So bilingual - 28 October 2025
About this episode
The latest episode of The Motoring Podcast dives into pressing automotive news, including the impact of a cyber attack on JLR and its estimated £2 billion cost to the UK. Discussions also cover the complexities of semiconductor supply chains affecting major manufacturers like Volkswagen, and Porsche's staggering financial losses. The hosts explore new developments, such as Ford's leadership changes in Europe and the UK government's investment in Toyota's innovative mobility project. Additionally, they touch on the introduction of driverless taxis in the UK and the importance of accessible EV chargers for disabled drivers.
Professor David Bailey has written up a piece on Blogs from the Blackstuff following a report from the Cyber Monitoring Centre (CMC), which outlines the cost of the JLR shutdown and it is large. The estimated cost is in the region of £1.9 billion but could be as high as £2.1 billion. Over 5,000 businesses were affected. The CMC hopes businesses, the Government and insurers to learn lessons. To read more, click this article link here.
NEW CHIP CRISIS LOOMINGAnother week and another example of how crucial China is to making things. This time there is a spat between Dutch and the Chinese Governments over the chip maker Nexperia after the Chinese CEO was removed and the European country took control of the company. They supply a lot of the car industry, particularly the electric car making segment. China has restricted exports of their chips, which means the company cannot guarantee reliable supply. For more on this story, click this link to an electrive article here.
PORSCHE PROFITS PLUMMET AGAINPorsche has released their financial results for the last quarter and they are, once again, poor. They had an operating loss of €966 million, with return on sales for the year dropping to just 0.2% after being 14.1% the year before. Click this Piston Heads article link here, for more.
FORD EUROPE FINDS A NEW BOSSFord Europe are to get a new president, Jim Baumbick, who moves from global head of product development and head of advanced product development. He takes the reigns on 1 November 2025. The role has been vacant for some time. If you want to read more, click this electrive article link here.
UK GOVERNMENT HELP TOYOTA BUILD A CARToyota is receiving £15 million investment from the UK Government to explore the feasibility of bringing their FT-Me Concept to market. Think IQ size and it being a quadracycle, with the idea of it being used in high density urban areas. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.
WAYMO SELF-DRIVING CARS TO TEST IN LONDONWaymo is bringing some of their autonomous vehicles to London, to take part in a Government backed trial. They will join Uber, in the spring. For more on this story, click this Autocar link.
For some context, here is a link to a Bluesky thread that demonstrates had bad Waymo is at autonomous driving (and it is the least worst at it!).
LORDS PUSH FOR ACCESSIBILITY AT EV CHARGERSThe House of Lords has backed an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, that would make accessibility standards legally binding for EV chargers if approved in the House of Commons. Click this link from EV Powered to read more.
If you like what we do, on this show, and think it...Nexperia
"As a result, the Chinese government has imposed export restrictions on parts of Nexperia's production. And that is causing challenges because they were a major provider to the automotive industry."
Nexperia makes small electronic parts that help cars work. They are important because many car features rely on these electronic components.
Nexperia is a global semiconductor company that supplies components to various industries, including automotive. Their production capabilities are crucial for providing chips that are essential for modern vehicles.
semiconductor shortage
"As a result, the Chinese government has imposed export restrictions on parts of Nexperia's production. And that is causing challenges because they were a major provider to the automotive industry."
A semiconductor shortage means there aren't enough tiny computer parts that cars need to work properly. This can cause car companies to make fewer cars or even stop making some models.
A semiconductor shortage refers to the lack of available semiconductor chips that are essential for manufacturing electronic devices, including vehicles. This shortage has been affecting the automotive industry significantly, leading to production delays and reduced vehicle availability.
Volkswagen Golf
"This means that companies such as Volkswagen have about a week's worth of chips and that they might have to stop producing the Golf."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like to drive. It's known for being reliable and good for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been one of Volkswagen's best-selling models. It is known for its practicality, performance, and versatility, making it popular among a wide range of drivers.
Bosch
"...they buy them turned into stuff by companies like Bosch and Continental and ZF,..."
Bosch is a big company that makes parts for cars, like electronics and chips that help them run better.
Bosch is a global engineering and technology company known for its automotive components, including semiconductors and electronic systems used in vehicles.
ZF
"...they buy them turned into stuff by companies like Bosch and Continental and ZF,..."
ZF is a company that makes parts for cars, focusing on things like how they move and handle on the road.
