Dec. 16, 2025 | New tool tracks distressed suppliers; Rivian CEO talks China, R2 launch
About this episode
Ford's recent decision to discontinue the F-150 Lightning marks a significant $20 billion shift away from electric vehicles, while Nissan expands its Nismo performance lineup. Luminar faces bankruptcy after losing a major contract with Volvo. The episode features insights from John Irwin on the new supplier distress tracker, revealing over 60,000 job cuts in the automotive supply chain due to rising tariffs and EV program cancellations. Additionally, Rivian CEO RJ Scarrange discusses the importance of understanding the Chinese automotive market and the upcoming R2 launch, which aims to compete with Tesla's Model Y.
Reporter John Irwin talks about the new Automotive News Supplier Distress Tracker, which finds that auto suppliers have cut more than 60,000 jobs across North America and Europe in 2025. Ford is discontinuing the F-150 Lightning after less than four years. Plus, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discusses threats from China and the launch of the electric vehicle maker’s first mass-market vehicle in 2026.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"[30.0s] Today on the show, Ford drops the F-150 Lightning in a $20 billion pivot away from EVs."
It’s a truck that runs entirely on electricity instead of gasoline, giving it zero tail‑pipe emissions and the same payload as a regular F‑150.
The Ford F‑150 Lightning is an all‑electric version of Ford’s best‑selling pickup truck, featuring a large battery pack and dual electric motors for high torque.
Nissan
"[30.0s] Today on the show, Ford drops the F-150 Lightning in a $20 billion pivot away from EVs. Nissan doubles down on its NISMO performance sub-brand..."
Nissan makes cars like the Altima and the electric Leaf, and it also has a performance sub‑brand called Nismo.
Nissan Motor Company is a Japanese automaker that produces cars, trucks, and electric vehicles such as the Leaf.
Luminar
"[30.0s] Today on the show, Ford drops the F-150 Lightning in a $20 billion pivot away from EVs. Nissan doubles down on its NISMO performance sub-brand, and Luminar which supplies Tesla and Volvo files for bankruptcy."
It makes special cameras that let self‑driving cars see their surroundings, and it’s now filing for bankruptcy.
Luminar is a company that develops lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles, supplying tech to Tesla and Volvo.
pivot away from EVs
"[30.0s] Today on the show, Ford drops the F-150 Lightning in a $20 billion pivot away from EVs."
It’s like Ford deciding to stop making a lot of electric trucks and instead make more traditional gasoline or hybrid ones.
This phrase means Ford is shifting its focus from producing electric vehicles back toward internal combustion or hybrid models.
Stellantis
"[75.0s] The auto maker is pivoting to an extended range version built in Michigan, mirroring Stellantis' decision to cancel its fully electric ram."
It’s a big company that owns many car brands, including the Ram truck line.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA, owning brands like Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot.
energy storage for data centers
"[84.0s] Ford says it will redirect excess battery capacity into energy storage for data centers and residential use..."
It’s like taking extra battery power from cars and putting it in big batteries that help run computer farms or houses when the grid is weak.
This refers to using surplus battery power from electric vehicles to store electricity for use in data centers and homes.
Model E unit
"[98.0s] The strategy aims to make its Model E unit which lost $5 billion in 2024 profitable by 2029."
It’s Ford’s plan to build a family of electric cars and trucks under one shared design, hoping to make money from them.
The Model E unit refers to Ford’s electric vehicle platform that includes the F‑150 Lightning and other future EVs, aiming for profitability by 2029.
extended range EVs
"[107.0s] Ford says hybrid's extended range EVs and full EVs will hit half its global volume by 2030..."
They’re cars that can run on electricity for a while, then switch to gasoline if the battery runs low.
Extended range EVs are hybrid vehicles that combine a small gasoline engine with an electric motor to increase overall driving distance.
Infinity QX80
"Infinity showcased a 650 horsepower QX80 track spec concept this summer with 50% more output than standard."
The Infinity QX80 is a big, fancy SUV from Nissan’s luxury brand. A track‑spec version means it has extra power and performance parts for racing or fast driving.
The Infinity QX80 is a luxury SUV produced by Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan. The track‑spec concept refers to a high‑performance version designed for racing or spirited driving.
