March 17, 2026 | Nissan hops on reverse-import bandwagon; Venturis CEO on supply chain crisis
About this episode
Nissan is set to reverse-import its Tennessee-built Murano to Japan, marking a rare move amid new trade rules. VinFast drastically scales back its North Carolina factory plans due to financial losses, while Audi discontinues its A8 sedan, shifting focus to SUVs. The FTC targets misleading dealership advertising practices, signaling increased enforcement. Venturis CEO Ronald Kliwick discusses how the Iran War and rising oil prices are causing major supply chain disruptions, with 61% of companies facing shipment delays up to a month. The episode highlights the need for multi-source strategies and resilience in automotive supply chains during geopolitical tensions.
Nissan will export its Tennessee-built Muranos to Japan, joining other Japanese automakers now doing reverse imports from the U.S. VinFast slashes North Carolina factory plans by 80 percent. Plus, Vinturas CEO Ronald Kleijwegt talks about how the Iran war is disrupting automotive supply chains and what happens next.
reverse import
"Today on the show, Nissan jumps on the reverse import bandwagon. Nissan is shipping its Tennessee-built Murano crossover to Japan starting early next year."
Reverse import means sending cars made in one country back to the country where the car company is from or to another country. Nissan is doing this by sending US-made cars to Japan.
Reverse import refers to the practice of exporting vehicles built in one country back to the automaker's home country or another market, often due to changes in trade policies or market demand. Here, Nissan is reverse importing US-built Murano models to Japan.
left-hand drive
"The steering wheel stays on the left side, American style, that's the wrong side for Japanese roads."
Left-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. In Japan, cars usually have the steering wheel on the right side, so this is different.
Left-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle, which is standard in the US but opposite to Japan’s right-hand drive roads. This can affect driver comfort and vehicle usability in countries with opposite driving sides.
trade tensions
"New Japanese rules now allow US spec vehicles to be sold as is a move meant to address trade tensions with Washington."
Trade tensions happen when countries disagree about buying and selling goods with each other. This can change the rules for selling cars between countries.
Trade tensions refer to disagreements or conflicts between countries regarding trade policies, tariffs, and regulations. Changes in these tensions can influence automotive trade rules, such as Japan allowing US-spec vehicles to be sold as-is.
state incentives
"The massive cut puts $315 million in state incentives at risk, and the timing's tricky. VinFast's fourth quarter losses widened 15% to $1.3 billion, even as the company doubled vehicle deliveries."
State incentives are money or help that a state government gives to companies to make jobs or build things there. If the company doesn't meet promises, they might lose that help.
State incentives are financial benefits or subsidies offered by state governments to encourage companies to invest or create jobs locally. In this case, $315 million in incentives are at risk due to job cuts.
vehicle deliveries
"VinFast's fourth quarter losses widened 15% to $1.3 billion, even as the company doubled vehicle deliveries. The company says it'll start making vehicles there in 2028."
Vehicle deliveries mean how many cars a company sends out to customers or dealers. If deliveries go up, it means more cars are being sold or made.
Vehicle deliveries refer to the number of cars a manufacturer ships to dealerships or customers within a period. Doubling deliveries indicates growth in sales or production volume.
Audi A8
"And Audi is pulling the plug on its A8 flagship sedan after more than three decades, and there's no replacement coming. The automaker closed order books in Germany last month and will sell through what's left."
The Audi A8 is a big, fancy car that Audi has made for many years. They are stopping making it because people now prefer SUVs instead of big sedans.
The Audi A8 is Audi's flagship luxury sedan, known for advanced technology and comfort. It has been in production for over three decades but is being discontinued with no direct replacement, reflecting a market shift away from large luxury sedans.
flagship sedan
"And Audi is pulling the plug on its A8 flagship sedan after more than three decades, and there's no replacement coming."
A flagship sedan is the most expensive and fancy car a company sells, showing off their best features and style.
A flagship sedan is the top-of-the-line luxury sedan a brand offers, representing its highest status and technology. Audi's A8 has been its flagship sedan for over 30 years.
luxury sedan market shift
"It's a sign of how the luxury sedan market has shifted. Buyers want SUVs, and automakers want the higher profit margins that come with them."
