{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"AI, Trade Agreements and the Economics Behind Mobility with Kristin Dziczek, Senior Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ai-trade-agreements-and-the-economics-behind-mobility-with-kristin-dziczek-senior-policy-advisor-for-the-federal-reserve-bank-of-chicago","audioUrl":"https://content.rss.com/episodes/365924/2876767/the-mobility-table/2026_06_01_20_13_47_e5dddbd5-adf6-4a0c-8d69-8f169c7271a2.mp3","description":"Kristin Dziczek took a seat at The Mobility Table with Jeannine and Bernard to discuss the implementation of AI within the automotive industry, the impact of the mobility industry on the broader economy in Detroit and the impacts of the USMCA trade agreement review.Kristin Dziczek currently acts as a senior policy advisor to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s research, policy and public engagement division. Before her position at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Kristin served as the senior vice president of research at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).  "},"annotations":[{"startTime":527.0,"endTime":536.0,"type":"term","title":"overhead camshafts","url":"/glossary/overhead-camshafts","quote":"I remember getting excited about rolled fillets on crankshafts and engines and, you know, overhead camshafts and things like that.","canonicalId":"term:overhead-camshafts","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overhead camshafts (OHC) are an engine design where the camshaft(s) sit in the cylinder head instead of lower in the engine block. That layout can improve how precisely the engine controls valve timing, which helps performance and efficiency. Many modern engines use OHC because it supports higher revving and more advanced valve control.","simplifiedExplanation":"An overhead camshaft is an engine design where the camshaft is up in the top part of the engine (the cylinder head). That helps the engine open and close the valves more accurately. More accurate valve timing can mean smoother running and better power."}},{"startTime":527.0,"endTime":532.0,"type":"term","title":"crankshafts","url":"/glossary/crankshafts","quote":"I remember getting excited about rolled fillets on crankshafts and engines and, you know, overhead camshafts and things like that.","canonicalId":"term:crankshafts","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A crankshaft is the rotating shaft inside an engine that converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotational motion. It’s central to how an engine produces usable power to drive the wheels. When people talk about “crankshaft” tech, they’re usually referring to strength, bearing design, and how smoothly it can spin at high RPM.","simplifiedExplanation":"The crankshaft is the main rotating part inside an engine. It takes the piston’s back-and-forth motion and turns it into spinning power. That spinning power is what ultimately gets sent to the drivetrain."}},{"startTime":546.1,"endTime":549.6,"type":"term","title":"drones","url":"/glossary/drones","quote":"I'm sure we'll probably get into it, drones and things like that. But I mean, that didn't exist back then.","canonicalId":"term:drones","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Drones are unmanned aircraft that can be controlled remotely or autonomously, often using onboard sensors and GPS. In mobility policy discussions, drones usually come up as a potential new way to move people or deliver goods. The relevance is that the same AI, connectivity, and safety engineering themes can carry over from cars to air mobility.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drones are flying machines that don’t have a pilot inside. They can be controlled remotely or fly on their own using sensors. People discuss them as a possible new transportation option, especially for deliveries."}},{"startTime":563.3,"endTime":568.7,"type":"concept","title":"mobility industry","url":"/glossary/mobility-industry","quote":"I feel like this is one thing that makes the industry, if we can think of it as a mobility industry that much more attractive to young people, right?","canonicalId":"concept:mobility-industry","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Mobility industry” is a broader framing than “automotive industry,” covering all the ways people and goods move—cars, public transit, logistics, and increasingly drones and other connected systems. The concept matters because it changes what counts as competition and innovation: not just new car models, but new transportation services and infrastructure. That’s why the speaker ties together electrification, self-driving, and drones under one umbrella.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Mobility industry” means the whole world of transportation, not just making cars. It includes how people and goods move—like driving, transit, delivery, and even new options like drones. The idea is that innovation can happen across many types of transportation."}},{"startTime":572.8,"endTime":581.1,"type":"term","title":"drive themselves","url":"/glossary/drive-themselves","quote":"we have these fantastic new technologies that we're deploying vehicles that are electric powered or that drive themselves, but also the entre gives you into drones and other things.","canonicalId":"term:drive-themselves","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Drive themselves” points to autonomous driving systems—software and sensors that can control steering, acceleration, and braking without continuous human input. In automotive terms, this is typically discussed as levels of automation, from driver assistance to fully autonomous operation. The big mobility implication is that vehicles can be used differently (and potentially more efficiently) than conventional cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Drive themselves” means the vehicle can control how it steers and speeds up/brakes using sensors and software. Depending on the system, a person may still supervise or may not be required at all. It’s part of the move toward self-driving cars."