{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Feb. 11, 2026 | CDK CEO Brian MacDonald interview; Ford posts $11B Q4 loss","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/feb-11-2026-cdk-ceo-brian-macdonald-interview-ford-posts-11b-q4-loss","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18665035-feb-11-2026-cdk-ceo-brian-macdonald-interview-ford-posts-11b-q4-loss.mp3","description":"CDK Global CEO Brian MacDonald discusses how the company is moving beyond basic artificial intelligence applications to deliver data-driven insights for dealers. Ford posts its worst quarterly loss since 2008, driven by EV write-downs and tariff costs. Plus, Honda names a new leader for its critical U.S. operations."},"annotations":[{"startTime":79.7,"endTime":86.5,"type":"car","title":"F-Series","url":"/cars/ford/f-series","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Auto_Ford_F-Series_Moscow_Kantemirovskaya_Street_%D0%A1767%D0%9A%D0%A3199_2013-04_1366713598.JPG","quote":"...an October fire at aluminum supplier Novellis also hampered F-Series production, costing Ford an estimated $2 billion...","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-series","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-Series is a line of trucks that includes the F-150, F-250, and F-350, known for their durability and capability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The F-Series is a group of trucks made by Ford, famous for being tough and good for work.","imageAttribution":"Artyom Svetlov (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":117.56,"endTime":123.74,"type":"car","title":"Honda Pivot Honda","url":"/cars/honda/pilot","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Honda_Pilot_%28YF1%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA_%282%29.jpg","quote":"Fujimora takes over from Kazuhiro Takazawa amid affordability concerns, tariff costs,  and a dramatic EV pivot. Honda slashed its 2030 global EV target from 2 million vehicles  to just $700,000 to $750,000. It also cut prologue production by half.","canonicalId":"car:honda:pilot","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It is significant as it represents Honda's approach to balancing practicality and comfort in a competitive SUV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Pilot is a family-sized SUV that has lots of space for passengers and cargo. It's important because it's designed to be comfortable and practical for families on the go.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":123.74,"endTime":130.72,"type":"car","title":"Honda Prologue","url":"/cars/honda/prologue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2024_Honda_Prologue.jpg","quote":"...hicles  to just $700,000 to $750,000. It also cut prologue production by half.  The company absorbed a $1.8 ...","canonicalId":"car:honda:prologue","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Prologue is an all-electric SUV that represents Honda's commitment to electrification and sustainability. It is significant as Honda's first dedicated electric vehicle, aiming to compete in the growing EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Prologue is a new electric SUV from Honda. It's important because it's Honda's first car made just for electric driving, showing that they're moving towards more environmentally friendly vehicles.","imageAttribution":"Wlb5V (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":237.42,"endTime":243.58,"type":"car","title":"Ford F150","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"...because of the novellas fire in October that cut their aluminum supply for the F-150. Nobody could have saw that coming, right? And they've had to react to that. And then even when it comes to EVs...","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for decades. It is known for its durability, versatility, and strong performance in various driving conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F-150 is a popular truck in America that people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and able to carry heavy loads.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":249.2,"endTime":254.8,"type":"term","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"...And then even when it comes to EVs, you could make the argument that some of that was outside of their control...","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they produce no exhaust fumes."}},{"startTime":266.04,"endTime":273.58,"type":"car","title":"Ford F-150 Lightning","url":"/cars/ford/f-150-lightning","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"... missing the market, particularly with the F-150  Lightning. Yes, it was the number one best-selling full-siz...","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150-lightning","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 Lightning is the electric version of Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup truck. It combines the utility and performance of a traditional truck with the benefits of electric power, making it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of Ford's popular F-150 truck. It’s important because it offers the same features as regular trucks but runs on electricity, which is better for the environment.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":273.6,"endTime":281.0,"type":"term","title":"towing","url":"/glossary/towing","quote":"...but the customers just didn't like the range when it came to towing and hauling. It couldn't do truck things...","canonicalId":"term:towing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Towing refers to the act of pulling a trailer or another vehicle using a truck or SUV. The towing capacity is an important specification for trucks, indicating how much weight they can safely pull.","simplifiedExplanation":"Towing means pulling something heavy, like a trailer, behind a truck. It's important for trucks to be able to do this if people want to use them for work or recreation."