{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"S7E18 — Does Kia’s VP of Marketing have the easiest job in the U.S. Auto Industry?","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/s7e18-does-kia-s-vp-of-marketing-have-the-easiest-job-in-the-u-s-auto-industry","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/stitcher.simplecastaudio.com/f10a68f3-3314-4a5e-aac6-694e79a9feff/episodes/b4438f69-e551-4a5f-9d22-a81677b57f16/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=f10a68f3-3314-4a5e-aac6-694e79a9feff&awEpisodeId=b4438f69-e551-4a5f-9d22-a81677b57f16&feed=pQ4ExIKq","description":"In this episode we sit down with Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America, who explains the strategy behind one of the industry’s most consistent success stories: the Kia Telluride. With the launch of its all-new second generation, the three-row SUV continues to deliver record-breaking sales and strong consumer demand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising."},"annotations":[{"startTime":8.28,"endTime":13.8,"type":"car","title":"Kia Telluride","url":"/cars/kia/telluride","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/2020_Kia_Telluride_LX_V6_AWD.jpg","quote":"Well, today we're sitting here in the 2027 Kia Telluride, correct? That is correct. We are sitting in the hybrid 2027 Telluride.","canonicalId":"car:kia:telluride","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV produced by Kia, known for its spacious interior, modern features, and strong value proposition. The 2027 model mentioned here includes a hybrid variant, reflecting Kia's move towards electrification.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Telluride is a big SUV that can carry lots of people and stuff. The 2027 version has a hybrid engine, which means it uses both gas and electricity to save fuel.","imageAttribution":"Ghostofakina (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":13.8,"endTime":16.8,"type":"term","title":"hybrid","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"We are sitting in the hybrid 2027 Telluride. With Russell from Kia, your VP of marketing and sales.","canonicalId":"term:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The hybrid system can switch between or combine power sources depending on driving conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid car uses both gas and electricity to help it go. This helps save gas and is better for the environment."}},{"startTime":36.8,"endTime":43.8,"type":"concept","title":"production line","url":"/glossary/production-line","quote":"You can hardly keep them in the dealership. As soon as they get out of the production line in Georgia, they're out.","canonicalId":"concept:production-line","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A production line is a manufacturing process where a product is assembled step-by-step in a factory. The Kia Telluride is built on a production line in Georgia, indicating where and how the vehicle is made.","simplifiedExplanation":"A production line is like a factory where cars are made step by step until they are finished and ready to sell."}},{"startTime":43.8,"endTime":47.8,"type":"concept","title":"sell right","url":"/glossary/sell-right","quote":"They call it the sell right, right? Dealers do that. We don't.","canonicalId":"concept:sell-right","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The term 'sell right' refers to the process of dealerships selling vehicles to customers. While manufacturers produce the cars, dealerships handle the sales and customer interactions.","simplifiedExplanation":"'Sell right' means the dealers are the ones who sell the cars to people, not the company that makes them."}},{"startTime":56.5,"endTime":64.7,"type":"concept","title":"West Point Georgia plant","url":"/glossary/west-point-georgia-plant","quote":"And we increased the production in our West Point Georgia plant where it's built just outside of Atlanta by 50%.","canonicalId":"concept:west-point-georgia-plant","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The West Point plant in Georgia is Kia's manufacturing facility where the Telluride is assembled. This plant plays a key role in producing the SUV for the U.S. market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The West Point plant is a big factory in Georgia where Kia makes the Telluride SUV."}},{"startTime":56.5,"endTime":64.7,"type":"concept","title":"production increase","url":"/glossary/production-increase","quote":"And we increased the production in our West Point Georgia plant where it's built just outside of Atlanta by 50%. So I don't know it's the easiest job because now we're trying to sell more, right?","canonicalId":"concept:production-increase","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Increasing production means making more vehicles at the factory to meet demand. Kia increased production at its West Point, Georgia plant by 50% to supply more Tellurides.","simplifiedExplanation":"Making more cars in the factory so more people can buy them is called increasing production."