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May 23, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Stellantis’ affordable product blitz; state of trade in 2026

May 23, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Stellantis’ affordable product blitz; state of trade in 2026

Automotive News Daily Drive May 23, 2026 24 min
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About this episode

Fraud prevention and Stellantis’ product blitz take center stage, from Experian Automotive’s “Fraud Protect” to an investor-day plan promising “11 new models in North America by 2030” and “something like 60 new or redesigned or refreshed models globally.” Hosts debate affordability math, commonality, and whether pricing can rise via “Jeeps getting a halo in terms of a scrambler pickup.” The show also tracks USMCA stakes—rules of origin, labor demands, and tariffs—plus robotaxi scaling plans with Uber and Lucid.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Brand

Rumblebee

"They're bringing back the Rumblebee, and they didn't give us exact prices,"

“Rumblebee” is a named RAM truck package. Bringing it back usually means a special, more expensive version aimed at buyers who want a louder look and feel.

Term

horsepower

"but I think you can imagine the top of the line, 700 plus horsepower SRT version,"

Horsepower is a number that describes how strong the engine is. More horsepower usually means the car or truck can accelerate harder, and performance versions cost more.

Brand

SRT

"but I think you can imagine the top of the line, 700 plus horsepower SRT version,"

SRT is a performance label used on some Stellantis vehicles. If it’s an SRT version, it’s usually a faster, sportier version than the regular trims.

Brand

Jeep

"Jeeps getting a halo in terms of a scrambler pickup, so that may push prices up."

Jeep is the off-road brand. They’re talking about Jeep adding a standout “halo” pickup, which usually means a more premium, higher-priced model.

Concept

halo

"Jeeps getting a halo in terms of a scrambler pickup, so that may push prices up."

A “halo” product is a standout model meant to make the whole brand look better. It’s often more special and expensive than the regular cars in the lineup.

Brand

Jaguar Land Rover

"They're also partnering with Jaguar Land Rover, sort of looking into the premium off-road space"

Jaguar Land Rover makes more premium cars, including off-road SUVs. The segment implies a partnership to compete in the higher-end off-road market.

Car

Ford Maverick

"...inging a compact RAM pickup to challenge the Ford Maverick in 2028. What does that tell you about where Stel..."

The Ford Maverick is a smaller pickup truck made for everyday driving and practical hauling. It’s often discussed because it’s one of the main examples of what a “compact” truck should be like. New compact trucks are compared to it to see if they can compete on size and cost.

Car

Dodge Ram

"...ke, the company announced it's bringing a compact RAM pickup to challenge the Ford Maverick in 2028. Wh..."

Ram is a brand that makes pickup trucks. The podcast is talking about Ram planning a smaller pickup to compete with the Ford Maverick. That means Ram is aiming at the same kind of buyer who wants a compact truck.

Car

Rampage Ram Ram Page

"...n Mexico. So Stellantis is gonna be bringing this RAM RAM page to the US, they mentioned they're gonna be buildi..."

The Rampage is a name being used for a compact pickup that Ram plans to bring to the U.S. The podcast mentions it in the context of competing with the Ford Maverick. In simple terms, it’s a smaller truck model intended to take on the compact pickup market.

Brand

Stellantis

"So Stellantis is gonna be bringing this RAM RAM page to the US, they mentioned they're gonna be building it here ... It's also a vehicle they already build in South America so they know how to do it."

Stellantis is the company being discussed. The hosts say it plans to bring a small pickup to the U.S. and build it here, and they think it won’t be too hard because they already make it in South America.

Concept

learning curve

"There's probably not gonna be a learning curve, quality issues in the launch and it's a vehicle they know how to have success with."

A “learning curve” means it can take time for a factory to get really good at building something new. The host is saying Stellantis already makes this truck elsewhere, so they expect fewer early problems.

Car

Dodge Challenger

"So it seems like this is gonna be a major challenger to the matter. You know, let me say one thing her..."

The Dodge Challenger is a two-door car built for performance, with stronger engines than a typical daily car. It’s the kind of vehicle people associate with muscle-car style driving. It comes up in discussions when someone is talking about which models are competing for attention and sales.

Car

Toyota Tacoma

"... to see them move the Toyota is going to move the Tacoma back into Texas."

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck meant for hauling and tougher driving conditions. It’s commonly chosen by people who want a truck that can handle more than just city streets. In the podcast, it’s brought up because it affects where and how trucks are sold or supplied.

5 cars featured

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