May 15, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Mazda’s Jennifer Morrison on vehicle safety
About this episode
Hosts kick off with major Canadian auto-industry updates, including Honda Canada indefinitely suspending its proposed $15 billion Ontario EV complex and Auto Canada’s early-2026 revenue and earnings decline. The conversation then shifts to Mazda’s Jennifer Morrison on vehicle safety: how real-world field data guides standardizing tech, why sensor fusion matters, and how Level 2 systems keep drivers engaged. She also discusses keeping safety tech standard to manage cost, plus future driver-monitoring cameras with privacy considerations.
Honda’s cancelled EV plans; AutoCanada earnings dip; Chinese automakers’ market entry. Plus, Mazda North American Operations Director of Vehicle Safety Jennifer Morrison on safety features, how they become standard equipment, and at what cost, and how AI is integrated into safety development.
TD Auto Finance
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TD Auto Finance is a company that helps people pay for a car over time. They offer loan options instead of requiring the full price upfront.
TD Auto Finance is a financial-services provider that offers auto loans and related financing products. In the context of the episode, it’s sponsoring the show and promoting flexible financing options for vehicle shoppers.
Honda Canada
"Honda Canada made it official on May 14th. The automaker publicly announced that it had indefinitely suspended plans for its proposed $15 billion electric vehicle complex in Ontario."
Honda Canada is Honda’s business in Canada. In this segment, they’re saying they’re pausing a planned electric-vehicle factory project in Ontario.
Honda Canada is the Canadian arm of Honda that manages the brand’s local business, including manufacturing plans and market strategy. Here, it’s announcing an indefinite suspension of a proposed electric-vehicle complex in Ontario.
indefinitely suspended plans
"Honda Canada made it official on May 14th. The automaker publicly announced that it had indefinitely suspended plans for its proposed $15 billion electric vehicle complex in Ontario."
It means the company is putting the project on hold with no clear date for when it will restart. That usually indicates a bigger change in plans than a short delay.
“Indefinitely suspended plans” means the company is pausing the project without a set restart date. For listeners, it signals a major shift in capital spending and product strategy rather than a temporary delay.
electric vehicle complex
"The automaker publicly announced that it had indefinitely suspended plans for its proposed $15 billion electric vehicle complex in Ontario. The project announced in 2024 would have created up to 1000 new jobs in Alliston."
An electric vehicle complex is a big factory site meant for building EVs. It’s the kind of project that can create jobs and shape how many EVs get produced locally.
An “electric vehicle complex” is a large, multi-facility industrial site built to produce electric vehicles and related components. In this segment, Honda Canada’s proposed $15 billion complex in Ontario is described as a major investment tied to EV production and jobs.
pivot to 15 new hybrids through 2030
"The news is part of Honda CEO Toshihira Mibe's plan to abandon the company's combustion free vehicle ambition and pivot to 15 new hybrids through 2030."
Honda is changing its plan for the next several years. Instead of focusing on EVs, they’re planning to introduce many hybrid models by 2030.
A “pivot” here means Honda is changing its product roadmap from one direction (EV-focused) to another (hybrids). “Through 2030” frames it as a multi-year plan for launching a specific number of hybrid models.
combustion free vehicle ambition
"The news is part of Honda CEO Toshihira Mibe's plan to abandon the company's combustion free vehicle ambition and pivot to 15 new hybrids through 2030."
This phrase means Honda was aiming to move away from gas or diesel engines. They’re saying they’ll pivot to other powertrains—like hybrids—rather than going fully away from combustion.
“Combustion free vehicle ambition” refers to a strategy focused on eliminating internal-combustion engines (gasoline/diesel) in favor of non-combustion powertrains. The segment says Honda is backing away from that goal and shifting toward hybrids instead.
Auto Canada
"In retail news, auto Canada revenue and earnings declined to start 2026. Weaker new vehicle demand and losses in its used vehicle business weighed on first quarter results."
Auto Canada is a company that runs car dealerships. They’re reporting weaker sales and profits, especially related to used cars and overall demand.
Auto Canada is a dealership group that sells vehicles and operates franchise dealer locations. The segment discusses its financial results, including revenue and earnings declines tied to weaker new-vehicle demand and losses in used-vehicle operations.
used vehicle business
"Weaker new vehicle demand and losses in its used vehicle business weighed on first quarter results. The dealership group reported revenue of $1.19 billion"
This means the dealership’s pre-owned car sales side. The hosts say that part of the business lost money, which hurt the company’s overall results.
