AD #4249 - Geely To Power Next-Gen Mercedes Compacts; Switching to EV Fleets Cuts Costs 50%; Chery Debuts First Mass Produced Brake-By-Wire
About this episode
Rising oil and aluminum prices due to geopolitical tensions are impacting the automotive industry, pushing consumers toward more fuel-efficient vehicles and forcing automakers to reconsider production plans. A new study highlights significant cost savings for companies switching to electric fleets in Europe. Mercedes Benz is shifting compact vehicle development to China, partnering with Geely for next-gen platforms. Meanwhile, Chery debuts the first mass-produced brake-by-wire system in its Exceed crossover. Additionally, Ford gifted a custom Explorer to Pope Leo, linking automotive innovation with unique cultural moments.
federal EV credits
"...With federal evy credits gone and a mission targets eased, automakers already planned to make more full sized trucks and SUVs..."
Federal EV credits are discounts from the government that help make electric cars cheaper to buy. They encourage people to choose electric cars instead of gas cars.
Federal EV credits are government incentives that reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles to encourage adoption and reduce emissions. These credits can significantly lower the effective cost for buyers of qualifying electric cars.
full sized trucks and SUVs
"...automakers already planned to make more full sized trucks and SUVs, but if gas prices stay high, consumers will be buying fewer of those mind models..."
Full sized trucks and SUVs are big cars that can carry lots of people or stuff, but they use more gas. When gas prices go up, fewer people want to buy these big vehicles.
Full sized trucks and SUVs are large vehicles that typically consume more fuel but are popular for their utility and passenger capacity. They are a major segment in the US automotive market and are sensitive to fuel price changes.
GM
"...especially the ones that were relying more heavily on those big trucks and SUVs like four GM and stulants to change their guidance for the year..."
GM is a big American car company that makes many types of cars and trucks, including big SUVs and pickups.
GM, or General Motors, is a major American automotive manufacturer known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. It produces a wide range of vehicles including trucks and SUVs.
tariffs
"...shipments for Canada have declined under Trump's tariffs. Businesses have the potential for big savings by switching to an all electric fleet..."
Tariffs are extra taxes on things brought into a country from somewhere else. They can make parts and materials for cars more expensive.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can increase the cost of materials like aluminum. They affect supply chains and pricing in the automotive industry.
electric fleet
"...Businesses have the potential for big savings by switching to an all electric fleet. That's according to a new study from ey in EU Electric, a trade association for Europe's electricity industry..."
An electric fleet means a group of cars or trucks that run on electricity instead of gas. Companies use them to save money and help the environment.
An electric fleet refers to a group of vehicles powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. Businesses switching to electric fleets can reduce operating costs and emissions significantly.
EU Electric
"...That's according to a new study from ey in EU Electric, a trade association for Europe's electricity industry..."
EU Electric is a group that helps electricity companies in Europe work together and support things like electric cars.
EU Electric is a trade association representing the electricity industry in Europe, focusing on promoting electric energy and related technologies including electric vehicles.
residual values
"...and the savings could be higher if higher prices and lower residual values are reduced further due to weaker than expected ev sales..."
Residual value is how much a car is worth after you have used it for a while. It helps decide how much it costs to lease or sell later.
Residual value is the estimated worth of a vehicle at the end of a lease or after a period of use. It affects leasing costs and resale prices, especially important for electric vehicles as their market evolves.
battery plants
"...Automakers are looking to repurpose under utilize battery plants. Last December, Ford anounced plans to start a new business to make batteries for energy storage at its EVY battery plants..."
Battery plants are factories where the batteries that power electric cars and other devices are made.
Battery plants are manufacturing facilities where batteries for electric vehicles and other uses are produced. They are critical for the EV supply chain and energy storage solutions.
energy storage facility
"...Volkswagen just kicked off operations at its first energy storage facility in Germany. The site connects directly to the grid and will also be used for energy trading on the European Power Exchange. It can supply power to as many as twenty thousand homes for about two hours."
An energy storage facility is a place where electricity is saved so it can be used later when people need it, like a big battery for the power grid.
An energy storage facility stores electricity for later use, helping balance supply and demand on the power grid. Such facilities can support renewable energy integration and provide backup power.