ZF is a global technology company that supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology, including driveline and chassis technology.
Continental
"...they buy them turned into stuff by companies like Bosch and Continental and ZF,..."
Continental is a company that makes various parts for cars, including important electronic systems and tires.
Continental is a major automotive supplier that produces a wide range of components, including tires, brake systems, and electronic systems for vehicles.
Volkswagen Group
"And that's Volkswagen Group, not just Volkswagen."
Volkswagen Group is a big company that owns many car brands, including Volkswagen and Porsche. They make a lot of different types of cars.
Volkswagen Group is a large automotive conglomerate that includes several well-known brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini. It plays a significant role in the global automotive industry.
special edition versions of the 911
"Turning out little special edition versions of the 911, where as we discussed last week with Aston Martin, the anti-roll bars are 1.6% stiffer and there's a custom tire profile and all that stuff."
Special edition versions of the 911 are special cars made by Porsche that are different from the regular models. They usually have unique features or designs and are made in limited numbers, making them more desirable for collectors.
Special edition versions of the Porsche 911 are unique variants that often feature enhanced performance, exclusive styling, or limited production runs. These models are typically aimed at collectors and enthusiasts who value rarity and distinctiveness in their vehicles.
Porsche 911
"...urning out little special edition versions of the 911, where as we discussed last week with Aston Marti..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's been around for a long time and is loved by car fans for how well it drives and looks.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It has been a staple in the automotive world since its introduction in 1964, often celebrated for its engineering and driving experience, making it a frequent topic of discussion among car enthusiasts.
Ford Fiesta
"Getting rid of the Fiesta, these kinds of things, just very strange decisions indeed. And hopefully, Ford can work this out."
The Ford Fiesta is a small car that is easy to drive and park, making it great for city use. It's known for being affordable and fuel-efficient.
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that has been produced by Ford since 1976. It is known for its affordability, compact size, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for city driving.
Ford Capri
"... been baffling. It's almost GM-esque. The current capri is just the strangest choice ever on many levels...."
The Ford Capri is a stylish old sports car that many people loved back in the day. It's known for being fun to drive and has a lot of fans who like to fix them up and keep them running.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was produced from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, known for its stylish design and performance. It has a cult following and is often discussed in the context of classic car restoration and nostalgia.
Toyota FTME
"the UK government is going to invest 15 million into investigating the feasibility of Toyota's FTME concept becoming a production reality. If you don't know what this is, think the IQ as a quadricycle..."
The Toyota FTME is a small, two-door vehicle that Toyota is considering making for city driving. It's designed to help people get around in busy urban areas.
The Toyota FTME is a concept vehicle that aims to explore new forms of urban mobility. It is designed as a small, two-seater vehicle, emphasizing efficiency and practicality for city driving.
EV range
"...an actually frankly astonishing 91 mile EV range, potential for this to be built in the UK if it is deemed to be doable..."
EV range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. This is important to know because it helps you understand how practical the car is for daily use.
EV range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. It's an important factor for consumers considering electric vehicles, as it affects usability and convenience.
Toyota Corolla
"...the intention is to design and build the FTME at the Toyota Corolla plant in Bernester, and the University of Derby will conduct research into how it is used by prospective buyers."
The Toyota Corolla is a popular small car that many people choose because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's been around for a long time and is known for being a good value.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and efficiency, making it one of the best-selling cars worldwide. It has been produced in various generations since its introduction in 1966.
fully self-driving taxis
"...Waymo will be introducing its fully self-driving taxis to UK roads next year. With safety drivers."
Fully self-driving taxis are cars that can drive themselves without anyone controlling them. They use special technology to find their way and pick up passengers.
Fully self-driving taxis refer to vehicles that can operate without human intervention, using advanced sensors and software to navigate and transport passengers. These taxis are part of a growing trend towards autonomous transportation solutions.
Waymo
"...Waymo will be introducing its fully self-driving taxis to UK roads next year. With safety drivers."
Waymo is a company that makes self-driving cars. They are working on technology that allows cars to drive themselves without a human driver.
Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. and is known for developing self-driving car technology. They are at the forefront of autonomous vehicle research and deployment, particularly in urban environments.
driverless technology
"...a new government-backed pilot scheme that aims to accelerate the launch of driverless tech in the country..."
Driverless technology means cars can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. It's being developed to make driving safer and easier.
