{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Feb. 3, 2026 | Hyundai, Kia set January sales records; Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell ","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/feb-3-2026-hyundai-kia-set-january-sales-records-chrysler-ceo-chris-feuell","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18619517-feb-3-2026-hyundai-kia-set-january-sales-records-chrysler-ceo-chris-feuell.mp3","description":"Hyundai and Kia post record January sales driven by hybrids and crossovers. Consumer Reports crowns nine hybrids in its top 10 vehicle rankings. Plus, Chrysler Brand CEO Chris Feuell talks about the minivan comeback, the refreshed Pacifica and why Chrysler is pivoting away from going all-electric."},"annotations":[{"startTime":24.3,"endTime":24.5,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai","url":"/glossary/hyundai","quote":"...Hyundai and Kia both set January sales records. Hybrids dominate the latest consumer reports...","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and hybrids. The brand has gained popularity for its value and warranty offerings.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and SUVs. They are known for providing good value for money."}},{"startTime":31.0,"endTime":31.2,"type":"term","title":"hybrid","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"...Hybrids dominate the latest consumer reports picks for top new cars...","canonicalId":"term:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They can operate on either or both power sources.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid car uses both a regular gas engine and an electric motor. This helps it save fuel and produce fewer emissions compared to regular cars."}},{"startTime":95.0,"endTime":95.5,"type":"car","title":"Kia Telluride","url":"/cars/kia/telluride","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/2020_Kia_Telluride_LX_V6_AWD.jpg","quote":"For Kia, crossovers like the Sportage, Telluride and Celtos all posted January records.","canonicalId":"car:kia:telluride","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, upscale features, and strong performance. It has received numerous awards for its design and safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Telluride is a larger SUV that is very spacious and has many features that make it feel luxurious. It's great for families or anyone needing extra room.","imageAttribution":"Ghostofakina (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":95.0,"endTime":95.5,"type":"term","title":"crossover","url":"/glossary/crossover","quote":"For Kia, crossovers like the Sportage, Telluride and Celtos all posted January records.","canonicalId":"term:crossover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A crossover is a type of vehicle that blends characteristics of cars and SUVs, typically built on a car's platform. They offer higher seating positions and more cargo space compared to traditional sedans.","simplifiedExplanation":"A crossover is a kind of vehicle that combines features of cars and SUVs, giving you more space and a higher driving position than a regular car."}},{"startTime":95.0,"endTime":95.5,"type":"car","title":"Kia Celtos","quote":"For Kia, crossovers like the Sportage, Telluride and Celtos all posted January records.","canonicalId":"car:kia-celtos","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Celtos is a subcompact SUV that offers a stylish design, advanced technology, and a range of efficient engines. It's aimed at younger buyers looking for a versatile vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Celtos is a smaller SUV that looks modern and has lots of tech features. It's a good choice for younger drivers or anyone who wants a compact vehicle."}},{"startTime":95.02,"endTime":99.86,"type":"car","title":"Kia Sportage","url":"/cars/kia/sportage","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/2018_Kia_Sportage_GT-Line_ISG_1.6.jpg","quote":"For Kia, crossovers like the Sportage, Telluride and Celtos all posted January records.","canonicalId":"car:kia:sportage","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and technology. It is popular for its spacious interior and advanced safety features.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that is known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside. It's a popular choice for families.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":138.78,"endTime":144.38,"type":"car","title":"Honda Civic","url":"/cars/honda/civic","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/2022_Honda_Civic_LX_Sedan%2C_front_right%2C_11-02-2022.jpg","quote":"Winners include the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Ford Maverick.","canonicalId":"car:honda:civic","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has been a popular choice among consumers for decades.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and saves gas. It's been around for a long time and is very popular.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":144.8,"endTime":152.46,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model","url":"/cars/tesla/model-y","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Tesla_Model_Y_%282025%29_MYLE_Festival_2025_DSC_9565.jpg","quote":"The Tesla Model Y was the sole EV pick.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-y","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV known for its impressive range, advanced technology, and performance. It's part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Model Y is a small electric SUV that runs on battery power instead of gas. It's popular for its long driving range and high-tech features.