{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"March 3, 2026 | Iran conflict: What the auto industry needs to know","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-3-2026-iran-conflict-what-the-auto-industry-needs-to-know","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18784617-march-3-2026-iran-conflict-what-the-auto-industry-needs-to-know.mp3","description":"The conflict with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil supplies and raising recession fears. AlixPartners’ Dan Hearsch and Hart Energy’s Darren Barbee break down what the auto industry needs to know right now — from oil and gas price impacts to supply chain risks. Plus, Asian automakers post higher February sales despite a weak market."},"annotations":[{"startTime":0.0,"endTime":5.4,"type":"concept","title":"online car buying","url":"/glossary/online-car-buying","quote":"Right now, almost 1 in 3 car buyers want to buy completely online, and if your dealership can't close that deal, someone else will.","canonicalId":"concept:online-car-buying","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Online car buying refers to the process where customers complete most or all of the car purchase process via the internet, including browsing, financing, and paperwork, without visiting a dealership in person.","simplifiedExplanation":"Online car buying means you can buy a car using your computer or phone without going to a car lot. You can pick your car, pay for it, and handle the paperwork all online."}},{"startTime":8.9,"endTime":14.3,"type":"company","title":"AccelerateMyDealElite","url":"/glossary/acceleratemydealelite","quote":"AccelerateMyDealElite gives you real online checkout, ID and insurance verification, and dealer control without changing the way you work.","canonicalId":"company:acceleratemydealelite","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"AccelerateMyDealElite is an online platform that enables car dealerships to offer real online checkout, ID and insurance verification, and maintain dealer control while facilitating digital car sales.","simplifiedExplanation":"AccelerateMyDealElite is a tool that helps car dealers sell cars online by letting buyers pay and verify their information on the internet."}},{"startTime":29.5,"endTime":35.9,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"Today on the show, Toyota and Honda post higher February sales, despite a weak market.","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a Japanese car manufacturer known for producing reliable, efficient, and practical vehicles such as the Civic and Accord.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a car company from Japan that makes cars known for being reliable and good on gas."}},{"startTime":35.9,"endTime":42.8,"type":"company","title":"Nexperia","url":"/glossary/nexperia","quote":"Nexperia's Chinese owner wants $8 billion as the Dutch block control, and auto suppliers rush to diversify beyond cars after getting burned by Stalantis.","canonicalId":"company:nexperia","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nexperia is a semiconductor company involved in supplying components to the automotive industry, among others. Its ownership and control can impact supply chains.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nexperia is a company that makes tiny electronic parts used in cars and other devices."}},{"startTime":42.8,"endTime":47.68,"type":"concept","title":"auto suppliers","url":"/glossary/auto-suppliers","quote":"Nexperia's Chinese owner wants $8 billion as the Dutch block control, and auto suppliers rush to diversify beyond cars after getting burned by Stalantis.","canonicalId":"concept:auto-suppliers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Auto suppliers are companies that provide parts and components to car manufacturers. Their business can be affected by changes in the automotive market or ownership.","simplifiedExplanation":"Auto suppliers are companies that make parts used to build cars, like engines or electronics."}},{"startTime":85.1,"endTime":91.7,"type":"brand","title":"Kia","url":"/glossary/kia","quote":"Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia bucked a weak February, posting higher US sales.","canonicalId":"brand:kia","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Kia is a South Korean car manufacturer and a sister company to Hyundai. Kia is known for offering stylish and affordable vehicles with good warranties.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kia is a car brand from South Korea that makes cars that look nice and don't cost too much. They also come with good guarantees to fix problems."}},{"startTime":85.1,"endTime":91.7,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai","url":"/glossary/hyundai","quote":"Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia bucked a weak February, posting higher US sales.","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing affordable and well-equipped vehicles. It has grown significantly in the US market over recent years.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes cars people can afford and that have many features. They have become very popular in the US."}},{"startTime":91.7,"endTime":91.7,"type":"term","title":"pickup sales","url":"/glossary/pickup-sales","quote":"Toyota motor volume rose 3.2%, driven by a 22% jump in pickup sales.","canonicalId":"term:pickup-sales","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Pickup sales refer to the number of pickup trucks sold. Pickup trucks are popular vehicles with an open cargo bed, often used for work or personal transport.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pickup sales means how many pickup trucks were bought. Pickup trucks are big cars with a back area to carry stuff, like tools or furniture."}},{"startTime":99.06,"endTime":105.88,"type":"car","title":"Toyota RAV4","url":"/cars/toyota/rav4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/2021_Toyota_RAV4_PHV.jpg","quote":"That helped offset a 57% decline in RAV4 deliveries as the redesigned model launches at three plants.