Nismo
"Like Mercedes and BMW, Nismo aims to boost both brand image and profitability..."
Nismo is a special line from Nissan that adds extra power and sporty parts to their cars for better performance.
Nismo is Nissan’s motorsport and performance division, creating high‑performance versions of Nissan cars.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy
"Luminar technologies has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after losing a critical contract with Volvo..."
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a court process where a company can keep running while it works out how to pay its debts.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a U.S. legal process that allows a company to reorganize its debts while continuing operations.
LiDAR
"The Florida-based LiDAR sensor supplier makes laser-based sensors for self-driving systems..."
LiDAR is a fancy sensor that shoots laser light to see how far things are, helping self‑driving cars know where they are.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensor technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create 3D maps of surroundings.
Bosch
"There have been big announcements we've seen from Bosch, ZF, some other companies in Europe where they've announced..."
Bosch makes parts that help cars run safely and efficiently, like the brakes you use to stop or the sensors that tell your car when to change gears.
Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company that supplies automotive components such as sensors, brakes, and powertrain systems to car manufacturers worldwide.
ZF
"There have been big announcements we've seen from Bosch, ZF, some other companies in Europe where they've announced..."
ZF makes parts that help cars move smoothly, like gearboxes that change the car’s speed and steering systems that keep it stable.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a German automotive supplier known for producing transmissions, chassis components, and safety systems used in many vehicles.
tariffs
"On the one hand, I think, you know, we're talking about distress here, and I don't want to minimize that..."
Tariffs are extra fees added to cars or parts that come from other countries, making them more expensive for buyers.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can increase the cost of automotive parts and affect vehicle pricing and supply availability.
Tesla Model Y
"CEO RJ Scarrange says the R2 will be as important to his company's success as the Model Y and Model 3 were for Tesla."
Tesla sells an electric SUV called the Model Y, and it’s a big part of their business.
The Model Y is Tesla’s compact electric SUV that has become a key revenue driver for the company.
Rivian R2
"CEO RJ Scarrange says the R2 will be as important to his company's success as the Model Y and Model 3 were for Tesla."
Rivian is launching a new electric SUV called the R2, which they hope will be as popular as Tesla’s Model Y.
The Rivian R2 is the company’s first mass‑market electric SUV, positioned to compete with mainstream EVs like Tesla’s Model Y.
Tesla Model 3
"CEO RJ Scarrange says the R2 will be as important to his company's success as the Model Y and Model 3 were for Tesla."
Tesla sells a smaller electric car called the Model 3, and it’s been very popular.
The Model 3 is Tesla’s affordable electric sedan that has driven most of the company’s sales growth.
Chinese EVs
"I mean, obviously the Chinese have kind of gotten ahead in EVs for a lot of reasons."
Chinese EVs are cars made in China that use batteries instead of gasoline. They’re growing fast and can be cheaper than similar cars from other countries.
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) refer to cars produced in China that run on battery power, often noted for their rapid development and competitive pricing.
platform
"I know you're doing this with Volkswagen or creating a new platform, working on costs, working on software, working on features, working on autonomy."
Think of a platform like a common set of building blocks that different cars can use. It lets manufacturers make several models faster and cheaper.
In automotive design, a platform is a shared set of components and architecture that multiple car models use to reduce development costs and streamline production.
features
"I know you're doing this with Volkswagen or creating a new platform, working on costs, working on software, working on features, working on autonomy."
Features are the cool things a car can do, like parking sensors, heated seats, or lane‑keeping help. They make the driving experience better and safer.
Features are the functional options and amenities a car offers, such as safety systems, entertainment, or driver assistance technologies.
flagship product
"What we launched today is a flagship product, the average selling price on the R1 is over $90,000."
A flagship car is the best or most advanced model a company sells, usually costing more than other models.
A flagship product is the top‑tier offering in a company’s lineup, often featuring the latest technology and highest price point.
electric premium SUV
"It's the, you know, the R1S is the market share leader for electric premium SUVs."
An electric premium SUV is a fancy, expensive family car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline.
An electric premium SUV is a high‑end, all‑electric sport utility vehicle that offers luxury features and performance comparable to traditional premium SUVs.
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