"Ford is selling new supercharger kits for the five liter V eight F one fifty and Mustang that add an astonishing amount of horsepower and torque. The core of the kit includes a three liter Whipple supercharger...","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck widely popular in North America, known for its capability and versatility. The 2021 to 2026 models feature a 5.0-liter V8 engine that can be enhanced with aftermarket parts such as supercharger kits.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and fun. The newer models have a strong engine that can be made even more powerful.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":459.92,"endTime":469.68,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/1966_Ford_Mustang_coupe_white_001.jpg","quote":"Ford is selling new supercharger kits for the five liter V eight F one fifty and Mustang that add an astonishing amount of horsepower and torque. The core of the kit includes a three liter Whipple supercharger...","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang is an iconic American sports car known for its powerful engines and performance heritage. The 2024 to 2026 models with the 5.0-liter V8 can be upgraded with supercharger kits to significantly increase horsepower and torque.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that is fast and fun to drive. Newer versions can be made even faster with special parts.","imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":469.8,"endTime":475.0,"type":"part","title":"intercooler","url":"/glossary/intercooler","quote":"The core of the kit includes a three liter Whipple supercharger, intercooler, and all the calibration equipment to make it work.","canonicalId":"part:intercooler","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An intercooler is a component that cools the compressed air from a supercharger or turbocharger before it enters the engine, improving performance and reducing the risk of engine knock.","simplifiedExplanation":"An intercooler cools down the air that is pushed into the engine to help the car run better and not get too hot."}},{"startTime":469.8,"endTime":475.0,"type":"part","title":"Whipple supercharger","url":"/glossary/whipple-supercharger","quote":"The core of the kit includes a three liter Whipple supercharger, intercooler, and all the calibration equipment to make it work.","canonicalId":"part:whipple-supercharger","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A Whipple supercharger is a type of positive displacement forced induction device that compresses air entering the engine to increase power output. It is known for its twin-screw design which provides efficient boost and quick throttle response.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Whipple supercharger is a special part that pushes more air into the engine to make the car more powerful and faster."}},{"startTime":511.1,"endTime":515.0,"type":"term","title":"ASE certified technician","url":"/glossary/ase-certified-technician","quote":"It has to be installed by a four dealer or an ASE certified technician, while no word on how long installation takes.","canonicalId":"term:ase-certified-technician","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An ASE certified technician is a mechanic who has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, indicating a recognized level of expertise and professionalism.","simplifiedExplanation":"An ASE certified technician is a mechanic who has passed special tests to show they know how to fix cars really well."}},{"startTime":523.0,"endTime":530.0,"type":"term","title":"five W fifty full synthetic oil","url":"/glossary/five-w-fifty-full-synthetic-oil","quote":"Plus customers have to use special five W fifty full synthetic oil, which there can be up to eight courts of, and the system will only run on ninety one plus octane fuel...","canonicalId":"term:five-w-fifty-full-synthetic-oil","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Five W fifty full synthetic oil is a type of engine lubricant with a specific viscosity rating, designed to perform well under high temperatures and protect the engine during demanding conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Five W fifty oil is a special kind of engine oil that helps keep the engine clean and working well, especially when the car is working hard."}},{"startTime":523.0,"endTime":530.0,"type":"term","title":"ninety one plus octane fuel","url":"/glossary/ninety-one-plus-octane-fuel","quote":"Plus customers have to use special five W fifty full synthetic oil, which there can be up to eight courts of, and the system will only run on ninety one plus octane fuel, including draining the entire fuel system.","canonicalId":"term:ninety-one-plus-octane-fuel","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ninety one plus octane fuel refers to premium-grade gasoline with a higher octane rating, which helps prevent engine knocking and allows for higher performance tuning.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ninety one plus octane fuel is a special kind of gas that helps the engine run better and not get damaged when it's working hard."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Autoline","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ad-4245-u-s-production-up-but-sales-and-jobs-down-kia-sales-surge-past-hyundai-vw-brand-goes-premium-in-china/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}