{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Jan. 9, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Nissan Canada’s Steve Rhind on affordability, product, more","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/jan-9-2026-the-week-s-top-stories-and-nissan-canada-s-steve-rhind-on-affordability-product-more","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2467728/episodes/18476382-jan-9-2026-the-week-s-top-stories-and-nissan-canada-s-steve-rhind-on-affordability-product-more.mp3","description":"2025 sales were up; a better way to defrost; 401 Group expands in Ontario. Plus, new Nissan Canada President Steve Rhind talks about his new role, his priorities, dealer relations, affordability, product mix, new Canadian buyers, and more."},"annotations":[{"startTime":112.1,"endTime":118.0,"type":"company","title":"Better Frost Technologies Inc.","url":"/glossary/better-frost-technologies-inc","quote":"Better Frost Technologies Inc. CEO Derek Redding says the company's low energy method based on years of research into how ice forms and melts uses up to 20 times less energy than heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems.","canonicalId":"company:better-frost-technologies-inc","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Better Frost Technologies Inc. specializes in innovative solutions for keeping vehicle windshields clear in cold weather. Their technology focuses on energy-efficient methods for de-icing windshields.","simplifiedExplanation":"Better Frost Technologies Inc. is a company that creates new ways to keep car windshields clear of ice. They have developed a method that uses less energy than traditional heating systems."}},{"startTime":124.9,"endTime":132.1,"type":"term","title":"pulsed electrothermal de-icing","url":"/glossary/pulsed-electrothermal-de-icing","quote":"Better Frost uses pulsed electrothermal de-icing. The system pulses power from the battery to conductive coatings inside the windshield.","canonicalId":"term:pulsed-electrothermal-de-icing","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Pulsed electrothermal de-icing is a method that uses electrical pulses to generate heat, effectively melting ice on windshields. This technique is more energy-efficient compared to traditional heating methods.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pulsed electrothermal de-icing is a way to melt ice on car windshields using electricity. It heats the glass quickly and uses much less energy than regular heating systems."}},{"startTime":157.6,"endTime":164.3,"type":"brand","title":"Subaru","url":"/glossary/subaru","quote":"...when it bought Subaru of North Bay. The deal adds a second Subaru franchise to the group's portfolio and doubles down on its footprint in the Northern Ontario.","canonicalId":"brand:subaru","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Subaru is a well-known automotive brand recognized for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and rugged designs. The brand has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and those living in snowy climates.","simplifiedExplanation":"Subaru is a car brand that makes vehicles known for their ability to handle tough weather and rough terrain. They are popular for their all-wheel-drive systems."}},{"startTime":392.0,"endTime":397.7,"type":"brand","title":"Nissan Motor Corporation","url":"/glossary/nissan-motor-corporation","quote":"...both of us, meaning Nissan Motor Corporation, but also the dealers, right? We have to both...","canonicalId":"brand:nissan-motor-corporation","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nissan Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nissan is a well-known car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars like the Leaf."}},{"startTime":413.3,"endTime":418.6,"type":"term","title":"pricing volatility","url":"/glossary/pricing-volatility","quote":"...So you think pricing volatility is kind of the number one priority when it comes to what you're doing with the dealers? Well, in the short term it is for sure...","canonicalId":"term:pricing-volatility","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Pricing volatility refers to the fluctuations in vehicle prices due to various factors such as market demand, supply chain issues, and economic conditions. It can significantly impact both manufacturers and dealers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pricing volatility means that car prices can change a lot over time because of different reasons like supply and demand or changes in the economy."}},{"startTime":418.6,"endTime":423.6,"type":"term","title":"tariffs","url":"/glossary/tariffs","quote":"...And in particular, the tariffs and how that's impacting a big, an important part of our business...","canonicalId":"term:tariffs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can affect the cost of manufacturing and selling vehicles. They can lead to increased prices for consumers and impact the overall automotive market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tariffs are extra taxes that make imported cars more expensive, which can affect how much people pay for cars."}},{"startTime":434.4,"endTime":439.3,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Kicks","url":"/cars/nissan/kicks","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/NISSAN_KICKS_China.jpg","quote":"...we're focused on rogue and kicks, which are the two main volume models right now...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:kicks","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV that offers a stylish design and a range of technology features. It's aimed at urban drivers looking for a compact vehicle with good fuel economy.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Kicks is a smaller SUV that's easy to drive and park. It has a modern look and is great for city driving, making it a good option for those who want something compact.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":510.26,"endTime":514.36,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Pathfinders","url":"/cars/nissan/pathfinder","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/2018_Nissan_Pathfinder_%28R52_MY18%29_ST-L_wagon_%282018-09-28%29_01.jpg","quote":"...we were reducing the volume on pathfinders and maranas and frontiers. The same is true of the Kix...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:pathfinder","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and family-friendly features. It has evolved over the years from a rugged SUV to a more refined family vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Pathfinder is a larger SUV that can handle rough roads and is good for families. It has a lot of room and features that make it comfortable for long trips.","imageAttribution":"EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":510.3,"endTime":514.4,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Murano","url":"/cars/nissan/murano","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/25_Nissan_Murano_Platinum.jpg","quote":"...we were reducing the volume on pathfinders and maranas and frontiers. The same is true of the Kix...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:murano","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a stylish design and a comfortable ride. It is known for its upscale interior and advanced technology features.