S7E01: 2025 US Auto Sales Winners & Losers + Bold 2026 Predictions
About this episode
The discussion dives into the winners and losers of 2025 U.S. auto sales, highlighting Toyota's impressive performance and the struggles of brands like Dodge and Mercedes. Predictions for 2026 reveal anticipated models, including the Honda Prelude hybrid and the Porsche Cayenne EV, while concerns about tariffs and EV adoption linger. The episode also touches on the evolving landscape of auto shows, the impact of AI in the industry, and predictions for upcoming awards, making it a comprehensive look at the current and future state of the automotive market.
In this season premiere, powered by SuperGrok — the advanced AI from xAI — we break down the final 2025 US auto sales results and dive into the biggest news from CES 2026 in Las Vegas: Hyundai Motor Group's groundbreaking AI Robotics Strategy, unveiled in partnership with Boston Dynamics. Highlights include the debut of the production-ready next-generation Atlas humanoid robot, live demos, and plans for factory deployment starting in 2028 — signaling a new era of human-centered robotics in manufacturing and mobility.
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Kia
"Hyundai and Kia were beasts too."
Kia is another car company from South Korea that makes a lot of different cars, often at good prices.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a variety of vehicles, known for their value and warranty offerings.
GM
"GM edged out the crown with 2.8 million overall."
GM is a big car company that owns several brands, including Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac.
Mercedes
"Mercedes cratered 82% in Q4, supply chain nightmare."
Mercedes is a luxury car brand that makes expensive and high-quality cars.
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
Volkswagen
"What about Volkswagen? Q4 sales decreased 19.8 compared to Q4 2024..."
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many types of cars, like the Jetta and the Golf.
Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars.
MSRP
"jacking up prices right when they hiked MSRP's on 26 models."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a car. It's like a starting price when you're buying a car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It often serves as a starting point for negotiations.
Volkswagen ID.4
"Plus, the end of big EV incentives gutted ID for demand..."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be good for the environment and is part of their electric car lineup.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It aims to offer a practical and eco-friendly option for consumers.
Volkswagen Atlas
"the whole lineup, Atlas, Tag1, you name it, took a hit from inventory shortages..."
The Volkswagen Atlas is a big SUV made by Volkswagen. It's great for families because it has a lot of room inside.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It is designed to accommodate larger families with ample cargo space.
Volkswagen Golf R
"Only the quirky thing revival and a surprise Golf R bump held any ground."
The Volkswagen Golf R is a sporty version of the regular Golf. It has a stronger engine and is designed for better performance.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance variant of the Golf, featuring a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and all-wheel drive, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Buick 27 Model
"...rst, then eyeing a fresh version for late 26 as a 27 model. Fingers crossed it bounces back. It's too cool ..."
The Buick Model 27 is an older car that shows how Buick used to make vehicles a long time ago. People are excited about the idea of bringing it back with some modern updates because it's considered really cool.
The Buick Model 27 is a classic vehicle that represents Buick's heritage and design evolution in the early 20th century. Discussions around this model often focus on its historical significance and potential revival in modern contexts.
Honda Prelude
"... and a few throwbacks. Top of my list, the Honda Prelude hybrid revival, borrowing that slick Civic power..."
The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that used to be popular for its sporty look and fun driving experience. People are excited about the idea of bringing it back as a hybrid, which means it would use both gas and electric power to save on fuel.
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced from 1978 to 2001, known for its innovative design and performance-oriented features. It holds a nostalgic value for many car enthusiasts and is often discussed for its potential revival in a hybrid format, which could combine its classic appeal with modern efficiency.
Honda Civic
"...nda Prelude hybrid revival, borrowing that slick Civic powertrain for under 30 grand. Total nostalgia h..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people love because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's also available in sporty versions, which makes it fun to drive, and it's usually priced under $30,000.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since 1972, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty variants. It is often discussed for its versatile powertrains and affordability, making it a popular choice among drivers.
Toyota Rav4
"...e range and wilder looks. Toyota's revamping the RAV4 with plug-in options. And the new CHR's got that..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that's great for families because it has a lot of space and can handle different types of roads. The new versions are getting updates that allow them to use both gas and electric power, which is better for the environment.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its practicality, spacious interior, and off-road capabilities. The latest models are being revamped with plug-in hybrid options, making them more environmentally friendly while maintaining their versatility.
Toyota Chrs
"Toyota's revamping the RAV4 with plug-in options. And the new CHR's got that zippy subcompact vibe. Don't sleep on the Jeep Wagoneer S, their first full EV beast for off-roaders."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV that's easy to drive around town and has a unique look. It's good on gas, making it a popular choice for people who want a stylish car that's practical for city life.
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV that stands out for its bold design and agile handling. It is often discussed for its urban-friendly size and efficient fuel economy, appealing to younger drivers and city dwellers.
Jeep Wagoneer
"Don't sleep on the Jeep Wagoneer S, their first full EV beast for off-roaders."
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a new electric SUV that can handle rough terrain, making it great for adventures.
