Murphy on EV Politics, Crain on Video MPI's | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
A deep dive into the current state of the EV market with political strategist Mike Murphy, who discusses the impact of government policies on EV demand and dealer profitability. The episode explores the challenges faced by dealers as they navigate the complexities of EV sales amid changing consumer attitudes and infrastructure issues. Ivy Johnson and Christian Crane join the conversation to share insights on dealership marketing and the importance of video MPIs in enhancing customer trust. The discussion highlights the need for innovative strategies in a competitive landscape, especially with the looming threat from Chinese automakers.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"Ford is ending the production of the all electric Ford F-150 Lightning. This is big news."
It’s Ford’s electric pickup truck that runs on batteries instead of gasoline, aiming to give drivers a zero‑emission option for hauling and towing.
The Ford F‑150 Lightning is a fully electric version of Ford’s best‑selling pickup truck, designed to replace the gasoline‑powered F‑150 with a battery‑driven powertrain.
engine immobilizer
"Under the settlement, every new Hyundai and Kia sold in the US will now include engine and mobilizer technology"
It’s a safety feature that stops the car from starting unless you have the right key, making it harder for thieves to steal the vehicle.
An engine immobilizer is an electronic security device that prevents the engine from starting unless a valid key or code is present, deterring theft.
zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector
"the automakers will offer free zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protectors"
It’s a metal piece put into the keyhole that makes it much harder for thieves to break in by drilling or picking the lock.
A zinc‑reinforced ignition cylinder protector is a hardened insert placed in the keyhole to prevent drilling or picking, enhancing vehicle anti‑theft security.
Hyundai
"Hopefully this remedy closes a painful chapter for Hyundai, Kia, its dealers and its customers."
Hyundai makes many different kinds of cars, like small city cars and big SUVs. They’re a big company from South Korea.
Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean automobile manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs and commercial trucks.
Kia
"Hopefully this remedy closes a painful chapter for Hyundai, Kia, its dealers and its customers."
Kia is another car company from South Korea that makes many different cars, similar to Hyundai.
Kia Motors is a South Korean automobile manufacturer that produces cars, SUVs, and vans, often as a sister brand to Hyundai.
fuel economy rules
"Next up today, the Trump administration is proposing a reset of federal fuel economy rules and the S&P Global says the ripple effects could land both automakers and consumers over the next several years..."
The government sets rules that say cars must use less gas or electricity so we can save money and help the environment.
Fuel economy rules are government regulations that set minimum average fuel efficiency standards for vehicles sold in a country. They aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
EV adoption
"Next up today, the Trump administration is proposing a reset of federal fuel economy rules and the S&P Global says the ripple effects could land both automakers and consumers over the next several years under the proposal EV adoption wouldn't be baked into fuel economy targets..."
EV adoption means how many people are buying electric cars instead of regular gas cars. It depends on rules, prices, and how many charging stations there are.
EV adoption refers to the rate at which electric vehicles are being purchased and used by consumers, often influenced by regulations, incentives, and technology availability.
EV space
"[483.7s] And it actually is good looking product, particularly in the EV space."
Electric vehicles, or EVs, run on batteries and electric motors. The "EV space" is the part of the car market that sells these battery-powered cars.
The "EV space" refers to the market segment of electric vehicles, which are powered by batteries and electric motors instead of internal combustion engines.
BMW iX
"I got a BMW IX and I loved the damn thing."
The BMW iX is a new electric car from BMW that looks like a big SUV. It runs on batteries instead of gasoline and has two electric motors to power all four wheels.
The BMW iX is a fully electric SUV introduced by BMW in 2020. It features a large battery pack, dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, and a minimalist interior design that showcases BMW’s shift toward electrification.
Nissan Leaf
"[690.7s] The polar bear swam to America to hug the guy for buying a leaf. [693.7s] From day one, they made these things dogma vehicles."
The Nissan Leaf is a small electric car that runs on batteries instead of gasoline, so it doesn’t produce exhaust fumes. It’s popular for city driving and short trips.
The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric compact hatchback that debuted in 2010, known for its affordability and zero-emission driving.
Tesla
"where you saw pictures of Teslas stranded in a terrible snowstorm"
Tesla makes cars that run on batteries. They’re famous for their high-tech features and long driving range.
Tesla, Inc. is an American automotive and energy company known for producing electric cars such as the Model S, 3, X, and Y.
charging like a demon
"It charges like a demon."
When someone says a car charges like a demon, they mean it can be charged very fast—so you spend less time plugged in and more time driving.
The phrase describes rapid or very fast charging capability, implying the vehicle can be charged quickly, reducing downtime for drivers.
BYD
"BYD went into the country, had franchise agreements with local dealers. Didn't like how the product was being marketed in place, shelf space."
BYD is a company from China that makes cars, especially electric ones. They sell their vehicles in many countries around the world.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries.
green leaf
"[1443.7s] If I see another green leaf on a car, my head is going to explode."
