{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":" February 6, 2026 | Cox Automotive's Steve Rowley on AI revolution; Toyota names new CEO","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/february-6-2026-cox-automotive-s-steve-rowley-on-ai-revolution-toyota-names-new-ceo","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18637118-february-6-2026-cox-automotive-s-steve-rowley-on-ai-revolution-toyota-names-new-ceo.mp3","description":"Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley joins Daily Drive from the NADA Show 2026 to talk about how the AI revolution is transforming dealerships. Toyota CFO Kenta Kon will become CEO effective April 1, just three years after the last major leadership change. Plus, LG Energy Solution buys out Stellantis’ stake in NextStar."},"annotations":[{"startTime":140.8,"endTime":148.1,"type":"company","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"...Stellantis shares dropped as much as 22% in Milan, wiping out about 5 billion euros in market value. Filosa will present a new strategic plan in May.","canonicalId":"company:stellantis","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It produces a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars. It was created when two companies joined together."}},{"startTime":156.2,"endTime":163.3,"type":"company","title":"LG Energy Solution","url":"/glossary/lg-energy-solution","quote":"...An LG energy solution is buying Stellantis's 49% stake in next-star energy. That move ends their joint venture and gives the South Korean battery maker full control of the Windsor, Ontario plant.","canonicalId":"company:lg-energy-solution","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"LG Energy Solution is a South Korean company specializing in battery manufacturing, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. They are known for their advancements in battery technology and partnerships with automotive manufacturers.","simplifiedExplanation":"LG Energy Solution is a company that makes batteries, especially for electric cars. They work with car companies to provide the power needed for these vehicles."}},{"startTime":175.1,"endTime":182.5,"type":"term","title":"electric vehicle (EV)","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"...Stellantis will stay on as a long-term customer, continuing to source batteries for its EVs. The buyout lets LG energy solution pivot the facility toward energy storage systems and pursue new automotive clients.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle, or EV, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This makes them better for the environment because they produce less pollution."}},{"startTime":264.0,"endTime":268.1,"type":"term","title":"electric vehicle batteries","url":"/glossary/electric-vehicle-batteries","quote":"...there is more customers for Nexstar and above and beyond just electric vehicle batteries because they were already doing energy storage systems...","canonicalId":"term:electric-vehicle-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Electric vehicle batteries are rechargeable batteries specifically designed to power electric vehicles. They store electrical energy and are crucial for the operation of electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electric vehicle batteries are special batteries that store electricity to power electric cars. They are different from regular car batteries."}},{"startTime":285.3,"endTime":290.5,"type":"term","title":"plug-in electric hybrid vehicles","url":"/glossary/plug-in-electric-hybrid-vehicles","quote":"...Stellantis earlier this year said they were going to kill all of their plug-in electric hybrid vehicles...","canonicalId":"term:plug-in-electric-hybrid-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are cars that can run on both electricity and gasoline. They have a rechargeable battery that can be charged from an external power source, allowing for electric-only driving for a certain distance before switching to gasoline.","simplifiedExplanation":"Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles are cars that can use both electricity and gas. You can charge them up and drive them on electricity for a while before they switch to using gas."}},{"startTime":334.38,"endTime":339.94,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Charger","url":"/cars/dodge/charger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/1970_Dodge_Charger_R-T_Hirschaid_22-20220709-RM-120204.jpg","quote":"... know they've brought back the V8 engine for  the charger that has been installed on the line now at Windso...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:charger","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular design. Recently, it has gained attention for reintroducing the V8 engine, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate traditional American muscle cars. Its combination of performance, style, and practicality makes it a popular topic among automotive discussions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's famous for having a strong engine that makes it fun to drive, especially for people who like powerful cars. Recently, they've brought back a special engine that many fans love.","imageAttribution":"Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":334.4,"endTime":339.9,"type":"term","title":"V8 engine","url":"/glossary/v8-engine","quote":"...they've brought back the V8 engine for the Charger that has been installed on the line now at Windsor assembly plant...","canonicalId":"term:v8-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for more power and torque, making V8 engines popular in performance and muscle cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders. It is known for being powerful and is often used in fast cars."}},{"startTime":895.0,"endTime":898.0,"type":"term","title":"OEMs","url":"/glossary/oem","quote":"So, we'll see what happens. I do think there's going to be vehicles and opportunities for the OEMs to really do some special things. It wasn't just a few NADAs ago...","canonicalId":"term:oem","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"OEMs stands for Original Equipment Manufacturers, which are companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive context, it refers to car manufacturers themselves, like Ford or Toyota.","simplifiedExplanation":"OEMs are the companies that make cars, like Ford or Toyota. They create the original parts that go into the vehicles."}},{"startTime":904.5,"endTime":907.5,"type":"term","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"It wasn't just a few NADAs ago that EVs were the big talk. Right. And now they've, you know, EVs not to, but used EVs are going to be a thing.