{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"CHINA: BMW CEO Urges China Engagement, Geely Eyes UK Production and GWM’s Chair Talks Quality | 20 Feb 2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/china-bmw-ceo-urges-china-engagement-geely-eyes-uk-production-and-gwm-s-chair-talks-quality-20-feb-2026","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/audioboom.com/posts/8865509.mp3?modified=1771961877&sid=5051980&source=rss","description":"Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon\nYou can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog\nSubscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart\nBMW CEO URGES CHINA ENGAGEMENT AHEAD OF MERZ VISIT https://evne.ws/4qIveej\nGEELY EYES UK BUILD TO DODGE CHINA TARIFFS https://evne.ws/40kKNy5\nGWM CHAIR CHIDES CHINA ON QUALITY AND PRICE WAR https://evne.ws/4s0QYTI\nMG'S MYSTERY ELECTRIC MG7 SUCCESSOR SPOTTED IN CHINA https://evne.ws/4tKS1ZB\nNIO SETS NEW SINGLE-DAY BATTERY SWAP RECORD https://evne.ws/4kPlxJQ\nZEEKR TO START ITALY DELIVERIES THIS SPRING https://evne.ws/4qLNTGc\nGANGFENG STARTS MASS PRODUCTION OF HYBRID SOLID-LIQUID CELLS https://evne.ws/4kMIi13\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":285.7,"endTime":286.5,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have seen their China sales decline.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"BMW is a German luxury car manufacturer known for its performance vehicles and premium cars. It is one of the leading automotive brands globally.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is a famous German car company that makes fancy and sporty cars many people like."}},{"startTime":285.7,"endTime":286.5,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes-Benz","url":"/glossary/mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","quote":"BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have seen their China sales decline.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury car brand known for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technology, and premium comfort. It is a leader in the luxury automotive market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a famous German car brand that makes very nice and comfortable cars that many people want."}},{"startTime":285.7,"endTime":286.5,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have seen their China sales decline.","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a major German car manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to luxury models. It is one of the largest car makers in the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a big German car company that makes many different types of cars, from small to big and fancy."}},{"startTime":291.1,"endTime":292.5,"type":"concept","title":"state subsidized EV manufacturing","url":"/glossary/state-subsidized-ev-manufacturing","quote":"China drove profits for years until state subsidized EV manufacturing sparked an intense price war...","canonicalId":"concept:state-subsidized-ev-manufacturing","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"State subsidized EV manufacturing refers to government financial support given to electric vehicle production to encourage growth and competitiveness in the market.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means the government helps pay for making electric cars to help companies sell more of them."}},{"startTime":292.5,"endTime":294.0,"type":"concept","title":"price war","url":"/glossary/price-war","quote":"state subsidized EV manufacturing sparked an intense price war and local brands gained the initiative and innovation.","canonicalId":"concept:price-war","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A price war occurs when competing companies aggressively lower prices to gain market share, often reducing profits for all involved.","simplifiedExplanation":"A price war is when companies keep lowering their prices to try to sell more cars than others."}},{"startTime":304.0,"endTime":306.0,"type":"concept","title":"autonomous driving","url":"/glossary/autonomous-driving","quote":"Legacy Western car makers have fallen behind in competitive EV motors, software and autonomous driving.","canonicalId":"concept:autonomous-driving","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Autonomous driving refers to technology that enables cars to drive themselves without human input, using sensors, cameras, and software.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomous driving means cars can drive on their own without a person controlling them."}},{"startTime":326.7,"endTime":328.0,"type":"concept","title":"Geely","url":"/glossary/geely","quote":"Next up, an interesting story about Geely, China's third largest car manufacturer.","canonicalId":"concept:geely","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Geely is China's third largest car manufacturer, known for producing a wide range of vehicles and owning several international brands.","simplifiedExplanation":"Geely is a big car company from China that makes many cars and owns other car brands too."}},{"startTime":378.88,"endTime":385.76,"type":"car","title":"Ford Capri","url":"/cars/ford/capri","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/2024_Ford_Capri_2.jpg","quote":"...verhauled recently for $2 billion, builds the new Capri, an explorer but they've not been big sellers.","canonicalId":"car:ford:capri","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Capri is a sporty coupe originally produced by Ford Europe from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, designed to offer European buyers an affordable, stylish sports car. The reference to a 'new Capri' suggests a modern reinterpretation or revival of the nameplate, which may be part of a recent investment or production effort. Its mention highlights Ford's attempt to blend heritage with contemporary market demands.