{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"March 13, 2026 | EV registrations plunge 41%; Stellantis dealer upbeat on new products","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-13-2026-ev-registrations-plunge-41-stellantis-dealer-upbeat-on-new-products","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18842991-march-13-2026-ev-registrations-plunge-41-stellantis-dealer-upbeat-on-new-products.mp3","description":"EV registrations dropped 41 percent in January, according to new data from S&P Global Mobility. The auto industry’s EV retreat bill approaches $70 billion. Plus, Blake Helfman of Helfman River Oaks CDJR in Houston talks about Stellantis’ product refresh and how artificial intelligence is improving dealership operations. "},"annotations":[{"startTime":7.8,"endTime":12.7,"type":"term","title":"EV registrations","url":"/glossary/ev-registrations","quote":"Today on the show, EV registrations tumble 41% in January. The auto industry's EV retreat bill hits $70 billion...","canonicalId":"term:ev-registrations","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV registrations refer to the number of electric vehicles that have been officially registered for use on public roads. This metric is important for tracking the adoption and market penetration of electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV registrations mean how many electric cars people have signed up to use on the road. It helps us see how popular electric cars are becoming."}},{"startTime":18.6,"endTime":21.1,"type":"term","title":"EV mandates","url":"/glossary/ev-mandates","quote":"The Trump administration sues California over EV mandates. Plus, our own Dan Shine visits Healthman River Oaks CDJR in Houston...","canonicalId":"term:ev-mandates","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV mandates are government regulations that require automakers or consumers to adopt electric vehicles to reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV mandates are rules from the government that say people or car companies have to use electric cars to help the environment."}},{"startTime":26.9,"endTime":30.9,"type":"brand","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"Blake Healthman is excited about Stellantis' product refresh. Jeep, as you think, is the premier leader in the SUV market space...","canonicalId":"brand:stellantis","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Ram.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that owns many brands like Jeep and Dodge. They make and sell lots of different cars."}},{"startTime":30.9,"endTime":35.3,"type":"term","title":"SUV market","url":"/glossary/suv-market","quote":"Jeep, as you think, is the premier leader in the SUV market space, and to not have a car in that class has been tough over the last few years.","canonicalId":"term:suv-market","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The SUV market refers to the segment of the automotive industry focused on sport utility vehicles, which are popular for their size, versatility, and often off-road capability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The SUV market means the part of the car business that sells bigger cars called SUVs, which many people like for their space and ability to drive on different roads."}},{"startTime":30.9,"endTime":35.3,"type":"brand","title":"Jeep","url":"/glossary/jeep","quote":"Jeep, as you think, is the premier leader in the SUV market space, and to not have a car in that class has been tough over the last few years.","canonicalId":"brand:jeep","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Jeep is an American automotive brand known for its sport utility vehicles (SUVs), especially those with off-road capabilities. It is a key player in the SUV market segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jeep is a car brand famous for making SUVs that can drive off-road and on rough terrain."}},{"startTime":70.5,"endTime":75.9,"type":"term","title":"federal EV tax credit","url":"/glossary/federal-ev-tax-credit","quote":"Tom Libby at S&P Global Mobility calls it a reset after Congress repealed the federal EV tax credit last year.","canonicalId":"term:federal-ev-tax-credit","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The federal EV tax credit was a government incentive that reduced the cost of purchasing electric vehicles to encourage adoption. Its repeal can impact EV sales negatively.","simplifiedExplanation":"The federal EV tax credit was a money-saving deal from the government to help people buy electric cars. When it ended, fewer people bought EVs."}},{"startTime":84.7,"endTime":93.3,"type":"car","title":"Honda Prolog EV","url":"/cars/honda/prologue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2024_Honda_Prologue.jpg","quote":"It looks like Honda will pull the plug on the Prolog EV. It's only battery electric vehicle in the US, when production ends in December.","canonicalId":"car:honda:prologue","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Prolog EV is Honda's battery electric vehicle offered in the US market. It is notable as Honda's only electric vehicle in the US, with production ending in December 2026.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Prolog EV is an electric car made by Honda that people can buy in the US. Honda will stop making it at the end of 2026.","imageAttribution":"Wlb5V (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":103.8,"endTime":109.9,"type":"term","title":"federal tax credit","url":"/glossary/federal-tax-credit","quote":"Prolog sales crashed 74% this year after the Trump administration eliminated the federal tax credit.","canonicalId":"term:federal-tax-credit","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The federal tax credit is a government incentive that reduces the cost of purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) by offering a tax credit to buyers. It has been a key factor in encouraging EV adoption in the United States.","simplifiedExplanation":"A federal tax credit is like a discount from the government that helps people pay less when they buy electric cars. It makes electric cars cheaper and more popular."