The Jeep Wagoneer S is an all-electric version of the classic Wagoneer, designed for off-road capabilities while providing the benefits of electric power.
Audi Q3 Facelift
"Luxury side, Audi's Q3 facelift and Porsche's updated Macon EV are turning heads."
The Audi Q3 is a compact luxury SUV that combines performance with upscale features. The facelift includes design updates and improved technology.
Porsche Macan EV
"Luxury side, Audi's Q3 facelift and Porsche's updated Macon EV are turning heads."
The Porsche Macan EV is a new electric version of a small luxury SUV from Porsche. It aims to provide a sporty driving experience while being environmentally friendly.
The Porsche Macan EV is the electric version of Porsche's compact luxury SUV, offering performance and luxury in an electric package.
Porsche Cayenne
"What about the Cayenne EV, the electric version of the Porsche SUV?"
The Porsche Cayenne EV is an electric version of a bigger luxury SUV from Porsche. It offers a powerful driving experience while being more eco-friendly.
The Porsche Cayenne EV is the electric variant of Porsche's larger luxury SUV, combining the brand's performance heritage with electric technology.
tariffs
"thanks to folks dodging pricey new rides from those tariffs and low inventory still biting everyone."
Tariffs are extra fees that the government adds to things brought in from other countries, like cars. This can make new cars more expensive, so people might look for used cars instead.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, including vehicles. These taxes can increase the cost of new cars, leading consumers to consider used options instead.
market share
"EB is pushing toward 40-50% market share if those EPA mandates hold. But tariffs and politics could cap it at 30%..."
Market share is a way to measure how much of the total sales in a market belong to a specific company or type of product. For cars, it shows how popular electric cars are compared to others.
Market share refers to the percentage of an industry's sales that a particular company or product controls. In the automotive context, it indicates how much of the total vehicle sales are made up of electric vehicles compared to other types.
self-driving
"...the big buzz is NVIDIA's new chip for self-driving and geely eyeing a U.S. splash."
Self-driving means a car can drive itself without anyone controlling it. It uses special technology to see the road and make decisions just like a human driver would.
Self-driving refers to vehicles equipped with technology that allows them to navigate and operate without human input. This technology uses sensors, cameras, and AI to make driving decisions.
EV hype
"Automakers are burnt out on EV hype after last year's sales flop and tariffs."
EV hype is the excitement people feel about electric cars. Sometimes, this excitement can lead to higher expectations than what actually happens in sales.
EV hype refers to the excitement and marketing surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), often leading to inflated expectations about their sales and adoption rates.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
"...e Chinese calling back to? Oh yeah, Byton. Total ghost story. They hyped that M-Bite SUV with like 60k ..."
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a super fancy car that's all about luxury and comfort. It's known for being really powerful and having a beautiful interior, making it one of the most expensive cars you can buy.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury sedan that epitomizes opulence and craftsmanship, known for its powerful performance and exquisite interior. It is often discussed in the context of high-end automotive luxury and exclusivity.
EV
"...promising a tech-loaded EV for under 50 grand, but bankruptcy hit in 2023, and poof, they're gone."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are considered better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are often marketed for their environmental benefits and advanced technology.
BYD
"...with BYD already topping Tesla and sales."
BYD is a Chinese company that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming very popular and are selling a lot of cars, even more than Tesla in some places.
BYD is a Chinese company known for manufacturing electric vehicles and batteries. It has gained significant market share and is recognized for its affordable EVs, competing directly with companies like Tesla.
Metasol INC
"Oh yeah, Metasol's making waves at CES this week. It's this new AI tech from a startup called Metasol INC, basically turning your car's voice assistant into a full-on personality."
Metasol INC is a new company that makes technology for cars. They want to make car voice assistants more fun and interesting, so they can talk to you like a friend instead of just giving you directions.
Metasol INC is a startup focused on developing advanced voice assistant technology for vehicles. Their innovation aims to create a more engaging and personalized interaction between drivers and their cars.
voice assistant
"...basically turning your car's voice assistant into a full-on personality. Like, instead of bland Siri vibes, your ride could chat back as a sassy racer type..."
A voice assistant is like a helper in your car that listens to what you say and does things for you, like telling you directions or playing music. It's like talking to a friend who helps you while you drive.
A voice assistant in a car is a software program that uses voice recognition to perform tasks or provide information to the driver. This can include navigation, music control, and answering questions, enhancing the driving experience.
NVIDIA
"What about the top brands like Mazda and NVIDIA, who are using AI for training for the cars and also for their dealerships?"
NVIDIA is a tech company that makes computer chips and software, often used in cars for things like self-driving technology.
NVIDIA is a technology company known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI technology, which are increasingly used in automotive applications for self-driving and smart features.
AI in automotive
"AI's exploding as the big shift this year, ditching old-school gadgets for smarter everything."
AI, or artificial intelligence, is technology that allows machines to learn and make decisions. In cars, it helps with things like safety and making driving easier.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into the automotive industry to enhance vehicle performance, improve safety features, and provide personalized experiences for drivers.
