{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Oct. 13, 2025 | First Brands  CEO resigns amid bankruptcy; De-Leon Energy CEO Shmuel De-Leon","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/oct-13-2025-first-brands-ceo-resigns-amid-bankruptcy-de-leon-energy-ceo-shmuel-de-leon","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18004320-oct-13-2025-first-brands-ceo-resigns-amid-bankruptcy-de-leon-energy-ceo-shmuel-de-leon.mp3","description":"First Brands founder Patrick James has stepped down as the auto parts maker advances its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Price hikes loom as tariffs erode profits. Plus, Shmuel De-Leon, CEO of Israeli battery consulting firm De-Leon Energy, talks about the safety and performance benefits of solid-state batteries in electric vehicles."},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":30.0,"type":"term","title":"import duties","url":"/glossary/import-duties","quote":"...price hikes loom as import duties erode profits. Plus, Samuel Dalyan, CEO of Israeli Battery Consulting firm Dalyan Energy, talks about the safety and performance benefits of solid-state batteries in EVs.","canonicalId":"term:import-duties","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Import duties are taxes imposed by a government on goods brought into the country. These can affect the pricing and profitability of imported vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Import duties are extra taxes that companies have to pay when they bring products into a country. This can make things more expensive for buyers."}},{"startTime":52.6,"endTime":60.3,"type":"term","title":"solid-state batteries","url":"/glossary/solid-state-batteries","quote":"...the safety and performance benefits of solid-state batteries in EVs. This is the hot potato trend in China, almost every company are jumping into the solid arena.","canonicalId":"term:solid-state-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Solid-state batteries are a type of battery technology that uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, offering higher energy density and improved safety for electric vehicles (EVs).","simplifiedExplanation":"Solid-state batteries are a new kind of battery that are safer and can store more energy than regular batteries. They are important for electric cars."}},{"startTime":65.0,"endTime":80.0,"type":"term","title":"Chapter 11 bankruptcy","url":"/glossary/chapter-11-bankruptcy","quote":"Chief restructuring officer Charles Moore will step into the role on an interim basis as the Auto Partsmaker advances its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. The Ohio-based company makes filters, breaks, and lighting systems.","canonicalId":"term:chapter-11-bankruptcy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a legal process that allows a company to reorganize its debts while continuing to operate. It often involves restructuring to become financially viable again.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a way for a company to fix its money problems while still being able to run its business. It helps them pay off their debts over time."}},{"startTime":92.7,"endTime":98.6,"type":"company","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"Stellantis will delay the start of its new strategic plan to the second quarter of next year. The move will give CEO Antonio Filosa more time to address major uncertainties in the automakers' key markets.","canonicalId":"company:stellantis","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It produces a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different types of cars and trucks. It was created by merging two other car companies together."}},{"startTime":132.9,"endTime":145.9,"type":"car","title":"Cadillac Escalade","url":"/cars/cadillac/escalade","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/2021_Cadillac_Escalade_rear.jpg","quote":"...ly shifts building the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ at the plant known as Factory Zero. Those work...","canonicalId":"car:cadillac:escalade","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"Baron Maddock (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":132.9,"endTime":145.9,"type":"car","title":"Gmc Hummer","url":"/cars/gmc/hummer-ev","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/2022_GMC_Hummer_EV.jpg","quote":"In early September, GM temporarily cut one of two daily shifts building the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ at the plant known as Factory Zero.","canonicalId":"car:gmc:hummer-ev","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The GMC Hummer EV is an all-electric pickup truck that represents a revival of the Hummer brand, known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. It features advanced technology and impressive performance metrics, including significant torque and range.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GMC Hummer EV is a new electric truck that brings back the Hummer name, famous for its tough design. It's designed to be powerful and can go off-road, but it runs on electricity instead of gasoline.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":157.1,"endTime":164.1,"type":"car","title":"Gmc Sierra","url":"/cars/gmc/sierra-ev","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/2024_GMC_Sierra_EV_Denali_front_view.jpg","quote":"The layoffs do not affect production of the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV.","canonicalId":"car:gmc:sierra-ev","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The GMC Sierra EV is an electric version of the GMC Sierra pickup truck, designed to provide similar capabilities as the traditional gas-powered model while being environmentally friendly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GMC Sierra EV is a new electric truck that is based on the regular Sierra but uses electricity instead of gasoline. It's designed to be just as tough and capable as the gas version.","imageAttribution":"Deathpallie325 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":157.1,"endTime":164.1,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Silverado EV","url":"/cars/chevrolet/silverado-ev","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/2024_Chevrolet_Silverado_EV.jpg","quote":"...ayoffs do not affect production of the Chevrolet, Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. And those are today's headline...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:silverado-ev","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":169.8,"endTime":175.0,"type":"term","title":"model year","url":"/glossary/model-year","quote":"The 2026 model year is loaded with updated technology and fresh designs.","canonicalId":"term:model-year","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The model year refers to the year a vehicle is manufactured and released for sale, which can include updates in design, technology, and features. It is often used by manufacturers to signify new versions of their vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The model year is the year a car is made and sold. It usually means that the car has new features or designs that are different from previous years."}},{"startTime":175.0,"endTime":180.7,"type":"term","title":"sticker price","url":"/glossary/sticker-price","quote":"It's also an opportunity for automakers to raise sticker prices to cover more tariff costs.","canonicalId":"term:sticker-price","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The sticker price is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) displayed on a vehicle's window. It represents the starting price before any dealer discounts or additional fees are applied.","simplifiedExplanation":"The sticker price is the price you see on a car when you look at it in a dealership. It's the starting price before any discounts or extra costs are added."