}},{"startTime":156.8,"endTime":162.7,"type":"concept","title":"EV factory capacity","url":"/glossary/ev-factory-capacity","quote":"These aren't just cancelled vehicle programs, the losses span EV factory capacity, battery manufacturing, and years of development work that's now being written off.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-factory-capacity","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV factory capacity refers to the manufacturing ability and volume of factories dedicated to producing electric vehicles. It is a critical factor in meeting demand and scaling EV production.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV factory capacity means how many electric cars a factory can make. The bigger the capacity, the more cars they can build."}},{"startTime":156.8,"endTime":162.7,"type":"concept","title":"battery manufacturing","url":"/glossary/battery-manufacturing","quote":"These aren't just cancelled vehicle programs, the losses span EV factory capacity, battery manufacturing, and years of development work that's now being written off.","canonicalId":"concept:battery-manufacturing","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery manufacturing involves producing the rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, which are essential for vehicle range and performance. It is a complex and costly part of EV production.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery manufacturing is making the special batteries that power electric cars. These batteries store the electricity the cars use to run."}},{"startTime":166.9,"endTime":174.0,"type":"concept","title":"regulatory whiplash","url":"/glossary/regulatory-whiplash","quote":"Analysts say automakers will keep investing in EVs and batteries partly to reduced costs, but mostly hedging against regulatory whiplash under a future administration.","canonicalId":"concept:regulatory-whiplash","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Regulatory whiplash refers to sudden and frequent changes in government regulations that can disrupt automakers' planning and investments, especially in the evolving EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Regulatory whiplash means the rules for making and selling cars keep changing quickly, which makes it hard for car companies to plan ahead."}},{"startTime":178.8,"endTime":200.1,"type":"concept","title":"California electric vehicle mandates","url":"/glossary/california-electric-vehicle-mandates","quote":"And meanwhile, the Trump administration is suing California over the state's electric vehicle mandates, saying they violate federal law. Here's the thing, Congress already killed California's plan to ban gas cars by 2035, but the state still has earlier rules on the books that require automakers to sell more and more EVs each year.","canonicalId":"concept:california-electric-vehicle-mandates","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"California electric vehicle mandates are state-level regulations requiring automakers to sell increasing numbers of electric vehicles each year. These mandates are stricter than federal standards and have significant influence on the US auto market.","simplifiedExplanation":"California electric vehicle mandates are rules that say car companies must sell more electric cars every year in California. These rules are tougher than the national ones."}},{"startTime":202.4,"endTime":212.74,"type":"concept","title":"federal standards","url":"/glossary/federal-standards","quote":"The Trump administration wants those gone too, arguing automakers should only have to meet one set of federal standards, not California's stricter requirements.","canonicalId":"concept:federal-standards","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Federal standards are nationwide regulations that set uniform requirements for vehicle emissions, fuel economy, and safety. Automakers often prefer a single federal standard rather than varying state rules.","simplifiedExplanation":"Federal standards are the rules set by the US government that all car makers have to follow for things like pollution and safety. Having one set of rules makes it easier for car companies."}},{"startTime":276.5,"endTime":282.0,"type":"term","title":"fuel economy rules","url":"/glossary/fuel-economy-rules","quote":"And then the administration also got rid of penalties for fuel economy rules.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-economy-rules","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel economy rules are government regulations that require automakers to produce vehicles that meet certain efficiency standards to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel economy rules are laws that say car makers have to make cars that use less gas so they don't pollute as much."}},{"startTime":298.3,"endTime":302.44,"type":"concept","title":"hybrid","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"But I think most of the country is going to go to hybrid.","canonicalId":"concept:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to conventional gasoline cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid car uses both gas and electricity to help save fuel and pollute less."}},{"startTime":310.2,"endTime":316.4,"type":"term","title":"gas mileage","url":"/glossary/gas-mileage","quote":"But my next car, maybe I'll get a hybrid and I'll get 30% or 40% better gas mileage. And I think it's going to be a bigger leap going to an EV because of just what I said.","canonicalId":"term:gas-mileage","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Gas mileage refers to how far a vehicle can travel on a gallon of gasoline. Higher gas mileage means better fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gas mileage means how far your car can go using a certain amount of gas. Better gas mileage means you use less gas to go farther."