{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"March 9, 2026 | Mercedes settles UAW union case; Lidar goes mainstream ","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-9-2026-mercedes-settles-uaw-union-case-lidar-goes-mainstream","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18817132-march-9-2026-mercedes-settles-uaw-union-case-lidar-goes-mainstream.mp3","description":"Mercedes-Benz settles a National Labor Relations Board case over alleged anti-union conduct during 2024 Alabama organizing drive. Fourth-quarter dealership buy-sell activity rises, with Stellantis stores changing hands at the highest rate. Plus, Automotive News reporter Laurence Iliff discusses how lidar technology has evolved from expensive, specialized sensors to mass-market automotive components."},"annotations":[{"startTime":7.7,"endTime":45.8,"type":"concept","title":"union busting","url":"/glossary/union-busting","quote":"Today on the show, Mercedes settles a case over allegations of union busting. Mercedes-Benz has settled a national labor relations board case over alleged anti-union conduct during a 2024 organizing drive at its Alabama plant.","canonicalId":"concept:union-busting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Union busting refers to actions taken by employers to prevent or disrupt the formation or activities of labor unions among their employees. It often involves tactics to discourage union membership or organizing efforts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Union busting means when a company tries to stop workers from joining or forming a group that helps protect their rights and work conditions."}},{"startTime":13.5,"endTime":86.0,"type":"company","title":"Denso","url":"/glossary/denso","quote":"Toyota supplier Denso makes a bid for chipmaker Rome and dealership by sales tick up in the fourth quarter. Toyota supplier Denso has made a bid for chipmaker Rome in a potential $8.3 billion deal.","canonicalId":"company:denso","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Denso is a major Japanese automotive parts manufacturer that supplies components such as power management chips and other electronic parts to automakers worldwide. It plays a key role in vehicle technology development.","simplifiedExplanation":"Denso is a company that makes important parts for cars, like chips that help control power and other electronics."}},{"startTime":13.5,"endTime":86.0,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"Toyota supplier Denso makes a bid for chipmaker Rome and dealership by sales tick up in the fourth quarter. Toyota supplier Denso has made a bid for chipmaker Rome in a potential $8.3 billion deal.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known worldwide for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. It is a leader in hybrid technology and electric vehicle development.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is a big car company from Japan that makes cars known for being reliable and good on gas."}},{"startTime":22.1,"endTime":28.2,"type":"term","title":"LiDAR","url":"/glossary/lidar","quote":"Plus, a look at how LiDAR has gone from pricey tech on high-end vehicles to a mass market sensor.","canonicalId":"term:lidar","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps. In vehicles, it is used for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"LiDAR is a technology that uses lasers to help cars see and understand their surroundings, which helps with safety and self-driving features."}},{"startTime":78.9,"endTime":109.0,"type":"term","title":"chipmaker","url":"/glossary/chipmaker","quote":"Toyota supplier Denso has made a bid for chipmaker Rome in a potential $8.3 billion deal. The recent crisis at Dutch chipmaker Nexperia forced production cuts at Honda and Nissan.","canonicalId":"term:chipmaker","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A chipmaker is a company that designs and manufactures semiconductor chips used in electronic devices, including vehicles. These chips are essential for vehicle functions such as power management and data processing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A chipmaker is a company that makes tiny electronic parts called chips that help cars and other devices work properly."}},{"startTime":86.0,"endTime":92.0,"type":"term","title":"power management chips","url":"/glossary/power-management-chips","quote":"The move would expand Denso's hold on power management chips used in electric vehicles and data centers.","canonicalId":"term:power-management-chips","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Power management chips are semiconductor devices that regulate and control the distribution and consumption of electrical power within electronic systems, including electric vehicles. They help optimize battery usage and improve efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Power management chips are small parts inside electric cars that help control how the battery power is used so the car runs better and lasts longer."