AD #4266 - Nissan Says It Can’t Build Low-Cost Cars in U.S.; New York Auto Show Reveals; Mercedes Invests $4B In Alabama Plant
About this episode
Gas prices spiking worldwide are pushing shoppers toward EVs, with Tesla seeing a boost in France and robotaxis expanding despite regional turmoil. Apollo Go launched in Dubai and WeRide in Singapore, though both face teething issues—Apollo Go reportedly shut down mid-traffic in Wuhan, and Ford’s hands-free system has been linked to fatal crashes and driver complacency concerns. Nissan says it can’t build low-cost entry cars in the U.S. and is lobbying for tariff relief on Mexico-made models. Toyota is also doubling down on fuel cells for heavy trucks. The show rounds out with Mercedes’ $4B Alabama plant expansion, plus new model reveals from VW, Chrysler, and Kia.
gasoline prices
"Prices at the pump in South. Korea are over five dollars a gallon... and are a crippling eight dollars and sixty..."
When gas gets expensive, driving costs go up. That can push people to consider EVs to avoid those fuel costs.
The segment emphasizes how rising gasoline prices change consumer behavior and market demand. When fuel becomes expensive, buyers often look for alternatives like EVs to reduce ongoing costs.
EVs
"...the war in Iran is getting car shoppers all over the world to start hunting for evs as gasoline prices have hit a painful tipping point..."
EVs are cars that don’t use gasoline. They run on electricity, usually from a battery you charge.
EVs (electric vehicles) are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. In this segment, the speakers connect geopolitical conflict and high fuel prices to increased consumer interest in EVs.
Straits of Hormuz
"It gets most of its oil through the Straits of Hormuz and it's been badly affected by the war..."
This is a major shipping route for oil. If it’s disrupted, oil supply gets tighter and gas prices tend to rise.
The Straits of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Disruptions there can quickly raise fuel prices worldwide, which is why the segment links the Iran war to gasoline costs and EV demand.
robotaxis
"Robotaxis are popping up in cities all over the world, and here's the latest."
Robotaxis are self-driving cars you can summon like a taxi. They’re still working out bugs in real traffic.
Robotaxis are autonomous ride-hailing vehicles that operate with little or no human driving input. The segment uses them to illustrate how quickly autonomy is expanding, while also noting real-world reliability issues.
system malfunction
"...Apollo Go robotaxis suddenly shut down yesterday in the middle of traffic in Wuhan, reportedly due to a system malfunction..."
A system malfunction means the self-driving system had a problem and couldn’t operate correctly. That’s why robotaxis can sometimes shut down.
A system malfunction refers to a failure in the robotaxi’s software or sensors that prevents safe operation. The segment uses this as an example of why autonomous systems can still fail in complex, real-world traffic.
NTSB
"The NTSB, or National Traffic Safety Board, says some drivers become too complacent and don't pay attention when the system is engaged."
The NTSB is a U.S. safety agency that investigates crashes. In this segment, they’re saying driver inattention can still cause accidents even with assist features.
The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) is a U.S. agency that investigates transportation accidents and issues safety findings. Here, it’s cited to explain that driver inattention and complacency can be a major factor when driver-assist systems are active.
alcohol impairment
"Ford says that alcohol impairment was a key cause of the accidents."
Alcohol impairment refers to reduced driving ability due to intoxication. The segment says Ford attributed the accidents partly to alcohol impairment, which is important because it highlights that automation doesn’t eliminate human risk factors.
entry level cars
"...Christian Munir, says it can't build entry level cars in the US at the same cost as in Mexico because of the margins."
Entry-level cars are the cheaper models in a lineup. Nissan says the U.S. cost structure makes it hard to sell those cars at a competitive price.
“Entry level” refers to the lowest-priced trims/models in a brand’s lineup. The segment argues Nissan can’t match Mexico-based cost structures for these entry-level cars in the U.S., largely due to margins and tariff impacts.
margins
"...it can't build entry level cars in the US at the same cost as in Mexico because of the margins."
Margins are the difference between what a company earns from sales and what it costs to produce and deliver the vehicles. The segment ties margin pressure to Nissan’s decision-making about where to build cars and how tariffs affect profitability.
tariffs
"...lobbying the Trump administration to lower terraffs on vehicles made in Mexico... But Munir says the terraffs on those models are now costing Nissan... per vehicle."
Tariffs are extra taxes on imported goods. If cars are taxed more, they cost more to sell, which hurts pricing and sales.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported vehicles or parts, which can raise the final cost to automakers and consumers. The segment says Nissan is lobbying to lower tariffs on vehicles made in Mexico to benefit from lower labor costs.
Nissan Kicks
"Nissan makes the CenTra and Kicks in Mexico, and its Mexican made models accounted for more than a third of Nissan's US sales last year."