}},{"startTime":290.1,"endTime":296.1,"type":"concept","title":"financial performance","url":"/glossary/financial-performance","quote":"...this is the third worst financial performance ever in the company's history. Wow. Well, despite this massive loss...","canonicalId":"concept:financial-performance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Financial performance refers to how well a company is doing in terms of making money, managing expenses, and overall profitability. It's often measured through earnings, losses, and other financial metrics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Financial performance is a way to see how well a company is doing with its money. It looks at how much money they make and spend, and whether they are making a profit or losing money."}},{"startTime":318.5,"endTime":324.4,"type":"term","title":"tariff costs","url":"/glossary/tariff-costs","quote":"...they're still dealing with about $2 billion worth of tariff costs.","canonicalId":"term:tariff-costs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tariff costs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can increase the cost of manufacturing for companies that rely on foreign parts or materials. These costs can significantly impact a company's financial performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tariff costs are extra fees that companies have to pay when they bring parts or materials from other countries. These fees can make it more expensive for companies to make their products."}},{"startTime":324.4,"endTime":329.4,"type":"term","title":"EV charges","url":"/glossary/ev-charges","quote":"...they're not going to be writing down all these EV charges, they think they've set themselves up well for the future.","canonicalId":"term:ev-charges","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV charges refer to the costs associated with electric vehicle (EV) production, including investments in battery technology and infrastructure. Companies often write down these costs if they don't meet expected sales or profitability.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV charges are the expenses that car companies have to pay when they make electric vehicles. If they spend too much and don't sell enough cars, they might lose money on those expenses."}},{"startTime":362.9,"endTime":369.1,"type":"car","title":"Ford Bronco","url":"/cars/ford/bronco","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/2022_Ford_Bronco_2.jpg","quote":"So Ford can build more Raptors, they can build more Broncos and F-150s and Mustangs and that will make them more money.","canonicalId":"car:ford:bronco","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Bronco is an SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a strong heritage and was reintroduced to the market after a long hiatus.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can go off-road and handle rough terrain. It's popular for outdoor adventures and has a classic look.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":362.9,"endTime":369.1,"type":"car","title":"Ford Raptor","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/FORD_F-150_SVT_RAPTOR_China.jpg","quote":"So Ford can build more Raptors, they can build more Broncos and F-150s and Mustangs and that will make them more money.","canonicalId":"car:ford-raptor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Raptor is a high-performance version of the F-150 designed for off-road driving. It features enhanced suspension and powerful engines for rugged terrain.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Raptor is a special version of the F-150 truck that is built for off-road adventures. It has stronger parts and can handle rough roads better than regular trucks.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":362.94,"endTime":369.08,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/1966_Ford_Mustang_coupe_white_001.jpg","quote":"So Ford can build more Raptors, they can build more Broncos and F-150s and Mustangs and that will make them more money.","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It has a rich history and is popular among car enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that many people love for its speed and cool design. It's been around for a long time and has a strong following.","imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":380.2,"endTime":385.5,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang Mach-E","url":"/cars/ford/mustang-mach-e","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/FORD_MUSTANG_MACH-E_China.jpg","quote":"...the small, affordable segment will do a heck of a lot better than the Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E have done.","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang-mach-e","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the Mustang's performance heritage with modern electric vehicle technology. It aims to attract a new generation of drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that has the Mustang name but is designed for families and everyday use. It's part of Ford's move to make more electric cars.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":380.2,"endTime":385.5,"type":"car","title":"Ford Lightning","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"...the small, affordable segment will do a heck of a lot better than the Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E have done.","canonicalId":"car:ford-lightning","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Lightning is an electric version of the F-150, designed to offer the same utility and performance as its gasoline counterpart while being environmentally friendly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Lightning is an electric version of the F-150 truck. It aims to provide the same features as the regular F-150 but runs on electricity instead of gas.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/feb-11-2026-cdk-ceo-brian-macdonald-interview-ford-posts-11b-q4-loss/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}