{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Episode 244: Kindred CEO Rob Howard","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-244-kindred-ceo-rob-howard","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/tracking.swap.fm/track/0bDcdoop59bdTYSfajQW/cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/c0679768-bdea-43a0-bcc2-df9ba9c7fb3e/1f3e84c0-ffb4-4b97-9466-b7e68d0e43b7/episodes/audio/group/b9b97250-b35f-47f7-beac-1bcd1681476d/group-item/07039929-ffb0-45f2-946d-b8088040572f/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=GMfwicWj","description":"Kindred CEO Rob Howard\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":66.7,"endTime":70.1,"type":"concept","title":"modifying","url":"/glossary/modifying","quote":"For those two decades, he was in the garage restoring, modifying, and reimagining classic vehicles, not just his hobbies,","canonicalId":"concept:modifying","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Modifying a vehicle involves making changes or upgrades to its components or systems to improve performance, aesthetics, or functionality beyond the original factory specifications.","simplifiedExplanation":"Modifying a car means changing parts or adding new things to make it better, faster, or look different than when it was first made."}},{"startTime":66.7,"endTime":73.7,"type":"concept","title":"reimagining classic vehicles","url":"/glossary/reimagining-classic-vehicles","quote":"For those two decades, he was in the garage restoring, modifying, and reimagining classic vehicles, not just his hobbies, but as a way to blend timeless design with modern performance and reliability.","canonicalId":"concept:reimagining-classic-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Reimagining classic vehicles means creatively redesigning or upgrading vintage cars by blending their timeless design with modern technology and performance enhancements.","simplifiedExplanation":"Reimagining classic cars means taking old cars and making them better or different by adding new features or technology while keeping their old style."}},{"startTime":66.7,"endTime":70.1,"type":"concept","title":"restoring","url":"/glossary/restoring","quote":"For those two decades, he was in the garage restoring, modifying, and reimagining classic vehicles, not just his hobbies,","canonicalId":"concept:restoring","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Restoring refers to the process of returning a classic or vintage vehicle to its original condition or better, often involving repairing or replacing parts to preserve its historical and aesthetic value.","simplifiedExplanation":"Restoring a car means fixing it up to look and work like it did when it was new, especially for old or classic cars."}},{"startTime":80.7,"endTime":86.9,"type":"car","title":"Ford Bronco","url":"/cars/ford/bronco","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/2022_Ford_Bronco_2.jpg","quote":"What if you could take the icons people love, vintage Broncos, classic Volkswagen buses, beloved analog era vehicles, and thoughtfully re-engineer them for a new generation,","canonicalId":"car:ford:bronco","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV originally produced from 1966 to 1996, known for its rugged off-road capabilities and iconic design. It has become a popular vehicle for restoration and modern reinterpretation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Bronco is an old, tough SUV that people love to fix up and make look new again because it can drive well off-road and has a cool style.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":80.74,"endTime":86.6,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Buses","url":"/cars/volkswagen/bus","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/11052009_5f5_1965_Volkswagen_Bus_seized_by_U.S._Customs_and_Border_Protection.jpg","quote":"What if you could take the icons people love, vintage Broncos, classic Volkswagen buses, beloved analog era vehicles, and thoughtfully re-engineer them for a new generation,","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:bus","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the Type 2 or Microbus, is a classic van produced by Volkswagen starting in the 1950s. It is famous for its distinctive shape and cultural significance, often restored or modified for modern use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Bus is an old van with a unique shape that lots of people like to fix up and use today because it’s easy to recognize and has a cool history.","imageAttribution":"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":86.9,"endTime":92.0,"type":"concept","title":"modern drivability","url":"/glossary/modern-drivability","quote":"beloved analog era vehicles, and thoughtfully re-engineer them for a new generation, with electrification, modern drivability, and craftsmanship at the core.","canonicalId":"concept:modern-drivability","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Modern drivability refers to updating classic or vintage vehicles with contemporary technology and engineering to improve comfort, handling, reliability, and ease of use for today's drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Modern drivability means making old cars easier and nicer to drive by adding new technology and better parts."