Oct. 31, 2025 | VW, BMW supplier hit by Nexperia crisis; Informed.IQ’s Jessica Gonzalez
About this episode
The automotive industry faces significant challenges as the Nexperia crisis disrupts semiconductor supplies for VW and BMW, prompting production slowdowns. RAM announces its entry into the SUV market with plans for a Michigan-made model by 2028, part of Stellantis' $13 billion U.S. investment. Additionally, Jessica Gonzalez from InformedIQ discusses emerging fraud tactics in auto lending, particularly circular bank statement transactions that inflate income and complicate detection. The episode highlights the ongoing struggle against sophisticated fraud in the auto finance sector.
A key supplier to Volkswagen and BMW slows output as the Nexperia crisis intensifies. Ram is getting its first-ever SUV in 2028. Plus, Jessica Gonzalez of InformedIQ joins the show to talk about the latest concerning forms of fraud in the auto lending space.
VW
"a key supplier to VW and BMW slows output as the nexperia crisis intensifies"
VW stands for Volkswagen, a German car company that makes many popular cars.
VW is an abbreviation for Volkswagen, a German automobile manufacturer known for models like the Golf and Passat.
Nexperia
"Dutch chipmaker nexperia has suspended wafer shipments to its Chinese assembly plant."
Nexperia makes tiny electronic parts called chips that are used in cars to help them run and stay safe.
Nexperia is a semiconductor manufacturer that produces chips used in automotive electronics, including sensors and control units.
semiconductor supply shortage
"Dutch chipmaker nexperia has suspended wafer shipments to its Chinese assembly plant. It's a move that deepens the conflict that's already tightening global semiconductor supplies."
Cars need tiny computer chips to work. When there aren't enough of these chips, it can slow down how many cars are made.
A shortage of semiconductor chips limits the production of modern vehicles, as many cars rely on advanced electronics for safety and performance.
ZF
"In Germany, supplier ZF has cut shifts at its main electric drivetrain plant because of component shortages."
ZF is a company that makes parts for cars, like the parts that help a car move and steer.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a German automotive supplier known for producing driveline and chassis components, including electric drivetrain systems.
electric drivetrain
"In Germany, supplier ZF has cut shifts at its main electric drivetrain plant because of component shortages."
In an electric car, the drivetrain is what turns electricity into power that moves the wheels.
An electric drivetrain refers to the components that convert electrical energy into mechanical motion in an electric vehicle, including motors, power electronics, and battery management systems.
Bosch
"Meanwhile, Bosch is preparing to scale back hours at another facility."
Bosch is a big company that makes many parts for cars, like the brakes and sensors you find inside vehicles.
Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company that supplies automotive components such as sensors, brakes, and powertrain systems.
Stellantis
"It's forcing companies such as Volkswagen and Stellantis to scramble for chips"
Stellantis is a large car company that owns brands like Jeep and Ram. It was created when two big companies joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot.
Volkswagen
"It's forcing companies such as Volkswagen and Stellantis to scramble for chips"
Volkswagen makes cars like the Golf and Passat. They’re a big German company that sells many different vehicles.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for models like the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan.
SRT
"new products including revived SRT performance models"
SRT is a special line that makes faster, more powerful versions of cars like Jeep and Ram. Think of it as the sports car version of those brands.
SRT (Street & Racing Technology) is a performance division of Stellantis that produces high‑power versions of Jeep and Ram vehicles.
Chevrolet Wagoneer
"And maybe we'll see some Wagoneer-style RAM. We're not sure what we're going to see yet."
The Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV made by Chevrolet. It’s meant for families or people who want lots of space and comfort.
The Chevrolet Wagoneer is a full‑size luxury SUV produced by General Motors. It competes with other large SUVs like the Ford Expedition and the Dodge Durango.
Ford
"puts them on par with brands like Chevy and Ford that they do their big SUVs"
Ford makes cars, trucks, and SUVs. It’s famous for the Ford F‑150 truck.
Ford Motor Company is an American automaker known for its trucks, SUVs, and cars. It owns the RAM brand.
truck plant
"And that's really the truck plant and the truck platforms."
A truck plant is a factory where big trucks and SUVs are built, with machines that can handle large parts.
A truck plant is a manufacturing facility dedicated to producing trucks and related vehicles, often featuring specialized equipment for large vehicle assembly.
Grand Wagoneer
"And my assumption would be that they're also going to shift the Grand Wagoneer"
The Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV made by Jeep that has lots of room and cool upgrades.
The Grand Wagoneer is a full‑size luxury SUV produced by Jeep, known for its spacious interior and high-end features.
chip shortage
"Because as we all saw a couple of years ago with the chip shortage"
The chip shortage means there aren't enough computer chips for cars, causing delays and higher prices.
The 'chip shortage' refers to the global scarcity of semiconductor chips that has disrupted automotive manufacturing for several years.
chip crisis
"You have a chip crisis or you have tariffs."
Cars today use many tiny computer chips for things like engine control and safety systems. When there aren’t enough of these chips, car makers can’t build cars as quickly or cheaply.
A shortage of semiconductor chips that are essential components in modern vehicles, leading to production delays and higher costs.
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