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":144.8,"endTime":152.46,"type":"car","title":"Ford Maverick","url":"/cars/ford/maverick","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1972_Ford_Maverick_Sprint_%28616806978%29.jpg","quote":"...s include the Honda Civic,  Toyota Camry and Ford Maverick. The Tesla Model Y was the sole EV pick. And Pens...","canonicalId":"car:ford:maverick","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was introduced in 2021, designed to be affordable and fuel-efficient while still offering versatility for various tasks. It has gained attention for its hybrid option, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a practical vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Maverick is a small truck that is easy to drive and park. It's great for people who need a vehicle that can carry things but don’t want a big, heavy truck.","imageAttribution":"dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":144.8,"endTime":152.46,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Camry","url":"/cars/toyota/camry","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/%28USA-Massachusetts%29_Private_Toyota_Camry_NJ-Z22UKZ_rear_2024-06-06.jpg","quote":"... hybrid. Winners include the Honda Civic,  Toyota Camry and Ford Maverick. The Tesla Model Y was the sole...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:camry","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for decades, making it a significant player in the automotive market, especially in the hybrid segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Camry is a popular car that is known for being dependable and easy to drive. Many people like it because it gets good gas mileage and has a comfortable interior, making it a great choice for families.","imageAttribution":"S5A-0043 (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":150.0,"endTime":152.5,"type":"company","title":"Hendrick Automotive Group","url":"/glossary/hendrick-automotive-group","quote":"Penske Automotive Group and Hendrick Automotive Group held onto the top spots in Reputation's annual customer sentiment rankings...","canonicalId":"company:hendrick-automotive-group","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hendrick Automotive Group is one of the largest privately held automotive retail companies in the United States, known for its extensive network of dealerships and commitment to customer satisfaction.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hendrick Automotive Group is a big company that sells cars and is known for making customers happy. They have many car dealerships."}},{"startTime":150.0,"endTime":152.5,"type":"company","title":"Penske Automotive Group","url":"/glossary/penske-automotive-group","quote":"Penske Automotive Group and Hendrick Automotive Group held onto the top spots in Reputation's annual customer sentiment rankings...","canonicalId":"company:penske-automotive-group","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Penske Automotive Group is a publicly traded transportation services company that operates automotive retail and logistics businesses. They are known for their customer service and reputation in the industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Penske Automotive Group is a company that sells cars and provides services related to vehicles. They are recognized for treating their customers well."}},{"startTime":673.0,"endTime":678.76,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler Pacifica","url":"/cars/chrysler/pacifica","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/%2707_Chrysler_Pacifica.jpg","quote":"first half of 2025. The brand credits millennials entering the parenting stage,  Gen X and Boomer grandparents, and even gig economy workers discovering the Pacifica's  versatility. Now Chrysler is launching a refreshed Pacifica in May and pivoting away from its all","canonicalId":"car:chrysler:pacifica","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that has been praised for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and family-friendly features. It has become popular among parents and caregivers for its versatility and comfort, especially as more people seek practical vehicles for family use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler Pacifica is a family van that has lots of room for kids and their stuff. It's designed to be comfortable and convenient for families, making it a great choice for road trips or daily errands.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":708.7,"endTime":716.2,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler Grand Caravan","url":"/cars/dodge/grand-caravan","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Chrysler_Grand_Voyager_Limited_RT_Bright_Silver_Metallic_%281%29.jpg","quote":"...minivan sales have surged in Canada, obviously led by the Pacifica and the Grand Caravan. They're also up in the U.S....","canonicalId":"car:dodge:grand-caravan","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler Grand Caravan is a well-known minivan that has been popular for its versatility and family-oriented features. It has contributed significantly to Chrysler's sales in the minivan segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler Grand Caravan is another family minivan that offers a lot of room and features for families. It's been a popular choice for many years.","imageAttribution":"Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":720.3,"endTime":727.0,"type":"concept","title":"minivan market","url":"/glossary/minivan-market","quote":"...What's going on in the minivan market in North America? 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So, it's a really attractive multi-use vehicle...","canonicalId":"term:4x8-sheet-of-plywood","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 4x8 sheet of plywood is a standard size for construction materials, measuring four feet by eight feet. Vehicles that can accommodate such large items, like minivans with flat-folding seats, are particularly useful for DIY projects and transporting materials.