Driverless technology, also known as autonomous driving, refers to systems that allow a vehicle to navigate and operate without human intervention. This technology is being developed to improve safety and efficiency in transportation.
Jaguar Ipace
"...they're going to be using a fleet of specially adapted Jaguar I-PACE, just like we've all seen in San Francisco..."
The Jaguar I-PACE is a fully electric SUV made by Jaguar. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a good driving range, which means it can go a long distance on a single charge.
The Jaguar I-PACE is an all-electric SUV that combines performance with luxury and advanced technology. It is known for its impressive range and innovative features, making it a popular choice in the electric vehicle market.
Geely
"First one to titivate our eyes, ears, and excite our feelings is Geely. We all know Geely."
Geely is a car company from China that owns other famous car brands like Volvo and Lotus. They make cars and have a big presence in the automotive industry.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for owning several well-known brands, including Volvo and Lotus. It has expanded its influence in the global automotive market through acquisitions.
Geely EX5
"What they're launching in the UK is the first car under their branding is the EX5. It is a 4.6 meter long electric SUV positioned as a value alternative to the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer, and Tesla Model Y."
The Geely EX5 is a new electric SUV from the Chinese car company Geely. It's meant to be a more affordable option compared to other electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y.
The Geely EX5 is an electric SUV that represents the brand's entry into the UK market. It is designed to be a value alternative to other popular electric SUVs.
Skoda Enyaq
"It is a 4.6 meter long electric SUV positioned as a value alternative to the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer, and Tesla Model Y."
The Skoda Enyaq is an electric SUV made by Skoda. It's designed to be roomy and comes with the latest technology, making it a good choice for families.
The Skoda Enyaq is an electric SUV that is part of Skoda's lineup, offering a spacious interior and modern technology. It competes in the growing electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model
"...lternative to the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer, and Tesla Model Y. Yes, that's very much their tactic, isn't it, ..."
The Tesla Model Y is a new kind of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It's like an SUV, which means it's a bit bigger and can carry more people or stuff, and it's popular because it's good for the environment.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that offers a blend of performance, range, and technology. As part of Tesla's lineup, it represents the shift towards electric vehicles and is often compared to other SUVs in the market.
Ford Explorer
"...d as a value alternative to the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer, and Tesla Model Y. Yes, that's very much their t..."
London Electric Vehicle Company
"London Electric Vehicle Company. So same people that make taxis will say branding as the taxis."
This company makes electric taxis in London, which are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional vehicles.
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is known for manufacturing electric taxis and other vehicles. They focus on sustainable transport solutions, particularly in urban environments.
Chery Tiggo 9
"Do you want to tell us about the Chery Tiggo 9? It's a cheery little car. It's a big car."
The Chery Tiggo 9 is a larger SUV made by a Chinese company called Chery, aimed at families and those needing more space.
The Chery Tiggo 9 is a mid-size SUV produced by the Chinese automaker Chery. It is designed to compete in the growing SUV market with a focus on comfort and technology.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"The re-badged Mitsubishi Outlander."
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a family-friendly SUV that can carry a lot of passengers and cargo, making it a good choice for everyday use.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV known for its practicality and versatility. It offers a range of features suitable for families and is available in both gasoline and hybrid versions.
1.5 litre turbo petrol engine
"...it's going to come with a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine, and it's going to be mated up to the Cheery super hybrid drivetrain."
A 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine is a type of car engine that is 1.5 liters in size and uses a turbocharger to make it more powerful. This helps the car go faster while using less fuel.
A 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine refers to an internal combustion engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters that uses a turbocharger to increase power output. Turbo engines are known for providing better performance and efficiency compared to naturally aspirated engines of similar size.
Kia Sorento
"...it's shown as a against the Volkswagen Tyron and the Kia Sorento. And they're both vehicles with particularly decent towing ability."
The Kia Sorento is a roomy SUV that can carry families and their gear, and it can also tow trailers or other heavy items.
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and good towing capacity, making it suitable for families.
Volkswagen Tyron
"...it's shown as a against the Volkswagen Tyron and the Kia Sorento. And they're both vehicles with particularly decent towing ability."
The Volkswagen Tyron is a family-friendly SUV that offers good space and can tow things like trailers or boats.
The Volkswagen Tyron is a compact SUV known for its practicality and decent towing capabilities, making it a popular choice for families.