Volkswagen
"...And now Volkswagen just kicked off operations at its first energy storage facility in Germany. The site connects directly to the grid and will also be used for energy trading on the European Power Exchange..."
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many cars and is now working on storing electricity to help power homes and businesses.
Volkswagen is a large German automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles globally. It is investing in energy storage facilities to complement its electric vehicle strategy.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
"Mercedes Benz reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board to not make anti union threats, which comes as part of a deal to resolve the case over the company's response to the uaw's organization efforts. Two years ago, workers at Mercedes plant in Alabama voted against joining the union, but the UAW alleged the. Company illegally interfered with. The vote, including retaliating against employees, which prevented a fair election. Now, Mercedes has settled the case and agreed to distribute and adhere to a notice about employees' rights to organize a union. It also agreed to revoke discipline it had issued to one employee and not to threaten employees with loss of benefits if they unionize. Mercedes said it didn't admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. The UAW also has a separate petition with the NLRB to overturn the twenty twenty four election results, but that case is still pending."
The NLRB is a government group that helps make sure companies follow the rules when workers want to join unions and work together for better jobs.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is a U.S. government agency that enforces labor laws related to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. It oversees union elections and investigates complaints about employer interference.
United Auto Workers (UAW) unionization efforts
"Mercedes Benz reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board to not make anti union threats, which comes as part of a deal to resolve the case over the company's response to the uaw's organization efforts. Two years ago, workers at Mercedes plant in Alabama voted against joining the union, but the UAW alleged the. Company illegally interfered with. The vote, including retaliating against employees, which prevented a fair election. Now, Mercedes has settled the case and agreed to distribute and adhere to a notice about employees' rights to organize a union."
The UAW is a group that helps car factory workers get better pay and working conditions by working together. Sometimes, the company and the workers disagree about this.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is a labor union representing workers in the automotive industry. Unionization efforts involve organizing employees to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. These efforts can sometimes lead to disputes with employers.
Mercedes-Benz
"Mercedes Benz reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board to not make anti union threats, which comes as part of a deal to resolve the case over the company's response to the uaw's organization efforts. Two years ago, workers at Mercedes plant in Alabama voted against joining the union, but the UAW alleged the. Company illegally interfered with. The vote, including retaliating against employees, which prevented a fair election. Now, Mercedes has settled the case and agreed to distribute and adhere to a notice about employees' rights to organize a union."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car company from Germany that makes many types of cars, from small ones to big SUVs. They are known for making high-quality and fancy cars.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and performance models. It is a major player in the global automotive industry with a reputation for quality and innovation.
multiple powertrain types
"The new platform could support multiple powertrain types and is expected to enter production for global markets around twenty thirty and While compact vehicle development will now be done in China, development of Mercedes mid size and large vehicles will continue to be done in Germany,"
This means the car can have different ways to make it move, like gas engines, electric motors, or both together.
Multiple powertrain types means the vehicle platform can support different kinds of propulsion systems such as internal combustion engines, hybrids, or fully electric motors. This flexibility allows automakers to offer various versions of a model.
compact vehicle development
"Speaking of Mercedes Benz, according to a report in Car News China, for the first time in its history, Germany will no longer serve as the headquarters for the automaker's compact vehicle development. Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA. The new platform could support multiple powertrain types and is expected to enter production for global markets around twenty thirty and While compact vehicle development will now be done in China, development of Mercedes mid size and large vehicles will continue to be done in Germany,"
Making small cars that are easy to drive and save gas is called compact vehicle development. Car companies work on these cars to make them good for many people.
Compact vehicle development refers to the design and engineering process of smaller cars that are typically more fuel-efficient and affordable. Automakers often develop these vehicles on specialized platforms that can support various powertrain options.
vehicle electronics and electrical architecture
"Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA."
This means how all the electronic parts and wires in a car are designed and connected to make everything work properly, like lights, brakes, and screens.
Vehicle electronics and electrical architecture refers to the design and integration of electronic systems and wiring in modern cars. This includes control units, sensors, and communication networks that manage vehicle functions and enable advanced features.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
"Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA."