The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV model Nissan sells in the U.S. The podcast mentions it because it’s made in Mexico and tariffs affect how much it costs to bring to the U.S.
The Nissan Kicks is one of the Mexico-made models Nissan ships to the U.S. in this segment. It’s used as an example of how tariffs can materially change per-vehicle economics and pricing strategy.
fuel cell joint venture
"about the viability of fuel cells, but Toyota announced it's joining a fuel cell joint venture with Daimler Truck and Volvo called That's Elcentric. For three companies will jointly develop, produce, and commercialize fuel cell systems for big trucks and other heavy duty applications."
A fuel cell is a way to make electricity using hydrogen. This partnership is about building fuel-cell systems that can power big trucks and other heavy vehicles.
The segment discusses a fuel-cell joint venture aimed at developing and commercializing fuel cell systems. Fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity, which is especially relevant for heavy-duty vehicles where fast refueling and long range matter.
Daimler Truck
"Toyota announced it's joining a fuel cell joint venture with Daimler Truck and Volvo called That's Elcentric. For three companies will jointly develop, produce, and commercialize fuel cell systems for big trucks and other heavy duty applications."
Daimler Truck makes trucks. Here, they’re teaming up to help develop fuel-cell technology for heavy vehicles.
Daimler Truck is a major commercial-vehicle manufacturer that partners on heavy-duty powertrain initiatives. In this context, it’s part of the fuel-cell collaboration focused on trucks.
Volvo
"Toyota announced it's joining a fuel cell joint venture with Daimler Truck and Volvo called That's Elcentric. For three companies will jointly develop, produce, and commercialize fuel cell systems for big trucks and other heavy duty applications."
Volvo is a vehicle company, known for trucks and cars. In this story, they’re working with others to develop fuel-cell power for heavy vehicles.
Volvo is included as a partner in the fuel-cell venture, reflecting how European truck makers are investing in alternative powertrains. The goal is to build fuel-cell systems suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Nvidia
"Ava is a silicon Valley company that's developed forty LDAR and was chosen by Nvidia to be part of its av Stack. Ad. Intrepid we produce network hardware and software solutions enabling vehicle manufacturers to innovate and design the next generation of modern mobility."
Nvidia makes powerful computer chips and AI tools. The mention here suggests Nvidia is using Ava’s technology as part of the “software and hardware stack” for self-driving systems.
Nvidia is a major computing and AI platform company whose hardware and software are widely used in autonomous-vehicle development. The segment says Ava was chosen by Nvidia to be part of its AV stack, linking sensing companies to the broader AI compute ecosystem.
Intrepid
"Intrepid we produce network hardware and software solutions enabling vehicle manufacturers to innovate and design the next generation of modern mobility. Delivering scalable next generation solutions requires thorough testing validation of vehicle platforms."
Intrepid is a tech company that helps car makers test and improve vehicles. They provide tools for collecting data, running simulations, and updating vehicle software remotely.
Intrepid is described as providing network hardware and software solutions for vehicle manufacturers. The segment highlights its role in testing and validating vehicle platforms using data collection, simulation, and remote updates.
remote update deployment
"Intrepid's Neovi Cloud platform provides real time data collection, instant cloud upload, intelligent detection, advanced issue analysis, root cause identification, and remote update deployment. All of these steps ensure vehicles are cleared for production and ready for the road."
Remote update deployment means updating a car’s software over the internet. Instead of going to a shop, the car can receive updates from home or while driving.
Remote update deployment refers to over-the-air (OTA) software updates delivered to vehicles without a dealer visit. It’s tied to validation and issue analysis so updates can be safely rolled out to production-ready vehicles.
$4 billion investment
"Mercedes is making a huge investment into its plant in Alabama. The automaker announced it will invest four billion dollars by twenty thirty. That's a massive investment."
Mercedes-Benz is planning a very large investment in its Alabama factory. Big factory money like this usually means they’re expanding production or preparing to build new models.
The segment centers on Mercedes-Benz investing $4B into its Alabama plant by 2030. Large capital investments like this typically indicate major capacity expansion, new model introductions, or new powertrain/production processes.
Mercedes GLC SUV
"Mercedes also says GLC SUV production will be added to the plant in the next few years, but with such a big investment, we wonder if it will also add engine and transmission production. The Tuscaloosa plant has been in operation for thirty years and the five millionth SUV recently rolled off the line."
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a smaller SUV in Mercedes’ lineup. The podcast says Mercedes plans to start building it at the Alabama factory.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact luxury SUV that the segment says will be added to production at the Alabama plant. This is important because it suggests the factory’s product mix is expanding beyond the current GLE/GLS and EQ/EQS lines.
power trains
"Let's start with the full size GLS. It's available with three power trains. Its six cylinder gas engine has been updated and now has twelve percent more torque than before."
A powertrain is the system that makes the car move. It can be gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric—depending on the vehicle.
