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Finnicky Door Handles

Finnicky Door Handles

Wheel Bearings Feb 08, 2026 85 min
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About this episode

A deep dive into the current state of the automotive industry, focusing on the challenges faced by manufacturers like Stellantis as they adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. The discussion highlights significant financial adjustments, including billions allocated for realigning product plans and addressing warranty costs. The hosts also explore the implications of joint ventures in battery production and the shift towards energy storage solutions. Additionally, a light-hearted debate on the merits of hatchbacks versus sedans showcases the practicality and versatility of hatchback designs.

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Car

Toyota Tundra

"...this happened back in 2009 or 10 with Toyota when they launched the previous generation Tundra. It did not sell as well as expected."

The Toyota Tundra is a large truck made by Toyota. It's designed for heavy-duty work and is popular for towing and carrying heavy loads.

Car

Jeep Wrangler

"... which, you know, Do you know how many times your Wranglers have been recalled? [SPEAKER_03]: I've lost track..."

The Jeep Wrangler is a tough and popular vehicle that can handle rough terrains and adventures. People often talk about it because it has had many recalls, which means the company had to fix certain problems with the car.

Term

plug-in hybrids

"When you think about the health things went with, well, like they just stopped doing all the plug-in hybrids. And the number of recalls and warranty things that had to be done on that, which, you know, Do you know how many times your Wranglers have been recalled?"

Plug-in hybrids are cars that can run on both electricity and gasoline. You can charge them by plugging them in, and they can also use gas if needed.

Term

hybrid battery

"He loves having that car, but we have, I mean, the battery has been fully replaced in it. The hybrid battery has been completely yanked out and put back in various components have been yanked out and replaced..."

A hybrid battery is a special battery in cars that use both gas and electricity. It helps the car save fuel and run more efficiently by storing energy.

Concept

joint ventures

"Another part of this, you know, a separate announcement that came out at the same time is that Stellantis has a couple of joint ventures in North America for battery production."

Joint ventures are when two or more companies team up to work on a project together. They still stay separate but share their resources to achieve a common goal.

Company

Stellantis

"Another part of this, you know, a separate announcement that came out at the same time is that Stellantis has a couple of joint ventures in North America for battery production."

Stellantis is a big car company that makes several different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge. It was created when two companies joined together.

Concept

battery production

"One was the LG, they had a joint venture factory in Windsor, Ontario to produce batteries for future Stellantis EVs."

Battery production is the process of making batteries, especially for electric cars. As more people buy electric cars, making batteries becomes very important.

Company

Samsung

"...and then they also have a separate joint venture with Samsung in Cocoa, Moindiana."

Samsung is a large company from South Korea that makes many things, including batteries for electric cars. They work with other companies to improve battery technology.

Company

LG Energy Solution

"Still, that's a sold their stake in Nexstar Energy to LG Energy Solution."

LG Energy Solution is a company that makes batteries, especially for electric cars. They help power many of the new electric vehicles on the market.

Term

hatchback

"So, how do you feel about hatchbacks? I like hatchbacks. I think they're versatile little things."

A hatchback is a type of car that has a back door that opens upwards. This makes it easier to load and unload things from the trunk, which is helpful for carrying larger items.

Car

Hyundai Elantra

"...especially on smaller cars. You know, because, you know, and you know, when you look at modern compacts of dance, you know, Civic, Alantra..."

The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is popular for being affordable and having lots of features. It's a good choice for people looking for a reliable vehicle.

Car

Honda Civic

"...especially on smaller cars. You know, because, you know, and you know, when you look at modern compacts of dance, you know, Civic, Alantra..."

The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It comes in different styles, including a hatchback version.

Car

Mazda MX-5 Miata

"First on the list was the Miata. I don't know that the meata needs to hatch back."

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that's really fun to drive. It's known for being light and having great handling, which makes it enjoyable for people who love driving.

Car

Mazda Miata

"... readers. [SPEAKER_01]: First on the list was the Miata. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't know that the meata needs ..."

Mazda is a car brand that makes vehicles known for being fun to drive. The Miata is a small sports car that many people love because it's light and handles really well on the road.

Car

Honda Accord

"You know, Camry, the cord, Civic, yeah."

The Honda Accord is another popular family car that's known for being roomy and dependable. It's a good choice for people looking for a comfortable ride.

Car

Toyota Camry

"You know, Camry, the cord, Civic, yeah."

The Toyota Camry is a popular family car that's known for being reliable and comfortable. Many people choose it because it's practical and gets good gas mileage.

Car

Lucid Air

"And then the lucid air. Now, this is one I don't entirely agree with because, you know, the air, the trunclid on the air, it's this sort of clam shell design..."

The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that stands out because of its stylish design and special trunk that opens in a unique way, not just like a regular trunk.

Term

trunk

"This isn't just a standard trunk that just opens from the top, it kind of opens from the side."

The trunk is the part of the car at the back where you can store your luggage and other items. It usually opens up so you can easily access what's inside.

Car

Audi Q5

"So it's like some crossover, it's like the Audi Q5 because it's always been like that in there's some others."

The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV that offers a comfortable ride and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It's designed to be practical while still looking stylish.

Car

Ford Mustang

"Yeah, Ford Mustang."

The Ford Mustang is a classic American sports car that is famous for its speed and style. It's a fun car to drive and has been around for many years, making it a favorite among car lovers.