People used to buy big fancy cars called luxury sedans, but now they like SUVs more. Car companies want to sell more SUVs because they make more money from them.
The luxury sedan market shift refers to the decline in demand for large luxury sedans like the Audi A8, as buyers increasingly prefer SUVs. Automakers are responding by focusing on SUVs which offer higher profit margins.
Audi Q9
"The all-new Q9 SUV will step into the flagship role, launching later this year. And those are today's headlines."
The Audi Q9 is a new big SUV that Audi is making to take the place of their big fancy car, the A8. SUVs are more popular now, so companies make more of them.
The Audi Q9 is an all-new flagship SUV launching in 2026, designed to replace the traditional sedan flagship role like the A8. This reflects the industry trend toward SUVs for higher sales and profit margins.
illegal advertising practices
"The FTC just sent warning letters to 97 dealership groups about what it's calling illegal advertising practices. Legal experts say this isn't just about those 97 groups. It's a wake-up call for the entire industry."
Illegal advertising means when companies say things in ads that aren't true or are unfair. The government is warning car dealers to stop doing this so people aren't tricked.
Illegal advertising practices refer to deceptive or misleading marketing tactics that violate regulations. The FTC sent warning letters to dealerships to enforce compliance and protect consumers.
FTC Act
"the Trump FTC says, well, advertising misleading pricing is still illegal under the FTC Act anyway, so we're going to go after you for that."
The FTC Act is a law that stops companies from tricking people with false ads or unfair business. The government agency called the FTC makes sure companies follow this law.
The FTC Act is a federal law that prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices, including misleading advertising. It empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce regulations to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.
advertising misleading pricing
"the Trump FTC says, well, advertising misleading pricing is still illegal under the FTC Act anyway, so we're going to go after you for that."
Sometimes companies show prices that aren't true to trick buyers. This is called misleading pricing, and it's against the law to do this in ads.
Advertising misleading pricing refers to the practice of showing incorrect or deceptive prices in marketing materials, which can mislead consumers about the true cost of a product or service. This is illegal under the FTC Act and can result in enforcement actions.
out-the-door price
"...what the prices that dealers are advertising aren't the final out the door prices, they're actually going to charge consumers after all the non-government fees and other upcharges are added on."
When you buy a car, the price you see isn't always what you pay. The out-the-door price is the full amount including all extra fees, so you know exactly how much money to bring.
The out-the-door price is the total amount a buyer pays to purchase a vehicle, including the vehicle price plus all fees, taxes, and additional charges. It represents the final cost to the consumer at the dealership.
supply chain crisis
"Daily Drive executive producer Jake Nier spoke with Kliwik about how the crisis is different from the pandemic, why oil dependency matters more than fuel cost, and why companies need a plan C and plan D for sourcing."
A supply chain crisis means that the parts and materials needed to build cars are hard to get because of problems like shipping delays or shortages. This can make it harder for car companies to make and sell cars.
A supply chain crisis refers to significant disruptions in the production and distribution processes that affect the availability of automotive components and vehicles. It can be caused by factors like pandemics, geopolitical tensions, or raw material shortages, impacting automakers and suppliers.
oil dependency
"Jake Nier spoke with Kliwik about how the crisis is different from the pandemic, why oil dependency matters more than fuel cost, and why companies need a plan C and plan D for sourcing."
Oil dependency means car companies and the way they move parts and cars around depend a lot on oil. When oil prices go up, it can make everything more expensive.
Oil dependency in the automotive industry refers to how reliant vehicle production and logistics are on oil and petroleum products. This affects fuel costs, transportation expenses, and the manufacturing of components, making oil price fluctuations impactful for automakers.
tariffs
"It sure sounds like the conversations we were having around or have been having for the last year around tariffs as well."
Tariffs are extra taxes added to things brought in from other countries. This can make cars or parts more expensive to buy.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods, which can increase costs for importers and consumers, affecting pricing and supply chains in the automotive industry.
oil price
"And at the same time, now with the oil price, it's another cost level, right? Another cost aspect where, which will affect products for sure, either components or parts"
Oil price means how much it costs to buy oil. When oil costs more, gas and making cars can also cost more.