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Capri is a small, sporty car that was popular in Europe a long time ago because it looked cool and was fun to drive. The podcast might be talking about a new version of this car that Ford is making now to bring back the old style with new features.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":385.76,"endTime":388.6,"type":"car","title":"Ford Explorer","url":"/cars/ford/explorer","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Ford_Explorer_EV_Auto_Zuerich_2024_DSC_6360.jpg","quote":"...recently for $2 billion, builds the new Capri, an explorer but they've not been big sellers. It can make 250...","canonicalId":"car:ford:explorer","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that has been a popular family and utility vehicle in the US market for decades. Known for its versatility and off-road capability, it has undergone several redesigns to stay competitive. It might be discussed in the podcast due to its recent production or sales performance, especially if linked to a new model or investment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Explorer is a type of big car that can carry lots of people and stuff, like for family trips or outdoor adventures. It's been around for a long time and is known for being useful and strong. They might be talking about it because a new version was made or because it hasn't sold as well as expected.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":393.68,"endTime":400.76,"type":"car","title":"Ford Fiesta","url":"/cars/ford/fiesta","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/1985_Ford_Fiesta_Popular_plus.jpg","quote":"Ford has placed its incoming Fiesta replacement, instead with Renault.","canonicalId":"car:ford:fiesta","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Fiesta is a popular compact car model by Ford. The transcript notes that Ford has shifted production of its incoming Fiesta replacement to Renault, indicating a strategic manufacturing partnership.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Fiesta is a small car made by Ford. Ford is now having another company, Renault, make the new version for them.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":393.7,"endTime":395.0,"type":"brand","title":"Renault","url":"/glossary/renault","quote":"Ford has placed its incoming Fiesta replacement, instead with Renault.","canonicalId":"brand:renault","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Renault is a major French automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Here, Renault is noted as the manufacturer for the new Ford Fiesta replacement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Renault is a big car company from France that makes many types of cars. Ford is having Renault build their new Fiesta car."}},{"startTime":419.4,"endTime":421.0,"type":"brand","title":"Jaguar Land Rover","url":"/glossary/jaguar-land-rover","quote":"And reportedly is in talks to build cars at JLR, Jaguar Land Rover facilities in the UK.","canonicalId":"brand:jaguar-land-rover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is a British automotive company known for luxury vehicles and SUVs. It operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and is a key player in the premium car market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jaguar Land Rover is a British car company that makes luxury cars and SUVs. They have factories in the UK."}},{"startTime":434.8,"endTime":441.6,"type":"brand","title":"Great Wall Motor","url":"/glossary/great-wall-motor","quote":"The Great Wall Motor Chairman, Wei Jianjun, told staff at the company's early February annual meeting, the Chinese car makers, including themselves, still sit a very large gap behind the best in the world.","canonicalId":"brand:great-wall-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Great Wall Motor is a major Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing SUVs and pickup trucks. It is one of the largest car makers in China and is expanding its presence globally.","simplifiedExplanation":"Great Wall Motor is a big car company from China that makes SUVs and trucks. They are trying to sell cars all over the world."}},{"startTime":472.6,"endTime":481.0,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"He held up Toyota as a model for quality. Mr. Wei said Toyota keeps customer trust despite frequent recalls because it faces faults head-on and explains things like recalls clearly.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer famous for its high-quality, reliable vehicles. It is often used as a benchmark for quality and customer trust in the automotive industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is a car company from Japan known for making cars that last a long time and are trusted by many people."}},{"startTime":475.2,"endTime":481.0,"type":"term","title":"recalls","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"Mr. Wei said Toyota keeps customer trust despite frequent recalls because it faces faults head-on and explains things like recalls clearly.","canonicalId":"term:recall","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Recalls are official requests by manufacturers to return a vehicle or part for repair due to safety or quality issues. They are important for maintaining customer safety and trust.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall is when a car company asks owners to bring their cars back to fix a problem that might be unsafe or broken."