}},{"startTime":572.8,"endTime":577.5,"type":"term","title":"electric powered","url":"/glossary/electric-powered","quote":"we have these fantastic new technologies that we're deploying vehicles that are electric powered or that drive themselves, but also the entre gives you into drones and other things.","canonicalId":"term:electric-powered","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Electric powered” refers to vehicles that use electric motors for propulsion, typically via a battery and power electronics. In mobility discussions, this usually means battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and sometimes plug-in hybrids, depending on context. The key shift is that propulsion and energy management are handled electrically rather than by an internal-combustion engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Electric powered” means the car uses an electric motor to move instead of relying on a gasoline engine. Usually it’s powered by a battery you can charge. The driving system is controlled electronically."}},{"startTime":585.5,"endTime":589.6,"type":"concept","title":"electrification rates","url":"/glossary/electrification-rates","quote":"I, you know, yes, there may be some pessimism about electrification rates, things like that.","canonicalId":"concept:electrification-rates","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Electrification rates describe how quickly transportation is shifting from gasoline/diesel to electric power (usually measured by EV sales share, EV adoption, or charging infrastructure growth). Policy and economics discussions often focus on whether that transition is happening fast enough to meet environmental and energy goals. The phrase implies a measurable pace, not just the existence of EV technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrification rates mean how fast people are switching from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. It’s basically a “how quickly is the change happening?” number. Policymakers watch it to see if the transition is moving fast enough."}},{"startTime":955.06,"endTime":973.4,"type":"company","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"I will point out, however, even the legacies like GM and Ford\n[959.0s] recognize this, you know, Ford created Skunkworks out in California to come","canonicalId":"company:gm","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"GM is General Motors, a major legacy automaker. In this segment, it’s mentioned as an example of a traditional automaker trying to change how it builds cars and software.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM is General Motors, a big old-school car company. The host is saying even companies like GM are trying to change how they make cars and software."}},{"startTime":955.06,"endTime":983.4,"type":"company","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"I will point out, however, even the legacies like GM and Ford\n[959.0s] recognize this, you know, Ford created Skunkworks out in California to come","canonicalId":"company:ford","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ford is a legacy automaker that the host credits with creating a “Skunkworks” effort in California. The point is that established automakers are trying to break from older processes to develop new manufacturing and EV strategies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a long-established car company. The host is saying Ford set up a special team to try new ways of making cars, especially for electric vehicles."}},{"startTime":959.0,"endTime":963.9,"type":"concept","title":"Skunkworks","url":"/glossary/skunkworks","quote":"[959.0s] recognize this, you know, Ford created Skunkworks out in California to come\n[963.9s] up with a radically different way of manufacturing cars to slash the cost of\n[969.0s] making an EV.","canonicalId":"concept:skunkworks","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Skunkworks” refers to a small, semi-independent team set up to develop new technology quickly, often outside normal corporate processes. In the segment, it’s used to describe Ford’s attempt to rethink car manufacturing to reduce EV costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “skunkworks” is a special fast-moving team inside a company. The idea is to experiment and build new tech without the usual slow rules."}},{"startTime":963.9,"endTime":969.0,"type":"concept","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"up with a radically different way of manufacturing cars to slash the cost of\n[969.0s] making an EV.\n[973.4s] General Motors has set up its software and product development","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"EV stands for electric vehicle—cars (and sometimes trucks) powered primarily by electric motors and batteries. The host connects EV development to manufacturing cost reduction and to how legacy automakers are reorganizing software and product development.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV means electric vehicle. It’s a car that runs mainly on electricity from a battery, and the discussion here is about making those cars cheaper to build."}},{"startTime":1014.9,"endTime":1024.5,"type":"concept","title":"VTOL","url":"/glossary/vtol","quote":"Well, you know, the whole VTOL thing, you\n[1014.9s] know, I call them drones. Don't talk to the VTOL manufacturers and call them\n[1019.7s] drones. They hate that. They call them vertical takeoff or landing.","canonicalId":"concept:vtol","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"VTOL means vertical takeoff or landing, describing aircraft that can lift off and land vertically instead of needing a runway. The host frames VTOL as potentially “revolutionary” for mobility, while noting manufacturers may prefer the technical term over “drones.”","simplifiedExplanation":"VTOL is a type of aircraft that can take off and land straight up and down. The host thinks this could change how people move around, but the companies prefer the VTOL wording."