Oil price refers to the cost of crude oil, which affects fuel prices and manufacturing costs. Fluctuations in oil price impact the automotive industry through transportation and production expenses.
supply chain disruption
"Would you say that the biggest risk, especially for the auto industry here, is the fuel cost itself or is it the disruption risk if shipping through that corridor continues to be interrupted for an extended amount of time?"
Supply chain disruption means problems getting the parts needed to build cars. This can make it take longer or cost more to get cars made.
Supply chain disruption refers to interruptions in the normal flow of parts and materials needed for manufacturing, which can delay production and increase costs in the automotive industry.
Strait of Hormuz
"I don't think it's really the corridor because the Strait of Hormuz or the Strait of Hormuz, right, is not so much a corridor, right?"
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow water passage where a lot of the world's oil ships pass through. If there are problems there, it can make fuel more expensive.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, crucial for global oil shipments. Disruptions here can impact fuel supply and costs worldwide.
lead times
"So, I think from that point of view, it doesn't have an immediate impact on lead times. Lead times already were impacted heavily when they had to go via the Cape of Good Hope,"
Lead times mean how long it takes to get a car part or a car after ordering it. If it takes longer, it can slow down making cars.
Lead times refer to the amount of time between ordering a product or part and its delivery. In automotive manufacturing, longer lead times can delay production and vehicle availability.
Cape of Good Hope
"Lead times already were impacted heavily when they had to go via the Cape of Good Hope, right, South Africa."
The Cape of Good Hope is a long sea path around Africa that ships use if the usual shortcut is closed. It takes more time and costs more.
The Cape of Good Hope is a sea route around the southern tip of Africa used as an alternative when the Suez Canal is blocked. This route is longer and increases shipping times and costs.
dependency on oil
"I think the oil price and the dependency on the oil coming out of Iran or the Strait of Hormuz in a way, that, of course, has an impact."
Dependency on oil means needing a lot of oil to make things or run machines. If oil prices go up or supply stops, it can cause problems.
Dependency on oil refers to how much an industry or country relies on oil for energy and manufacturing. High dependency can make industries vulnerable to oil price changes and supply disruptions.
production impact from parts supply
"The oil price, the dependency on oil, particularly in China, where a lot of parts and components are coming from China, that could have an impact in production."
If the parts needed to build cars don't arrive on time, it can stop or slow down making the cars.
Production impact from parts supply means that if parts or components from suppliers (like those in China) are delayed or disrupted, vehicle manufacturing can be slowed or halted.
supply chain resilience
"...what we are providing to our clients is a solution how they can manage the need of resilience, I would almost say. There is a constant crisis in the meantime..."
Supply chain resilience means how well a company can keep getting parts and products even when there are problems like delays or shortages.
Supply chain resilience refers to the ability of a supply chain to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions, maintaining continuous operations despite challenges.
business continuity planning
"...how do you deal with these kind of unpredictable lead times? How do you deal with, let's say, business continuity planning, where you need to change from one mode to another mode..."
Business continuity planning means making plans so a company can keep working even if something bad happens, like delays or shortages.
Business continuity planning is the process of preparing strategies and procedures to ensure that a company can continue operating during and after a disruption, such as supply chain issues or political crises.
air freight
"A lot of parts and components are also shipped by air freight, as you can imagine, parcel and air freight."
Air freight means sending car parts on airplanes so they get to the factory faster than by ship or truck.
Air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft, often used for urgent or high-value automotive parts to reduce delivery times compared to sea or land shipping.
parts sourcing flexibility
"So yeah, there is an ongoing, you have to be very flexible now where to source your product from, where there used to be a plan B was enough. Now you probably need to have a plan C and a plan D nowadays even,"
Parts sourcing flexibility means car makers need to get parts from different places to avoid delays if one place has problems.
Parts sourcing flexibility means the ability of automotive manufacturers to obtain components from multiple geographic regions or suppliers to mitigate supply chain risks.
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