}},{"startTime":71.0,"endTime":76.8,"type":"concept","title":"good product","url":"/glossary/good-product","quote":"But always in the industry they say any problem in the car company is solved with good product.","canonicalId":"concept:good-product","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the automotive industry, 'good product' refers to vehicles that meet customer expectations in quality, design, and performance, which helps solve company problems like sales challenges.","simplifiedExplanation":"A good product means a car that people like because it works well and looks nice, which helps the company sell more cars."}},{"startTime":76.8,"endTime":87.3,"type":"concept","title":"sales success","url":"/glossary/sales-success","quote":"And you guys have amazing product, especially this one that has been a huge success from the very beginning in 2019, I believe it was when it came out first.","canonicalId":"concept:sales-success","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Sales success refers to how well a vehicle sells in the market. The Kia Telluride has been a strong seller since its launch in 2019, indicating its popularity and acceptance by customers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sales success means a lot of people buy the car. The Kia Telluride has been popular since it first came out in 2019."}},{"startTime":116.7,"endTime":119.3,"type":"concept","title":"second generation","url":"/glossary/second-generation","quote":"...Second generation, completely new. For the past six years, we've made improvements on the first generation, but this is all new.","canonicalId":"concept:second-generation","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A second generation of a car model means a new version that replaces the first, often with significant updates in design, technology, and performance. It usually indicates a fresh start rather than just minor changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"When a car is called second generation, it means it's a newer version that is different and improved from the first one. It's like a new model of the same car."}},{"startTime":149.2,"endTime":168.4,"type":"concept","title":"logo change","url":"/glossary/logo-change","quote":"...especially with this car and then the logo, or I don't know what order was it, but no, because I believe this one still had the old logo when it first came out. So 2019 is when Telluride launched and then we changed our logo in 21-22.","canonicalId":"concept:logo-change","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A logo change refers to a company updating its brand symbol or emblem. For car manufacturers, this can signal a new brand direction or image refresh to appeal to customers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A logo change means the car company changed its symbol or picture that shows who they are. It’s like giving the company a new look."}},{"startTime":259.4,"endTime":263.3,"type":"concept","title":"electrified vehicles","url":"/glossary/electrified-vehicles","quote":"And then recently we added, of course, innovative electrified vehicles. And because we've been talking a consistent message, we have built up that not only people know that our Telluride is capable...","canonicalId":"concept:electrified-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Electrified vehicles include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric cars that use electric motors to improve fuel efficiency or eliminate gasoline use. Automakers are increasingly offering these to meet emissions regulations and customer demand.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrified vehicles are cars that use electricity to help them run. Some use both gas and electric power, and some run only on electricity."}},{"startTime":268.38,"endTime":273.44,"type":"car","title":"Kia Sorento","url":"/cars/kia/sorento","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/00_KIA_SORENTO_HEV_1.jpg","quote":"know that our Telluride is capable, but the rest of our lineup, our Sorento, our Sportage, our Seltos, everybody feels that if they're going to get a Kia SUV, they know it's going to have some sort of capability.","canonicalId":"car:kia:sorento","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV offering a balance of comfort, technology, and capability. It is positioned below the Telluride in Kia's SUV lineup and is popular for its versatility.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Sorento is a medium-sized SUV that many people choose because it is comfortable and has good features. It's a bit smaller than the Telluride.","imageAttribution":"Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":268.38,"endTime":273.44,"type":"car","title":"Kia Sportage","url":"/cars/kia/sportage","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/2018_Kia_Sportage_GT-Line_ISG_1.6.jpg","quote":"know that our Telluride is capable, but the rest of our lineup, our Sorento, our Sportage, our Seltos, everybody feels that if they're going to get a Kia SUV, they know it's going to have some sort of capability.","canonicalId":"car:kia:sportage","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV known for its stylish design and value. It is one of Kia's longstanding models and appeals to buyers looking for a smaller SUV.