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 4x8 sheet of plywood is a big piece of wood that is four feet wide and eight feet long. Some vehicles, like minivans, can fit this size of wood inside when the seats are down, which is helpful for carrying things for home projects."}},{"startTime":1019.9,"endTime":1026.9,"type":"term","title":"refresh","url":"/glossary/refresh","quote":"...what we're excited to talk about is the fact that Pacifica is launching a refresh in April of this year...","canonicalId":"term:refresh","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the automotive context, a 'refresh' refers to updates made to a vehicle model that can include design changes, new technology, or improved features. This is typically done to keep the model competitive in the market without a complete redesign.","simplifiedExplanation":"A refresh is when a car gets some updates or changes to make it look better or have new features. It's not a whole new model, just improvements to the existing one."}},{"startTime":1052.7,"endTime":1059.2,"type":"term","title":"Hellcat engine","url":"/glossary/hellcat-engine","quote":"...I saw a video of a minivan with a Hellcat engine installed inside. Obviously, these are gear heads and enthusiasts...","canonicalId":"term:hellcat-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Hellcat engine is a high-performance supercharged V8 engine produced by Chrysler, known for its powerful output and used in various models like the Dodge Charger and Challenger. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its performance capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hellcat engine is a very powerful engine made by Chrysler. It's often used in sports cars and is known for being really fast and strong."}},{"startTime":1059.2,"endTime":1065.1,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler Grizzly Peak","quote":"...Chrysler unveiled the Grizzly Peak concept called the Ultimate Adventure Minivan. Does any of this mean there's real potential for off-road, upscale performance...","canonicalId":"car:chrysler-grizzly-peak","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler Grizzly Peak is a concept minivan unveiled in 2025, designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts and those interested in overlanding. It represents a shift in the minivan market towards more adventurous and performance-oriented vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler Grizzly Peak is a new type of minivan that Chrysler introduced in 2025. It's designed for people who enjoy outdoor adventures and want a vehicle that can handle rough terrain."}},{"startTime":1071.4,"endTime":1078.7,"type":"concept","title":"overlanding","url":"/glossary/overlanding","quote":"...off-road, upscale performance and overlanding badging and branding for this segment? Is that realistic? Why or why not? It is realistic...","canonicalId":"concept:overlanding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Overlanding refers to self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. It often involves off-road vehicles and camping, appealing to those who seek adventure and exploration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Overlanding is a type of travel where people drive to remote places, often camping along the way. It's about the adventure of getting there, not just the destination."}},{"startTime":1131.0,"endTime":1133.0,"type":"term","title":"daily driver","url":"/glossary/daily-driver","quote":"...can be used as an overlanding vehicle or a daily driver. And it's just very appealing to those particular customers.","canonicalId":"term:daily-driver","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A daily driver is a vehicle that is primarily used for everyday commuting and errands. It is typically reliable, practical, and comfortable for regular use, rather than for high-performance or specialized purposes.","simplifiedExplanation":"A daily driver is a car that people use every day to go to work, run errands, or do regular activities. It's usually a reliable and comfortable vehicle."}},{"startTime":1156.2,"endTime":1157.5,"type":"term","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"There was talk of the airflow concept coming to fruition as an EV.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV stands for electric vehicle, which is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.","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":1227.02,"endTime":1234.14,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler Voyager","url":"/cars/chrysler/voyager","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/2023_Chrysler_Voyager_Driver_Dashboard.jpg","quote":"...from the Voyager and Grand Caravan at the value end of the equation to select and limited...","canonicalId":"car:chrysler:voyager","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler Voyager is a minivan that offers family-friendly features and practicality. It is positioned as an affordable option in Chrysler's lineup, catering to consumers looking for value in a family vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler Voyager is a type of minivan designed for families. It's known for being spacious and affordable, making it a good choice for people who need room for kids and gear.","imageAttribution":"Andrepoiy (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1239.9,"endTime":1247.0,"type":"term","title":"pinnacle trim level","url":"/glossary/pinnacle-trim-level","quote":"...the pinnacle trim level that is more skewed to upscale premium minivan segments.","canonicalId":"term:pinnacle-trim-level","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The pinnacle trim level refers to the highest or most luxurious version of a vehicle model. It typically includes premium features, materials, and technology that enhance the overall driving experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The pinnacle trim level is the top version of a car model that has the best features and luxury options. 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