{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Fiat Grande Panda Irish Launch, World Car of the Year 2026 Winners Announced and Mercedes-Benz Steer-by-Wire. ","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/fiat-grande-panda-irish-launch-world-car-of-the-year-2026-winners-announced-and-mercedes-benz-steer-by-wire","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/67c55a712d83ccdeecd498ae/e/69d7fa9e00eb02bda1b5a9cf/media.mp3","description":"Welcome back to the Nevo EV News Podcast. If it's Tuesday it must be Nevo EV News Day. My name is Derek Reilly and on this podcast we chat all about EV. Nevo is Ireland's only dedicated EV platform and we'll be covering where we were this week, what we've been driving and what we've been doing between podcasts. If you haven't already subscribed or followed us wherever you are listening please do so and if you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and comment, it really helps us out and it doesn't cost you anything. Let's get stuck in.Fiat Grande Panda Electrichttps://youtu.be/zSo7Xqw8lxIWorld Car of the Year 2026 Winner Announcedhttps://www.worldcarawards.com/web/Mercedes-Benz Steer-By-Wirehttps://youtu.be/Fqp7uBGQI8cNevo Driving Experience in Partnership with Bank of Irelandhttps://www.nevo.ie/nevo-driving-experience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":6.0,"endTime":12.0,"type":"concept","title":"World Car of the Year winners","url":"/glossary/world-car-of-the-year-winners","quote":"We're going to be chatting about World Car of the Year winners a clean sweep for all electric models","canonicalId":"concept:world-car-of-the-year-winners","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“World Car of the Year” is an annual global award that recognizes the best new vehicles across categories. When the host says the winners are a “clean sweep for all electric models,” they’re highlighting how EVs dominated the results.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a big yearly award that ranks new cars from around the world. In this episode, they’re saying the EVs won most or all of the top spots."}},{"startTime":16.8,"endTime":20.0,"type":"term","title":"Steer by wire","url":"/glossary/steer-by-wire","quote":"And I got to drive the Mercedes-Benz Steer by wire and today we were at the Grande Panda launch from Fiat","canonicalId":"term:steer-by-wire","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Steer-by-wire replaces the traditional mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and wheels with electronic controls. Inputs are sent to actuators, which can improve packaging and enable advanced driver-assistance and calibration options.","simplifiedExplanation":"Normally, your steering wheel is connected to the wheels by mechanical parts. With steer-by-wire, that connection is electronic, so the car uses signals to steer instead."}},{"startTime":31.0,"endTime":35.4,"type":"company","title":"Bank of Ireland","url":"/glossary/bank-of-ireland","quote":"Dream Nevo driving experience in partnership with Bank of Ireland happening in Kildare on April 26","canonicalId":"company:bank-of-ireland","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bank of Ireland is mentioned as a partner for the “Dream Nevo” driving experience. Partnerships like this often relate to financing offers, promotions, or broader EV adoption initiatives.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bank of Ireland is a financial company that’s teaming up with the podcast/event. That kind of partnership can be about promotions or financing for EVs."}},{"startTime":138.4,"endTime":145.32,"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":"Everyone's welcome in the Grand Highlander from sports fans to eco buffs and movie fans","canonicalId":"car:toyota:grand-highlander","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger, family-focused version of the Highlander with an emphasis on space—especially for a third row. In this segment, it’s positioned as a vehicle that can suit different buyer types, from performance-minded drivers to people looking for efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger Toyota SUV meant for families. It’s known for having room for more passengers, including a third row.","imageAttribution":"Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":145.9,"endTime":155.7,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Sienna","url":"/cars/toyota/sienna","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/TOYOTA_SIENNA_%28XL40%29_China.jpg","quote":"Seen back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go","canonicalId":"car:toyota:sienna","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Sienna is a minivan that’s often offered with family-oriented tech and comfort features. Here it’s referenced as having an available rear-seat entertainment system, which is a common minivan selling point for kids and long trips.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Sienna is a minivan. The mention here is about an optional entertainment system for passengers in the back seats.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":237.5,"endTime":248.1,"type":"concept","title":"New York International Auto Show","url":"/glossary/new-york-international-auto-show","quote":"So for the last couple years it's been announced at the new york international auto show","canonicalId":"concept:new-york-international-auto-show","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment says the awards have been announced at the New York International Auto Show in recent years. This show is a major North American event where automakers reveal new models and technologies.","simplifiedExplanation":"They mention the New York International Auto Show as the place where the winners are announced. It’s a big event where automakers show off new cars and tech."