{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Oct. 23, 2025 | Japan braces for chip crisis; vehicle affordability problems escalate","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/oct-23-2025-japan-braces-for-chip-crisis-vehicle-affordability-problems-escalate","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18064235-oct-23-2025-japan-braces-for-chip-crisis-vehicle-affordability-problems-escalate.mp3","description":"The Nexperia chip crisis spreads to Japan. General Motors unveils a bold plan to bring eyes-off driving to the market in 2028. Plus, experts discuss vehicle affordability challenges and what’s driving higher prices in the new- and used-car markets."},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":31.0,"type":"brand","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"GM unveils a bold plan to bring eyes off driving to market in 2028, and Tesla's profit slip in the third quarter.","canonicalId":"brand:gm","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM stands for General Motors, a big car company that makes popular brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac."}},{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":31.0,"type":"brand","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"GM unveils a bold plan to bring eyes off driving to market in 2028, and Tesla's profit slip in the third quarter.","canonicalId":"brand:tesla","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and high-performance electric cars, such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla is a car company that makes electric cars, like the Model S and Model 3, and is known for its advanced technology."}},{"startTime":58.0,"endTime":59.0,"type":"term","title":"semiconductor shortages","url":"/glossary/semiconductor-shortages","quote":"The Japan Automobile Manufactures Association says the country's automakers are bracing for possible serious semiconductor shortages.","canonicalId":"term:semiconductor-shortages","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Semiconductor shortages refer to the lack of semiconductor chips, which are essential components in modern vehicles for various electronic systems, leading to production delays and reduced vehicle availability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Semiconductor shortages happen when there aren't enough computer chips available, which are needed for many car parts, causing delays in making cars."}},{"startTime":83.0,"endTime":84.0,"type":"brand","title":"Nissan","url":"/glossary/nissan","quote":"Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi say they're monitoring the situation and working with suppliers.","canonicalId":"brand:nissan","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its diverse lineup of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes a variety of vehicles, including the popular Leaf electric car."}},{"startTime":83.0,"endTime":84.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mitsubishi","url":"/glossary/mitsubishi","quote":"Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi say they're monitoring the situation and working with suppliers.","canonicalId":"brand:mitsubishi","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mitsubishi is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing vehicles like the Outlander and Eclipse, as well as its history in rally racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mitsubishi is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles like the Outlander and has a history in racing."}},{"startTime":83.0,"endTime":84.0,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi say they're monitoring the situation and working with suppliers.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a Japanese automobile manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, including popular models like the Camry and Corolla.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is a well-known car company from Japan that makes reliable cars like the Camry and Corolla."}},{"startTime":124.0,"endTime":125.0,"type":"term","title":"EV tax credit","url":"/glossary/ev-tax-credit","quote":"That boost came as US buyers rushed to claim an expiring federal EV tax credit.","canonicalId":"term:ev-tax-credit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An EV tax credit is a financial incentive provided by the government to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles, reducing the overall cost for buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"An EV tax credit is money back from the government when you buy an electric car, making it cheaper to purchase."}},{"startTime":150.0,"endTime":155.0,"type":"term","title":"rear-view camera","url":"/glossary/rearview-camera","quote":"And Ford is recalling more than 1.4 million vehicles in the US over a problem with rear-view cameras.","canonicalId":"term:rearview-camera","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A rear-view camera is a safety feature in vehicles that provides a view of the area behind the car, helping drivers avoid obstacles while reversing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A rear-view camera is a small camera on the back of a car that helps drivers see what is behind them when they are backing up."}},{"startTime":150.0,"endTime":155.0,"type":"term","title":"recall","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"And Ford is recalling more than 1.4 million vehicles in the US over a problem with rear-view cameras.","canonicalId":"term:recall","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A recall is a request from a manufacturer to return a vehicle to fix a safety-related defect or non-compliance with regulations.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall happens when a car company asks people to bring their cars back so they can fix a problem that could be dangerous."}},{"startTime":164.0,"endTime":176.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Cmax","url":"/cars/ford/c-max","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/15_Ford_C-Max_Energi_SEL.jpg","quote":"It affects a wide range of models, they include certain c-max, escape, explorer, fusion, Mustang, and several Lincoln vehicles built between 2015 and 2020.","canonicalId":"car:ford:c-max","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford C-Max is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that was produced between 2015 and 2020, known for its hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford C-Max is a small family car that can be powered by electricity and gas, making it more efficient.","imageAttribution":"HJUdall (CC0)"}},{"startTime":164.0,"endTime":176.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/1966_Ford_Mustang_coupe_white_001.jpg","quote":"... include certain c-max, escape, explorer, fusion, Mustang, and several Lincoln vehicles built between 2015 ...","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":164.0,"endTime":176.