The “used vehicle business” refers to the dealership operations that buy, recondition, and resell pre-owned cars. The segment highlights that losses in this area contributed to Auto Canada’s weaker first-quarter results.
franchise dealers
"CEO Samuel Cochran says recent leadership changes are starting to improve dealership sales productivity. Auto Canada owns 64 franchise dealers and dozens of"
Franchise dealers are car dealerships that sell a specific brand’s vehicles under an agreement with that automaker. Auto Canada says it owns many of these locations.
“Franchise dealers” are independently operated dealerships that sell vehicles under a manufacturer’s brand agreement. The segment notes Auto Canada owns 64 franchise dealers, indicating its scale in branded retail sales.
regulatory delays
"And finally, Chinese automakers expanding into Canada are slowing their rollout plans as import quotas and regulatory delays cloud the business case."
Regulatory delays are slowdowns caused by the time it takes to get approvals, certifications, or compliance sign-offs from government agencies. For automakers, these delays can push back launch dates, inventory, and delivery schedules.
import quotas
"And finally, Chinese automakers expanding into Canada are slowing their rollout plans as import quotas and regulatory delays cloud the business case. Advisory firm DSMA says BYD, Cherry and Geely are now focusing on just a handful of dealerships in major markets."
An import quota is a limit on how many cars a country will allow to be imported in a year. If the limit is tight, fewer cars can be sold and the rollout can slow down.
Import quotas are government limits on how many vehicles (or other goods) can be brought into a country over a set period. They can directly affect pricing, availability, and how quickly automakers can scale sales in that market.
Geely
"Advisory firm DSMA says BYD, Cherry and Geely are now focusing on just a handful of dealerships in major markets."
Geely is a car brand from China. In this segment, they’re changing how they roll out in Canada because of limits and delays.
Geely is a Chinese automaker named as adjusting its Canada expansion plans. The segment frames the shift as a response to import quotas and regulatory delays that affect how quickly deliveries can ramp up.
BYD
"Advisory firm DSMA says BYD, Cherry and Geely are now focusing on just a handful of dealerships in major markets."
BYD is a car brand from China. In this story, they’re adjusting their plan to sell cars in Canada because of limits and delays.
BYD is a Chinese automaker mentioned here as part of the group adjusting its Canada rollout plans. The segment ties BYD’s strategy to import quotas and regulatory timing.
Cherry
"Advisory firm DSMA says BYD, Cherry and Geely are now focusing on just a handful of dealerships in major markets."
Cherry is a car brand from China. The hosts say it’s scaling back its Canada dealership rollout because of government limits and approval delays.
Cherry (Chery) is a Chinese automaker mentioned as part of the brands narrowing their dealership footprint in Canada. The discussion links the change to import quotas and regulatory delays affecting the business case.
DSMA
"Advisory firm DSMA says BYD, Cherry and Geely are now focusing on just a handful of dealerships in major markets. Vehicle deliveries are also expected to slip into 2027."
DSMA is an advisory company mentioned as a source for market information. Here, they’re saying some Chinese automakers are changing how they plan to sell cars in Canada.
DSMA is referenced as an advisory firm providing market guidance on how Chinese automakers are adjusting their Canadian dealership strategy. In this segment, it’s used as a source for the rollout and delivery expectations.
EV imports
"Ottawa currently limits China built EV imports to 49,000 vehicles annually under its new quota system shared across all Chinese automakers."
EV imports are electric cars shipped into Canada from other countries. If there are limits, fewer EVs can arrive and sales can slow down.
EV imports refers to electric vehicles brought into a country from overseas rather than produced locally. Import limits and rules can change how many EVs reach dealerships and when automakers can ramp up sales.
safety features
"Consumers today are expecting more safety features to come standard under vehicles. How does Mazda decide when a technology has become important enough to move it from kind of an optional feature to this core feature in the vehicle?"
Safety features are technologies meant to help prevent crashes or reduce injuries. The hosts talk about how Mazda decides when a safety feature is important enough to include on every car.
Safety features are systems designed to reduce the likelihood or severity of crashes—often including driver-assistance technologies and crash-mitigation systems. The episode discusses how automakers decide when these features should become standard rather than optional.
field data
"It really is through what we're seeing out in the field data. One of the things that we're really good at and even getting better at is"
Field data is information gathered from real cars being driven by real people. Mazda uses it to judge which safety features actually help enough to be standard.