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Murano is a type of SUV that looks nice and is comfortable to drive. It has a lot of modern features that make it enjoyable to use.","imageAttribution":"HJUdall (CC0)"}},{"startTime":510.3,"endTime":514.4,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Frontier","url":"/cars/nissan/frontier","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/2018_Nissan_Frontier_SV.png","quote":"...we were reducing the volume on pathfinders and maranas and frontiers. The same is true of the Kix...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:frontier","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck that is known for its durability and off-road capability. It's a popular choice for those needing a reliable work truck or recreational vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Frontier is a smaller truck that people use for work or outdoor activities. It's known for being tough and reliable.","imageAttribution":"LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":556.2,"endTime":556.2,"type":"concept","title":"hybrids","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"...and also hybrids as we spoke a lot about today.","canonicalId":"concept:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hybrids are vehicles that use both a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They can operate on electric power alone for short distances, which helps save fuel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hybrids are cars that use two types of power: a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This combination helps them use less fuel and be better for the environment."}},{"startTime":599.28,"endTime":604.82,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Sentra","url":"/cars/nissan/sentra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/1990-1994_Nissan_Sentra_Coupe.png","quote":"...mpact SUV. Then we're also just launching the new Sentra into the  compact segment. And so that's another ...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:sentra","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that has been a staple in Nissan's lineup for many years, known for its affordability and practicality. It is significant as it competes in a crowded segment, offering features that appeal to budget-conscious buyers while still providing a comfortable ride. 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It’s known for being comfortable and having good gas mileage, and the plug-in version means it can use electricity to help save on fuel.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":867.6,"endTime":872.0,"type":"term","title":"year-over-year","url":"/glossary/year-over-year","quote":"...this year we're growing on a year-over-year basis and so we want to be about 100,000 units...","canonicalId":"term:year-over-year","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Year-over-year (YoY) is a financial term that compares a company's performance in one period to the same period in the previous year. It's commonly used to measure growth or decline in sales, revenue, or other metrics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Year-over-year means comparing how something did this year compared to the same time last year. It's a way to see if things are getting better or worse over time."}},{"startTime":904.1,"endTime":911.3,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Leaf","url":"/cars/nissan/leaf","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/2017_Nissan_LEAF_%28ZE0_MY17%29_hatchback_%282018-11-02%29_01.jpg","quote":"...we'll have a full year of the leaf as well. So having that new product in the market too and then of course, new Sentra...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:leaf","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact car that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally. It is known for its practicality and efficiency, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that runs on battery power instead of gasoline. It's designed to be environmentally friendly and is known for being affordable and easy to drive.","imageAttribution":"EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":958.02,"endTime":964.48,"type":"car","title":"Infiniti QX80","url":"/cars/infiniti/qx80","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/%2714_Infiniti_QX80_--_Rear_%28MIAS_%2714%29.jpg","quote":"...the QX80 in my opinion and because that's such a halo vehicle for the brand and it's had a really strong reception in the Canadian market...","canonicalId":"car:infiniti:qx80","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful performance. It serves as a flagship model for the Infiniti brand, showcasing luxury features and advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Infiniti QX80 is a large luxury SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort. It's one of the top models from Infiniti, a brand known for its premium vehicles.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":975.86,"endTime":981.44,"type":"car","title":"Infiniti QX60","url":"/cars/infiniti/qx60","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/INFINITI_QX60_%28L51%29_China_%283%29.jpg","quote":"...with the launch of the QX60 for 2026, which has some really significant updates in terms of the exterior styling, the interior...","canonicalId":"car:infiniti:qx60","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Infiniti QX60 is a mid-size luxury SUV that will receive significant updates for the 2026 model year, including enhancements in styling and interior features. It aims to attract buyers looking for a blend of luxury and practicality.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Infiniti QX60 is a smaller luxury SUV compared to the QX80. The 2026 model will have new designs and features to make it more appealing to buyers.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":987.1,"endTime":993.8,"type":"car","title":"Infiniti QX65","quote":"...next year with the QX65. So I think that's the start and we saw a little bit of information today about what's coming...","canonicalId":"car:infiniti-qx65","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Infiniti QX65 is an upcoming model that is expected to build on the brand's luxury SUV offerings. Details about its features and specifications are still emerging, but it represents Infiniti's commitment to expanding its lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Infiniti QX65 is a new SUV model that Infiniti plans to release. It will add to their range of luxury vehicles, but specific details are still being revealed."}},{"startTime":998.4,"endTime":1007.0,"type":"term","title":"e-Power technology","url":"/glossary/e-power-technology","quote":"...the vehicle that they were talking about that's going to feature the e-power technology, to me, that's a real game changer for Infinity in Canada...","canonicalId":"term:e-power-technology","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"e-Power technology is a hybrid powertrain system developed by Nissan and used in some Infiniti models. It combines a gasoline engine with electric motors to provide better fuel efficiency and performance without needing to be plugged in.","simplifiedExplanation":"e-Power technology is a way to make cars more efficient by using both a gas engine and electric motors. 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