Car

Tesla Model

"... the SI is sedan only. [SPEAKER_01]: And then the Tesla Model 3, again, same kind of things as what I said abou..."

The Tesla Model Y is a modern electric SUV that doesn't need gas and can go far on a single charge. It's popular because it has lots of tech features and is good for families.

Car

Tesla Model 3

"And then the Tesla Model 3, again, same kind of things as what I said about the air, it's actually got a reasonably sized opening there..."

The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that's popular for being efficient and having a lot of tech features. It's a sedan with a simple and modern look.

Car

Cadillac CT4

"... in and it's hard. [SPEAKER_01]: And the Cadillac CT4, you know, same same thing, same story there. [SP..."

The Cadillac CT4 is a small luxury car that is designed to be stylish and fun to drive. People talk about it because it has many modern features and offers a luxurious experience.

Car

Audi Rs3

"...ing, same story there. [SPEAKER_01]: Oh, the Audi RS3. [SPEAKER_01]: And they actually have a photo of ..."

The Audi RS 3 is a fast and luxurious small car that is designed for people who love to drive. It's known for its powerful engine and high-tech features that make it fun and exciting.

Car

Subaru Wrx

"...the Genesis G80, Subaru WRX, yeah, same same story with all those, I think they all all be better with hatching."

The Subaru WRX is a sporty car that is great for driving fast and handling well, especially on rough roads. It's known for its all-wheel drive, which helps it grip the road better.

Car

Hyundai Genesis

"...like bring it here, please. [SPEAKER_01]: And the Genesis G80, Subaru WRX, yeah, same same story with all t..."

The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury car that is known for being comfortable and packed with features. It's often talked about because it offers a lot of luxury for a lower price compared to other fancy brands.

Car

Genesis G80

"...the Genesis G80, Subaru WRX, yeah, same same story with all those, I think they all all be better with hatching."

The Genesis G80 is a fancy car made by the Genesis brand, which is part of Hyundai. It's designed to be comfortable and has a lot of cool features.

Car

BMW M3

"...ng it here, please. [SPEAKER_01]: And the Genesis G80, Subaru WRX, yeah, same same story with all those..."

The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that is part of the BMW 3 Series family. It's talked about a lot because it offers a great mix of luxury and speed, making it fun to drive.

Term

3D printed pistons

"It's about 3D printed pistons for Formula 1 engines. That's for Robbie then when he's here."

3D printed pistons are parts of an engine made using a special printing process. This method can create shapes that are hard to make with regular tools, making the pistons lighter and possibly stronger.

Concept

electric pickup truck

"...with some teaser images of the new upcoming $30,000 electric pickup truck. You don't really get an idea what the thing is going to look like yet..."

An electric pickup truck is a truck that runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it's better for the environment and can save money on fuel.

Term

unicastings

"...including using large unicastings for the first time, which I talked about before..."

Unicastings are big pieces of metal that are made all at once instead of being put together from smaller parts. This helps make vehicles stronger and lighter.

Term

aluminum die cast

"...this huge aluminum die cast part that is big big big part of the structure of this vehicle."

Aluminum die casting is a way to make metal parts by pouring melted aluminum into a mold. This makes strong and light pieces for cars and other products.

Car

Renault Wind

"...re an image showing the work they're doing in the wind tunnel and the arrow efficiency of this truck. [S..."

The Renault Wind is a small convertible car that lets you drive with the top down. It's talked about because it's designed for fun and has a unique look.

Car

Ford F150

"[SPEAKER_03]: And it says the five new models will be across our lineup of cars trucks, SUVs, Vans, and it will be multi-energy, [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, so gas and hybrids and plug-in hybrids, presumably. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, we know there's going to be these range extenders coming to the F-150, but that's probably not going to be under 40 grand. [SPEAKER_03]: No, I wouldn't think."

The Ford F-150 is a very popular pickup truck that many people use for work and play. It's known for being tough and can come in different styles, including some that use electricity instead of gas.

Car

Ford Escape

"...dealers that it intends to retain 70% of edge and escape customers and keep them from shopping elsewhere. ..."

The Ford Escape is a small SUV that is easy to drive and has a lot of space for passengers and luggage. It's popular because it offers different engine choices, including some that are more environmentally friendly.

Car

Ford Edge

"...all be better with hatching. [SPEAKER_01]: So the edge already went out of production more than a year a..."

The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that is roomy and comfortable for families. It's been a popular choice, but it's recently been discontinued, which is why people are talking about it.

Car

Ford Bronco Sport

"So some of those escape customers will buy Bronco sports. But the problem is that they, they don't have enough capacity because they build the Broncosport and the Maverick, both in their Homocione Mexico plant."

The Ford Bronco Sport is a small SUV designed for off-road driving. It's popular among people who want a vehicle that can handle tough terrains while still being practical for everyday use.

Car

Ford Explorer

"... you know some edge customers might step up to an explorer [SPEAKER_01]: Um, but I think I think actually wh..."

The Ford Explorer is a family-friendly SUV that has lots of space for passengers and cargo. It's popular because it combines comfort with the ability to handle different driving conditions.

Car

Honda Crv

"...pe customers are probably going to go by a RAF or CRV or Tucson or, you know, one of the other competit..."

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that is known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside. It's a great option for families because it's comfortable and gets good gas mileage.

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