}},{"startTime":360.9,"endTime":364.6,"type":"company","title":"KPMG","url":"/glossary/kpmg","quote":"And the votes were tabulated by kpmg","canonicalId":"company:kpmg","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"KPMG is a global professional services firm. In awards contexts, it’s often named as the independent party that tabulates votes, which helps support the integrity of the results.","simplifiedExplanation":"KPMG is a large company that does auditing and other professional services. Here it’s mentioned because it helps count the votes for the award."}},{"startTime":519.6,"endTime":523.1,"type":"brand","title":"Brembo","url":"/glossary/brembo","quote":"World car of the year urban car power by brembo is the firefly","canonicalId":"brand:brembo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Brembo is a well-known automotive supplier best known for performance braking systems. Here it’s mentioned as the “power by” sponsor/partner tied to the World Urban Car of the Year award, which signals Brembo’s involvement in the awards program.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brembo is a company that makes braking parts for cars, especially performance-oriented ones. In this episode, it’s connected to the award the Firefly won."}},{"startTime":535.6,"endTime":549.9,"type":"concept","title":"urban mobility","url":"/glossary/urban-mobility","quote":"Said the this recognition isn't about the car and flex the shift in how we move through cities at firefly We believe urban mobility should feel lighter smarter safer","canonicalId":"concept:urban-mobility","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Urban mobility refers to how people and vehicles move through cities—often focusing on convenience, safety, and efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. The speaker ties this to the Firefly’s design goals: lighter, smarter, safer, and more in tune with daily life.","simplifiedExplanation":"Urban mobility is just a fancy way of saying “getting around in the city.” The host is saying the car is meant to make daily city driving feel easier and safer."}},{"startTime":571.4,"endTime":576.2,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen ID 3","url":"/cars/volkswagen/id-3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/2020_Volkswagen_ID.3_1st_Front.jpg","quote":"It is phenomenal It is probably what the voltswagen id 3 should have been","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:id-3","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen ID 3 is an electric hatchback from Volkswagen’s ID family, known for being one of the brand’s early mass-market EVs. The host’s comparison suggests the Firefly’s concept/execution is what they feel the ID 3 “should have been,” highlighting expectations for urban EVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen ID 3 is an electric car from Volkswagen. The host is basically saying the Firefly seems like it matches what they wanted from an urban EV better than the ID 3 did.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":582.8,"endTime":591.8,"type":"concept","title":"short list of three contenders","url":"/glossary/short-list-of-three-contenders","quote":"The firefly was chosen from an elitian list an initial list of five contenders from all over the world A short list of three was finalized was a finalist was released at the start of march","canonicalId":"concept:short-list-of-three-contenders","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment describes the award process: an initial list of five contenders, then a short list of three, then finalists. This is useful context for how the Firefly was selected rather than being a casual winner.","simplifiedExplanation":"They explain how the award narrowed down the candidates. First there were five options, then it got cut to three before the winner was chosen."}},{"startTime":662.9,"endTime":669.5,"type":"concept","title":"electrification","url":"/glossary/electrification","quote":"Who has chosen the mazda 6e mazda's newest challenge in electrification?\n[666.7s]  It's a global automotive industry continues to shift","canonicalId":"concept:electrification","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Electrification is the industry shift toward electric powertrains—typically battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. In the transcript, it’s used to describe Mazda’s “newest challenge” and the broader market trend.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrification means cars are moving away from gasoline-only power and toward electric motors. The episode is talking about how automakers are adapting to that change."}},{"startTime":669.5,"endTime":675.9,"type":"concept","title":"SUV and electric vehicles","url":"/glossary/suv-and-electric-vehicles","quote":"It's as the global automotive automotive industry continues to shift towards the suv and electric vehicles\n[675.9s]  We're deeply honored and sincerely grateful to receive this award for a classic sedan","canonicalId":"concept:suv-and-electric-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is a market trend statement: consumer demand has been shifting toward SUVs and toward electric vehicles. The host frames the award and Mazda’s design approach within that changing landscape."