}},{"startTime":500.5,"endTime":512.5,"type":"company","title":"Dalyan Energy","url":"/glossary/dalyan-energy","quote":"That's according to Samuel Dalyan, CEO of Israeli battery consulting firm, Dalyan Energy. He spoke with our own Richard Truitt at the battery show in Detroit.","canonicalId":"company:dalyan-energy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dalyan Energy is a consulting firm based in Israel that specializes in battery technology and solutions. They provide insights and strategies for companies looking to navigate the evolving battery industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dalyan Energy is a company that helps other businesses understand and improve their battery technology. They offer advice and strategies for dealing with batteries in cars and other products."}},{"startTime":753.5,"endTime":763.5,"type":"term","title":"NMC","url":"/glossary/nmc","quote":"...we are talking about a long driving range for the car, but the car is much more expensive.","canonicalId":"term:nmc","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"NMC stands for nickel manganese cobalt, a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its high energy density and long driving range. It is commonly used in electric vehicles for its balance of performance and cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"NMC is a type of battery used in electric cars that helps them go further on a single charge. It's made from nickel, manganese, and cobalt, which makes it powerful but also more expensive."}},{"startTime":763.5,"endTime":777.5,"type":"term","title":"LFP","url":"/glossary/lfp","quote":"...those are cars that are living by LFP, cells, and in that case the energy density is much lower...","canonicalId":"term:lfp","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate, another type of lithium-ion battery chemistry. It is known for being more affordable but has a lower energy density compared to NMC, which means it can store less energy in the same amount of space.","simplifiedExplanation":"LFP is a different kind of battery used in electric cars that is cheaper but doesn't hold as much energy as some other types. This means cars with LFP batteries might not go as far on a single charge."}},{"startTime":785.5,"endTime":793.5,"type":"term","title":"energy density","url":"/glossary/energy-density","quote":"...that's what defines how much is going to be the battery weight.","canonicalId":"term:energy-density","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a given volume or mass of a battery. Higher energy density means the battery can store more energy, which translates to longer driving ranges for electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Energy density is how much energy a battery can hold compared to its size or weight. A battery with high energy density can make an electric car go further without needing a bigger battery."}},{"startTime":805.5,"endTime":813.5,"type":"term","title":"solid state solution","url":"/glossary/solid-state-solution","quote":"...we are talking about solid state solution that can today go to 400 up to 600 watt per kilowatt.","canonicalId":"term:solid-state-solution","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A solid state solution refers to a type of battery technology that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, rather than liquid or gel electrolytes. This technology can potentially offer higher energy densities and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.","simplifiedExplanation":"Solid state solutions are a new kind of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids. They can be safer and hold more energy, making electric cars better."}},{"startTime":820.5,"endTime":824.5,"type":"term","title":"automotive oil","url":"/glossary/automotive-oil","quote":"...So automotive oil can select.","canonicalId":"term:automotive-oil","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Automotive oil is a lubricant used in vehicles to reduce friction between moving parts, help cool the engine, and keep it clean. It is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of an engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"Automotive oil is a special oil that helps keep car engines running smoothly. It reduces wear and tear on the engine parts and helps keep everything clean."}},{"startTime":837.5,"endTime":844.5,"type":"term","title":"lithium ion batteries","url":"/glossary/lithium-ion-batteries","quote":"Do you think that solid state batteries can be produced for the same price or less than the current lithium ion batteries? The answer is yes on the long run.","canonicalId":"term:lithium-ion-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lithium ion batteries are a common type of rechargeable battery used in many consumer electronics and electric vehicles. They are known for their high energy density and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lithium ion batteries are the rechargeable batteries that power many devices, including electric cars. They are popular because they can store a lot of energy and last a long time."}},{"startTime":837.5,"endTime":844.5,"type":"concept","title":"battery technology","url":"/glossary/battery-technology","quote":"Do you think that solid state batteries can be produced for the same price or less than the current lithium ion batteries? The answer is yes on the long run.","canonicalId":"concept:battery-technology","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Battery technology refers to the various methods and materials used to create batteries, which are essential for storing and supplying energy in electric vehicles and other applications. Advances in battery technology can lead to improvements in performance, cost, and safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery technology is about how batteries are made and how they work. Better battery technology can help electric cars go further and charge faster."}},{"startTime":846.5,"endTime":853.5,"type":"term","title":"economy of scale","url":"/glossary/economy-of-scale","quote":"Early days, of course, everything is expensive, but we know how more demand, economy of scale.","canonicalId":"term:economy-of-scale","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Economy of scale refers to the cost advantage that arises when production becomes more efficient as the scale of output increases. This can lead to lower costs per unit as production volume rises.","simplifiedExplanation":"Economy of scale means that when companies make more products, they can lower the cost of each one. It's like buying in bulk at a store to save money."}},{"startTime":876.5,"endTime":880.5,"type":"term","title":"EV","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"I walked the show floor looking for solid state batteries. I went over to the EV display and they have everything but solid state batteries.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV means electric vehicle. These cars run on electricity instead of gas, making them better for the environment."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/oct-13-2025-first-brands-ceo-resigns-amid-bankruptcy-de-leon-energy-ceo-shmuel-de-leon/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}