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Sportage is a smaller SUV that is popular because it looks good and is affordable. It's good for people who want a smaller car with SUV features.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":268.4,"endTime":273.4,"type":"car","title":"Kia Seltos","url":"/cars/kia/seltos","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Kia_Seltos_001.jpg","quote":"know that our Telluride is capable, but the rest of our lineup, our Sorento, our Sportage, our Seltos, everybody feels that if they're going to get a Kia SUV, they know it's going to have some sort of capability.","canonicalId":"car:kia:seltos","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of style, technology, and affordability. It is a newer addition to Kia's SUV lineup targeting urban buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Seltos is a small SUV that is good for city driving. It has nice features and is affordable for many people.","imageAttribution":"JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":284.0,"endTime":315.9,"type":"term","title":"search interest tracking","url":"/glossary/search-interest-tracking","quote":"And it's allowed us that when we track our ads, anytime we're seeing an ad run, we immediately afterwards see how much search interest it generated. Whether it's a Telluride spot that would be Kia or Telluride, we see how much the Google searches and all the online searches went up. It's amazing you can do that now. I probably, when you started in the industry, you had to wait weeks or months to see something now like immediate. We are getting daily updates, weekly updates. We can see that.","canonicalId":"term:search-interest-tracking","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Search interest tracking refers to monitoring online search data (like Google searches) to measure consumer interest in a product or brand, often used to gauge the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.","simplifiedExplanation":"Search interest tracking means watching how many people look for something online, like a car, to see if ads are working."}},{"startTime":463.56,"endTime":465.34,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV9","url":"/cars/kia/ev9","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Kia_EV9%2C_BAS_24%2C_Brussels_%28P1170541-RR%29.jpg","quote":"That was two years ago for EV9, yes. Yeah, amazing. Creative ads there.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev9","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV9 is an all-electric SUV from Kia, representing the brand's push into electric vehicles with a focus on spaciousness and advanced technology. It is part of Kia's growing EV lineup targeting the North American and global markets.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV9 is a fully electric SUV made by Kia. It doesn't use gas and is designed to be roomy and high-tech. It's part of Kia's plan to sell more electric cars.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":494.5,"endTime":497.5,"type":"term","title":"V6 engine","url":"/glossary/v6-engine","quote":"It offered a V6 and that was it. It was a V6 engine.","canonicalId":"term:v6-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A V6 engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine arranged in a V shape. It is commonly used in SUVs and offers a balance of power and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V6 engine is a type of car engine with six cylinders shaped like a V. It gives good power for bigger cars."}},{"startTime":501.2,"endTime":505.4,"type":"term","title":"torque","url":"/glossary/torque","quote":"The hybrid, it has more torque than the outgoing V6.","canonicalId":"term:torque","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Torque is a measure of rotational force produced by the engine. More torque means better ability to accelerate and tow heavy loads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Torque is how much twisting power the engine has. More torque helps the car go faster and pull heavy things."}},{"startTime":505.4,"endTime":509.5,"type":"term","title":"600 mile range","url":"/glossary/600-mile-range","quote":"It has more range over 600 mile range. So, it does everything you need it to do and saves you a little bit on the fuel, right?","canonicalId":"term:600-mile-range","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Range refers to how far a vehicle can travel on a full tank or full charge. A 600 mile range means the vehicle can drive approximately 600 miles before needing to refuel or recharge.","simplifiedExplanation":"Range means how far the car can go before it needs more gas or charging. 600 miles is a long distance to drive without stopping."}},{"startTime":518.0,"endTime":522.3,"type":"term","title":"2.5 turbo","url":"/glossary/2-5-turbo","quote":"The X-Pro gas engine also has more torque, even though it's a 2.5 turbo.","canonicalId":"term:2-5-turbo","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 2.5 turbo refers to a 2.5-liter engine equipped with a turbocharger, which increases power and torque by forcing more air into the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 2.5 turbo is a type of engine that has 2.5 liters size and uses a turbo to make the car more powerful."