}},{"startTime":711.4,"endTime":718.8,"type":"concept","title":"design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts","url":"/glossary/design-panel-consisting-of-seven-highly-respected-world-design-experts","quote":"Design a design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts were asked to review each candidate and establish\n[718.8s]  A shortlist recommendations for the jurors final vote.","canonicalId":"concept:design-panel-consisting-of-seven-highly-respected-world-design-experts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes how the World Car Design of the Year decision is made: a panel of experts reviews candidates and makes recommendations for the final vote. It emphasizes that the award is judged by design professionals."}},{"startTime":813.9,"endTime":816.4,"type":"concept","title":"range","url":"/glossary/range","quote":"The ix 3 marks the beginning of a new era for bmw in terms of design language range and charging performance","canonicalId":"concept:range","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Range is how far an EV can travel on a full charge, usually expressed as an estimated number of miles or kilometers under standardized testing. It’s central to EV ownership because it affects trip planning and whether you’ll rely on public charging.","simplifiedExplanation":"Range is how far the EV can go before it needs charging. It matters because it affects how often you’ll stop to charge and how practical the car is for your trips."}},{"startTime":813.9,"endTime":816.4,"type":"concept","title":"charging performance","url":"/glossary/charging-performance","quote":"The ix 3 marks the beginning of a new era for bmw in terms of design language range and charging performance","canonicalId":"concept:charging-performance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Charging performance refers to how effectively an EV can recharge—typically including charging speed (power), how consistently it charges over time, and how well it manages battery temperature. It’s a key differentiator because it affects real-world road-trip usability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Charging performance is how well an EV charges. It’s about how fast it can recharge and how smoothly it charges in real use, like on longer trips."}},{"startTime":1045.8,"endTime":1049.4,"type":"term","title":"vibrations","url":"/glossary/vibrations","quote":"There's no longer a need to adjust the grip on the steering wheel\nundesired vibrations can cause\nCaused by uneven road surfaces\nWhich previously transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel can now be eliminated","canonicalId":"term:vibrations","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In conventional steering systems, road irregularities can transmit through the steering wheel as vibration. The segment argues steer-by-wire can eliminate or reduce those unwanted vibrations by not relying on direct mechanical transmission from the road to the driver.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sometimes bumps in the road make the steering wheel shake. The idea here is that steer-by-wire can filter out those shakes so the wheel feels calmer."}},{"startTime":1053.2,"endTime":1059.2,"type":"term","title":"tire road contact can be calculated","quote":"The tire road contact can be calculated on a model by model basis with the help of\nRestoring factor forces of the steering wheel\nPrecise intuitive steering feel is maintained presuming the characteristic","canonicalId":"term:tire-road-contact-can-be-calculated","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host suggests the system can estimate tire-road contact conditions using models, rather than relying purely on mechanical feedback. That enables more tailored steering assistance/feel and potentially more consistent behavior across different surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"The car can use sensors and computer modeling to figure out what the tires are doing on the road. That helps it adjust steering so it feels more natural and predictable."}},{"startTime":1295.2,"endTime":1299.4,"type":"term","title":"rear seat entertainment system","url":"/glossary/rear-seat-entertainment-system","quote":"Seen back in the sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system slip into the rav 4 with available all-wheel drive","canonicalId":"term:rear-seat-entertainment-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A rear-seat entertainment system typically includes screens and audio outputs for passengers in the back. It’s a common family-focused option that can make long trips easier by reducing boredom and keeping kids (and sometimes adults) occupied.","simplifiedExplanation":"A rear-seat entertainment system is stuff like screens and audio for the back seats. It helps passengers stay entertained on longer drives."}},{"startTime":1299.4,"endTime":1304.6,"type":"car","title":"RAV 4","url":"/cars/toyota/rav4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/2021_Toyota_RAV4_PHV.jpg","quote":"slip into the rav 4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go toyota","canonicalId":"car:toyota:rav4","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota RAV 4 is a compact SUV, and this segment mentions it with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive can improve traction in rain, snow, and uneven road conditions, which is a common reason buyers choose it.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota RAV 4 is a compact SUV. They’re saying you can get it with all-wheel drive, which helps the car grip better when roads are slippery.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1347.5,"endTime":1349.0,"type":"term","title":"right hand drive","url":"/glossary/right-hand-drive","quote":"poor old kieran kusick and john and the team at fiat ireland have been crying to get these right hand drive models in and today we had","canonicalId":"term:right-hand-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Right-hand drive (RHD) means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, which is required for driving in countries like Ireland. The segment emphasizes getting the correct configuration for the Irish market."