Ford Puma
"Yeah, yeah. It's a bit bigger than a Puma, isn't it? So it's looking at that."
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that looks sporty and is great for driving around town. It's bigger than a regular car but still easy to park and use for everyday activities.
The Ford Puma is a compact crossover SUV that combines sporty styling with practicality. Originally launched as a coupe in the late 1990s, the modern version is designed for urban driving and has gained popularity for its versatility.
drivetrain
"The idea of it is that this drivetrain is going to maximize efficiency on longer journeys,"
The drivetrain is the system in a car that helps it move by transferring power from the engine to the wheels. In hybrids, it combines both electric and gas power to save fuel.
The drivetrain refers to the components that deliver power to the wheels of a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and driveshaft. In hybrid vehicles, it often includes both electric and combustion elements to enhance efficiency.
Citroën Ds
"... is only the first part of it, and it's all about Citroën DS and the ID, and then how he feels that the DS is ..."
The Citroën DS is a really unique car that came out a long time ago and looks very different from most cars. It was famous for being advanced and stylish, and many people still admire it today.
The Citroën DS is a revolutionary car introduced in 1955, known for its futuristic design and advanced engineering for its time. It is often celebrated for its influence on automotive design and technology, making it a significant topic in car history discussions.
Citroën ID
"...it's all about Citroën DS and the ID,..."
The Citroën ID is a model related to the DS, designed to be a more budget-friendly version. It still had a stylish look and many of the same features as the DS, but at a lower price.
The Citroën ID was a variant of the DS, introduced as a more affordable option with slightly less advanced features. It maintained much of the distinctive styling and comfort of the DS, making it popular among buyers looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle.
Isuzu Trooper
"...I'm choosing the Isuzu Trooper, which was sold under..."
The Isuzu Trooper is an SUV made by the Isuzu company. It was built to be tough and good for off-road driving, which means it can handle rough terrains and outdoor adventures.
The Isuzu Trooper is a mid-size SUV that was produced by Isuzu from 1981 to 2002. It is known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts.
Vauxhall Monterey
"...you've got the Vauxhall Monterey, as we know, as well as the Opel version, the Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey as well."
The Vauxhall Monterey is another type of SUV made by Vauxhall, similar to the Isuzu Trooper. It was popular in the 1990s and is known for being roomy and good for off-road driving.
The Vauxhall Monterey is a mid-size SUV that was produced by Vauxhall in the 1990s. It shares its platform with the Isuzu Trooper and is known for its spacious interior and off-road capability.
Acura Slx
"... And then you realize it was sold in the US as an Acura SLX, and the Honda Horizon. So it was sold as a Honda..."
The Acura SLX is a fancy SUV that was sold in America a long time ago. It has nice features and can go off-road, which makes it different from other SUVs.
The Acura SLX is a luxury SUV that was sold in the U.S. in the 1990s, based on the Honda Passport. It is notable for its blend of luxury features and off-road capability, making it a unique offering in the Acura lineup.
Vauxhall Monaro
"...ing to plump for slide 30, and that is the Holden Monaro, which we knew as the Vauxhall Monaro, and the VX..."
Vauxhall VXR8
"...ro, which we knew as the Vauxhall Monaro, and the VXR8 later in the UK. That was it."
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a fast car that has a big engine and is built for people who love speed. It's part of a British brand and is popular among fans of powerful cars.
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a high-performance version of the Vauxhall Monaro, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty handling. It represents the performance-oriented side of the Vauxhall brand and is often discussed among enthusiasts of British muscle cars.
Pontiac Gto
"That was it. But it was also out as a Pontiac GTO, the Pontiac G8, the Chevrolet Lumina, the Capric..."
Pontiac G8
"...was it. But it was also out as a Pontiac GTO, the Pontiac G8, the Chevrolet Lumina, the Caprice, and the SS."
Holden Caprice
"...ac GTO, the Pontiac G8, the Chevrolet Lumina, the Caprice, and the SS."
The Holden Caprice is a large, fancy car from Australia that is really comfortable to ride in. It's often used by important people, like police and government officials, which makes it a notable car.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Holden in Australia, known for its spacious interior and comfort. It has been used as a police car and for government officials, making it significant in discussions about Australian automotive history.
Fiat 500
"...essentially, a few months ago, they bought a Fiat 500 and they bought it from a very nice lady called L..."
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