AD #4309 - Kia Sets Sales Record Thanks to Hybrids; Tesla Faces FSD Lawsuit in China; Foxconn Takes Orders for 2nd EV
About this episode
Foxtron is taking pre-orders in Taiwan for its second EV, the Kavira, with an ~83 kWh battery and pricing around $40k. Bentley’s V8 hybrid update moves from the Continental to the Flying Spur, with AWD and 0–60 mph in about 3.6 seconds. Tesla, meanwhile, is renaming supervised FSD in China to “Tesla Assisted” as a lawsuit challenges its claims. Hyundai and Kia hybrid sales also surged, while MG plans its first European plant in Spain.
Stellantis
"Stillanta says Pougeo will [16.8s] be the first brand to use its all new platform called Stella one. Pougeot's going to get three C segment [26.7s] models that will come with hybrid power trains or as pure battery electrics, and all three will be built at the Mohouse plant in France. So the company is committing"
Stellantis is a big car company that makes lots of different brands. Here, they’re talking about building new car technology and spending money to launch new models.
Stellantis is a major global automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. In this segment, it’s described as developing a new vehicle platform and investing heavily to support upcoming models.
Stella one
"Stillanta says Pougeo will [10.6s] be the first brand to use its all new platform called Stella one. Pougeot's going to get three C segment [16.8s] models that will come with hybrid power trains or as pure battery electrics"
“Stella one” is the shared design and engineering base for a set of new cars. It helps the company build different models without starting from scratch each time.
“Stella one” is described as Stellantis’s new vehicle platform. A platform is the shared engineering “base” (hardpoints, electronics architecture, and production approach) that can underpin multiple models and powertrains.
hybrid power trains
"Pougeot's going to get three C segment [16.8s] models that will come with hybrid power trains or as pure battery electrics"
A hybrid powertrain uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. It can save fuel by using electricity part of the time and recharging when you slow down.
A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce emissions by using electricity for some driving and by recovering energy during deceleration.
C segment
"Pougeot's going to get three C segment [16.8s] models that will come with hybrid power trains or as pure battery electrics, and all three will be built at the Mohouse plant in France."
“C segment” is a way car makers and reviewers sort cars by size. It generally means compact cars in the European market.
“C segment” is an industry classification for a size class of passenger cars (roughly the compact-car category in Europe). It’s used to group vehicles by typical dimensions and market positioning rather than a specific model name.
smart cockpit
"Thanks to Stella one, they'll feature [38.8s] Stillantis's new smart cockpit in software technology. The brand will [43.4s] also get two more B segment models"
A “smart cockpit” is the car’s digital dashboard and controls—basically the software and screens you interact with while driving. It can include navigation, apps, and vehicle settings.
A “smart cockpit” refers to the digital driver environment—typically a combination of screens, connectivity, and software features that control vehicle functions and user interfaces. In this segment, it’s tied to software technology coming with the new platform.
B segment
"The brand will [43.4s] also get two more B segment models based on the same platform, which is designed to eventually support over thirty models"
“B segment” is a size category for smaller cars. It’s a common way car makers talk about how big a vehicle is compared with others.
“B segment” is another European vehicle size class, typically covering smaller cars than the C segment (often called subcompact/compact in broader terms). It’s a market category used for planning and comparing vehicle sizes.
Fox Cohn
"Foxtron, [63.1s] the EV subsidiary of Fox Cohn, is now taking pre orders in Taiwan for its second EV called the Kavira"
Fox Cohn is the company behind an EV-focused business unit. They’re talking about taking orders for a new electric vehicle in Taiwan.
Fox Cohn is referenced as the parent behind an EV-focused subsidiary in the segment. The key point here is corporate structure: the EV business is described as taking pre-orders in Taiwan for a second EV model.
Kavira
"Foxtron, [63.1s] the EV subsidiary of Fox Cohn, is now taking pre orders in Taiwan for its second EV called the Kavira, with a starting price of about forty thousand dollars. [74.1s] The [74.1s] vehicle is roughly the same size as a Tesla Model Y and features a nearly eighty three kilowatt hour battery pack."
The Foxtron Kavira is an electric SUV that’s about the same size as a Tesla Model Y. It comes in two versions—one with power sent to the rear wheels and another with power to all four wheels.