Field data is real-world information collected from vehicles after they’re in customer hands—such as crash outcomes, failure rates, and how safety systems perform in everyday driving. Automakers use it to decide which technologies should become standard equipment.
automatic emergency braking
"a great example is an automatic emergency braking. So we've now studied automatic emergency braking for the better part of a decade."
Automatic emergency braking is a safety feature that can sense a crash is about to happen and brake for you. The goal is to slow the car down or help avoid the collision, especially in rear-end situations.
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a driver-assistance system that detects an imminent collision and automatically applies the brakes to reduce speed or avoid the crash. In this segment, they cite real-world studies showing AEB can prevent a large share of rear impacts.
blind spot monitoring
"So another great example is blind spot monitoring. It's the same sensor suite that you also then get rear cross traffic alert since those side radars that are doing all that work."
Blind spot monitoring is a system that watches the areas next to your car where you can’t see well. If another car is there, it warns you so you don’t accidentally change lanes into it.
Blind spot monitoring uses sensors (often radar) to detect vehicles alongside the car that the driver can’t easily see. When a vehicle is in the blind spot, it alerts the driver and can be paired with other alerts like rear cross traffic alert.
rear cross traffic alert
"It's the same sensor suite that you also then get rear cross traffic alert since those side radars that are doing all that work."
Rear cross traffic alert helps when you’re backing up. It warns you if cars are coming from the left or right, where you might not notice them.
Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) warns you when vehicles are approaching from the sides as you back out of a parking spot or driveway. It typically relies on the same side-mounted radar sensors used for blind spot monitoring.
packaging of these technologies together
"published a study with the IHS Highway Laws Data Institute showing that the more packaging of these technologies together, so really packaging, your front sensing camera, all of the side radars"
They’re talking about putting multiple safety features together so they work as a system. The claim is that the combined effect reduces crashes more than any single feature by itself.
“Packaging” here means combining multiple safety systems and sensors into one coordinated setup on the vehicle. The idea is that using several technologies together can have a bigger real-world crash-reduction effect than each feature working alone.
AI involved in actually making the vehicle decisions
"how much is AI involved in actually making the vehicle decisions when it comes to safety? So sensors can only do so much and onboard computing can only do so much."
They’re asking whether AI is starting to “decide” when safety features should activate. In simple terms, it’s about whether the car is using smarter software to interpret sensor data and take action.
This segment raises the question of how much artificial intelligence (AI) is used to make driving-safety decisions, such as when to trigger alerts or automatic braking. The discussion contrasts sensor input and onboard computing limits with the role of AI/automation in interpreting that data and choosing actions.
front sensing camera
"Like you said, a lot of sensors on a vehicle, the front sensing camera is doing a lot of work in cars today. Most vehicles have a front sensing camera now because it's part of their automatic emergency braking system."
A front sensing camera is a camera mounted at the front of the car that watches what’s ahead. It helps safety systems “see” hazards so they can react faster.
A front sensing camera is a forward-facing camera used for driver-assistance functions like detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and lane-related cues. In modern safety systems, it works alongside radar and other sensors to improve detection accuracy and decision-making.
front radar
"The front radar, the side radars, those are all then integrated into an electrical architecture. And that electrical architecture in that sensing system, it's the brains and it's going to be able to make those decisions."
Front radar uses signals to detect objects ahead and estimate how far away they are. It helps the car judge speed and distance for safety features.
Front radar is a sensor that uses radio waves to measure the distance and relative speed of objects ahead. Radar is especially useful in conditions where cameras may struggle, like fog, heavy rain, or glare.
electrical architecture
"The front radar, the side radars, those are all then integrated into an electrical architecture. And that electrical architecture in that sensing system, it's the brains and it's going to be able to make those decisions."
In modern vehicles, the electrical architecture is the network of computers, wiring, and communication pathways that connects sensors to the vehicle’s decision-making systems. It’s what allows different safety sensors to share data and coordinate actions.
ABS
"But we've had vehicles help us make decisions and do some of the processing for us and that those versions of automation since the advent of ABS and electronic stability control."
ABS is a safety system that stops the wheels from locking when you brake hard. That helps you steer while you slow down.
ABS (anti-lock braking system) prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking by modulating brake pressure. That helps the driver maintain steering control while still braking effectively.
electronic stability control
"But we've had vehicles help us make decisions and do some of the processing for us and that those versions of automation since the advent of ABS and electronic stability control."