Mazda Cx5
"Mazda's all in on it for their 2026 CX-5, rolling out Google Gemini AI right in the dash for voice commands that predict your roads..."
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice interior. The 2026 version will include new technology to make it even better.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV known for its sporty handling and upscale interior. The 2026 model is expected to feature advanced technology, including AI integration for enhanced user experience.
autonomous cars
"NVIDIA's the kingpin though, dropping open-source AI models at CES this week for training autonomous cars..."
Autonomous cars are vehicles that can drive on their own without needing a person to control them. They use special technology to see and understand their surroundings.
Autonomous cars are vehicles equipped with technology that allows them to drive themselves without human intervention, utilizing sensors, cameras, and AI for navigation and decision-making.
Mercedes-CLA
"like powering Mercedes-CLA self-driver and Q1 and RoboTaxies by 27."
The Mercedes-CLA is a small luxury car that looks great and has many high-tech features, including some that help it drive itself.
The Mercedes-CLA is a compact luxury sedan known for its stylish design and advanced technology features, including options for semi-autonomous driving.
Nissan Sentra
"...Dodge Charger muscle reboot and Nissan Centra's value play."
The Nissan Sentra is a small car that is easy to drive and good on gas. It's often chosen by people looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that offers practicality and value. It is known for its fuel efficiency and affordability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
Dodge Charger
"...edging out the Dodge Charger muscle reboot and Nissan Centra's value play."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and has strong engines. It's known for being fast and fun to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its muscular design and powerful engine options. It has a rich history in American automotive culture, often associated with performance and style.
Ram 1500
"Trucks the Ram 1500 Hemi for its raw power and towing upgrades..."
The Ram 1500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads. The Hemi is a type of engine that gives it a lot of power.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance and comfortable ride. The Hemi refers to its powerful V8 engine option, which enhances its towing and hauling capabilities.
Ford Lobos
"Trucks the Ram 1500 Hemi for its raw power and towing upgrades, beating Ford Maverick Lobo's sporty twist. SUV, lucid gravity takes it, insane range and luxury in a fresh EV package"
The Ford Lobo is a big pickup truck that's known for being strong and able to tow heavy things. It's designed to be sporty and fun to drive, making it popular among people who need a truck for work or play.
The Ford Lobo, known as the Ford F-150 in the U.S., is a full-size pickup truck that is well-regarded for its power, towing capacity, and versatility. It often competes with other trucks like the Ram 1500, and its sporty design appeals to a wide range of truck enthusiasts.
Ford Maverick
"... its raw power and towing upgrades, beating Ford Maverick Lobo's sporty twist. SUV, lucid gravity takes it..."
Lucid Gravity
"...ng Ford Maverick Lobo's sporty twist. SUV, lucid gravity takes it, insane range and luxury in a fresh EV p..."
The Lucid Gravity is a fancy electric SUV that's expected to have a lot of cool features and can drive far without needing to charge. It's designed for people who want a luxurious ride while being environmentally friendly.
The Lucid Gravity is an upcoming luxury electric SUV from Lucid Motors, known for its high performance and advanced technology features. It aims to offer a premium driving experience with impressive range and luxury amenities.
Nissan Leafs
"SUV, lucid gravity takes it, insane range and luxury in a fresh EV package over Hyundai Palisades family hauler and Nissan Leaf's efficiency glow-up. Fingers crossed, I'm right."
The Nissan Leaf is a small car that runs only on electricity, which means you don't need gas to drive it. It's known for being affordable and good for the environment, making it a popular choice for people who want to save on fuel costs.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact hatchback that has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle market since its launch in 2010. It is celebrated for its efficiency and affordability, making it a practical choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Hyundai Palisade
"...rs for truck and SUV. I had the Maverick and the Palisade, but I guess you know better than me. Ha, nah, y..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff, making it great for families. It's known for being comfortable and having lots of cool features, which makes it a good choice for road trips.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it ideal for families. It is praised for its spacious interior, advanced technology features, and overall value in the competitive SUV market.
Hyundai Ioniq 9S
"It's that sleek, affordable EV crossover with 300 mile range that's got critics raving about value and zip. For SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 9's a beast. Three-row electric family hauler under 60K."
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a new electric SUV that looks stylish and can drive for about 300 miles on a single charge. It's designed to be a good family car that doesn't use gas, which is better for the environment.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an upcoming electric crossover that aims to combine style, efficiency, and practicality for families. With a projected range of around 300 miles, it is designed to compete in the growing electric vehicle market.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...critics raving about value and zip. For SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 9's a beast. Three-row electric family hauler un..."
Bmw Ix3S
"Three-row electric family hauler under 60K. And car? BMW iX3's my dark horse, blending luxury and efficiency. But hey, your Palisade pick from N-C-A-T-O screams winner vibes too."
The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV that offers a mix of luxury and good performance without using gas. It's designed for people who want a high-end car that's also better for the environment.
The BMW iX3 is an electric version of the popular X3 SUV, combining BMW's luxury and performance with electric efficiency. It represents the brand's commitment to electrification and offers a premium driving experience.
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