Oct. 18, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Does Stellantis’ $13 billion investment vindicate tariffs?
About this episode
Stellantis' recent announcement of a $13 billion investment in the U.S. has sparked a debate on the impact of tariffs and job creation. Hosts Larry Velliquette and Mike Martinez discuss the significance of this investment, its implications for UAW negotiations, and how it reflects on the current trade environment. They also analyze the latest EV registration data, highlighting the surge in sales and the challenges faced by various automakers, including Toyota and GM, as they navigate the evolving electric vehicle market. The episode provides insights into the shifting landscape of automotive production and the ongoing effects of tariffs.
Automotive News reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss the biggest news stories from the past week, including a historic $13 billion investment by Stellantis in U.S. manufacturing and August’s 24 percent jump for electric vehicle sales in the U.S.
Dodge Dakota
"They did make the Dodge Dakota for a hot minute. They made the Dodge Nitro for a hot minute years ago."
The Dodge Dakota is a type of pickup truck made by Dodge. It was popular for being a smaller truck that still had a lot of power and utility, making it good for both work and personal use.
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck that was produced by Dodge from 1987 to 2011. It was known for its versatility and was one of the first mid-size trucks to offer a V8 engine option.
Dodge Nitro
"They made the Dodge Nitro for a hot minute years ago."
The Dodge Nitro is a mid-size SUV made by Dodge. It was built for people who wanted a vehicle that could handle rough terrain while still being practical for everyday use.
The Dodge Nitro is a mid-size SUV that was produced by Dodge from 2007 to 2011. It was designed for off-road capability and featured a rugged design, appealing to those looking for a more adventurous vehicle.
midsize trucks
"...about 20 percent, a little about 21 percent of the pickup trucks...the 1.6 million pickup trucks that have been sold so far this year in the US are midsize trucks..."
Midsize trucks are pickup trucks that are not too big or too small. They are a good choice for people who need to carry things but still want a vehicle that is easy to drive.
Midsize trucks are a category of pickup trucks that are larger than compact trucks but smaller than full-size trucks. They offer a balance of utility and maneuverability, making them popular for both personal and commercial use.
Toyota Tacoma
"...the Toyota Tacoma still has a 42 percent market share."
The Toyota Tacoma is a type of pickup truck that is popular for its toughness and ability to handle rough terrain. Many people use it for both work and outdoor activities.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has a strong reputation in the market, particularly among those who need a reliable vehicle for both work and recreation.
Ford Maverick
"if they make it actually maverick sized and make it body on frame, which is what this is going to be because they're going to build it in the body on frame plant, they make a body on frame maverick sized pickup that's capable and they do it for maverick money."
The Ford Maverick is a smaller pickup truck that is designed to be more affordable and practical than larger trucks. It's a good option for people who need a truck but don't want something too big.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers a smaller, more affordable alternative to traditional trucks. It has gained popularity for its practicality and efficiency.
body on frame
"if they make it actually maverick sized and make it body on frame, which is what this is going to be because they're going to build it in the body on frame plant, they make a body on frame maverick sized pickup that's capable and they do it for maverick money."
Body on frame means that the main part of the vehicle, the body, is built on top of a separate frame. This is common in trucks because it makes them stronger and better for carrying heavy loads.
Body on frame is a vehicle construction method where the body is mounted on a separate frame. This design is often used in trucks and SUVs for durability and strength.
midsize capabilities
"Suddenly they have midsize capabilities, small affordable package. That's a killer right there if they do it."
Midsize capabilities mean that a vehicle has features and performance similar to midsize cars or trucks. These vehicles are usually a good size for people who want something bigger than a compact but smaller than a full-size vehicle.
Midsize capabilities refer to the features and performance characteristics typical of midsize vehicles, which balance size, power, and efficiency. This segment often targets consumers looking for a vehicle that is not too large but still offers utility.
Jeep Wranglers
"...they didn't want to interrupt the supply of Wranglers. So and the only reason I know this is because I knew that I know of this conversation..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle designed for off-road driving. It's popular for its ability to handle rough terrains and is often used for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle produced by Jeep. Known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, it has a strong following among enthusiasts and is often associated with outdoor adventures.
Chrysler 300
"The cars that they were making out of Brampton, the charger, the Chrysler 300, the challenger, which Mike owns, by the way."
The Chrysler 300 is a large car that looks stylish and offers a comfortable ride. It's known for being powerful and is often seen as a luxury vehicle.
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan known for its bold styling and rear-wheel-drive layout. It has been a popular choice for those looking for a blend of luxury and performance.
Chrysler Challenger
"The cars that they were making out of Brampton, the charger, the Chrysler 300, the challenger, which Mike owns, by the way."
The Chrysler Challenger is a stylish car that looks like the classic muscle cars from the past. It's known for being fast and having a strong engine.
The Chrysler Challenger is a modern muscle car that pays homage to its classic predecessors. It offers powerful engine options and a retro design that appeals to car enthusiasts.
Chrysler Charger
"The cars that they were making out of Brampton, the charger, the Chrysler 300, the challenger, which Mike owns, by the way."
The Chrysler Charger is a big car that looks sporty and has a lot of power. It's designed for people who enjoy fast driving and a bold appearance.
The Chrysler Charger is a full-size sedan that combines performance with muscle car styling. It is known for its powerful engine options and aggressive design.
platform
"Those cars have been have written on the same platform since, well, a little after Mike was born."
A platform is like the base of a car. It includes the parts that hold everything together, and different car models can use the same base to make building them easier.
In automotive terms, a platform refers to the underlying structure of a vehicle, including the chassis and components that support the body. Different models can share the same platform, which helps manufacturers save costs and streamline production.