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EVs stands for Electric Vehicles, which are vehicles powered entirely or partially by electricity. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are becoming more common because they are better for the environment."}},{"startTime":923.0,"endTime":927.0,"type":"term","title":"battery life","url":"/glossary/battery-life","quote":"I think there's still great vehicles, but there's going to be concerns about battery life, things like that.","canonicalId":"term:battery-life","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery life refers to the duration a battery can hold a charge and power a device or vehicle before needing to be recharged. In electric vehicles, battery life is crucial for performance and range.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery life is how long a battery can work before it needs to be charged again. For electric cars, this is important because it affects how far you can drive."}},{"startTime":933.1,"endTime":935.0,"type":"company","title":"Mannheim","url":"/glossary/mannheim","quote":"So, look, you know, we're going to have about 75 percent of all the EV inventory coming out of Mannheim. It's a big focus of ours.","canonicalId":"company:mannheim","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mannheim is a company known for vehicle auctions and remarketing services, particularly in the used car market. They play a significant role in the automotive industry by facilitating the sale of used vehicles, including electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mannheim is a company that helps sell used cars, including electric ones. They have a big role in the market for these vehicles."}},{"startTime":943.6,"endTime":945.0,"type":"term","title":"chargers","url":"/glossary/charger","quote":"I mean, you have to have lifts. You've got to have functionality. You've got to have chargers to be able to have those.","canonicalId":"term:charger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chargers are devices used to recharge the batteries of electric vehicles. They come in various types, including home chargers and public charging stations, and are essential for the operation of EVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chargers are what you use to refill the battery in electric cars. Just like you plug in your phone, you plug in an electric car to charge it."}},{"startTime":974.2,"endTime":977.8,"type":"term","title":"battery health monitor","url":"/glossary/battery-health-monitor","quote":"...some of it is getting education. We have a battery health monitor to let them understand what that battery health is for that car...","canonicalId":"term:battery-health-monitor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A battery health monitor is a tool that assesses the condition of an electric vehicle's battery, providing information on its capacity, efficiency, and overall health. This helps owners understand how well their battery is performing and when it may need replacement.","simplifiedExplanation":"A battery health monitor checks how good the battery in an electric car is. It tells you if the battery is working well or if it might need to be replaced soon."}},{"startTime":984.9,"endTime":990.3,"type":"term","title":"charging","url":"/glossary/charging","quote":"...most people will have an EV in the house in an ice and a car. And so, you know, most of them are charging to 300 plus miles...","canonicalId":"term:charging","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Charging refers to the process of replenishing an electric vehicle's battery with electricity. This can be done at home or at public charging stations, and the speed of charging can vary based on the charger type and the vehicle's battery capacity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Charging is how you fill up the battery in an electric car with electricity. You can do this at home or at special stations, and it can take different amounts of time depending on the charger."}},{"startTime":990.3,"endTime":996.1,"type":"term","title":"miles","url":"/glossary/miles","quote":"...charging to 300 plus miles. If you think the average driver, I think their commute is about 37 miles round trip...","canonicalId":"term:miles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the context of electric vehicles, 'miles' typically refers to the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. This range can vary significantly based on the vehicle model, battery size, and driving conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Miles in this context means how far an electric car can go on one charge of its battery. Different cars can go different distances before needing to be charged again."}},{"startTime":1025.9,"endTime":1025.9,"type":"term","title":"EV battery services","url":"/glossary/ev-battery-services","quote":"...I want to talk about EV battery services, something that Bacox has involved with...","canonicalId":"term:ev-battery-services","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV battery services refer to the various support and maintenance services provided for electric vehicle batteries, including diagnostics, repairs, and lifecycle management. These services are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of EV batteries.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV battery services are the help and maintenance that electric vehicle batteries need. This includes checking how well they work and fixing any problems."}},{"startTime":1035.9,"endTime":1035.9,"type":"term","title":"life cycle management","url":"/glossary/life-cycle-management","quote":"...we do everything soup to nuts as it relates to life cycle management of the EV space...","canonicalId":"term:life-cycle-management","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Life cycle management in the automotive context refers to the process of managing a vehicle's entire life span, from production to disposal. This includes maintenance, repairs, and recycling of parts, especially important for electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Life cycle management is about taking care of a car from the time it's made until it's no longer used. This includes fixing it, keeping it running well, and recycling parts when it's done."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/february-6-2026-cox-automotive-s-steve-rowley-on-ai-revolution-toyota-names-new-ceo/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}