Foxtron Kavira is an electric SUV-sized EV (described as similar in size to a Tesla Model Y) with a large battery pack. The segment highlights its two power variants: a rear-drive version and an all-wheel-drive version with substantially higher output.
Foxtron
"Foxtron, [63.1s] the EV subsidiary of Fox Cohn, is now taking pre orders in Taiwan for its second EV called the Kavira, with a starting price of about forty thousand dollars."
Foxtron is the electric-vehicle brand being discussed. They’re selling one EV already and taking pre-orders for another new one.
Foxtron is the EV brand/sub-brand mentioned here, positioned as an electric-vehicle maker with multiple models. In this segment, Foxtron is taking pre-orders for the Kavira and also selling the Bria in Taiwan.
Tesla Model Y
"The [74.1s] vehicle is roughly the same size as a Tesla Model Y and features a nearly eighty three kilowatt hour battery pack. [81.2s] There's two drive variants"
Tesla Model Y is the comparison car used to describe how big the Kavira is. If you know the Model Y, you can picture the Kavira’s general size.
Tesla Model Y is used as a reference point for the Kavira’s size, implying the Kavira targets a similar buyer segment. Model Y is a widely known compact electric crossover, so it’s a convenient benchmark for “how big” the new EV feels.
kilowatt hour battery pack
"The [74.1s] vehicle is roughly the same size as a Tesla Model Y and features a nearly eighty three kilowatt hour battery pack. [81.2s] There's two drive variants"
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack is how much energy the battery can store. More kWh usually means you can drive farther, but it also depends on how efficiently the car uses that energy.
A “kilowatt hour battery pack” is the battery capacity measured in kWh, which roughly indicates how much electrical energy the pack can store. Higher kWh typically supports longer driving range, though real-world range also depends on efficiency and vehicle weight.
all wheel drive
"[81.2s] There's two drive variants, a rear drive that makes almost two hundred and fifty horse power and an all wheel drive setup that makes about four hundred and seventy horse power."
All-wheel drive means power goes to all four wheels. That can help the car grip the road better, especially when conditions are wet or slippery.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, which can improve traction and stability—especially on slippery surfaces. In EVs, AWD is often implemented with motors on both axles, enabling stronger acceleration and better grip.
rear drive
"[81.2s] There's two drive variants, a rear drive that makes almost two hundred and fifty horse power and an all wheel drive setup that makes about four hundred and seventy horse power."
“Rear drive” means the car powers the rear wheels. It’s one of the two drivetrain options being offered for the Kavira.
“Rear drive” here means rear-wheel drive, where the electric motors send torque primarily to the rear axle. It’s often used as a baseline configuration because it can be simpler and sometimes cheaper than all-wheel drive.
Bria
"There's two drive variants, a rear drive that makes almost two hundred and fifty horse power and an all wheel drive setup that makes about four hundred and seventy horse power. [91.2s] Foxtron's other model, the Bria, is smaller and already on sale in Taiwan with a starting price of about thirty thousand bucks."
The Foxtron Bria is a smaller electric car that’s already being sold in Taiwan. It’s described as cheaper than the Kavira.
Foxtron Bria is the smaller EV model mentioned as already on sale in Taiwan. The segment positions it as a lower-priced option compared with the Kavira.
rebadged
"Mitsubishi will get a rebadged. [101.5s] Version of this model, which it plans to sell in Australia and New Zealand."
A rebadged car is basically the same vehicle sold under a different brand name. The main changes are usually badges and styling, not the core engineering.
A rebadged vehicle is one that’s built by one manufacturer but sold by another under a different brand name. Enthusiasts often care because rebadging can mean the same platform and powertrain, with differences mainly in exterior trim and branding.
Bentley Continental
"Last year, Bentley introduced its new [109.7s] V eight hybrid platform with the Continental. Now the same upgrades, [114.0s] including the styling, are making their way over to what is basically the sedan version of that car, Lying Spur."
Bentley Continental is mentioned as the car that got Bentley’s new V8 hybrid system first. Then the same improvements are said to be coming to the Flying Spur.
Bentley Continental is referenced as the earlier model that received Bentley’s new V8 hybrid platform first. The segment then says the same upgrades are moving to the Flying Spur, making Continental the “donor” for the technology.