}},{"startTime":521.6,"endTime":531.76,"type":"concept","title":"new energy vehicles","url":"/glossary/new-energy-vehicles","quote":"It sold 1.32 million vehicles globally, including 403,700 new energy vehicles, about a third of their business.","canonicalId":"concept:new-energy-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"New energy vehicles (NEVs) refer to vehicles that use alternative energy sources instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. This includes electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which are important for reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.","simplifiedExplanation":"New energy vehicles are cars that run on electricity or other clean energy instead of gas. They help keep the air cleaner and use less fuel from oil."}},{"startTime":547.6,"endTime":550.0,"type":"brand","title":"MG","url":"/glossary/mg","quote":"Let's talk a little bit about MG, one of the shining lights of China's export industry.","canonicalId":"brand:mg","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"MG is a historic British automotive brand now owned by the Chinese company SAIC. It is known for its sporty cars and has a strong presence in the UK and Europe, especially with electric and new energy vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"MG is a car brand that started in Britain but is now owned by a Chinese company. They make sporty and electric cars popular in Europe."}},{"startTime":554.4,"endTime":557.0,"type":"company","title":"SAIC","url":"/glossary/saic","quote":"The SAIC owned company does exceptionally well in Great Britain and in mainland Europe as well.","canonicalId":"company:saic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"SAIC Motor Corporation is a large Chinese state-owned automotive company that owns the MG brand and produces a wide range of vehicles including electric cars for domestic and international markets.","simplifiedExplanation":"SAIC is a big Chinese car company that owns MG and makes many kinds of cars, including electric ones."}},{"startTime":578.3,"endTime":582.0,"type":"car","title":"MG7","url":"/cars/mg/mg7","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/MG7_II_image01.jpg","quote":"MG's been teasing a new battery electric sedan, saloon as we would say, to replace the fastback-styled MG7.","canonicalId":"car:mg:mg7","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The MG7 is a fastback-styled sedan previously offered by MG. It is a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle that MG plans to replace with a new battery electric sedan as part of its new energy vehicle lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The MG7 is a type of car made by MG that looks like a sporty sedan. MG wants to replace it with a new electric car.","imageAttribution":"East Asia Car Freak (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":627.04,"endTime":632.48,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV6","url":"/cars/kia/ev6","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Kia_EV6_%282024%E2%80%93%29_Autofr%C3%BChling_Ulm_2025_DSC_8698.jpg","quote":"Think Kia EV6, very thin headlamps and a fastback shape.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev6","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV6 is an all-electric crossover SUV known for its modern design, long electric range, and fast charging capabilities. It features a fastback shape and thin headlamps, which are part of its distinctive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV6 is a fully electric car that looks like a sporty SUV. It has a sloping back and slim lights on the front, making it look cool and modern.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":639.7,"endTime":644.7,"type":"term","title":"range extenders","url":"/glossary/range-extender","quote":"In China that queue links to plug-in hybrids and range extenders that need more air being sucked in than pure bevs that just need a bit of air for cooling.","canonicalId":"term:range-extender","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Range extenders are small internal combustion engines used in some electric vehicles to generate electricity and extend the driving range when the battery is low. They do not directly drive the wheels but act as a generator.","simplifiedExplanation":"Range extenders are tiny gas engines in some electric cars that make electricity to keep the car going when the battery runs low."}},{"startTime":639.7,"endTime":644.7,"type":"term","title":"BEVs","url":"/glossary/bevs","quote":"In China that queue links to plug-in hybrids and range extenders that need more air being sucked in than pure bevs that just need a bit of air for cooling.","canonicalId":"term:bevs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"BEVs stands for Battery Electric Vehicles, which are fully electric cars powered only by batteries and electric motors, without any internal combustion engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"BEVs are cars that run only on electricity stored in big batteries, with no gas engine at all."}},{"startTime":639.7,"endTime":644.7,"type":"term","title":"plug-in hybrids","url":"/glossary/plug-in-hybrid","quote":"In China that queue links to plug-in hybrids and range extenders that need more air being sucked in than pure bevs that just need a bit of air for cooling.","canonicalId":"term:plug-in-hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source. They can run on electric power alone for short distances before switching to gasoline.","simplifiedExplanation":"Plug-in hybrids are cars that use both electricity and gas. You can charge them by plugging them in, and they can drive some distance using only electricity before using gas."