}},{"startTime":86.9,"endTime":92.0,"type":"concept","title":"electrification","url":"/glossary/electrification","quote":"beloved analog era vehicles, and thoughtfully re-engineer them for a new generation, with electrification, modern drivability, and craftsmanship at the core.","canonicalId":"concept:electrification","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Electrification in vehicles refers to replacing or supplementing traditional internal combustion engines with electric motors and batteries to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and modernize drivability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrification means changing a car to use electricity to move instead of gas, which can make it cleaner and easier to drive."}},{"startTime":96.3,"endTime":100.9,"type":"concept","title":"automotive heritage","url":"/glossary/automotive-heritage","quote":"Out of that vision came Kindred Motorworks, a company focused on preserving automotive heritage while adapting it for today's expectations around sustainability, usability, and technology.","canonicalId":"concept:automotive-heritage","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Automotive heritage refers to the history, culture, and legacy of classic vehicles and car designs that enthusiasts and companies aim to preserve while adapting to modern standards.","simplifiedExplanation":"Automotive heritage means the history and special qualities of old cars that people want to keep alive even as cars change over time."}},{"startTime":96.3,"endTime":100.9,"type":"concept","title":"sustainability","url":"/glossary/sustainability","quote":"Out of that vision came Kindred Motorworks, a company focused on preserving automotive heritage while adapting it for today's expectations around sustainability, usability, and technology.","canonicalId":"concept:sustainability","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Sustainability in automotive context means designing and producing vehicles in ways that minimize environmental impact, such as reducing emissions and using renewable resources.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sustainability means making cars and using them in ways that don’t hurt the planet and can keep going for a long time."}},{"startTime":116.0,"endTime":118.8,"type":"concept","title":"restoration","url":"/glossary/restoration","quote":"the challenges of building a company that sits at the intersection of restoration, manufacturing, and electrification.","canonicalId":"concept:restoration","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Restoration refers to the process of returning a vehicle to its original condition, often focusing on preserving or repairing its original parts and appearance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Restoration means fixing up an old car to look and work like it did when it was new."}},{"startTime":116.0,"endTime":118.8,"type":"concept","title":"manufacturing","url":"/glossary/manufacturing","quote":"the challenges of building a company that sits at the intersection of restoration, manufacturing, and electrification.","canonicalId":"concept:manufacturing","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Manufacturing in the automotive context involves the production and assembly of vehicles or vehicle components, often at scale.","simplifiedExplanation":"Manufacturing means making cars or car parts in a factory."}},{"startTime":147.7,"endTime":150.1,"type":"company","title":"Kindred Motorworks","url":"/glossary/kindred-motorworks","quote":"Hi, this is Rob Howard from Kindred Motorworks. This is Cars and Culture with Jason Stein.","canonicalId":"company:kindred-motorworks","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Kindred Motorworks is a company specializing in restoring and reimagining classic vehicles, often integrating modern electric powertrains and technologies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kindred Motorworks is a company that fixes up old cars and sometimes makes them electric."}},{"startTime":254.1,"endTime":256.5,"type":"part","title":"rear view camera","url":"/glossary/rearview-camera","quote":"\"We redo all the electronics, make sure it has a killer sound system, you know, four-wheel disc brakes, rear view camera.\",","canonicalId":"part:rearview-camera","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A rear view camera is a safety feature that provides a live video feed of the area behind the vehicle, helping drivers see obstacles when reversing to avoid accidents.","simplifiedExplanation":"A rear view camera is a small camera on the back of the car that shows you what's behind when you back up, so you don't hit anything."}},{"startTime":254.1,"endTime":256.5,"type":"part","title":"four-wheel disc brakes","url":"/glossary/four-wheel-disc-brakes","quote":"\"We redo all the electronics, make sure it has a killer sound system, you know, four-wheel disc brakes, rear view camera.\",","canonicalId":"part:four-wheel-disc-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Four-wheel disc brakes refer to a braking system where all four wheels use disc brakes, which provide better stopping power and heat dissipation compared to drum brakes, improving safety and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Four-wheel disc brakes mean that all four wheels have a type of brake that helps stop the car better and safer than older brake types."}},{"startTime":279.5,"endTime":284.1,"type":"concept","title":"restomod","url":"/glossary/restomod","quote":"\"There's a lot of, you know, whether you call them resto mods or, you know, complete redos of vehicles that keep the spirit of what they were, inject what's new and what's capable.\"","canonicalId":"concept:restomod","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern parts and technology to improve performance, reliability, and comfort while retaining the original character of the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A restomod is when people fix up an old car but add new parts and technology so it works better and is more comfortable, while still looking like the original."