Bentley Flying Spur
"Last year, Bentley introduced its new [109.7s] V eight hybrid platform with the Continental. Now the same upgrades, [114.0s] including the styling, are making their way over to what is basically the sedan version of that car, Lying Spur. [121.5s] The hybrid setup makes roughly six hundred and seventy five horse power, sending power to all four wheels"
The Bentley Flying Spur is Bentley’s luxury sedan. In this update, it’s getting a V8 hybrid system that powers all four wheels and is described as very quick.
Bentley Flying Spur is the sedan version of Bentley’s hybrid platform update mentioned in the segment. The host describes a V8 hybrid setup that drives all four wheels and delivers very strong acceleration, positioning it as a high-performance luxury hybrid.
V eight hybrid platform
"Last year, Bentley introduced its new [109.7s] V eight hybrid platform with the Continental. Now the same upgrades, [114.0s] including the styling, are making their way over to what is basically the sedan version of that car, Lying Spur."
A V8 hybrid platform means the car uses a V8 engine plus an electric motor and battery. “Platform” here implies the hybrid system is built into the car’s core design, not just added on.
A “V8 hybrid platform” combines a V8 gasoline engine with hybrid-electric components (like a motor/generator and battery) integrated at the architecture level. The platform approach means the hybrid system is designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle’s drivetrain and electronics.
zero to sixty miles an hour
"The hybrid setup makes roughly six hundred and seventy five horse power, sending power to all four wheels and moving the sedan from zero to sixty miles an hour in three point six seconds."
“Zero to sixty” is how fast a car can accelerate from a stop to 60 mph. It’s a quick way to compare acceleration between cars.
“Zero to sixty miles an hour” (0–60 mph) is a common acceleration metric that measures how quickly a car reaches 60 mph from a standstill. It’s used as a simple, comparable performance benchmark across vehicles.
MG
"While MG can trace its roots back to the UK to nineteen twenty four. China's SEIC took over ownership in [146.7s] two thousand and seven, and under that new leadership, MG just announced it will build its first European manufacturing facility."
MG is the car brand in this story. They’re planning a new factory in Europe and say production should start in 2028.
MG is the car brand discussed as planning its first European manufacturing facility. The segment ties MG’s European plant investment to production starting in 2028 and a stated annual capacity.
SEIC
"China's SEIC took over ownership in [146.7s] two thousand and seven, and under that new leadership, MG just announced it will build its first European manufacturing facility."
SEIC is mentioned as the company that took over MG’s ownership. It’s basically the corporate parent behind MG’s current plans.
SEIC is described as having taken ownership of MG in 2007. In this context, it’s a corporate ownership detail that explains how MG’s current direction is tied to a specific parent company.
Spain
"It's investing about two hundred million euros for a new plant in Spain, which will also house. [160.3s] Speaker 1: An R and D center."
Spain is where MG plans to build its new European factory. The plan includes both production and a research and development center.
Spain is named as the country where MG will build a new European manufacturing facility. The segment also says the plant will include an R&D center, making it more than just an assembly site.
R and D center
"It's investing about two hundred million euros for a new plant in Spain, which will also house. [160.3s] Speaker 1: An R and D center. [162.0s] Speaker 2: Cars are expected to start rolling down the line in twenty twenty eight"
An R&D center is where a company does research and development—basically working on new ideas and improving products. Here, MG says its new European plant will include one.
An R&D center is a research and development facility where engineers and designers work on new technologies, product improvements, and future vehicle programs. It’s mentioned as part of MG’s planned European plant.
tariff
"sales in Europe have outperformed other Chinese automakers, but it still faces a forty five point three percent tariff on the evs that it ships to the region, which is the highest of any automaker, so the new plant could have a big impact on profits."
A tariff is a tax on imported products. If an EV has a big tariff when it’s shipped to Europe, it can make the car more expensive and hurt profits.
A tariff is a tax applied to imported goods, often used to protect domestic industries or influence trade. Here, the segment says the EVs shipped to Europe face a 45.3% tariff, which can significantly affect pricing and profit margins for the automaker involved.
Supervised FSD
"Last week, Tesla changed the name of Supervised FSD or full self driving in China. It's now called Tesla Assisted."