}},{"startTime":666.2,"endTime":670.7,"type":"part","title":"lidar","url":"/glossary/lidar","quote":"a very obvious roof-mounted lidar at the top of the car in the middle, usual place for lidar,","canonicalId":"part:lidar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lidar is a sensor technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps, commonly used in autonomous driving systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lidar is a special sensor on cars that uses lasers to see around the car and help it drive itself."}},{"startTime":695.6,"endTime":699.3,"type":"concept","title":"spy pictures","url":"/glossary/spy-pictures","quote":"No powertrain specs of course because this is just spy pictures that I can share.","canonicalId":"concept:spy-pictures","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Spy pictures are unofficial photos taken of unreleased or prototype vehicles, often used by enthusiasts and journalists to preview upcoming models before their official launch.","simplifiedExplanation":"Spy pictures are secret photos taken of new cars that haven't been shown to the public yet. People use them to see what the car might look like before it's officially announced."}},{"startTime":707.4,"endTime":712.5,"type":"brand","title":"Huawei","url":"/glossary/huawei","quote":"The sedan coupé that was jointly developed alongside SAIC and Huawei.","canonicalId":"brand:huawei","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology company known primarily for telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics. It has recently collaborated with automotive manufacturers to develop smart vehicle platforms.","simplifiedExplanation":"Huawei is a big technology company from China that makes phones and other gadgets. They have started working with car companies to help make smarter cars."}},{"startTime":776.0,"endTime":782.0,"type":"term","title":"BEV powertrain","url":"/glossary/bev-powertrain","quote":"...either as electric or as a pure Bev powertrain, I guess we'll have to wait and see.","canonicalId":"term:bev-powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which means the car is powered solely by electricity stored in batteries, without using petrol or diesel engines. A BEV powertrain includes electric motors and battery packs that provide propulsion.","simplifiedExplanation":"A BEV powertrain means the car runs only on electricity from batteries, not on petrol or diesel. It uses electric motors to move the car instead of a traditional engine."}},{"startTime":1043.0,"endTime":1059.2,"type":"term","title":"battery swaps","url":"/glossary/battery-swaps","quote":"Yeah, so yesterday was 158,000 battery swaps in a day. The most ever, a new record for Neo. Well, just one day later, 166,000 battery swaps. A new single-day record.","canonicalId":"term:battery-swaps","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery swapping is a method used in some electric vehicles where the depleted battery is quickly exchanged for a fully charged one at specialized stations, significantly reducing downtime compared to traditional charging.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery swapping means taking out your car's empty battery and putting in a full one really fast at special places, so you don't have to wait long to keep driving."}},{"startTime":1191.8,"endTime":1197.0,"type":"term","title":"energy density","url":"/glossary/energy-density","quote":"An energy density of up to 650 watt-hours per kilogram. That's exceptional.","canonicalId":"term:energy-density","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Energy density measures how much energy a battery can store relative to its weight, usually expressed in watt-hours per kilogram. Higher energy density means longer driving range for electric vehicles without increasing battery weight.","simplifiedExplanation":"Energy density tells us how much power a battery can hold compared to how heavy it is. A battery with higher energy density can make an electric car go farther without making it heavier."}},{"startTime":1198.9,"endTime":1202.0,"type":"term","title":"lithium-ion batteries","url":"/glossary/lithium-ion-batteries","quote":"Today's best lithium-ion batteries, the best, are in the window of 250 to 300.","canonicalId":"term:lithium-ion-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery used in electric vehicles today. They offer a good balance of energy density, lifespan, and weight, making them suitable for automotive applications.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lithium-ion batteries are the kind of batteries used in most electric cars. They can store a lot of power and last a long time, helping cars run without gas."}},{"startTime":1219.0,"endTime":1222.32,"type":"concept","title":"EV batteries","url":"/glossary/ev-batteries","quote":"to supplying batteries for EVs in 2017.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV batteries are specialized lithium-ion or other types of batteries designed to power electric vehicles. Their performance, energy density, and cost are critical factors in the adoption and usability of electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV batteries are the big batteries that give electric cars their power. How good these batteries are affects how far and how well the cars can drive."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Martyn Lee","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/china-bmw-ceo-urges-china-engagement-geely-eyes-uk-production-and-gwm-s-chair-talks-quality-20-feb-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}