}},{"startTime":102.4,"endTime":109.0,"type":"concept","title":"chip supply shortage","url":"/glossary/chip-supply-shortage","quote":"Automakers have made locking down chip supply a priority since shortages during the pandemic. The recent crisis at Dutch chipmaker Nexperia forced production cuts at Honda and Nissan.","canonicalId":"concept:chip-supply-shortage","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chip supply shortage refers to the global scarcity of semiconductor chips that has affected many industries, including automotive, causing production delays and increased costs. Automakers prioritize securing chip supplies to avoid disruptions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A chip supply shortage means there aren't enough tiny electronic parts available, which can slow down car production and make cars more expensive."}},{"startTime":109.0,"endTime":114.98,"type":"brand","title":"Nissan","url":"/glossary/nissan","quote":"The recent crisis at Dutch chipmaker Nexperia forced production cuts at Honda and Nissan.","canonicalId":"brand:nissan","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including electric cars and performance models. It is a major player in the global automotive industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many kinds of cars, including electric and sporty ones."}},{"startTime":109.0,"endTime":114.98,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"The recent crisis at Dutch chipmaker Nexperia forced production cuts at Honda and Nissan.","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. It has a strong presence in global markets and is recognized for engineering excellence.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a company from Japan that makes cars and motorcycles that are known to be dependable and well-made."}},{"startTime":244.6,"endTime":249.2,"type":"brand","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"Now, we also saw Stellantis dealerships were the most traded in the quarter. What are buyers betting on when they acquire these franchises, especially given the brand's sales struggles over the past few years?","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. It owns several well-known brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that owns many popular car brands like Jeep and Dodge. They make and sell lots of different cars."}},{"startTime":249.2,"endTime":253.8,"type":"concept","title":"dealership franchise","url":"/glossary/dealership-franchise","quote":"What are buyers betting on when they acquire these franchises, especially given the brand's sales struggles over the past few years?","canonicalId":"concept:dealership-franchise","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A dealership franchise is a business authorized by an automaker to sell and service its vehicles in a specific location or territory.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dealership franchise is a store allowed by a car company to sell their cars and help with repairs in a certain area."}},{"startTime":257.98,"endTime":263.52,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Ram","url":"/cars/dodge/ram","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/1999_Dodge_Ram_Cab_2500_4x4_stakebed.jpg","quote":"..., for sure.  Those brands, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, they were the most bought and sold in the fourth...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:ram","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Ram, now simply known as Ram, is a popular line of full-size pickup trucks known for their capability, durability, and strong sales performance. The context refers to its high sales volume, indicating its significance in the market as a best-selling brand in the truck segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Ram is a big truck that many people buy because it can carry heavy loads and is good for work or everyday use. It's one of the most popular trucks around, which means lots of people like it and buy it. That's why it gets talked about a lot when discussing popular vehicles.","imageAttribution":"Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":294.8,"endTime":300.4,"type":"term","title":"store multiples","url":"/glossary/store-multiples","quote":"These stores, the CDJR stores, they're trading at relatively low multiples. These potential buyers are pretty sure that they're going to get a good deal...","canonicalId":"term:store-multiples","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Store multiples refer to the valuation metric used when buying or selling dealerships, often based on a multiple of earnings or revenue.","simplifiedExplanation":"Store multiples are numbers used to figure out how much a car dealership is worth when someone wants to buy or sell it."}},{"startTime":316.7,"endTime":323.1,"type":"term","title":"high horsepower products","url":"/glossary/high-horsepower-products","quote":"The brands are starting to introduce their traditional high horsepower products. But that's going to be interesting to watch too, as gas prices are going up.","canonicalId":"term:high-horsepower-products","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"High horsepower products refer to vehicles designed with powerful engines that produce a large amount of horsepower, often performance-oriented models.","simplifiedExplanation":"High horsepower products are cars that have very strong engines and can go really fast or have a lot of power."