A green leaf icon on a car means it’s an electric or very low‑pollution vehicle, showing it’s good for the environment.
The green leaf is a symbol used by many automakers to indicate that a vehicle is electric or has low emissions.
Ford Power Promise
"[1471.7s] Ford Power Promise is a really smart program."
It’s a deal Ford offers so people can buy or lease electric cars more easily, sometimes giving them free charging stations at home.
Ford Power Promise is a program that allows Ford dealers to offer customers financing or leasing options for electric vehicles, often with incentives like free charging equipment.
level two charger
"[1478.7s] the dealer takes the responsibility to put the level two charger in."
It’s a charger you plug into a 240‑volt outlet, like the ones used for big appliances, and it charges an electric car faster than a regular wall outlet.
A Level 2 charger is an electric vehicle charging system that delivers 240 V AC power, allowing a car to charge faster than a standard household outlet but slower than DC fast charging.
fast charging station
"[1491.7s] A lot easier than the fast charging station."
It’s a big charging point that can quickly charge an electric car, much faster than the usual home charger.
A fast charging station provides DC power to electric vehicles, enabling rapid charge times—often adding 80 % battery capacity in about 20–30 minutes.
EV
"[1611.7s] So, you know, we're, we're the only state up at our level."
EV means a car that runs on electricity, not gasoline. It uses batteries and electric motors to move.
EV is an abbreviation for Electric Vehicle, a car powered primarily by electric motors and batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
OEM
"[1620.7s] So you mentioned consulting with and talking to a lot of the OEMs."
An OEM is the company that makes a car or parts before they are sold. Think of it as the original maker of the vehicle.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, the company that designs and builds a vehicle or its components before they are sold under another brand.
Honda
"[1627.7s] The OEMs that have won these past five, ten years in the EV fight, you could argue would be ones like Toyota."
Honda is a car company from Japan that makes many cars and motorcycles, known for being reliable.
Honda is a Japanese automaker recognized for its efficient engines, reliable vehicles, and strong presence in both gasoline and hybrid markets.
Toyota
"[1627.7s] The OEMs that have won these past five, ten years in the EV fight, you could argue would be ones like Toyota."
Toyota is a big car company from Japan that makes many popular cars and trucks.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for reliable, efficient vehicles and a strong presence in the global market.
plug-in hybrid
"[1682.7s] But they answer a consumer need, which is either lower fuel or plug-in hybrids, where you buy."
A plug‑in hybrid can be plugged into a charger. It runs on electricity for short trips and switches to gasoline when the battery is low.
A plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that can be charged from an external power source, allowing it to drive on electric power alone for a limited range before the gasoline engine engages.
EV rev
"[1700.7s] Because an EV rev is an EV with a gas backup engine, which means it's EV first."
EV rev means the car mainly runs on electric power but has a small gasoline engine just in case you need more range.
EV rev refers to an electric vehicle that includes a gasoline backup engine, allowing it to operate as a pure EV for most driving and switch to the engine when necessary. It prioritizes electric power while retaining a fuel backup.
electric vehicle pickup trucks
"I think the EV rev pickup trucks are going to do pretty well."
These are trucks that run on batteries instead of gasoline, so they don’t produce exhaust fumes.
Electric vehicle (EV) pickup trucks are fully electric versions of traditional pickups, offering zero emissions and often high torque.
hydrogen
"But we're spending a lot of time with God damn hydrogen, you know."
Hydrogen is a gas that can be used in special cars to make electricity. The car’s engine turns the hydrogen into power, and the only waste is water vapor.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water as a by‑product. They’re being explored as an alternative to battery electric vehicles for long‑range and quick refueling.
charging infrastructure
"So I think the infrastructure didn't really agree with them on the price part. We see a lot of range anxiety."
Charging infrastructure is the places where you can plug an electric car to recharge its battery, like charging stations in parking lots or at home.
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of electric vehicle charging stations, including public chargers, home wall plugs, and fast-charging points that allow EV owners to replenish their batteries.
range anxiety
"I think the price is a problem, but it's more of the infrastructure and the range issue is what we see."
Range anxiety means worrying that an electric car might not have enough charge to get you where you need to go before you can find a place to recharge.
Range anxiety is the fear that an electric vehicle will run out of battery power before reaching a charging station, limiting its usability.
federal EV rebates
"It's a great conversation to have post federal EV rebates because we are going to see a norm somewhere."
Federal EV rebates are money the government gives back to people who buy electric cars, making them cheaper.
Federal EV rebates are government incentives that reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles, encouraging adoption by offsetting upfront costs.
Crane Automotive
"[2374.7s] Well, I'm the VP of operations over Crane Automotive. [2378.7s] We've got 22 locations now throughout the state of Arkansas and about 1500 employees. [2388.7s] And we're pacing to sell just over 45,000 vehicles this year."
Crane Automotive is a company that sells cars and trucks in Arkansas. They have many stores and employ about 1,500 people.
Crane Automotive is a regional automotive dealership group operating multiple locations in Arkansas, selling new and used vehicles.
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