}},{"startTime":316.4,"endTime":320.6,"type":"term","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"And I think it's going to be a bigger leap going to an EV because of just what I said. The incentives to buy an EV, both on the consumer side and on the automaker side,","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are becoming more popular as technology and infrastructure improve.","simplifiedExplanation":"An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It helps reduce pollution and can save money on fuel."}},{"startTime":320.6,"endTime":331.6,"type":"concept","title":"EV incentives","url":"/glossary/ev-incentives","quote":"The incentives to buy an EV, both on the consumer side and on the automaker side, that has to sell them and promote them and give you money to drive them off the lot is gone.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-incentives","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV incentives are financial benefits offered by governments or automakers to encourage consumers to buy electric vehicles. These can include tax credits, rebates, or discounts that reduce the purchase price and help increase EV adoption.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV incentives are special discounts or money back that help people afford electric cars. They make buying an EV cheaper."}},{"startTime":350.8,"endTime":353.28,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model Y","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":"...re down 26% versus 41% for all EVs.  And then the Model Y was only down about 5%.  So it shows you that the...","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-y","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV known for its strong performance, long range, and advanced technology features. As of early 2026, it remains one of the best-selling electric vehicles, showing resilience in sales compared to the broader EV market. Its popularity is often discussed in the context of EV adoption and market trends.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Model Y is a small electric SUV made by Tesla. It runs on electricity instead of gas and is popular because it can drive far on a single charge and has modern features.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":360.5,"endTime":363.9,"type":"concept","title":"EV market share","url":"/glossary/ev-market-share","quote":"Tesla's market share has gone up 10 points, right? Because people are gravitating to them.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-market-share","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV market share refers to the percentage of electric vehicles sold compared to all vehicles sold in a market. A rising EV market share indicates growing consumer adoption of electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV market share means how many electric cars are sold compared to all cars. If it goes up, more people are buying electric cars."}},{"startTime":376.0,"endTime":383.8,"type":"brand","title":"Rivian","url":"/glossary/rivian","quote":"And so you really see kind of the strong EV players, you know, Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, kind of fighting it out there in the market.","canonicalId":"brand:rivian","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rivian is an American electric vehicle startup focusing on electric trucks and SUVs. It is considered one of the strong players in the EV market alongside Tesla and Lucid.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rivian is a newer company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are becoming well-known in the electric car world."}},{"startTime":376.0,"endTime":383.8,"type":"brand","title":"Lucid","url":"/glossary/lucid","quote":"And so you really see kind of the strong EV players, you know, Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, kind of fighting it out there in the market.","canonicalId":"brand:lucid","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lucid Motors is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for luxury electric sedans with long range and high performance. It competes with Tesla in the premium EV segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lucid is a company that makes fancy electric cars that can go long distances and are very fast."}},{"startTime":386.2,"endTime":389.8,"type":"brand","title":"Cadillac","url":"/glossary/cadillac","quote":"Cadillacs in there too, because they have a bunch of models and they have some commitment.","canonicalId":"brand:cadillac","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cadillac is a luxury vehicle brand under General Motors. It has recently committed to electric vehicles with several EV models as part of its strategy to electrify its lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cadillac is a brand that makes luxury cars. They are starting to make electric cars too."}},{"startTime":405.0,"endTime":408.5,"type":"concept","title":"product refresh","url":"/glossary/product-refresh","quote":"Coming up, Blake Healthman, sales manager at Healthman River Oaks CDJR in Houston, talks about the excitement around Stellantis' product refresh and how the dealership is using artificial intelligence to improve operations.","canonicalId":"concept:product-refresh","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A product refresh in the automotive industry refers to updates or redesigns of existing vehicle models to keep them competitive and appealing, which may include styling changes, new features, or mechanical improvements.","simplifiedExplanation":"A product refresh means a car company makes some changes to a car model to make it look better or work better without making a completely new car."}},{"startTime":408.5,"endTime":413.0,"type":"term","title":"artificial intelligence","url":"/glossary/artificial-intelligence","quote":"Coming up, Blake Healthman, sales manager at Healthman River Oaks CDJR in Houston, talks about the excitement around Stellantis' product refresh and how the dealership is using artificial intelligence to improve operations.","canonicalId":"term:artificial-intelligence","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as analyzing data or making decisions. In dealerships, AI can improve operations by optimizing sales and service processes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Artificial intelligence means computers that can think and learn like people. Car dealers use it to help sell cars and take care of customers better."