}},{"startTime":401.4,"endTime":411.76,"type":"concept","title":"mass market electric vehicles","url":"/glossary/mass-market-electric-vehicles","quote":"Chinese LiDAR maker, Hsai, now produces sensors for mass market electric vehicles with the technology appearing in 25% of new EVs sold in China.","canonicalId":"concept:mass-market-electric-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mass market electric vehicles (EVs) refer to electric cars produced and sold in large volumes, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers rather than niche or luxury buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mass market electric vehicles are electric cars that many people can buy, not just fancy or expensive ones."}},{"startTime":401.4,"endTime":411.76,"type":"company","title":"Hsai","url":"/glossary/hsai","quote":"Chinese LiDAR maker, Hsai, now produces sensors for mass market electric vehicles with the technology appearing in 25% of new EVs sold in China.","canonicalId":"company:hsai","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hsai is a Chinese company that manufactures LiDAR sensors, supplying technology used in electric vehicles to enable advanced sensing and autonomous driving features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hsai is a company from China that makes special sensors called LiDAR, which help electric cars see around them."}},{"startTime":450.2,"endTime":453.6,"type":"concept","title":"Level four vehicles","url":"/glossary/level-four-vehicles","quote":"and then also the Zoos and they have these spinning things and kind of these big LiDARs, because obviously they're, you know, level four vehicles and everything.","canonicalId":"concept:level-four-vehicles","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Level four vehicles refer to a classification of autonomous driving where the car can operate without human intervention in most conditions, but may require human control in certain scenarios. This is one step below full autonomy (level five).","simplifiedExplanation":"Level four means a car can drive itself most of the time without help from a person, but sometimes a person might need to take over."}},{"startTime":475.5,"endTime":478.5,"type":"term","title":"automatic emergency braking","url":"/glossary/automatic-emergency-braking","quote":"And so now they're using these $200 front facing LiDARs, like for automatic emergency braking, right? You have your cameras and you have your radar, which is great.","canonicalId":"term:automatic-emergency-braking","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a safety feature that detects an imminent collision and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.","simplifiedExplanation":"Automatic emergency braking is a safety system that helps stop the car if it thinks you're about to crash, even if you don't press the brakes."}},{"startTime":478.5,"endTime":481.0,"type":"term","title":"radar","url":"/glossary/radar","quote":"You have your cameras and you have your radar, which is great. But these see further.","canonicalId":"term:radar","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Radar is a sensor technology that uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and speed. It is commonly used in vehicles for adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Radar is a sensor that sends out radio waves to find things around the car, like other cars or obstacles, helping the car drive safely."}},{"startTime":523.0,"endTime":528.3,"type":"brand","title":"Rivian","url":"/glossary/rivian","quote":"And so Rivian is putting LiDAR on its new R2 crossover, first mass market vehicle later this year...","canonicalId":"brand:rivian","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for producing electric trucks and SUVs with advanced technology and off-road capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rivian is a company that makes electric cars and trucks with new technology to help them drive better and go off-road."}},{"startTime":528.3,"endTime":534.4,"type":"concept","title":"Level 3 autonomy","url":"/glossary/level-3-autonomy","quote":"Rivian is putting LiDAR on its new R2 crossover, first mass market vehicle later this year for its, what we call Level 3, partial autonomy system.","canonicalId":"concept:level-3-autonomy","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Level 3 autonomy refers to a partial self-driving system where the vehicle can handle most driving tasks but requires the driver to be ready to take control when requested.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level 3 autonomy means the car can drive itself in many situations, but you still need to pay attention and be ready to take over if the car asks you to."}},{"startTime":536.3,"endTime":539.2,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"And then Ford's doing the same with this next EV platform.","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ford is a major American automaker producing a wide range of vehicles including electric models with advanced driver assistance systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a big car company from the U.S. that makes many kinds of cars, including electric ones with smart driving features."