}},{"startTime":531.8,"endTime":538.9,"type":"concept","title":"tow hooks","url":"/glossary/tow-hooks","quote":"On the front and rear are tow hooks. Not that anyone's... They look really cool, by the way. And they're completely useful. They will work if you need them.","canonicalId":"concept:tow-hooks","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tow hooks are strong metal loops attached to the front and rear of a vehicle, used for towing or recovery in off-road or stuck situations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tow hooks are metal loops on the car that let you pull it if it gets stuck or needs to be towed."}},{"startTime":541.2,"endTime":544.5,"type":"term","title":"ground clearance","url":"/glossary/ground-clearance","quote":"We've also raised the ground clearance. It's 9.1 inch ground clearance. So, when you are doing any sort of off-road, it's making it so that you can go over usual rocks that are in there, no issues.","canonicalId":"term:ground-clearance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's undercarriage and the ground. Higher ground clearance helps vehicles drive over obstacles like rocks or rough terrain without damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ground clearance means how high the bottom of a car is from the ground. More clearance means the car can go over bumps or rocks without scraping."}},{"startTime":550.2,"endTime":552.1,"type":"term","title":"all-terrain mode","url":"/glossary/all-terrain-mode","quote":"We've got all-terrain mode. There's a whole bunch of elements that we put in that are some nice premium touches, but also some nice capability.","canonicalId":"term:all-terrain-mode","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"All-terrain mode is a vehicle setting that adjusts the drivetrain, traction control, and other systems to improve performance on rough or off-road surfaces. It helps the vehicle maintain grip and stability on different terrains.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-terrain mode is a special setting in some cars that helps them drive better on rough or bumpy roads like dirt or rocks."}},{"startTime":575.8,"endTime":580.5,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Hemi V8","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/2013_Dodge_Challenger_Hemi_V8.jpg","quote":"In this case, what I'm referring to is the Dodge with the V8, the Hemi. But now the six-cylinder engines are much better, more efficient.","canonicalId":"car:dodge-hemi-v8","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Hemi V8 is a powerful V8 engine known for its hemispherical combustion chambers, which improve airflow and combustion efficiency. It is often associated with muscle cars and trucks for its strong performance and distinctive sound.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Hemi V8 is a type of big engine with eight cylinders that helps cars go very fast and have a loud, powerful sound.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":614.7,"endTime":616.3,"type":"term","title":"V6","url":"/glossary/v6","quote":"They're like, I must have a V6. That's no longer needed anymore.","canonicalId":"term:v6","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A V6 is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is commonly used in many cars for a balance of power and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V6 engine has six cylinders shaped like a V. It helps cars go faster and run smoothly."}},{"startTime":637.5,"endTime":639.3,"type":"concept","title":"luxury vehicle","url":"/glossary/luxury-vehicle","quote":"I mean, it is a luxury vehicle. I mean, Kia is not officially a luxury brand.","canonicalId":"concept:luxury-vehicle","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A luxury vehicle is a car that offers higher levels of comfort, quality, performance, and features compared to standard models. These vehicles often come with premium materials and advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"A luxury vehicle is a nicer, more comfortable car with fancy features and better materials."}},{"startTime":889.8,"endTime":899.2,"type":"car","title":"BMW X5","url":"/cars/bmw/x5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/BMW_E70_X5_3%2C0d_pre-facelift.jpg","quote":"We see a lot of BMW X5s, Porsches, Land Rovers, Range Rovers, so it's not who we're targeting, but people are seeing.","canonicalId":"car:bmw:x5","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV from BMW, known for sporty handling and premium features. It is a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers and often traded in for newer models.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV that drives well and has lots of nice features. People often trade it in when they want a newer car.","imageAttribution":"JaayJay (Public domain)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Javier Mota","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/s7e18-does-kia-s-vp-of-marketing-have-the-easiest-job-in-the-u-s-auto-industry/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}