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:rav4","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV known for its reliability and popularity in the SUV market. The mention refers to a redesigned model launching at three plants, which can impact sales and production.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota RAV4 is a popular small SUV that many people buy. They just made a new version of it, and it's being made in three different factories.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":118.3,"endTime":126.8,"type":"term","title":"hybrid sales","url":"/glossary/hybrid-sales","quote":"Hybrid sales surged 79% at Hyundai and 53% at Kia,","canonicalId":"term:hybrid-sales","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hybrid sales refer to the number of vehicles sold that use a hybrid powertrain, combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hybrid cars use both gas and electricity to help them go farther and use less fuel. Hybrid sales means how many of these cars were sold."}},{"startTime":126.8,"endTime":133.5,"type":"concept","title":"federal tax credits","url":"/glossary/federal-tax-credit","quote":"but EV sales slumped across both brands following the end of the federal tax credits last September.","canonicalId":"concept:federal-tax-credit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Federal tax credits are government incentives that reduce the cost of purchasing electric vehicles, encouraging consumers to buy cleaner cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The government sometimes gives money back to people who buy electric cars to make them cheaper. These are called federal tax credits."}},{"startTime":126.8,"endTime":133.5,"type":"term","title":"EV sales","url":"/glossary/ev-sales","quote":"but EV sales slumped across both brands following the end of the federal tax credits last September.","canonicalId":"term:ev-sales","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV sales refer to the number of electric vehicles sold, which run entirely on electricity without using gasoline or diesel fuel.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV sales means how many electric cars, which run only on batteries, were sold."}},{"startTime":133.5,"endTime":139.1,"type":"concept","title":"seasonally adjusted annual rate","url":"/glossary/seasonally-adjusted-annual-rate","quote":"According to S&P Global Mobility, the seasonally adjusted annual rate is expected to hit $15.6 million for February.","canonicalId":"concept:seasonally-adjusted-annual-rate","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) is a statistical method that removes seasonal variations to estimate what the annual sales would be if the current pace continued for a full year.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a way to guess how many cars would sell in a whole year if sales kept going like they are now, but it also fixes changes that happen at certain times of the year."}},{"startTime":180.0,"endTime":185.0,"type":"term","title":"semiconductors","url":"/glossary/semiconductors","quote":"The dispute threatens global chip supplies. Shortages of Nexperia's semiconductors have already forced production cutbacks at Nissan, Honda, and Bosch.","canonicalId":"term:semiconductors","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Semiconductors are materials used to make electronic chips that control various functions in modern vehicles, from engine management to infotainment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Semiconductors are tiny electronic parts inside cars that help control how they work."}},{"startTime":185.0,"endTime":187.0,"type":"brand","title":"Bosch","url":"/glossary/bosch","quote":"Shortages of Nexperia's semiconductors have already forced production cutbacks at Nissan, Honda, and Bosch.","canonicalId":"brand:bosch","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Bosch is a global supplier of automotive components and technology, including semiconductors, sensors, and electronic systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bosch is a company that makes parts and technology used in cars."}},{"startTime":185.0,"endTime":187.0,"type":"brand","title":"Nissan","url":"/glossary/nissan","quote":"Shortages of Nexperia's semiconductors have already forced production cutbacks at Nissan, Honda, and Bosch.","canonicalId":"brand:nissan","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nissan is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nissan is a big car company from Japan that makes many types of cars, including electric ones."}},{"startTime":185.0,"endTime":190.0,"type":"concept","title":"production cutbacks","url":"/glossary/production-cutbacks","quote":"Shortages of Nexperia's semiconductors have already forced production cutbacks at Nissan, Honda, and Bosch.","canonicalId":"concept:production-cutbacks","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Production cutbacks refer to reducing the number of vehicles manufactured due to supply chain issues or decreased demand.","simplifiedExplanation":"Production cutbacks mean making fewer cars because parts are hard to get or not enough people want to buy them."}},{"startTime":200.0,"endTime":205.0,"type":"brand","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"Auto suppliers are rushing to diversify beyond cars after getting burned by Stellantis volume crashes and failed EV programs.","canonicalId":"brand:stellantis","priority":0.9,"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, owning brands like Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, and others.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that owns many brands like Jeep and Dodge."}},{"startTime":200.0,"endTime":205.0,"type":"concept","title":"EV programs","url":"/glossary/ev-programs","quote":"Auto suppliers are rushing to diversify beyond cars after getting burned by Stellantis volume crashes and failed EV programs.