Dec. 6, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Is Trump’s CAFE rollback moot?
About this episode
A deep dive into the implications of President Trump's proposed rollback of CAFE standards, which would reduce fuel economy requirements significantly. Hosts Kellan Walker, Michael Martinez, and Larry Velocquez discuss the potential impact on vehicle affordability and automaker strategies, particularly for Ford and Stellantis. The episode also touches on recent sales trends in the auto industry, Stellantis's hiring spree, and Toyota's return to supercars with the revival of the Lexus LFA. Insightful commentary on the intersection of politics and automotive economics makes this discussion particularly engaging.
Auto industry leaders joined President Donald Trump at the White House to announce proposed rollbacks of Biden-era fuel economy standards. Automotive News’ Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez talk about that and other news from the past week, including Toyota’s leap back into supercars.
Raptor
"unleashed Raptor. And that's a phrase that a number of executives have used over the past few weeks."
Raptor is a special name Ford uses for its fastest and toughest trucks and SUVs. They have stronger suspensions, bigger tires, and more powerful engines for off‑road adventures.
Raptor is Ford’s high‑performance off‑road sub‑brand, first introduced with the F‑150 Raptor in 2010. Models under this badge feature aggressive suspension tuning, larger wheels, and upgraded powertrains for extreme off‑road use.
Ford F-150
"You have F-150, Bronco, Ranger, and the like."
The F‑150 is a big pickup truck made by Ford. It can carry heavy loads and has many different versions for people who need it for work or family use.
The Ford F-150 is a full‑size pickup truck that has been the best‑selling vehicle in America for decades. It offers a range of powertrains, payload capacities, and trim levels to suit work or family needs.
high-margin vehicles
"They are super high‑margin vehicles and people can't seem to get enough"
High‑margin vehicles are cars that make a lot of money for the company when they sell them. They usually cost more or are made cheaply, so the profit is big.
High‑margin vehicles are cars or trucks that generate a large profit per unit sold, often due to premium pricing, low production costs, or strong demand. Manufacturers prioritize these models for rapid development and marketing.
Toyota Corolla
"Toyota telling me they can't keep corona in stock. They can't keep corona cross in stock."
The Corolla is a small, everyday car that many people use for commuting. It’s cheap to buy and keep running.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that has been produced since 1966, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It’s one of the best-selling cars worldwide.
Ford Maverick
"Entry level Maverick, up 76%."
The Maverick is a tiny pickup truck that’s easy to drive and doesn’t use much gas. It can carry light loads like a regular car.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck introduced in 2022. It offers the utility of a truck with the size and fuel economy of a small car.
Ford Ranger
"Entry level Ranger, up 48%."
The Ranger is a medium-sized truck that can haul heavier loads and go off-road. It’s popular for work and adventure.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that has been sold worldwide since the 1980s. It’s known for its durability and off‑road capability.
Ford Explorer
"Entry level Explorer, up 60%. So even when you get into the larger vehicles, like an explorer, midsize SUV, you know, if you have a base trim, people are going to buy it."
The Explorer is a big car that can seat many people and has space for luggage. It’s good for family trips.
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV first introduced in 1990. It offers three rows of seating and is popular for families and outdoor trips.
self-driving systems
"sees a more robotic future built on self-driving systems as critical to gaining market share"
These are the parts that let a car drive itself, like cameras and computers that decide when to brake or turn.
Self-driving systems refer to the combination of sensors, software, and hardware that enable a vehicle to navigate and operate without human input.
software-defined architectures
"talks with our own Lawrence I live about his vision for software-defined architectures, autonomy"
It means the car’s computer system can be updated or changed with software, so the vehicle can get new features without replacing parts.
Software-defined architectures describe vehicle platforms where the hardware is designed to be flexible and upgraded primarily through software updates, rather than new physical components.
mass market vehicle
"launch of the company's first mass market vehicle in 2026"
It’s a car meant for everyday people, not just enthusiasts or luxury buyers—think of the average sedan you might see on the road.
A mass market vehicle is a car designed for broad consumer appeal, typically lower cost and higher production volume compared to niche or luxury models.
autonomy
"talks with our own Lawrence I live about his vision for software-defined architectures, autonomy"
It’s the level of how much a car can drive itself, from helping you steer to driving all by itself.
Autonomy in automotive context refers to a vehicle’s ability to perform driving tasks independently, ranging from driver assistance to fully self-driving capabilities.
Stellantis
"This week, we found out Stellantis was hiring nearly 2,000 white color workers at its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, Citroën, and more.
Chrysler
"I spent a long time covering Chrysler slash Theac Chrysler slash right before they changed it to Stellantis."
Chrysler makes cars that are often family friendly and comfortable. They’re part of the big U.S. car companies.
Chrysler is an American automaker that historically produced cars like the Chrysler 300 and minivans.
GT Supercar
"...launch its new GR performance brand around 2027 with a 641 horsepower gasoline GT Supercar."
A GT supercar is a very fast car that’s also comfortable enough to drive long distances, with strong engines and sleek design.
A GT (Grand Touring) supercar combines high performance with long‑distance comfort, featuring powerful engines and advanced aerodynamics.
all electric model
"...reviving the legendary Lexus LFA as an all electric model. And it will launch its new GR performance brand..."
An all‑electric car runs only on electricity from batteries, so it doesn’t use gasoline or diesel.
An all‑electric model is a vehicle powered solely by electric motors and batteries, with no internal combustion engine.
GR Performance
"...launch its new GR performance brand around 2027 with a 641 horsepower gasoline GT Supercar."
GR Performance is a special line from Toyota that makes cars with more power and sportier features.
GR Performance is Toyota’s high‑performance sub‑brand, focused on producing sports cars and performance variants of existing models.
platform sharing
"[1122.5s] They all three share a platform, despite the different power trains."
When cars share a platform, they use the same basic frame and parts, which makes them cheaper to build.
Platform sharing means multiple car models are built on the same underlying chassis and mechanical architecture, saving development costs.
solid state battery
"[1169.6s] company's first use of a solid state battery. Wow."
A solid state battery is a newer type of electric car battery that can store more power and is safer than the usual batteries.
A solid state battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of liquid, offering higher energy density and improved safety over traditional lithium‑ion batteries.
Toyota LFA
"this would be the perfect Toyota play to adopt a solid state battery, which if you put this battery in a super light LFA-shaped car is going to be an absolute rocket ship."
The Toyota LFA is a rare, high‑performance car made by Toyota. It has a special engine and very light body, so it can go very fast.
The Toyota LFA is a limited‑production, mid‑engine sports car produced from 2009 to 2012. It was designed as a showcase for Toyota’s high‑performance technology and is known for its lightweight construction and 4.7L V10 engine.
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