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small, fancy car that is good for people who want a nice car but not a big one. It has lots of cool features and is easier to drive in the city.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury hatchback or sedan that serves as the entry-level model in the Mercedes lineup. It features modern technology and premium features in a smaller, more affordable package.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
"Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA."
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small fancy car that looks sporty and has four doors. It's good for people who want a stylish and nice car that's not too big.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a compact luxury four-door coupe or sedan that offers sporty styling and premium features at a relatively affordable price point within the Mercedes lineup.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
"Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA."
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a small SUV that is fancy and easy to drive in the city. It sits higher than regular cars and can carry more things or people.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV that combines the agility of a small car with the higher seating position and versatility of an SUV. It is popular among urban drivers seeking a premium compact SUV.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
"Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA."
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a small fancy SUV that can fit more people than the GLA because it has an extra row of seats. It's good for families who want a nice car.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compact luxury SUV offering more interior space and optional third-row seating, blending practicality with premium features. It is positioned between the GLA and larger SUVs in the Mercedes lineup.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
"Mercedes is said to be negotiating a deal to use g Lei's vehicle electronics and electrical architecture for its next gen compacts like the A class B, Class GLA, GLB and CLA."
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a small fancy car that has more room inside than the A-Class. It's good for people who want a nice car that can carry more stuff or passengers.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or hatchback offering more space and versatility than the A-Class. It is designed for customers seeking a practical yet premium compact car.
electro-mechanical braking system
"X Seed, which is a brand under. Cherry, has kicked off production of the first mass produced model with an electro mechanical braking system. The Ex seven crossover doesn't feature any hydraulic brake lines, just wires that send signs to the mechanical brakes at each wheel. Cherry said it took three years to fully develop the system and get the interaction between the brake pedal and brakes just right."
This is a new kind of brake system that uses wires and electronic signals to make the brakes work instead of the usual brake fluid and pipes. It can make the brakes work faster and simpler, especially in electric cars.
An electro-mechanical braking system replaces traditional hydraulic brake lines with electronic signals that activate mechanical brakes at each wheel. This technology can improve brake response and reduce system complexity in electric vehicles.
Cherry
"X Seed, which is a brand under. Cherry, has kicked off production of the first mass produced model with an electro mechanical braking system. The Ex seven crossover doesn't feature any hydraulic brake lines, just wires that send signs to the mechanical brakes at each wheel."
Cherry is a car company from China that makes electric cars and owns the X Seed brand.
Cherry is a Chinese automotive company that owns the X Seed brand. It is involved in the production of electric vehicles and development of new automotive technologies.
X Seed
"X Seed, which is a brand under. Cherry, has kicked off production of the first mass produced model with an electro mechanical braking system. The Ex seven crossover doesn't feature any hydraulic brake lines, just wires that send signs to the mechanical brakes at each wheel."
X Seed is a car brand from China that makes electric cars and uses new technology to make their brakes work with wires instead of regular brake lines.
X Seed is a brand under the Chinese automaker Cherry that focuses on electric vehicles. It is notable for developing innovative technologies such as electro-mechanical braking systems in its vehicles.
chip costs
"X Seed also raised the price of its ET five Crossover one trim line is going up by seven hundred and twenty five dollars, which gives it a starting price of roughly twenty two five hundred dollars. Exceed says the price hike was related to rising chip costs."
Chip costs mean how much it costs to get the tiny computer parts inside cars that help them work. When these parts get more expensive, car prices go up too.
Chip costs refer to the price of semiconductor components used in modern vehicles for various electronic systems. Rising chip costs have affected vehicle prices globally due to supply chain disruptions and increased demand.
Ford Explorer
"American Pope American Pope mobile, while sort of, Ford gifted a one of a kind explorer to Pope Leo, which is expected to be used around the roads of the Vatican. Also fittingly, Pope Leo was born in Chicago, and so is the explorer at Ford's assembly plant in the city."
The Ford Explorer is a medium-sized SUV that many families use. It has lots of space inside and can be used for many things like driving around town or going on trips.
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV produced by Ford. It is known for its spacious interior, versatility, and is often used as a family vehicle or for various utility purposes.
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