Dec. 21, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Gestamp's Riberas on the supplier financing crisis
About this episode
Francisco Riberes, executive chairman of Gestamp, discusses the challenges facing automotive suppliers in financing vehicle programs amid a changing market landscape. He emphasizes the need for a new financial model to support suppliers, who are under pressure from carmakers to reduce costs while managing uncertainty in demand and pricing. Riberes advocates for a partnership approach to financing, contrasting the current reliance on traditional investment models. The episode also touches on insights from NADA's incoming chair, Rob Cochran, about the retail market outlook for 2026.
Gestamp Executive Chairman Francisco Riberas explains why he thinks the century-old model for financing new vehicle programs is breaking down and what needs to replace it. Plus, more from NADA's incoming chair Rob Cochran on dealer expectations for 2025.
Reynolds & Reynolds
"This podcast is brought to you by Reynolds & Reynolds, the industry leader in automotive technology."
Reynolds & Reynolds makes parts that help cars handle better, like special springs and shock absorbers. They’re a big name in car parts for people who want their cars to drive smoother or faster.
Reynolds & Reynolds is a leading manufacturer of automotive components, especially known for its high-performance suspension parts like coilovers and strut braces. They supply parts to both aftermarket enthusiasts and OEMs worldwide.
SPARC AI
"Learn how SPARC AI, Reynolds Unified AI Data Layer, can help you unlock your full potential"
SPARC AI is a software tool that collects information from cars, like speed and engine data, so experts can see how the car is working and spot problems early.
SPARC AI is a data platform developed by Reynolds & Reynolds that aggregates vehicle sensor data to provide insights for performance tuning and predictive maintenance. It helps engineers analyze how cars behave under different conditions.
Gestamp
"Francisco Riberes, the executive chairman of Spanish metal parts supplier Gestamp."
Gestamp makes metal pieces that go into cars, like the body panels and parts that keep the car strong. They help big car makers make lighter and safer vehicles.
Gestamp is a Spanish company that supplies metal parts for the automotive industry, including body panels and structural components. They work with major OEMs to produce lightweight, high-strength parts.
NADA
"on Friday's show, we brought you part of an exclusive interview with the incoming chair of NADA, Rob Cochran."
NADA is a group that helps people who sell new cars. They give information and support to car dealerships across the country.
NADA stands for the National Automobile Dealers Association, a trade organization representing new car dealers in the United States. It provides industry data, advocacy, and resources for dealership owners.
autonomous driving technology
"General Motors is ramping its autonomous driving technology, targeting a 2028 launch for its Eyes Off driving system."
This technology lets cars drive themselves by using cameras, sensors, and computer programs to see the road and make decisions.
Autonomous driving technology refers to systems that enable a vehicle to navigate and drive with little or no human input, using sensors, cameras, and software.
General Motors
"General Motors is ramping its autonomous driving technology, targeting a 2028 launch for its Eyes Off driving system."
GM is a big car company in America that makes cars under names like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is a major American automotive company that produces brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.
Eyes Off driving system
"targeting a 2028 launch for its Eyes Off driving system."
Eyes Off is a feature that lets the car drive itself for some parts, so you can relax and not have to watch the road all the time.
The Eyes Off system is GM's planned autonomous driving feature that aims to reduce driver distraction by allowing the vehicle to handle certain driving tasks.
Robotaxi unit
"They talk about how the automaker is rolling its former Cruze Robotaxi unit into its Super Cruze team and its ambitions for self-driving tech."
Robotaxi means a self-driving car that people can call like a regular taxi, but it drives itself. The “unit” is the whole system that makes it work.
A robotaxi is an autonomous vehicle designed to provide on-demand taxi services without a human driver. Companies develop dedicated platforms, or “units,” that integrate hardware and software for safe operation.
Cruze
"They talk about how the automaker is rolling its former Cruze Robotaxi unit into its Super Cruze team and its ambitions for self-driving tech."
The Cruze is a small, everyday car made by GM. It’s easy to drive and not too expensive.
The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan that GM produced from 2008 to 2019. It was known for its fuel efficiency and affordable price.
Stellantis
"kicking things off on Monday with the automaker team at Automotive News with a specific look at Ford and Stellantis."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns many brands like Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot.
Stellantis is a global automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, and Ram.
Ford
"kicking things off on Monday with the automaker team at Automotive News with a specific look at Ford and Stellantis."
Ford is a big car company from the U.S. that makes trucks, cars, and SUVs like the F‑150 and Mustang.
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker known for models like the F‑Series trucks, Mustang, and Explorer.
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