Oct. 25, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Multiple supply shortages rattle industry
About this episode
Supply chain challenges are back in the spotlight as the Nexperia chip crisis unfolds, raising concerns about potential disruptions similar to those experienced during the COVID pandemic. Experts discuss the fragility of the automotive supply chain, with notable incidents like the Novellus aluminum plant fire affecting major manufacturers like Nissan and Ford. The episode also touches on GM's upcoming 'eyes off' driving technology, which raises questions about liability and the future of autonomous driving. Insights from industry insiders provide a comprehensive look at the current state of the automotive landscape.
Automotive News’ Hannah Lutz and Larry P. Vellequette discuss the biggest stories from the past week, including the fallout from multiple supply chain crises, as well as General Motors’ big bet on eyes-off driving in 2028.
Nissan
"...caused Nissan to temporarily shut down its largest US plant..."
Nissan is a well-known car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars.
Nissan is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.
Ford
"...And Ford says the disruptions will cost it up to $2 billion this year."
Ford is a famous American car company that makes many different vehicles, including trucks and sports cars.
Ford is an American multinational automaker that produces a variety of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars, and is known for its iconic models like the Ford F-150 and Mustang.
Super Cruise
"...but that's what Super Cruise is."
Super Cruise is a technology that lets cars drive themselves on some highways without the driver needing to hold the steering wheel. It uses cameras and sensors to help the car stay in its lane and adjust speed.
Super Cruise is a hands-free driving assistance feature developed by General Motors that allows for automated driving on certain highways. It uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and mapping data to enable the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake without driver intervention in specific conditions.
Toyota Century
"...are you familiar with the Toyota Century line? I am. So these are hand-built, for our audience that doesn't know..."
The Toyota Century is a very high-end car made by Toyota. It's special because it's made by hand and is often used by important people in Japan.
The Toyota Century is a luxury sedan produced by Toyota, known for its hand-built quality and exclusivity. It is often used by Japanese dignitaries and is considered a symbol of prestige in Japan.
bespoke vehicles
"But these are bespoke vehicles. They are hand-built. They will be very expensive."
Bespoke vehicles are cars made just for you, based on your choices and preferences. They are not made in large numbers like regular cars, which makes them special and often very expensive.
Bespoke vehicles are custom-made cars tailored to the specific preferences and requirements of an individual buyer. This level of customization often involves unique designs, materials, and features that are not available in mass-produced vehicles.
hand-built
"They are hand-built. They will be very expensive."
Hand-built means that people, not machines, put the car together. This usually makes the car more special and of better quality because of the care taken during construction.
Hand-built refers to vehicles that are constructed by skilled artisans rather than through automated assembly lines. This process often results in higher quality and attention to detail, contributing to the vehicle's uniqueness and value.
Maybach
"We're talking, I don't know, Maybach money. Yeah, they're going to be outstanding."
Maybach is a brand that makes very expensive and luxurious cars. They are known for their quality and comfort, and they often have special features that make them stand out.
Maybach is a luxury automobile brand known for producing high-end, ultra-luxurious vehicles. These cars are often custom-made and feature the finest materials and craftsmanship, appealing to a wealthy clientele.
Chrysler motorcycle with V8 engine
"...Remember when they put the V8 engine in the motorcycle years ago, the Chrysler did that under..."
Chrysler made a motorcycle that had a big car engine in it, which is not common because motorcycles usually have smaller engines. It was an interesting engineering experiment.
Chrysler developed a motorcycle that featured a V8 engine, which is unusual since most motorcycles use smaller engines. This project showcased Chrysler's engineering capabilities and creativity.
V8 engine
"...mounted a V8, big block V8 engine in a motorcycle."
A V8 engine is a powerful type of car engine that has eight cylinders. It's often found in big cars and trucks because it can produce a lot of power.
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is known for producing a lot of power and is commonly used in larger vehicles like trucks and performance cars.
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