{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"March 19, 2026 | Engineer used $25 AI tool to save $4,200 on car; Iran war threatens Japan’s supplies","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-19-2026-engineer-used-25-ai-tool-to-save-4-200-on-car-iran-war-threatens-japan-s-supplies","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18875793-march-19-2026-engineer-used-25-ai-tool-to-save-4-200-on-car-iran-war-threatens-japan-s-supplies.mp3","description":"Boston software engineer AJ Stuyvenberg describes how he built an AI agent for just $25 that negotiated with dealerships and saved him $4,200 on a Hyundai Palisade. Toyota warns the Iran war threatens Japan’s auto supply chain. Plus, John Doonan, president of the International Motor Sports Association, talks about record attendance and the future of sports car racing."},"annotations":[{"startTime":42.7,"endTime":46.9,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"the Iran War forces Toyota and Nissan to cut production.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known worldwide for producing reliable and popular vehicles, including hybrids and electric models. It is one of the largest car companies globally.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is a big car company from Japan that makes many cars people like and trust. They also make cars that use less gas or electricity."}},{"startTime":42.7,"endTime":46.9,"type":"brand","title":"Nissan","url":"/glossary/nissan","quote":"the Iran War forces Toyota and Nissan to cut production.","canonicalId":"brand:nissan","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nissan is a Japanese automaker known for a wide range of vehicles from affordable cars to electric vehicles like the Leaf. It is a major player in the global automotive market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many kinds of cars, including electric ones that run on batteries."}},{"startTime":46.9,"endTime":50.1,"type":"brand","title":"Uber","url":"/glossary/uber","quote":"Uber bets big on Rivian's RoboTaxes","canonicalId":"brand:uber","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Uber is a technology company best known for its ride-hailing service, connecting passengers with drivers via a smartphone app. It is also investing in autonomous vehicle technology and electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Uber is a company that helps people get rides using an app on their phones. They are also working on self-driving cars and electric cars."}},{"startTime":46.9,"endTime":50.1,"type":"brand","title":"Rivian","url":"/glossary/rivian","quote":"Uber bets big on Rivian's RoboTaxes","canonicalId":"brand:rivian","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer specializing in electric trucks and SUVs. It is known for its focus on adventure-oriented electric vehicles and advanced technology like autonomous driving features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. These cars run on batteries and have some smart technology to help drive themselves."}},{"startTime":52.8,"endTime":56.2,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes-AMG","url":"/glossary/mercedes-amg","quote":"and while others ditch planned EV models, Mercedes AMG is unveiling three new ones.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes-amg","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-AMG is the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, producing sportier and more powerful versions of Mercedes vehicles. AMG models often feature enhanced engines, suspensions, and styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes-AMG is a part of Mercedes that makes their cars faster and sportier, with stronger engines and special designs."}},{"startTime":59.1,"endTime":67.9,"type":"concept","title":"AI agent negotiating car deals","url":"/glossary/ai-agent-negotiating-car-deals","quote":"who built an AI agent that negotiated a car deal for him, saving more than $4,000 on a new Hyundai Palisade.","canonicalId":"concept:ai-agent-negotiating-car-deals","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An AI agent negotiating car deals refers to using artificial intelligence software to interact with dealers or sellers to get better prices or terms on vehicle purchases. This technology can analyze data and communicate offers autonomously.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means using a smart computer program to help talk to car sellers and get a better price without you doing all the talking."}},{"startTime":84.7,"endTime":87.3,"type":"concept","title":"auto supply chain","url":"/glossary/auto-supply-chain","quote":"Toyota CEO Koji Sato is sounding the alarm about Japan's auto supply chain.","canonicalId":"concept:auto-supply-chain","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The auto supply chain refers to the network of suppliers and logistics that provide raw materials and parts to automakers for vehicle production. Disruptions can delay manufacturing and deliveries.","simplifiedExplanation":"The auto supply chain is how car companies get all the parts and materials they need to build cars. If something goes wrong, it can slow down making cars."}},{"startTime":88.9,"endTime":92.4,"type":"concept","title":"Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association","url":"/glossary/japan-automobile-manufacturers-association","quote":"Speaking as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Sato said that Iran war is threatening supplies","canonicalId":"concept:japan-automobile-manufacturers-association","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is an industry group representing Japanese automakers. It plays a key role in coordinating industry standards, policies, and addressing supply chain issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a group of Japanese car companies that work together to solve problems and make rules for making cars."}},{"startTime":94.8,"endTime":97.1,"type":"term","title":"aluminum","url":"/glossary/aluminum","quote":"Sato said that Iran war is threatening supplies of aluminum and NAFTA,","canonicalId":"term:aluminum","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aluminum is a lightweight metal widely used in automotive manufacturing for parts like body panels and engine components to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aluminum is a light metal used to make many parts of cars so they can be lighter and use less fuel."}},{"startTime":120.6,"endTime":123.7,"type":"concept","title":"autonomous vehicles","url":"/glossary/autonomous-vehicles","quote":"Uber is making a big bet on autonomous vehicles, committing up to $1.25 billion to deploy","canonicalId":"concept:autonomous-vehicles","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Autonomous vehicles are cars capable of driving themselves without human input, using sensors and software. They are a major focus for future mobility and ride-hailing services.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomous vehicles are cars that can drive on their own without a person controlling them."}},{"startTime":138.1,"endTime":142.2,"type":"concept","title":"autonomous driving","url":"/glossary/autonomous-driving","quote":"autonomous driving milestones through 2031. The partnership launches in San Francisco and Miami in 2028, then expands across 25 cities in the US, Canada and Europe.","canonicalId":"concept:autonomous-driving","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Autonomous driving refers to technology that enables vehicles to drive themselves with little or no human input, using sensors, cameras, and computer algorithms to navigate and control the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomous driving means a car can drive by itself without the driver needing to steer or press pedals."}},{"startTime":178.1,"endTime":185.5,"type":"car","title":"Mercedes-Benz G63 Cabriolet","quote":"Mercedes also revealed a G63 Cabriolet, the first ever G-Wagon convertible for the US market, arriving in 2028. 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Here, they work with car racing groups to study how things like heat and stress affect car parts."}},{"startTime":432.0,"endTime":435.0,"type":"concept","title":"thermal properties","url":"/glossary/thermal-properties","quote":"\"...creates the strain and the stress and the endurance on product and thermal properties...\"","canonicalId":"concept:thermal-properties","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Thermal properties refer to how materials respond to heat, including their ability to conduct, retain, or resist heat. This is important in automotive engineering to ensure parts can withstand high temperatures.","simplifiedExplanation":"Thermal properties mean how things handle heat. 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