{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":" Feb. 14, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Gordie Howe Bridge dispute; Larry flies a Joby air taxi","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/feb-14-2026-weekend-drive-gordie-howe-bridge-dispute-larry-flies-a-joby-air-taxi","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18678383-feb-14-2026-weekend-drive-gordie-howe-bridge-dispute-larry-flies-a-joby-air-taxi.mp3","description":"Automotive News’ Michael Martinez and Larry P. Vellequette discuss President Donald Trump’s threat to block the Gordie Howe Bridge opening and what it reveals about trade policy. Plus, Larry takes us inside Joby Aviation’s flight simulator and explains how Toyota is helping the air taxi startup prepare for commercial operations."},"annotations":[{"startTime":110.5,"endTime":117.7,"type":"concept","title":"Ambassador Bridge","url":"/glossary/ambassador-bridge","quote":"...the Ambassador Bridge, is a privately owned bridge that carries most of the heavy traffic from the United States into Canada, including all the auto parts and the cars that flow back and forth...","canonicalId":"concept:ambassador-bridge","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ambassador Bridge is a major international bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, in the United States to Windsor, Ontario, in Canada. 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This requires precise coordination between suppliers and manufacturers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Just in time manufacturing means getting parts right when they are needed for making products, so companies don't have to store a lot of extra parts. This helps save money but can cause problems if there are delays."}},{"startTime":395.52,"endTime":401.12,"type":"car","title":"Jeep Wrangler","url":"/cars/jeep/wrangler","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/JEEP_WRANGLER_%28JL%29_China.jpg","quote":"...be a great idea to bid out the seats for the Jeep Wrangler, right, re-bid the seats.  This was in my former ...","canonicalId":"car:jeep:wrangler","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. 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Now, Toyota is making an electric version of it.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":637.12,"endTime":640.56,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Grand Highlander","url":"/cars/toyota/grand-highlander","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/2024_Toyota_Grand_Highlander_XLE_AWD_in_Blueprint%2C_Front_Right%2C_09-10-2023.jpg","quote":"... lot of that has come because they introduced the Grand Highlander,  which is a three row crossover for people with ...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:grand-highlander","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row crossover SUV designed to accommodate larger families or groups, offering ample space and comfort. 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This allows for optimized space for batteries and electric components, potentially improving performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A BEV platform is a type of design used for electric cars. It helps make the car work better with batteries instead of a regular engine."}},{"startTime":675.4,"endTime":679.2,"type":"term","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"...they still want to have something in every segment, including EVs. They think this will help transition some folks over...","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are part of a growing trend towards more sustainable transportation options.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are becoming more popular because they are better for the environment."}},{"startTime":684.7,"endTime":689.8,"type":"term","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"Larry, do we have a price of this EV Highlander yet? We don't. We don't.","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 gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV means electric vehicle, which is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel."}},{"startTime":701.9,"endTime":705.4,"type":"concept","title":"EV crossovers","url":"/glossary/ev-crossovers","quote":"But it's going to be more than their other EV crossovers, which they're introducing here shortly this year.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-crossovers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV crossovers are electric vehicles that combine the features of a crossover SUV with electric powertrains. They offer the benefits of spacious interiors and higher driving positions while being environmentally friendly due to their electric motors.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV crossovers are electric cars that look like SUVs. They are big and have a lot of space inside, and they run on electricity instead of gas, which is better for the planet."}},{"startTime":730.4,"endTime":735.5,"type":"concept","title":"three-row crossover","url":"/glossary/three-row-crossover","quote":"...customers want a three row EV for whatever price point they would have to sell it at. And they mentioned data that hardly anybody uses that third row anyway...","canonicalId":"concept:three-row-crossover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A three-row crossover is a type of SUV that features three rows of seating, accommodating larger families or groups. These vehicles are designed for comfort and versatility, often blending features of cars and trucks.","simplifiedExplanation":"A three-row crossover is a big car that has three rows of seats, so it can carry a lot of people. They're popular for families who need extra space."}},{"startTime":1049.66,"endTime":1053.78,"type":"car","title":"Lucid Air","url":"/cars/lucid/air","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Lucid_Air_Bahrain_Front.jpg","quote":"...,  get them off the road and get them through the air and get them to where they want to go faster.  No...","canonicalId":"car:lucid:air","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that emphasizes performance, technology, and range, positioning itself as a competitor to established electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S. Its innovative features and high-end design make it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and has a lot of cool technology. It's designed to be a comfortable ride while being good for the environment.","imageAttribution":"ToyGTone (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1094.5,"endTime":1095.5,"type":"term","title":"electric city car","url":"/glossary/electric-city-car","quote":"...They had that golf cart right in that small electric city car. They got into scooters...","canonicalId":"term:electric-city-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric city car is a small vehicle designed primarily for urban use, powered by electricity rather than gasoline. These cars are typically compact, making them ideal for navigating city traffic and parking.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric city car is a small car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It's made for driving around in cities where there are a lot of cars and not much space."}},{"startTime":1101.9,"endTime":1102.9,"type":"brand","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"...GM, try to get into e-bikes...","canonicalId":"brand:gm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. The company has a significant history in the automotive industry and has been involved in various innovations.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM is a big car company that makes several brands of cars, including Chevrolet and Cadillac. It's one of the largest car manufacturers in the world."}},{"startTime":1142.0,"endTime":1146.8,"type":"brand","title":"Chrysler","url":"/glossary/chrysler","quote":"Yeah, he's right. You you forgot Chrysler's intervention with Jim, right? That was a that was a golf cart.","canonicalId":"brand:chrysler","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and minivans. The brand has a rich history and has been involved in various automotive innovations over the years.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chrysler is a car company from the United States that makes different types of vehicles like cars and SUVs. They have been around for a long time and have created many popular models."}},{"startTime":1170.4,"endTime":1174.7,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes-Benz","url":"/glossary/mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","quote":"True. Solantis, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz. 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