}},{"startTime":308.5,"endTime":311.1,"type":"concept","title":"electric vehicle","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"\"And we knew that we could do an electric one as well. And they're both quite different when you actually drive them.\"","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) is powered by electric motors using energy stored in batteries instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and often have different driving characteristics.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity stored in batteries instead of gas. It doesn't produce smoke and can feel different to drive."}},{"startTime":325.0,"endTime":331.8,"type":"concept","title":"aftermarket parts","url":"/glossary/aftermarket-parts","quote":"\"So in this car, about 80% of the parts are aftermarket parts or original. And 10 to 20% generally, Kindred makes those parts because they're not available out there.\"","canonicalId":"concept:aftermarket-parts","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aftermarket parts are components made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer. They can be used to replace or upgrade original parts and are often more readily available or offer improved performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aftermarket parts are car parts made by other companies, not the one that made the car. People use them to fix or improve their cars."}},{"startTime":641.2,"endTime":647.5,"type":"concept","title":"supply chain","url":"/glossary/supply-chain","quote":"\"...the local shop also because they don't have technology driving their supply chain. It introduces a lot of extra hours and quality problems...\"","canonicalId":"concept:supply-chain","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The supply chain refers to the entire process of sourcing, producing, and delivering parts and materials needed to build a car. Efficient supply chains reduce delays, costs, and quality issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"The supply chain is how all the parts for a car get bought, made, and sent to the place where the car is built."}},{"startTime":670.5,"endTime":674.9,"type":"concept","title":"scale","url":"/glossary/scale","quote":"\"...what that does is unlock scale. So what happens is local shops are great, but they can't build many in a year.\"","canonicalId":"concept:scale","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Scale in manufacturing means producing more units efficiently, which usually lowers the cost per unit. Unlocking scale allows a company to build more cars consistently and reduce prices.","simplifiedExplanation":"Scale means making a lot of cars so that it costs less to make each one."}},{"startTime":697.6,"endTime":702.7,"type":"term","title":"Blueprint","url":"/glossary/blueprint","quote":"\"...making sure it's all digitized out of the brain and into our technology platform, which we call Blueprint, that unlocks ability to build this car over and over the same way...\"","canonicalId":"term:blueprint","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Blueprint is the name of Kindred's technology platform that digitizes and standardizes the car building process to ensure consistent quality and enable higher production volumes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Blueprint is a computer system Kindred uses to keep track of how to build their cars the same way every time."}},{"startTime":764.0,"endTime":770.0,"type":"concept","title":"vehicle development","url":"/glossary/vehicle-development","quote":"Well, we'll have, if you dig to the core of the business model for Kindred, you talked about enjoyment as kind of an ethos of Kindred. The core of the business model is vehicle development.","canonicalId":"concept:vehicle-development","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Vehicle development refers to the process of designing, engineering, testing, and refining a vehicle model before it goes into production. It involves multiple disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering to ensure the vehicle meets quality and performance standards.","simplifiedExplanation":"Vehicle development is how companies make new cars. They design and test them to make sure they work well and are safe before selling them."}},{"startTime":850.0,"endTime":855.0,"type":"term","title":"horsepower","url":"/glossary/horsepower","quote":"You know, so that car had 46 horsepower, right?","canonicalId":"term:horsepower","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can do. The Volkswagen Split Window Bus had about 46 horsepower, which is low by modern standards.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is. The bus had 46 horsepower, which means it wasn't very powerful compared to today's cars."}},{"startTime":855.0,"endTime":856.3,"type":"term","title":"drum brakes","url":"/glossary/drum-brakes","quote":"It has drum brakes. So you have to really kind of head to stop that car.","canonicalId":"term:drum-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Drum brakes are an older type of braking system where brake shoes press outward against a spinning drum to slow the vehicle. They are less effective than modern disc brakes, especially under heavy use.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drum brakes are a kind of brake that uses shoes pressing inside a round drum to stop the car. They work but aren't as strong or quick as newer brakes."