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Escape","url":"/cars/ford/escape","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/FORD_ESCAPE_%28CX482%29_China.jpg","quote":"...wide range of models, they include certain c-max, escape, explorer, fusion, Mustang, and several Lincoln v...","canonicalId":"car:ford:escape","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":164.0,"endTime":176.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Explorer","url":"/cars/ford/explorer","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Ford_Explorer_EV_Auto_Zuerich_2023_1X7A1325.jpg","quote":"...ge of models, they include certain c-max, escape, explorer, fusion, Mustang, and several Lincoln vehicles bu...","canonicalId":"car:ford:explorer","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":164.0,"endTime":176.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Fusion","url":"/cars/ford/fusion","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/2006_Ford_Fusion_--_NHTSA.jpg","quote":"...ls, they include certain c-max, escape, explorer, fusion, Mustang, and several Lincoln vehicles built betw...","canonicalId":"car:ford:fusion","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":271.0,"endTime":280.0,"type":"term","title":"super cruise system","url":"/glossary/super-cruise-system","quote":"Right now, their super cruise system is hands off. You can take your hands off the wheel, but it still requires you to keep your eyes on the road.","canonicalId":"term:super-cruise-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The super cruise system is GM's advanced driver assistance feature that allows for hands-free driving on certain highways while still requiring driver supervision.","simplifiedExplanation":"The super cruise system lets you drive without using your hands on the wheel on some highways, but you still need to pay attention to the road."}},{"startTime":280.0,"endTime":286.0,"type":"concept","title":"eyes off technology","url":"/glossary/eyes-off-technology","quote":"So this would be a pretty big step up in what that technology can do.","canonicalId":"concept:eyes-off-technology","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Eyes off technology refers to advanced systems that allow drivers to disengage from actively monitoring the road, enabling more autonomous driving capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Eyes off technology means that drivers can look away from the road while the car drives itself, which is a big step towards fully self-driving cars."}},{"startTime":286.0,"endTime":303.0,"type":"term","title":"LiDAR sensors","url":"/glossary/lidar-sensors","quote":"They have a combination of LiDAR sensors, radar cameras, you know, trains on data from real world driving...","canonicalId":"term:lidar-sensors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"LiDAR sensors use laser light to measure distances and create a 3D map of the environment, which is crucial for autonomous driving systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"LiDAR sensors are special devices that help cars see their surroundings by using lasers to measure how far away things are."}},{"startTime":357.0,"endTime":383.0,"type":"concept","title":"over-the-air software updates","url":"/glossary/over-the-air-software-updates","quote":"That's going to be significantly more powerful will allow for faster operating greater ability for over-the-air software updates very much a simpler platform than than what's in the vehicles today that's going to make that really easier for connectivity for entertainment and also just to be able to handle all of the additional AI workload that's expected to be coming with some of these new updates.","canonicalId":"concept:over-the-air-software-updates","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Over-the-air software updates allow car manufacturers to send software updates directly to vehicles without requiring a visit to a dealership. This technology can enhance vehicle performance, fix bugs, and add new features remotely.","simplifiedExplanation":"Over-the-air software updates mean that car companies can send updates to your car's software from the internet, just like your phone gets updates. This helps improve the car without needing to go to a repair shop."}},{"startTime":416.0,"endTime":433.0,"type":"concept","title":"autonomous driving","url":"/glossary/autonomous-driving","quote":"Yeah I mean I think how they see it is sort of a there's an opportunity to differentiate you know there are not automakers in the US that have technology currently available that really allows drivers to take their eyes off the wheel at highway speeds kind of the way that they're envisioning here.","canonicalId":"concept:autonomous-driving","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Autonomous driving refers to the technology that enables a vehicle to drive itself without human intervention. This includes systems that allow for hands-free driving and advanced driver-assistance features, which are becoming more common in modern vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomous driving means cars can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. This technology is getting better and is being added to more cars to help with safety and convenience."}},{"startTime":445.0,"endTime":467.0,"type":"concept","title":"regulatory standpoint","url":"/glossary/regulatory-standpoint","quote":"There's still a lot of risks you know this is an untested system there are a lot of questions I think still about liability you know what happens if there's an incident when the system is engaged and how does that get handled lots of questions from a regulatory standpoint and you know just that overall question of trust you know will consumers trust it.","canonicalId":"concept:regulatory-standpoint","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The regulatory standpoint refers to the perspective of government regulations that govern how vehicles can operate, especially concerning safety and technology. This is crucial for new technologies like autonomous driving systems, which must comply with laws to ensure public safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"The regulatory standpoint is about the rules and laws that the government makes for how cars should work, especially when it comes to new technologies that could affect safety."}},{"startTime":753.0,"endTime":760.0,"type":"term","title":"average used car price","url":"/glossary/average-used-car-price","quote":"Jenny just told us how high the average used car price is. Where do they go?","canonicalId":"term:average-used-car-price","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The average used car price refers to the typical cost of pre-owned vehicles in the market. This price can fluctuate based on demand, vehicle condition, and market trends.","simplifiedExplanation":"The average used car price is how much people usually pay for a second-hand car. This price can go up or down depending on how many people want to buy used cars and what condition the cars are in."