}},{"startTime":539.2,"endTime":543.4,"type":"brand","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"And then GM is building it into some of its vehicles.","canonicalId":"brand:general-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is a large American automotive company producing various vehicles, including electric models equipped with advanced technologies like LiDAR for autonomy.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is a big car company in the U.S. that makes many cars and trucks, including electric ones with smart sensors to help with driving."}},{"startTime":558.6,"endTime":562.4,"type":"company","title":"Hesai","url":"/glossary/hesai","quote":"Okay, so I had a great interview with the CEO of Hesai, which is the biggest LiDAR maker in the world, Chinese by market share.","canonicalId":"company:hesai","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hesai is a leading Chinese company specializing in the development and manufacturing of LiDAR sensors for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hesai is a company from China that makes special sensors called LiDAR to help cars see around them and drive safely."}},{"startTime":593.1,"endTime":595.4,"type":"concept","title":"Level 2++ autonomy","url":"/glossary/level-2-autonomy","quote":"They have this, what they call Level 2++, where basically the car will drive for you and then you supervise it, right?","canonicalId":"concept:level-2-autonomy","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Level 2++ autonomy is an enhanced version of Level 2 driver assistance where the vehicle can perform steering, acceleration, and braking but still requires the driver to supervise and be ready to intervene.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level 2++ means the car can help drive by itself in some ways, but you still need to watch and be ready to take control if needed."}},{"startTime":750.6,"endTime":756.7,"type":"car","title":"BMW 7 Series","url":"/cars/bmw/7-series","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/BMW%2C_IAA_2017_%281Y7A2712%29.jpg","quote":"There have been use cases with BMW and Mercedes in very, very, very expensive vehicles, right? The 7 Series and the S-Class, right?","canonicalId":"car:bmw:7-series","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BMW 7 Series is a flagship luxury sedan known for incorporating advanced technology and comfort features, often serving as a testbed for new automotive innovations.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BMW 7 Series is a big, fancy car that usually gets the newest tech and features first.","imageAttribution":"MB-one (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":756.7,"endTime":762.0,"type":"car","title":"Mercedes-Benz Sclass","url":"/cars/mercedes-benz/s-class","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/MERCEDES-BENZ_S-CLASS_%28V221%29_China.jpg","quote":"there have been use cases with BMW and Mercedes in very, very, very expensive vehicles, right?  The 7 Series and the S-Class, right? So these have been very small things and they're going  away from it. They're getting rid of the Level 3. They're getting rid of the LiDAR and they're","canonicalId":"car:mercedes-benz:s-class","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and prestige. It often serves as a benchmark for innovation in the automotive industry, especially in the luxury segment. The mention highlights its status alongside the BMW 7 Series as a very expensive and exclusive vehicle where small issues can be significant.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy and expensive car that lots of people buy when they want a comfortable and high-tech ride. It's one of the top luxury cars and is known for being really smooth and full of cool features. People talk about it because it's a big deal when something goes wrong with such an expensive car.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":787.4,"endTime":792.6,"type":"term","title":"subscription software","url":"/glossary/subscription-software","quote":"Tesla's come with the hardware and then you could buy the software, $99 for the subscription. They say they have a 12% take rate.","canonicalId":"term:subscription-software","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Subscription software in cars refers to features or capabilities that can be activated or enhanced by paying a recurring fee, often delivered via over-the-air updates.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some car features can be turned on if you pay a monthly or yearly fee, like extra safety or driving help."}},{"startTime":787.4,"endTime":792.6,"type":"brand","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"A lot of people buy Tesla's and Tesla's come with the hardware and then you could buy the software, $99 for the subscription.","canonicalId":"brand:tesla","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tesla is an electric vehicle manufacturer known for integrating advanced driver assistance features and offering software-based upgrades via subscriptions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla makes electric cars that can get new features through software updates you can pay for."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-9-2026-mercedes-settles-uaw-union-case-lidar-goes-mainstream/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}