Electronic stability control helps the car stay on its intended path when the road is slippery. If the car starts to slide, it can brake individual wheels to help regain control.
Electronic stability control (ESC) helps keep the car from skidding by detecting loss of traction and selectively applying brakes and/or reducing engine power. It’s a key foundation for many modern driver-assistance and safety systems.
sensor fusion
"So now we're having more sensors, more thinking, more intelligence inside the vehicles. ... the system's able to make more decisions based on all of the sensor fusion too."
Sensor fusion means the car combines information from different sensors to understand the road better. Instead of relying on just one sensor, it “checks” using multiple sources.
Sensor fusion is the process of combining data from multiple sensors (like cameras and radar) to form a more accurate picture of what’s happening around the vehicle. By cross-checking inputs, the system can make better decisions than any single sensor alone.
simplifying safety technology
"So does there come a point where safety technologies and added features ... might even become a safety liability if they're too complex ...? That's essentially what we're trying to do here is simplify things."
Simplifying safety technology means making safety features easier to use. Instead of making drivers learn lots of menus and settings, the car should handle it in the background.
Simplifying safety technology refers to designing advanced driver-assistance features so they’re easier to understand and use, without requiring drivers to manage complex settings. The goal is to reduce confusion and make safety functions feel more transparent and automatic.
Mazda Cx5
"That's essentially what we're trying to do here is simplify things. And we're sitting in the all new CX-5 where you see a far less buttons."
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV. Here, the hosts use the “all new CX-5” to show how newer safety features can be built in without lots of buttons or complicated setup.
The Mazda CX-5 is Mazda’s compact crossover, and this “all new CX-5” example is being used to illustrate how modern safety tech can be integrated with fewer controls. The discussion focuses on making features like automatic emergency braking feel transparent rather than something drivers must configure.
decontenting vehicles
"especially at a time when a lot of manufacturers are actually decontenting vehicles to get them to a level where people can actually afford them?"
Decontenting means taking features out of a car to lower the cost. The goal is to keep the price down even when things are getting more expensive.
Decontenting vehicles means removing features or equipment from a model to reduce cost—often due to supply, pricing, or economic pressures. The speaker frames it as a strategy some manufacturers use to keep vehicles affordable.
side radars
"That's a good example of our front sensing camera, our side radars, our front radar. Those are coming into the vehicle as standard equipment, so they're not going to be adding additional cost in the trim structure."
These are radar sensors on the sides of the car. They help the car detect other vehicles or objects next to you, especially when you’re changing lanes.
Side radars are radar sensors mounted along the sides of the vehicle to monitor nearby traffic and objects. They’re commonly used for features like blind-spot awareness and adaptive cruise behavior around other vehicles.
standard equipment
"Those are coming into the vehicle as standard equipment, so they're not going to be adding additional cost in the trim structure."
Standard equipment is stuff that comes with the car by default. It means you don’t have to pay extra or choose a higher trim just to get those safety sensors.
Standard equipment means the features are included on the vehicle as part of the base offering, not as optional add-ons. In this context, it’s used to explain that the sensors are included without raising the price through higher trim levels.
trim structure
"Those are coming into the vehicle as standard equipment, so they're not going to be adding additional cost in the trim structure."
Trim structure is how car models are offered in different versions. Some versions cost more because they include more features, so where safety tech lands affects the final price.
Trim structure refers to how automakers package features into different versions (trims) of the same model. Features placed higher in the trim lineup can increase the purchase price, so the speaker is arguing for keeping key safety tech out of expensive trims.
Top Safety Pick Plus
"But we're able to still keep our vehicles well below $30,000 in many cases, and they're still top safety pick plus rated vehicles."
This is a top safety rating given to cars by a major safety testing organization. It means the car did very well in crash and safety tests.
“Top Safety Pick Plus” is a high rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for a vehicle’s crashworthiness and crash-avoidance performance. It’s used here to support the claim that Mazda’s safety tech can be offered without pushing prices too high.
SAE level two driver assistance
"Well, I'll give you a good example. We have our level two, SAE level two driver assistance feature called cruising and traffic support."
SAE “level two” means the car can do some driving help—like steering assistance and controlling speed—but you still have to watch the road and be ready to take over.
