Oct. 31, 2025 | The week’s top stories and Clarify Group President Darren Slind on auto shows
About this episode
Darren Slind, president of Clarify Group, shares insights from recent research on auto shows, revealing their continued significance in the vehicle buying journey. Despite the rise of online shopping, most consumers prefer a blend of online and in-person experiences. The data shows that auto show attendees are significantly more likely to purchase a vehicle within a year, with Gen Z showing notable enthusiasm for these events. The discussion also highlights how auto shows enhance digital marketing efforts and the evolving role of these events in the automotive landscape.
Honda adjusts production; hope for Brampton; exports lack U.S. content. Plus, Clarify Group co-founder and President Darren Slind discusses the latest findings in a survey about auto shows.
Nexperia
"Honda Canada says the Nexperia chip crisis is forcing the automaker to make production adjustments"
Nexperia makes the tiny chips that help cars run their computers and safety systems. If they have a problem, it can affect many car makers.
Nexperia is a semiconductor company that produces electronic chips used in automotive and other electronics.
Honda
"Honda Canada says the Nexperia chip crisis is forcing the automaker to make production adjustments"
Honda makes cars that are popular for being dependable and easy to maintain. Many people choose Honda for everyday driving.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Civic and Accord.
semiconductor supply chain issue
"we are currently managing an industry-wide semiconductor supply chain issue, making strategic adjustments to production as necessary"
Cars need tiny computer chips to run things like the engine, brakes, and entertainment systems. When there aren’t enough chips, car makers have to pause or slow down production.
A semiconductor supply chain issue refers to shortages or delays in the production of electronic chips, which are essential components for modern vehicles’ electronics and safety systems.
Stellantis
"Stellantis Canada maintains it is committed to Brampton Assembly Plant."
Stellantis is a big company that owns many car brands. It’s responsible for making cars in Canada and other countries.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Jeep, Peugeot, and Dodge.
Jeep Compass
"[155.8s] was to produce the Jeep Compass in Brampton,"
The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that’s easy to drive in the city and can handle light off‑road adventures. It’s known for its rugged look and comfortable interior.
The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV produced by the American automaker Jeep, part of Stellantis. It combines off‑road styling with everyday practicality.
tariff discount
"It's keeping automakers from claiming a significant tariff discount. According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission analyzed by T.D. Cohen, finished passenger vehicles from Canada and Mexico were tariffed at a rate of 19% in July."
A tariff discount means the government charges less money when a car comes from another country. It helps make those cars cheaper for buyers.
A tariff discount is a reduction in the import duty that a country applies to certain goods, often granted to encourage trade or protect domestic industries.
U.S. International Trade Commission
"According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission analyzed by T.D. Cohen, finished passenger vehicles from Canada and Mexico were tariffed at a rate of 19% in July."
The USITC is a government group that looks at how much money people pay when cars come from other countries and makes sure trade rules are followed.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is a federal agency that investigates trade disputes, collects data on imports and exports, and enforces trade laws.
big three North American auto shows
"for the big three North American auto shows. So nearly three times..."
These shows are like the biggest car parties in North America where car companies show off their newest cars and plans. They’re called the "big three" because they’re the biggest and most important.
The "big three" refers to the three largest auto shows in North America: the Detroit Auto Show, the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Chicago Auto Show. They are major events where manufacturers unveil new models and technology.
post visit studies
"And when we ask visitors in these post visit studies that we do, why they come..."
After people go to a car show, researchers ask them questions about why they went and what they liked. This helps car companies understand their audience.
Post-visit studies are surveys or research conducted after visitors attend an event, gathering feedback on their experiences and motivations.
software defined vehicles
"everything from software defined vehicles to various forms of electrification"
Think of a car that can get new features or fixes just by downloading a software update, like getting a new game on a console. It means the car’s behavior can change after you buy it, making it more flexible and up-to-date.
Software defined vehicles (SDVs) are cars whose functionality is largely controlled by software, allowing features to be updated or added over the air. This approach enables manufacturers to improve performance, safety, and user experience without physical recalls.
electrification
"to various forms of electrification"
It’s the move from gasoline or diesel engines to cars that run on electricity, either fully electric or a mix of electric and gas. This helps cut pollution and can make cars cheaper to run.
Electrification refers to the shift from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains, including hybrids, plug‑in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. This trend aims to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and leverage advances in battery technology.
new vehicle prices
"new vehicle prices are at record levels"
It’s the amount you have to pay when buying a brand‑new car today. Prices are higher than before because parts cost more and people want newer tech.
New vehicle prices refer to the cost consumers pay for a brand‑new car at the time of purchase. Prices have been rising due to supply chain constraints, higher material costs, and increased demand for advanced features.
OEM
"How should OEMs interpret that finding when deciding whether or not to participate?"
An OEM is the company that makes a car, like Ford or Toyota. They sell it with their own name on it.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, the company that builds and sells a vehicle under its own brand name.
out of sight, out of mind challenge
"Yeah, this is what I call the out of sight, out of mind challenge or problem."
If a car brand isn’t shown or talked about, people might not remember it and may choose another brand instead.
This concept refers to the idea that when a brand is not visible at an event or in marketing, consumers may forget about it and be less likely to consider buying from that brand.
test track
"...EV test track, as well as an external test track as well, so opportunities to actually drive the cars."
A test track is a special road or circuit where people can drive cars to see how fast and safe they are, without traffic.
A test track is a dedicated racing or driving circuit where manufacturers and enthusiasts can evaluate vehicle performance, handling, and safety under controlled conditions.
EV
"...EV test track, as well as an external test track as well, so opportunities to actually drive the cars."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity from batteries, so it doesn’t use gasoline or diesel.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, a car powered primarily or solely by electric motors and rechargeable batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
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