Nov. 22, 2025 | Weekend Drive: LA Auto Show; Akio Toyoda goes full MAGA
About this episode
The LA Auto Show takes center stage as hosts Kellan Walker, Jerry Hirsch, and Larry Velliquette discuss key unveilings, including Kia's new Telluride and Hyundai's off-road concept. The conversation shifts to the evolving hybrid market, with debates on performance versus fuel economy. Notably, the absence of luxury brands at the show raises questions about the future of auto exhibitions. The episode also touches on Nissan's ambitious plans and Akio Toyoda's controversial MAGA appearance, exploring the potential impact on Toyota's image and sales.
Automotive News’ Jerry Hirsch and Larry P. Vellequette discuss the biggest news from the Los Angeles Auto Show, including Kia’s spotlight on the redesigned Telluride SUV. Plus, a look at Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda’s decision to don a red “Make America Great Again” hat and Trump-Vance T-shirt at a NASCAR showcase in Japan Nov. 16.
GM
"Kathleen Ligaki ... about the rise of Mary Barra at GM."
GM is a big car company from the U.S. that makes cars like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest American automotive manufacturers, producing brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
hybrid powertrain
"But it's a really nice vehicle. It's also going to have a hybrid powertrain."
A hybrid powertrain means the car has both a gasoline engine and electric motors, so it can run on gas or electricity to save fuel.
A hybrid powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Hyundai Palisade
"It's a sibling to the Hyundai Palisade. They're the same platform, same powertrain, etc."
The Palisade is a large SUV made by Hyundai that looks and drives like the Kia Telluride because they use the same parts.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize crossover SUV that shares its platform and powertrain with the Kia Telluride.
off-road capabilities
"Hyundai unveiled a crater off-road concept, which is a bit like a Jeep on steroids. What's interesting about this is that Hyundai has not played in the off-road realm before."
Off-road capabilities mean how well a car can drive on rough ground like dirt or rocks, usually with higher ground clearance and stronger suspension.
Off-road capabilities refer to a vehicle's ability to handle rough, uneven terrain, often enhanced by features like high ground clearance and robust suspension.
unibody
"Another big question is will this be a body on frame, which obviously optimizes off-road capabilities or is this going to be a unibody product if they move forward?"
Unibody means the car's body and frame are one piece, which makes it lighter and better for everyday driving.
Unibody construction integrates the body and frame into a single structure, offering lighter weight and better handling for passenger cars.
Toyota Tundra
"…iForce Max hybrid powertrain, which they put in the Tundra and now in the Tacoma…"
The Tundra is a big truck made by Toyota that can pull heavy loads and handle tough driving.
The Toyota Tundra is a full‑size pickup truck known for its strong towing capability and rugged construction.
Toyota Tacoma
"…and now in the Tacoma and their body on frame vehicles…"
The Tacoma is a smaller truck from Toyota that people like for off‑road adventures and everyday use.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck popular for its off‑road capability and reliability.
body on frame vehicles
"…and their body on frame vehicles…"
A body‑on‑frame vehicle has a separate frame that the car’s body sits on, which makes it sturdy and good for towing or rough roads.
Body‑on‑frame construction means the vehicle’s body is mounted on a separate frame, providing strength and durability especially for trucks and SUVs.
Toyota Prius
"And it is really disappointing. If I'm used to a hybrid, you know, we got the Prius,"
The Prius is a car that uses both gasoline and electric power to save fuel. It’s known for getting many miles per gallon.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors to achieve high fuel efficiency.
iForce Max hybrid platform
"I go into the iForce Max body on frame hybrid, you know, tune for more power, which they did purposely."
iForce Max is a system Toyota uses to make cars that run on both gasoline and electric power. It lets different car models share the same hybrid technology.
iForce Max is Toyota’s modular hybrid platform that can be used across various vehicle bodies, allowing manufacturers to add power and performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"[409.3s] the Palisade, the Highlander, et cetera, the Grand Highlander"
The Grand Highlander is a bigger Toyota SUV that can fit more passengers and cargo than the regular Highlander.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the Highlander, offering more cargo space and a higher seating capacity.
Toyota Highlander
"[409.3s] the Palisade, the Highlander, et cetera, the Grand Highlander"
The Highlander is a Toyota SUV that can seat up to eight people and is known for being dependable.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV that offers three rows of seating and a reputation for reliability.
Kia
"In the West Hall, there are three automakers only. Kia, Rivian, and Ford..."
Kia makes cars that are usually cheaper and dependable, like the Kia Soul or Optima.
Kia is a South Korean automobile manufacturer known for producing affordable, reliable vehicles such as the Kia Optima and Soul.
Rivian
"In the West Hall, there are three automakers only. Kia, Rivian, and Ford..."
Rivian makes electric trucks and SUVs that are good for off-road adventures, like the R1T pickup.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle startup that produces the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, focusing on off-road capability.
Ford
"In the West Hall, there are three automakers only. Kia, Rivian, and Ford..."
Ford makes cars like the popular F-150 truck and Mustang sports car.
Ford is an American automaker famous for models like the F-150 pickup, Mustang sports car, and Explorer SUV.
Mercedes-Benz
"There's really missing from LA, and there used to be a stand by Mercedes..."
Mercedes-Benz makes fancy cars like the C-Class and S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automaker known for models such as the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class sedans.
hybrid plans
"Coming up, we'll talk about Nissan's big hybrid plans for next year"
Hybrid plans mean the company is working on cars that use both a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor to save fuel and help the environment.
Hybrid plans refer to a manufacturer's strategy to develop and release vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with electric motors, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Nissan
"Coming up, we'll talk about Nissan's big hybrid plans for next year"
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many different kinds of cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and electric/hybrid models.
CalStart
"Michael Barrabe is a former Department of Energy official and the new CEO of CalStart."
CalStart is a program run by the state of California that gives money and help to car dealers so they can sell more electric cars.
CalStart is a California state program that provides financial incentives and support to help automotive retailers sell electric vehicles, aiming to increase EV adoption.
Infinity
"Larry, I'm curious of what you think about what Espinoza said and your thoughts on his apparent confidence that Infinity could take on Mercedes and BMW."
Infinity is a special line of cars made by Nissan that are meant to be fancy and expensive, like the cars you see from big luxury makers.
Infinity is Nissan’s luxury vehicle division, launched to compete with high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
emission scandal
"Audi has tried for how long to crack that. Made a dent and withdrew because of the emission scandal."
An emission scandal happens when a car company tricks tests to show it’s cleaner than it really is. It caused big fines and trust issues.
The emission scandal refers to the 2015 Volkswagen dieselgate, where manufacturers manipulated software to cheat on emissions tests.
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