}},{"startTime":860.2,"endTime":863.6,"type":"term","title":"bicycle tires","url":"/glossary/bicycle-tires","quote":"It has bicycle tires. They're really narrow. They're very narrow. So they're just, it's not a stable vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:bicycle-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Split Window Bus used very narrow tires similar in size to bicycle tires, which affected its stability and handling negatively compared to wider automotive tires.","simplifiedExplanation":"This bus had very thin tires, kind of like bike tires, which made it less steady and harder to control."}},{"startTime":909.8,"endTime":914.4,"type":"term","title":"weight distribution","url":"/glossary/weight-distribution","quote":"So we have perfect balance in that car. 25% weight per wheel. So it's extremely stable.","canonicalId":"term:weight-distribution","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Weight distribution refers to how a vehicle's weight is spread across its wheels. A balanced weight distribution, such as 25% per wheel on a four-wheel vehicle, contributes to better stability and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Weight distribution means how the car's weight is spread out over its wheels. When it's even, the car drives more smoothly and safely."}},{"startTime":933.6,"endTime":937.8,"type":"concept","title":"production","url":"/glossary/production","quote":"It's about to go into production. So it'll be in production April 1st.","canonicalId":"concept:production","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Production refers to the phase where a car model moves from development into manufacturing for sale to customers. It involves setting up assembly lines, sourcing parts, and scaling up to meet market demand.","simplifiedExplanation":"Production means making the car in a factory so people can buy it. It’s when the car goes from being an idea to a real thing you can drive."}},{"startTime":942.7,"endTime":946.4,"type":"concept","title":"sports car","url":"/glossary/sportscars","quote":"And then behind the scenes, we're working on our next model, which is sports car, which will announce in March of 2026.","canonicalId":"concept:sportscars","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A sports car is a type of automobile designed for performance driving, often featuring enhanced handling, acceleration, and a sporty aesthetic. They are typically two-seaters or have limited rear seating.","simplifiedExplanation":"A sports car is a fun car made to go fast and handle well, usually with two seats. People buy them because they like driving fast and feeling sporty."}},{"startTime":978.0,"endTime":980.6,"type":"concept","title":"KPI metrics","url":"/glossary/kpi-metrics","quote":"So that we're really taking that very seriously. Very KPI metrics driven, which is really important for us.","canonicalId":"concept:kpi-metrics","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"KPI stands for Key Performance Indicators, which are measurable values used by businesses to track how effectively they are achieving key objectives, including production efficiency and sales targets.","simplifiedExplanation":"KPI metrics are numbers that show how well a company is doing at important things, like making cars or selling them. It helps them know if they are doing a good job."}},{"startTime":1171.9,"endTime":1176.1,"type":"concept","title":"franchise agreements","url":"/glossary/franchise-agreements","quote":"So we don't run a foul of all these franchise agreements and arrangements. And Kindred's really easy to work with.","canonicalId":"concept:franchise-agreements","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Franchise agreements in the automotive industry are contracts between manufacturers and dealerships that define how vehicles are sold and marketed. They often include rules about branding, pricing, and territory.","simplifiedExplanation":"Franchise agreements are rules that car companies and their dealers agree on about how to sell and advertise cars, making sure everyone follows the same guidelines."}},{"startTime":1210.3,"endTime":1230.8,"type":"concept","title":"showroom","url":"/glossary/showroom","quote":"I would guess, though, that this will eventually evolve into a Kindred storefront, a Kindred showroom that will have Fords and VWs and others in there. And Kindred will be the overarching brand in there, as opposed to kind of introducing individual models into your various rooftops. Probably is going to evolve into a dedicated storefront.","canonicalId":"concept:showroom","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A showroom is a physical retail space where vehicles are displayed for customers to view and purchase. It plays a key role in the car buying experience by allowing customers to see and sometimes test drive vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"A showroom is a place where car dealers show their cars so people can look at them and decide which one to buy."}},{"startTime":1257.3,"endTime":1259.7,"type":"concept","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"Robert Donnie Jr.'s an investor. For him, it was the EV side of what we do.","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being environmentally friendly and often have instant torque.","simplifiedExplanation":"An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which means it doesn't make pollution and can be cheaper to drive."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"SiriusXM","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-244-kindred-ceo-rob-howard/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}