“Powertrains” refers to the complete set of components that generate and deliver power—such as engines, transmissions, and in EVs, electric drive systems. The segment uses it to describe how the Mercedes GLS will be offered with multiple propulsion options.
torque
"Its six cylinder gas engine has been updated and now has twelve percent more torque than before. It's V eight was also updated with more horsepower and torque, and two six cylinder diesels are available."
Torque is the force that helps the car pull and accelerate. More torque usually means it feels stronger, especially when you’re starting from low speeds.
Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, strongly influencing acceleration feel and low-speed pulling power. The segment notes an updated six-cylinder gas engine has “twelve percent more torque,” highlighting a key performance/driveability improvement.
horsepower
"It's V eight was also updated with more horsepower and torque, and two six cylinder diesels are available. Now let's look"
Horsepower is a way to describe how strong the engine is. More horsepower generally helps the car feel faster, especially at higher speeds.
Horsepower is a measure of an engine’s power output, often associated with how strongly it can sustain higher speeds. The segment says the GLS’s V8 was updated with more horsepower and torque, indicating both peak power and overall performance improvements.
plug in hybrid
"but the GLE will also offer a plug in hybrid with an all electric range of one hundred and six kilometers or sixty five miles based on the. [375.2s] Speaker 2: WLTP test cycle."
A plug-in hybrid can run on electricity and also has a gas engine. You can charge it like an EV, and it can drive for a while on electricity alone.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) uses both an electric motor and an internal-combustion engine. It can be charged from an external power source, allowing a meaningful electric-only driving range before the gas engine takes over.
Penastar V6
"[463.8s] It's still powered by a three point six liter Penastar V six. The pe have remains dead, and it's still [470.0s] available with all wheel drive."
The Pentastar V6 is the engine Chrysler uses in the Pacifica. Here, they’re saying the refreshed minivan still uses the same basic engine.
The Pentastar V6 is Chrysler’s well-known V6 engine family used across multiple models. In this segment, it’s specifically mentioned as the Pacifica’s engine, indicating the refresh is not a major powertrain change.
all wheel drive
"[470.0s] available with all wheel drive. The brand will also continue [473.8s] to offer the old body style with a few less features"
All-wheel drive helps the car grip better by sending power to all four wheels. It can be useful in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in rain, snow, and uneven conditions. The segment notes the Pacifica remains available with AWD.
naturally aspirated
"There's three powertrain options, a [502.6s] naturally aspirated two leader, a one point six liter turbot that makes about one hundred and ninety horse power"
Naturally aspirated means the engine doesn’t use a turbo to force air in. It breathes in air normally through the intake.
Naturally aspirated engines rely on atmospheric pressure for air intake rather than a turbocharger. In this segment, it’s used to describe one of the Seltos powertrain options.
turbo
"a one point six liter turbot that makes about one hundred and ninety horse power and comes standard with all wheel drive"
A turbo is a device that helps the engine make more power by pushing extra air into it. That’s why smaller engines can feel stronger.
A turbocharger forces more air into the engine, which can increase power and efficiency compared with a non-turbo setup of similar size. The segment notes a 1.6-liter turbo option for the Seltos.
dual twelve point three inch display screens
"and like the Celtouse, the EV three also comes standard with dual twelve point three inch display screens. Sales kickoff in the US late this year, but no word on pricing yet."
The car has two big screens inside. They usually handle things like navigation, music, and driving settings.
Dual large displays indicate a cabin design that uses two screens for driver information, navigation, media, and vehicle settings. This often reflects a more software-driven user interface in modern EVs.
over the Air
"When it Really Matters CSP, the Composites Solution partner Intrepid Control Systems over the Air Engineering boost your game and thanks to the following YouTube and Patreon members."
Over-the-air updates mean the car can get software updates wirelessly. That can add features or fix problems without you going to a shop.
“Over the Air” (OTA) updates let a vehicle receive software updates wirelessly. This is increasingly important for EVs and modern cars because it enables bug fixes, feature additions, and sometimes calibration changes without a dealer visit.
electrification
"The automotive and industrial sectors are undergoing historic transformation electrification, digitalization, supply chain reinvention, regulatory shifts."
Electrification means more vehicles are being powered by electricity instead of gasoline. It changes how cars are built and how people charge them.
Electrification is the shift from internal-combustion vehicles to electric powertrains (EVs, hybrids, and related infrastructure). It affects everything from battery supply chains to charging standards and regulatory compliance.
digitalization
"The automotive and industrial sectors are undergoing historic transformation electrification, digitalization, supply chain reinvention, regulatory shifts."
Digitalization means cars and factories are using more software and data. In everyday terms, it can lead to better screens, connectivity, and remote updates.
Digitalization refers to using software, data, and connected systems to improve vehicle development and operations. In cars, it often shows up as connected services, advanced driver interfaces, and OTA capabilities.
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