}},{"startTime":1378.8,"endTime":1381.0,"type":"term","title":"halogen headlamps","url":"/glossary/halogen-headlamps","quote":"halogen headlamps and rear lamps","canonicalId":"term:halogen-headlamps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Halogen headlamps use a halogen gas bulb technology, which is generally less efficient and less bright than modern LED systems. The host contrasts this with the higher trim’s LED lighting later in the segment."}},{"startTime":1382.2,"endTime":1386.0,"type":"term","title":"10 inch digital cluster","url":"/glossary/10-inch-digital-cluster","quote":"It does have the 10 inch digital cluster But it still has a lot of safety elements","canonicalId":"term:10-inch-digital-cluster","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A digital cluster replaces traditional analog gauges with a screen that can display speed, range, and other driving information. The segment notes it as part of the entry trim’s dashboard."}},{"startTime":1396.7,"endTime":1400.6,"type":"term","title":"rear parking sensors","url":"/glossary/rear-parking-sensors","quote":"driver drowsiness warning rear parking sensors The one I was driving","canonicalId":"term:rear-parking-sensors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Rear parking sensors detect obstacles behind the car and alert the driver with audible/visual warnings. They’re especially useful at low speeds when visibility is limited."}},{"startTime":1411.2,"endTime":1415.9,"type":"term","title":"LED headlamps","url":"/glossary/led-headlamps","quote":"led headlamps, which are the pixelated ones which are much more stylistic","canonicalId":"term:led-headlamps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"LED headlamps use light-emitting diodes, which typically provide better brightness and faster response than halogen bulbs. The host specifically describes them as “pixelated,” implying a more complex light signature.","simplifiedExplanation":"LED headlights are a newer type of lighting that’s usually brighter and more efficient than halogen. They also tend to look more modern."}},{"startTime":1413.0,"endTime":1416.0,"type":"term","title":"pixelated ones","quote":"led headlamps, which are the pixelated ones which are much more stylistic","canonicalId":"term:pixelated-ones","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Pixelated” headlamps typically refer to a segmented LED design that can create a distinctive light pattern or signature. It’s mainly an aesthetic/branding feature, though segmented designs can also be used for beam shaping.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Pixelated” means the headlights are made of many small LED sections. It gives the car a distinctive look, like a patterned light signature."}},{"startTime":1440.0,"endTime":1444.2,"type":"term","title":"USB-C","url":"/glossary/usb-c","quote":"cruise control speed limiter and two usbc's charging in the front","canonicalId":"term:usb-c","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"USB-C is a modern charging/data connector commonly used for phones and accessories. The segment notes two USB-C ports in the front for charging.","simplifiedExplanation":"USB-C is the common modern charging plug for phones. The car has two USB-C ports up front for charging devices."}},{"startTime":1526.3,"endTime":1531.3,"type":"term","title":"five-seater","url":"/glossary/five-seater","quote":"[1526.3s]  It is a five-seater. It has 361 liter boot\n[1531.3s]  Yeah, just really good.","canonicalId":"term:five-seater","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A five-seater indicates seating capacity for five occupants. It’s a practical spec that helps listeners gauge whether the car works for families or carpooling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Five-seater means the car can carry five people. It’s a basic but useful size/space indicator."}},{"startTime":1562.3,"endTime":1568.8,"type":"term","title":"peak charging speeds","url":"/glossary/peak-charging-speeds","quote":"[1562.3s]  What's the word? What's the word? I'm looking for the citron et3 has had a couple of issues since launch\n[1568.8s]  Peak charging speeds\n[1570.8s]  Etc. Etc.","canonicalId":"term:peak-charging-speeds","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Peak charging speed is the maximum rate an EV can achieve during fast charging. It’s often time-limited and can drop as the battery fills up or if the battery temperature isn’t ideal.","simplifiedExplanation":"Peak charging speed is the fastest the car can charge at the beginning (or under ideal conditions). Real charging usually slows down as the battery gets fuller."}},{"startTime":1779.0,"endTime":1783.0,"type":"term","title":"all-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"Slip into the rav 4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go","canonicalId":"term:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain setup where power is sent to all four wheels. It’s used to improve traction and stability, especially on low-grip surfaces like wet roads or snow.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. This usually helps the car grip better when the road is slippery."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Derek Reilly","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/fiat-grande-panda-irish-launch-world-car-of-the-year-2026-winners-announced-and-mercedes-benz-steer-by-wire/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}