}},{"startTime":762.0,"endTime":772.0,"type":"term","title":"late model used cars","url":"/glossary/late-model-used-cars","quote":"there's really high demand for late model used cars right now because of the lack of leasing a handful of years ago.","canonicalId":"term:late-model-used-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Late model used cars are vehicles that are relatively new, typically within a few years of their original release. They often retain more value and have modern features compared to older models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Late model used cars are cars that are not brand new but are still fairly new, usually just a few years old. They often have better features and are in better condition than older cars."}},{"startTime":772.0,"endTime":786.0,"type":"term","title":"40% of consumers","url":"/glossary/40-of-consumers","quote":"just so far this year, over 40% of consumers who bought cars were 9 plus model years old.","canonicalId":"term:40-of-consumers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"This statistic indicates that a significant portion of car buyers are opting for older vehicles, specifically those that are 9 or more model years old, reflecting changing consumer preferences and economic pressures.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means that a lot of people who buy cars are choosing ones that are at least 9 years old. This shows that many people are looking for cheaper options."}},{"startTime":941.0,"endTime":945.0,"type":"term","title":"market share","url":"/glossary/market-share","quote":"...we're seeing that 30 K cars and under the market share is just 13% and that is down, especially if you look at 2019...","canonicalId":"term:market-share","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Market share refers to the percentage of total sales in a market that a particular company or product holds. It indicates how well a product is performing compared to competitors.","simplifiedExplanation":"Market share is how much of the total sales a company has compared to others. 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It's for people who want a reliable car without spending too much."}},{"startTime":980.0,"endTime":985.0,"type":"term","title":"dealerships","url":"/glossary/dealerships","quote":"...that automakers are thinking about the mix that they're bringing to dealerships and a lot of these vehicles are made outside of the US...","canonicalId":"term:dealerships","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dealerships are businesses that sell vehicles, typically representing specific manufacturers. They provide a place for consumers to purchase new and used cars, as well as offer services like maintenance and repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dealerships are places where you can buy cars. They sell new and used cars and often help with repairs and services."}},{"startTime":1007.0,"endTime":1010.0,"type":"term","title":"luxury vehicles","url":"/glossary/luxury-vehicles","quote":"...we have our BMW stores, well in that segment, we have not seen a decline for those vehicles consumers who like to purchase luxury vehicles...","canonicalId":"term:luxury-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Luxury vehicles are high-end cars that offer superior comfort, performance, and features compared to standard models. They often come with a higher price tag and are targeted towards affluent consumers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Luxury vehicles are fancy cars that cost a lot more money. They usually have better features and are more comfortable than regular cars."}},{"startTime":1069.0,"endTime":1070.0,"type":"term","title":"off-lease vehicles","url":"/glossary/off-lease-vehicles","quote":"...this year was kind of the trough of off lease, you know off lease vehicles because we're coming in off of 2022...","canonicalId":"term:off-lease-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Off-lease vehicles are cars that were previously leased and are now returning to the market. These vehicles often provide a good value for buyers since they are typically well-maintained and still relatively new.","simplifiedExplanation":"Off-lease vehicles are cars that people rented for a few years and are now being sold. They can be a good deal because they are usually in good shape and not very old."}},{"startTime":1127.0,"endTime":1128.0,"type":"term","title":"used vehicle prices","url":"/glossary/used-vehicle-prices","quote":"...it's still very tight inventory so used values continue to be high.","canonicalId":"term:used-vehicle-prices","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Used vehicle prices refer to the cost of pre-owned cars in the market. Factors like supply and demand, vehicle condition, and market trends can significantly affect these prices.","simplifiedExplanation":"Used vehicle prices are how much you pay for a car that someone else has owned before. These prices can change based on how many cars are available and how many people want to buy them."}},{"startTime":1144.0,"endTime":1145.0,"type":"term","title":"dealer markup","url":"/glossary/dealer-markup","quote":"...when we had the dealer markups the very very high increases a handful of years ago...","canonicalId":"term:dealer-markup","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dealer markup refers to the practice where dealerships increase the price of a vehicle above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). This can happen due to high demand or low inventory, making cars more expensive for buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dealer markup is when a car dealership charges more than the price suggested by the manufacturer. This often happens when there are fewer cars available and many people want to buy them."}},{"startTime":1372.0,"endTime":1378.0,"type":"car","title":"Honda Stream","url":"/cars/honda/stream","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/1983_Honda_Stream.jpg","quote":"...nd page hotter on our Congress conversations live stream on Wednesday. You can find their full conversatio...","canonicalId":"car:honda:stream","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Stream is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was produced by Honda from 2000 to 2006. It is known for its spacious interior, versatility, and practicality, making it a popular choice for families and those needing extra cargo space. The Stream's combination of reliability and fuel efficiency contributes to its significance in the compact MPV segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Stream is a type of car that can carry a lot of people and stuff, making it great for families or trips. It’s known for being reliable and not using too much gas, which is why people like it. It’s a good option if you need a practical vehicle.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/oct-23-2025-japan-braces-for-chip-crisis-vehicle-affordability-problems-escalate/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}