“SAE level two” is a standardized way to describe driver-assistance automation. At this level, the car can handle both steering and speed-related tasks, but the human driver must stay engaged and supervise the system at all times.
lane-centering
"And it's also doing lane-centering at the same time. So this vehicle is equipped with that, but it is importantly a hands-on feature."
Lane-centering helps the car stay in the lane by making small steering adjustments so you don’t drift toward the edges.
Lane-centering is an assistance function that helps keep the car near the middle of its lane by steering corrections based on lane markings. It’s often paired with speed control systems for smoother highway driving.
radar cruise control
"So it is a hands-on driver assistance system. So it is Mazda radar cruise control."
Radar cruise control uses radar to “read” the traffic in front, so the car can slow down or speed up to keep distance.
Radar cruise control uses radar sensors to measure the distance and relative speed of vehicles ahead. That data lets the system adjust throttle and braking to maintain a safe gap during highway driving.
adaptive cruise control
"So it's giving you your adaptive cruise control, your acceleration, and your braking."
Adaptive cruise control keeps a set distance from the car in front by automatically slowing down and speeding up as traffic changes.
Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to match the vehicle ahead using sensors (often radar). Instead of holding a fixed speed, it can speed up or slow down to maintain a safe following distance.
cooperative steering
"It allows you to do cooperative steering. So it's still that human-centric putting the driver first."
Cooperative steering is when the car helps steer, but you’re still actively involved—so it’s not fully hands-off driving.
Cooperative steering describes a driver-assistance approach where the vehicle and driver work together on steering control. The system provides steering support, but the driver remains responsible for supervision and can override or correct the vehicle’s behavior.
lane keep assist alerts
"You can deviate the lane. It'll give you, of course, your lane, keep assist alerts for that."
Lane keep assist alerts are the warnings the car gives you if it thinks you’re drifting out of your lane.
Lane keep assist alerts are warnings that notify the driver when the vehicle detects lane departure risk. They’re typically used alongside lane-keeping or lane-centering functions to encourage driver correction.
heads-up display
"We really want to keep the driver engaged. Give them the heads-up display."
A heads-up display shows important info in front of you, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to check the dashboard.
A heads-up display (HUD) projects key driving information onto the windshield or a transparent display so the driver can see it without looking down at the instrument cluster. In safety systems, it’s commonly used to show alerts and guidance while keeping attention on the road.
crash avoidance
"We've talked a lot about that here today with our sensor suite and crash avoidance."
Crash avoidance is technology that tries to prevent accidents by detecting danger early and helping the car react—often with warnings and automatic braking.
Crash avoidance refers to automated safety systems that detect potential collisions and take action to reduce impact or prevent the crash. These systems typically rely on sensors and predictive algorithms to decide when to warn, brake, or steer.
sensor suite
"We've talked a lot about that here today with our sensor suite and crash avoidance."
A sensor suite is the set of sensors the car uses to “see” what’s around it, like other cars and lane markings.
A sensor suite is the collection of different sensors a vehicle uses together—such as radar, cameras, and sometimes lidar—to perceive the road and surrounding traffic. Using multiple sensor types improves detection in different lighting and weather conditions.
driver monitoring camera
"But the vehicle that we're sitting in today has a driver monitoring camera here on the steering"
A driver monitoring camera checks whether you’re paying attention. If it thinks you’re not, it can warn you or limit how much the car will assist.
A driver monitoring camera watches the driver’s face and/or eye gaze to confirm attention and engagement. This is used to support higher-level driver-assistance systems by detecting when the driver is distracted or not supervising properly.
cruising and traffic support system
"column. That's really only to function with our cruising and traffic support system. In the case [844.9s] that the driver becomes unresponsive or is looking away, that system can provide alerts for drowsiness [850.7s] and attention."
This is the car tech that helps you drive in traffic—like keeping a safe distance and helping with speed. It can also warn you if you seem distracted or not ready to drive.
A cruising and traffic support system is driver-assistance tech that helps the car manage speed and spacing in traffic. It typically relies on sensors and software to detect vehicles and lane information, and it can provide alerts when the driver isn’t paying attention.
drowsiness and attention
"In the case [844.9s] that the driver becomes unresponsive or is looking away, that system can provide alerts for drowsiness [850.7s] and attention."
The car can watch for signs you’re getting sleepy or not paying attention. If it thinks you’re not focused, it can alert you to take over.