}},{"startTime":1027.5,"endTime":1033.2,"type":"concept","title":"last mile delivery","url":"/glossary/last-mile-delivery","quote":"It's right on our doorstep. It's\n[1027.5s] happening right now. We've seen things like last mile delivery kind of\n[1033.2s] approaches, whether it's, you know, electric scooters.","canonicalId":"concept:last-mile-delivery","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Last mile delivery is the final step of getting goods from a local hub to the customer’s doorstep. The segment treats it as a key “new mobility” use case where small vehicles and automation can reduce delivery friction and cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"Last mile delivery is the final leg of shipping—getting a package from a nearby location to your home. The host is saying this is one area where new delivery tech is already being tried."}},{"startTime":1033.2,"endTime":1040.3,"type":"term","title":"electric scooters","url":"/glossary/electric-scooters","quote":"last mile delivery kind of\n[1033.2s] approaches, whether it's, you know, electric scooters.\n[1040.3s] I think there's even going to be a lot of more interest in pedal vehicles, electric assist,","canonicalId":"term:electric-scooters","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Electric scooters are small, battery-powered personal mobility devices used for short trips, often in cities. In this segment, they’re cited as part of “new mobility” options that move people and goods differently than traditional cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electric scooters are scooters powered by a battery and electric motor. They’re often used for short rides, and the host is listing them as examples of newer mobility tools."}},{"startTime":1040.3,"endTime":1044.7,"type":"term","title":"e-bikes","url":"/glossary/e-bikes","quote":"I think there's even going to be a lot of more interest in pedal vehicles, electric assist, you\n[1044.7s] know, e-bikes are all over the place. Absolutely.","canonicalId":"term:e-bikes","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"E-bikes are bicycles with an electric motor that assists pedaling, typically using a rechargeable battery. The host mentions them as a growing category of “pedal vehicles” that can make commuting easier without relying on a car.","simplifiedExplanation":"E-bikes are regular bikes with a battery-powered motor that helps you pedal. The host is saying they’re becoming more popular as a practical alternative for short trips."}},{"startTime":1053.3,"endTime":1059.4,"type":"place","title":"Ann Arbor","url":"/glossary/ann-arbor","quote":"And autonomy. We're going to have all kinds of autonomous\n[1053.3s] little, you know, we have already seen that in Ann Arbor. You know, Domino's was\n[1059.4s] experimenting.","canonicalId":"place:ann-arbor","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ann Arbor is a city in Michigan where the host says autonomous delivery vehicles have already been demonstrated. It’s used as an example of real-world testing for new mobility tech.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ann Arbor is a city in Michigan. The host is using it as an example of where autonomous delivery has already been tried."}},{"startTime":1053.3,"endTime":1067.4,"type":"concept","title":"autonomy","url":"/glossary/autonomy","quote":"And autonomy. We're going to have all kinds of autonomous\n[1053.3s] little, you know, we have already seen that in Ann Arbor. You know, Domino's was\n[1059.4s] experimenting. I think it was Domino's. I hope I got that right.","canonicalId":"concept:autonomy","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In automotive and mobility contexts, autonomy refers to vehicles or robots operating with minimal or no human control. The host connects autonomy to real-world delivery experiments using small autonomous vehicles that navigate sidewalks.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomy here means self-driving behavior—vehicles or robots doing the driving themselves. The host is talking about delivery robots that can move around without a person steering them."}},{"startTime":1059.4,"endTime":1063.1,"type":"brand","title":"Domino's","url":"/glossary/domino-s","quote":"[1053.3s] little, you know, we have already seen that in Ann Arbor. You know, Domino's was\n[1059.4s] experimenting. I think it was Domino's. I hope I got that right.","canonicalId":"brand:domino-s","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Domino’s is a pizza delivery brand used here as an example of a company experimenting with autonomous delivery. The host is describing a delivery setup where small autonomous vehicles drive around to deliver orders.","simplifiedExplanation":"Domino’s is a pizza delivery company. The host mentions it because they were trying out delivery robots/vehicles that could drive themselves."}},{"startTime":1254.46,"endTime":1260.54,"type":"car","title":"Ford Edge","url":"/cars/ford/edge","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/1998_Ford_Fairmont_%28AU%29_Ghia_sedan%2C_cutaway_%282015-01-01%29_01.jpg","quote":"...Stellantis, you know, more agile and more cutting edge and all that. I don't think we should rely on the...","canonicalId":"car:ford:edge","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV from Ford, designed for everyday driving with a comfortable ride and practical interior space. It often comes up in discussions about mainstream SUVs because it targets buyers who want something bigger than a compact SUV but not as large as a full-size model. In a podcast, it may be mentioned as part of the broader conversation about how different automakers position their “family” vehicles and feature sets.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Edge is a mid-size SUV made by Ford. It’s meant for regular driving and family use, with extra space compared to smaller cars. People talk about it because it’s a common, practical option in the SUV category.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / Public domain"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM)","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ai-trade-agreements-and-the-economics-behind-mobility-with-kristin-dziczek-senior-policy-advisor-for-the-federal-reserve-bank-of-chicago/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}