This is Tesla’s driver-assist system that helps with driving, but you still have to pay attention and be ready to take over. It’s not truly “self-driving” without a person involved.
“Supervised FSD” is Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” feature set that still requires a human driver to monitor and be ready to take over. It’s not fully autonomous in the way the name can imply, because the system is designed to operate under supervision rather than replace the driver entirely.
Tesla Assisted
"It's now called Tesla Assisted. Driving, which was done to satisfy regulators who thought the old name implied it's a fully autonomous system, which it's not, but Tesla could still be penalized over the feature."
Tesla renamed its help-with-driving feature in China to make it clearer that it’s assistance, not full self-driving. The point is to reduce confusion about whether the car can drive by itself.
“Tesla Assisted” is the renamed label for Tesla’s supervised driver-assist capability in China. The change is meant to avoid the implication that the system is fully autonomous, which regulators may view as misleading.
assisted driving
"The plaintiffs argue that the assisted driving feeture hasn't been approved by Chinese regulators and can't deliver its advertised functions, so they're seeking five hundred and eighty three thousand dollars in damages."
Assisted driving means the car helps you drive, but it doesn’t fully replace you. You’re still responsible for watching the road and taking over if needed.
Assisted driving refers to driver-assist systems that help with tasks like steering, lane keeping, or speed control, but don’t remove the need for driver supervision. In this segment, the lawsuit argument is that the “assisted” system wasn’t approved as advertised by Chinese regulators.
Tesla Model 3
"It delivered nearly eighty six thousand model wis and threes built at its Shanghai plant in May, up eight percent from April..."
The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s popular electric car. This segment is talking about how many Model 3s Tesla built in China and how that affects sales and exports.
The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s mass-market electric sedan, and it’s one of the company’s key volume drivers. In this segment, the host cites China production from Tesla’s Shanghai plant, tying Model 3 output to export and sales momentum.
Shanghai plant
"It delivered nearly eighty six thousand model wis and threes built at its Shanghai plant in May, up eight percent from April..."
This is Tesla’s factory in Shanghai, China. Cars built there can be sold in China and shipped to other countries, so it matters for Tesla’s sales numbers.
Tesla’s Shanghai plant is the company’s major manufacturing site in China, producing vehicles for both domestic sales and exports. Because it’s the source of the “China-made” deliveries mentioned here, it directly affects Tesla’s ability to respond to demand and pricing in multiple regions.
hybrid sales
"Both brands saw a surge in hybrid sales last month. Hyundai's were up ninety percent while Kias soared one hundred and seventy nine percent."
Hybrid sales means how many hybrid cars were sold. Hybrids use both a gas engine and an electric motor, and the episode is saying those models are selling much better recently.
Hybrid sales refer to sales of vehicles that combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. In this segment, the big hybrid growth percentages are used to explain why Hyundai and Kia’s overall sales improved.
federal tax credit
"And despite no more federal tax credit for Electricshunday posted a ten percent increase in EV sales last month."
A federal tax credit is money off your taxes from the government if you buy certain vehicles. The episode says that incentive for EVs is no longer available, which can change how many people buy them.
A federal tax credit is a government incentive that reduces a buyer’s tax bill for qualifying purchases, such as certain electric vehicles. The segment notes that there is no more federal tax credit for EVs, which can affect demand and pricing dynamics.
Cox Automotive
"based on forecasts from Jdpower Global Data and Cox Automotive. That brings us to the end of today's show."
This is a company that tracks the auto industry and publishes forecasts. The episode is using its forecast to estimate how car deliveries might change.
Cox Automotive is an automotive data and analytics company that provides industry insights, including sales and market forecasts. Here, it’s referenced as a source for expected US delivery growth.
Jdpower Global Data
"but May sales are expected to increase for the first time this year, with deliveries up zero point one to one point nine percent based on forecasts from Jdpower Global Data and Cox Automotive."
This is a company that studies car sales and makes forecasts. The episode uses its predictions to estimate whether US deliveries will rise or fall.
J.D. Power Global Data is a market-research organization that tracks automotive sales and provides forecasts. In this segment, the host cites its forecasts (along with Cox Automotive) to estimate how US sales might change.
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