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-programs","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV programs are initiatives by automakers to develop and produce electric vehicles as part of the shift away from internal combustion engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV programs are plans by car companies to make electric cars instead of gas cars."}},{"startTime":200.0,"endTime":210.0,"type":"concept","title":"diversify","url":"/glossary/diversify","quote":"Auto suppliers are rushing to diversify beyond cars after getting burned by Stellantis volume crashes and failed EV programs. Steve Weibo of Riveron Consulting says every supplier wants to diversify, but penetrating new industries takes years.","canonicalId":"concept:diversify","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Diversify in the automotive context means suppliers expanding their business into other industries beyond just car manufacturing to reduce risk.","simplifiedExplanation":"Diversify means companies try to do other kinds of work besides just making car parts so they don't lose money if car sales drop."}},{"startTime":220.0,"endTime":225.0,"type":"company","title":"Aptiv","url":"/glossary/aptiv","quote":"Aptiv is consolidating plants and targeting aerospace, defense, and telecom.","canonicalId":"company:aptiv","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aptiv is a global automotive technology company specializing in advanced electrical systems, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle solutions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aptiv is a company that makes high-tech parts for cars, like smart electronics and self-driving technology."}},{"startTime":288.0,"endTime":295.0,"type":"term","title":"Strait of Hormuz","url":"/glossary/strait-of-hormuz","quote":"of four moves where Iran is not, I think, officially declared that the straight is closed, but this is basically a bottleneck of oil and refined products, mainly Saudi Arabia and also Qatar.","canonicalId":"term:strait-of-hormuz","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which a significant portion of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow water path where many oil ships travel to move oil from the Middle East to other countries."}},{"startTime":324.6,"endTime":330.0,"type":"term","title":"Liquefied natural gas (LNG)","url":"/glossary/liquefied-natural-gas-lng","quote":"I think 20% of LNG or liquefied natural gas goes to the straight, something on the order of 20 million barrels per day,","canonicalId":"term:liquefied-natural-gas-lng","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for easier storage and transportation, especially by ship.","simplifiedExplanation":"LNG is natural gas turned into a cold liquid so it can be moved easily on big ships to other countries."}},{"startTime":331.7,"endTime":335.0,"type":"term","title":"Barrel (oil measurement)","url":"/glossary/barrel-oil-measurement","quote":"something on the order of 20 million barrels per day, just a huge amount of world supply.","canonicalId":"term:barrel-oil-measurement","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A barrel is a standard unit of measurement for oil volume, equal to 42 US gallons or about 159 liters.","simplifiedExplanation":"A barrel is how people measure oil, like a big container that holds a certain amount of oil."}},{"startTime":500.9,"endTime":508.0,"type":"concept","title":"oil crisis","url":"/glossary/oil-crisis","quote":"maybe a little PTSD from the 70s and the oil crisis back then. Is there any situation where we could see again, you know, long lines at the gas pump, like sort of these,","canonicalId":"concept:oil-crisis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The oil crisis refers to periods in the 1970s when oil supply disruptions caused fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations, leading to inflation and economic challenges. It had a significant impact on the automotive industry and consumer behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"The oil crisis was a time when there wasn't enough gasoline because of problems getting oil, so people had to wait in long lines to fill their cars. This made gas prices go up and affected how people bought and used cars."}},{"startTime":565.6,"endTime":570.9,"type":"term","title":"Brent crude","url":"/glossary/brent-crude","quote":"...a certain price overseas, which is going to be inevitably higher. Brent's going to be much higher, Brent being the benchmark crude for Europe...","canonicalId":"term:brent-crude","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brent crude is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a benchmark price for oil markets, especially in Europe and other parts of the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brent crude is a type of oil used to set prices for oil sold around the world, especially in Europe. It helps people know how much oil costs."}},{"startTime":664.1,"endTime":684.9,"type":"term","title":"online checkout","url":"/glossary/online-checkout","quote":"The question is, is your dealership able to close that deal online? Or are you handing it off to someone who is? That's where auto traders accelerate my deal elite. Online checkout comes in. Accelerate my deal elite isn't just another digital retailing tool that takes the dealer out of the equation. It's built with you in mind. You stay in control of the deal. Pricing, terms, the whole thing. While your customers do the heavy lifting up front from the comfort of their home, we're talking real online checkout,","canonicalId":"term:online-checkout","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Online checkout refers to the process where customers can complete their car purchase entirely over the internet, including selecting the vehicle, negotiating price, and finalizing paperwork without visiting a dealership in person.","simplifiedExplanation":"Online checkout means you can buy a car using your computer or phone without going to the car dealer. You pick the car, agree on the price, and finish the buying steps all online."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-3-2026-iran-conflict-what-the-auto-industry-needs-to-know/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}