}},{"startTime":487.2,"endTime":491.4,"type":"concept","title":"service customer data","url":"/glossary/service-customer-data","quote":"how the dealership is using AI to mine service customer data, and his thoughts on Chinese automakers potentially entering the U.S. market.","canonicalId":"concept:service-customer-data","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Service customer data refers to information collected about customers who use dealership service departments, which can be analyzed to improve customer experience, retention, and operational efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Service customer data is information about people who bring their cars in for repairs or maintenance. Dealers use this information to help customers better and keep them coming back."}},{"startTime":491.4,"endTime":495.56,"type":"concept","title":"Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market","url":"/glossary/chinese-automakers-entering-the-u-s-market","quote":"how the dealership is using AI to mine service customer data, and his thoughts on Chinese automakers potentially entering the U.S. market.","canonicalId":"concept:chinese-automakers-entering-the-u-s-market","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"This refers to the potential entry of car manufacturers based in China into the U.S. automotive market, which could impact competition, pricing, and consumer choices.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chinese automakers entering the U.S. means car companies from China might start selling their cars in America, which could change what cars people can buy and how much they cost."}},{"startTime":563.1,"endTime":570.9,"type":"concept","title":"NADA","url":"/glossary/nada","quote":"We just came back from NADA a few weeks back and the manufacturer released quite a few new vehicles and is going to release quite a few new nameplates to us, which is super exciting.","canonicalId":"concept:nada","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"NADA stands for the National Automobile Dealers Association, an organization that hosts annual conventions where manufacturers showcase new vehicles and industry trends to dealers.","simplifiedExplanation":"NADA is a big event where car makers show new cars and trucks to people who sell them. It helps dealers know what's coming soon."}},{"startTime":570.9,"endTime":575.4,"type":"term","title":"nameplates","url":"/glossary/nameplates","quote":"The manufacturer released quite a few new vehicles and is going to release quite a few new nameplates to us, which is super exciting.","canonicalId":"term:nameplates","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the automotive industry, 'nameplates' refer to specific car models or vehicle lines offered by a manufacturer.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nameplates are the names of different car models that a company sells, like 'Cherokee' or 'Ram 1500'."}},{"startTime":579.7,"endTime":582.8,"type":"concept","title":"electrification","url":"/glossary/electrification","quote":"Especially we were headed down a path of electrification. Now we've pivoted back and we've come out with the V8 trucks.","canonicalId":"concept:electrification","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Electrification in the automotive context refers to the shift from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains, including hybrid and fully electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrification means making cars that run on electricity instead of gas. This can include cars that use batteries or a mix of gas and electric power."}},{"startTime":678.9,"endTime":682.7,"type":"term","title":"interest rates","url":"/glossary/interest-rates","quote":"Interest rates have moved, but not greatly, but a little bit. How do you get folks in the door here and convince them that they need to buy new?","canonicalId":"term:interest-rates","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Interest rates refer to the cost of borrowing money to finance a vehicle purchase, usually expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR). Lower rates reduce monthly payments and total cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"Interest rates are the extra money you pay when you borrow money to buy a car. Lower rates mean you pay less extra."}},{"startTime":699.1,"endTime":703.6,"type":"term","title":"84 months at 4.9%","url":"/glossary/84-months-at-4-9","quote":"On the Ram side in particular, just yesterday, they announced 84 months at 4.9%. And no payments for 90 days.","canonicalId":"term:84-months-at-4-9","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"This refers to a financing offer where buyers can pay off their vehicle loan over 84 months (7 years) at an interest rate of 4.9%. Longer terms lower monthly payments but may increase total interest paid.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means you can borrow money to buy a truck and pay it back over 7 years with a 4.9% extra charge on the loan."}},{"startTime":703.6,"endTime":705.6,"type":"term","title":"no payments for 90 days","url":"/glossary/no-payments-for-90-days","quote":"On the Ram side in particular, just yesterday, they announced 84 months at 4.9%. And no payments for 90 days.","canonicalId":"term:no-payments-for-90-days","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A promotional offer allowing buyers to delay their first vehicle payment for 90 days after purchase, providing short-term financial relief.","simplifiedExplanation":"You don't have to pay anything for your new truck for the first 3 months after buying it."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-13-2026-ev-registrations-plunge-41-stellantis-dealer-upbeat-on-new-products/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}