“Drowsiness and attention” refers to driver monitoring—systems that detect signs the driver may be sleepy or not focused. These systems use inputs like camera-based face/eye tracking and vehicle behavior to trigger warnings.
seatbelt alerts
"But in the future, that same type of technology can do things like [855.8s] seatbelt alerts, be able to see if the driver is wearing their seatbelt, be able to see if the [860.3s] driver is using their cell phone, be able to integrate it with our hot car alert system"
These are warnings that tell you the seatbelt isn’t being used. The goal is to get everyone buckled so they’re better protected in a crash.
Seatbelt alerts are safety warnings generated when the system determines the driver (or sometimes passengers) isn’t buckled. They’re part of a broader set of “driver assurance” features intended to reduce injuries by improving restraint use.
hot car alert system
"be able to see if the [860.3s] driver is using their cell phone, be able to integrate it with our hot car alert system for [865.5s] the trial passengers that are left behind."
This feature helps prevent the danger of leaving someone in a parked car on a hot day. It can detect a risky situation and alert you so you don’t miss it.
A hot car alert system is designed to reduce the risk of leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle. It uses sensors and logic to detect conditions and/or occupancy-related situations, then issues warnings to prompt action.
cameras in the vehicle
"I see so much potential in the further implementation [871.2s] of cameras in the vehicle, not to invade people's privacy, but to create a more intelligent system [877.4s] for driver assurance that those behaviors and the things that are going on inside the vehicle [884.0s] are also in the effort of safety."
Cameras inside the car can watch what the driver is doing and what’s going on in the cabin. With software, they can spot risky behavior and warn you.
In-vehicle cameras are used for driver monitoring and safety functions by analyzing what’s happening inside and around the car. When paired with algorithms and AI, they can detect behaviors (like looking away) and trigger targeted warnings to improve safety.
driver assurance
"I see so much potential in the further implementation [871.2s] of cameras in the vehicle, not to invade people's privacy, but to create a more intelligent system [877.4s] for driver assurance that those behaviors and the things that are going on inside the vehicle [884.0s] are also in the effort of safety."
Driver assurance is the idea of using sensors and monitoring to confirm the driver is engaged and following safe behaviors. Instead of only preventing crashes, it focuses on preventing unsafe driving conditions by detecting distraction, seatbelt use, and impairment-related risk.
Impairment
"Impairment is a big piece of that too. These cameras, [890.1s] as those algorithms and that AI that you asked me about, as those things get more intelligent,"
Impairment means the driver isn’t able to drive as safely as they should. The car tries to detect warning signs and help prevent crashes.
In this context, impairment means the driver’s ability to drive safely is reduced—commonly due to drowsiness, distraction, or substances. Safety systems aim to detect signs of impairment and respond with alerts or other interventions.
algorithms and that AI
"Impairment is a big piece of that too. These cameras, [890.1s] as those algorithms and that AI that you asked me about, as those things get more intelligent, [894.9s] there's an opportunity for these same camera systems and their logic behind them to be able"
Algorithms are the software rules that help the car understand what it’s seeing. AI is smarter software that can learn patterns and help decide when to warn you.
Algorithms are the rules and math procedures software uses to interpret sensor data, while AI (artificial intelligence) refers to systems that can learn patterns and make decisions from that data. In safety systems, this helps cameras and sensors recognize risky situations and respond with alerts.
insurances to Highway Safety
"we can also look at our industry partners, groups like the insurances to Highway Safety. [956.0s] What are they looking at to do next? They're also studying that real-world data."
This refers to a safety organization connected to the insurance industry. They test and rate cars for safety, and automakers use those results as a goal.
The speaker is referring to an insurance-industry organization that evaluates vehicle safety using real-world and crash-test data. Their awards and ratings are widely used by consumers and automakers as benchmarks for safety performance.
real-world data
"What are they looking at to do next? They're also studying that real-world data. Earning [960.6s] their top safety pick and plus awards."
Real-world data is information gathered from how cars behave in everyday life. It helps show whether safety tech works outside of lab tests.
Real-world data refers to safety information collected from actual driving and incidents, rather than only controlled tests. Using it helps validate whether safety features work in everyday conditions.
top safety pick and plus awards
"They're also studying that real-world data. Earning [960.6s] their top safety pick and plus awards. We know that if we are tracking with what [965.7s] they're saying"
These are safety awards given to cars that score well in safety testing. Getting them is a sign the car is doing a lot right for crash protection.
“Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick+” are award tiers given to vehicles that perform strongly in safety evaluations. Automakers often track these results as measurable benchmarks for safety improvements.
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