Tesla
"So overall, right, all of the registration data, 138,457 registrations in August. Now almost what about 40% of them Tesla."
Tesla is a car company that makes electric cars. They were one of the first companies to make electric cars popular.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for pioneering the electric car market and producing models like the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
Chevrolet
"But if you look at the numbers, those numbers, the rest of them, Chevy was number two at 11,000."
Chevrolet, or Chevy, is a car brand that makes many types of vehicles, including trucks and cars.
Chevrolet, commonly referred to as Chevy, is an American automobile brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and sedans.
Fisker
"They're really, really low. How low? Fisker, right?"
Fisker was a car company that made electric cars but went out of business a while ago.
Fisker is an American electric vehicle manufacturer that faced financial difficulties and went out of business. It was known for its luxury electric vehicle, the Fisker Karma.
VinFast
"And how did VinFast, how did Brightdrop, how did Fiat, Rolls-Royce, JAG, Mazzarotti, Ram, and Zeaker, which isn't even on sale in the US, and Lotus."
VinFast is a car company from Vietnam that makes electric cars and wants to sell them in other countries, including the U.S.
VinFast is a Vietnamese automotive manufacturer that focuses on electric vehicles and aims to expand into international markets, including the U.S.
Fiat
"...Brightdrop, how did Fiat, Rolls-Royce, JAG, Mazzarotti, Ram, and Zeaker..."
Fiat is a car brand from Italy that makes small cars and has been around for a long time.
Fiat is an Italian automobile manufacturer known for producing small cars and has a rich history in the automotive industry.
Maserati
"...Brightdrop, how did Fiat, Rolls-Royce, JAG, Mazzarotti, Ram, and Zeaker..."
Maserati is a car brand from Italy that makes luxury sports cars.
Maserati is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its stylish sports cars and performance sedans.
Jaguar
"...Brightdrop, how did Fiat, Rolls-Royce, JAG, Mazzarotti, Ram, and Zeaker..."
Jaguar is a car brand from Britain that makes luxury and sporty cars.
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer known for its performance-oriented vehicles and elegant design.
Rolls-Royce
"...Brightdrop, how did Fiat, Rolls-Royce, JAG, Mazzarotti, Ram, and Zeaker..."
Rolls-Royce is a very fancy car brand from Britain that makes luxury cars.
Rolls-Royce is a British luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-end vehicles and bespoke craftsmanship.
Lotus
"...Brightdrop, how did Fiat, Rolls-Royce, JAG, Mazzarotti, Ram, and Zeaker..."
Lotus is a car brand from Britain that makes lightweight and fast sports cars.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and focus on performance and handling.
tax federal tax incentives
"...Just thanking God that those tax federal tax incentives ended to drive traffic..."
These are government benefits that help reduce the cost of buying electric cars, making them cheaper for people to buy.
Tax federal tax incentives are financial benefits provided by the government to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles, making them more affordable for consumers.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"...Because nothing's meaningfully different about the Machi or the lightning for the latest model years..."
The F-150 Lightning is an electric truck from Ford that is based on their popular F-150 model, known for its power and utility.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup truck, offering modern features and electric performance.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
"...Because nothing's meaningfully different about the Machi or the lightning for the latest model years..."
The Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV made by Ford that has a sporty design and is part of the famous Mustang family.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the iconic Mustang name with modern electric vehicle technology.
tax credit
"...the story for the rest of the industry got a lot of pull-ahead sales from people trying to take advantage of that expiring tax credit..."
A tax credit is money the government gives back to you when you buy something, like an electric car, to help you save on taxes.
A tax credit is a financial incentive provided by the government that reduces the amount of tax owed, often used to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.
Lexus
"...both Toyota and Lexus were way down..."
Lexus is a luxury car brand that is part of Toyota, making high-end vehicles that focus on comfort and quality.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its high-quality and comfortable cars.
EVs
"...they were effectively sold out of EVs..."
EVs stand for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas, making them better for the environment.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Nissan
"And Larry, you brought up Toyota and I'm interested in your thoughts in Toyota only being the mainstream brand other than Nissan that saw that big drop."
Nissan is another popular car brand that makes a variety of vehicles, including cars and SUVs.
Nissan is a global automotive brand recognized for its diverse lineup, including electric vehicles like the Leaf.
BZ Forex
"What's going on with the BZ Forex?"
The BZ Forex is a type of electric car made by Toyota, but it hasn't been very popular or well-received.
The BZ Forex is an electric vehicle model from Toyota, part of their effort to expand into the EV market, though it has received mixed reviews.
beyond zero
"BZ stands for beyond zero, which mathematically does not exist."
'Beyond Zero' is a phrase Toyota uses to talk about their goal of being environmentally friendly and reducing pollution.
'Beyond Zero' is a concept used by Toyota to signify their commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, although the term has been criticized for its mathematical implications.
three-row EV
"Similar to Ford spending almost $2 billion to cancel its three-row EV last year."
A three-row EV is an electric car that has three rows of seats, which means it can carry more people. These cars are becoming more popular as families look for electric options.
A three-row EV refers to an electric vehicle designed with three rows of seating, typically accommodating larger families or groups. This type of vehicle is becoming increasingly popular as more consumers seek electric options for larger vehicles.
super-duty trucks
"It's building more gas powered super-duty trucks."
Super-duty trucks are very strong pickup trucks that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. They are often used for work and are built to last.
Super-duty trucks are heavy-duty pickup trucks designed for more demanding tasks, such as towing and hauling. These trucks are often used in commercial applications and are known for their durability and power.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.