Software woes persist; BMW’s humanoid robot expansion
About this episode
Software issues continue to challenge automakers, with Ford recalling millions of pickups due to a trailer brake software fault fixable via OTA updates. BMW is expanding its humanoid robot program after successful trials, focusing on automating repetitive and hazardous tasks in manufacturing. Wide Whale CEO Kyler Owens discusses customer satisfaction trends at dealerships, emphasizing communication and staff as key factors. The episode also touches on Chinese automakers' uncertain path to the US market and executive compensation at Stellantis, offering a broad view of current automotive industry dynamics.
Software problems continue to plague automakers as J.D. Power finds infotainment remains the least reliable vehicle component. BMW’s humanoid robots move past the pilot stage. Plus, Widewail’s Cuyler Owens talks about dealership service communication trends.
software-defined vehicles
"Software problems continue to plague automakers as they push toward software-defined vehicles."
These are cars that use computer programs to control many parts of the car, so they can get new features or fixes by updating the software without needing to visit a shop.
Software-defined vehicles are cars where much of the functionality and features are controlled or enhanced through software rather than hardware alone, allowing updates and new features to be added remotely.
infotainment
"According to JD Power's latest dependability study, infotainment remains the least reliable part of vehicles with persistent issues connecting phones to cars."
This is the screen and system in a car that lets you listen to music, use maps, and connect your phone.
Infotainment systems are the integrated multimedia systems in vehicles that provide entertainment, navigation, and connectivity features.
over-the-air updates
"Even more telling, 58% of owners who received over-the-air updates said they noticed no difference in their vehicle. Only 27% reported improved experience."
This means the car can get new software or fixes through the internet, like how your phone updates apps automatically.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates are wireless software updates sent to vehicles remotely, allowing manufacturers to fix bugs or add features without requiring a physical service visit.
Ford Expedition
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits."
The Ford Expedition is a big SUV that can carry many people and pull trailers. It is good for families and trips with lots of stuff.
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It is popular among families and those needing extra cargo space.
Ford F150S
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and towing. The newer versions from 2021 to 2026 have lots of new features and can pull trailers.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. The 2021-2026 models are part of the latest generation featuring advanced technology and towing capabilities.
Ford F-250
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits."
The Ford F-250 is a bigger, stronger truck than the F-150, used for heavy work and pulling big trailers. The newer versions have updated technology.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for tougher jobs and heavier towing compared to the F-150. Newer models include advanced features and improved performance.
Ford Ranger
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits."
The Ford Ranger is a medium-sized truck that is easier to park and drive than big trucks but can still carry and pull stuff.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that balances utility and maneuverability. It is popular for everyday use and light-duty towing.
Lincoln Navigator
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits."
The Lincoln Navigator is a big, fancy SUV that can carry lots of people and has many luxury features for comfort and style.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV made by Ford's luxury brand Lincoln. It offers premium features and spacious seating, often used for comfortable family or executive transport.
Ford Maverick
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits."
The Ford Maverick is a smaller truck that uses less gas and is easier to drive around town compared to big trucks.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck introduced recently, known for its smaller size and hybrid powertrain option, making it more fuel-efficient than traditional trucks.
Ford Etransits
"The recall covers 2021-2026 F-150s along with newer F-250s, navigators, expeditions, mavericks and some rangers in e-transits. The problem happens when towing, the integrated trailer module, can lose communication with"
The Ford E-Transit is a big electric van used by businesses to carry stuff without using gas. It’s important because it helps reduce pollution. Recently, some of these vans had a problem when pulling trailers, which is why there was a recall.
The Ford E-Transit is an all-electric version of Ford's popular Transit van, designed primarily for commercial use with zero emissions. It represents Ford's push into electric commercial vehicles, offering a practical solution for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The mention in the recall context highlights some technical issues related to towing and the integrated trailer module in recent models.
integrated trailer module
"The problem happens when towing, the integrated trailer module, can lose communication with the vehicle, cutting out brake and turn signal lights or brake function entirely."
The integrated trailer module is a part of the truck that helps control the trailer's brakes and lights so everything works safely when you tow something.
The integrated trailer module is an electronic control unit in vehicles that manages trailer-related functions such as trailer brake control and lighting signals. It ensures proper communication between the vehicle and the trailer for safety and compliance.
over-the-air software update
"Ford says it'll fix it with an over-the-air software update."
An over-the-air update means the car can get new software or fixes through the internet without going to a shop, like updating your phone apps.
An over-the-air software update is a method for automakers to remotely send software fixes or improvements to vehicles via wireless communication, eliminating the need for a physical service visit.
BMW
"BMW's robot capabilities."
BMW is a company that makes cars and uses robots to help build them faster and better.
BMW is a German automotive manufacturer known for luxury vehicles and advanced engineering, including innovations in manufacturing automation such as robots.
Humanoid Robot
"The Humanoid Robot saga continues here."
A humanoid robot is a machine that looks and moves like a person and can help with work in factories.
Humanoid robots are robots designed to resemble and mimic human movements and actions, often used in manufacturing to perform tasks that require dexterity and precision.
humanoids
"Now, with Tesla, Mercedes and Hyundai all racing to deploy these humanoids and Morgan Stanley projecting this could be a five trillion dollar market by 2050."
Humanoids are robots that look or act like people and can do jobs for humans, especially in factories.
Humanoids in this context refer to robots designed to perform tasks typically done by humans, often mimicking human form and movements, used in manufacturing and automation.
Mercedes-Benz
"Now, with Tesla, Mercedes and Hyundai all racing to deploy these humanoids..."
Mercedes-Benz makes fancy, comfortable cars that many people like for their quality and features.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for producing premium cars, trucks, and buses with advanced technology and comfort.
Tesla
"Now, with Tesla, Mercedes and Hyundai all racing to deploy these humanoids..."
Tesla makes electric cars that run on batteries instead of gas and is famous for its high-tech features.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company known for its innovative electric cars and autonomous driving technology.
Hyundai
"Now, with Tesla, Mercedes and Hyundai all racing to deploy these humanoids..."
Hyundai makes cars that many people buy because they are affordable and dependable.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of affordable and reliable vehicles globally.
manufacturing flexibility
"Is this about manufacturing flexibility? Are automakers worried about being left behind in the next automation wave?"
Manufacturing flexibility means factories can easily change what or how many things they make without a lot of extra work.
Manufacturing flexibility refers to the ability of a production system to adapt quickly to changes in product types or volumes, often through automation or versatile machinery.
automation wave
"Are automakers worried about being left behind in the next automation wave? What's the driving force here?"
Automation wave means more machines and robots are being used to do jobs instead of people, especially in factories.
The automation wave refers to the increasing use of robots and automated systems in industries to perform tasks previously done by humans, improving efficiency and safety.
plant jobs
""And if you ask me, it's a very fine line because of the fact that plant jobs are usually good career jobs. However, a lot of those jobs are very, very difficult and they take a lot out of the individuals.""
Plant jobs are the kinds of work people do inside factories where cars or parts are made. These jobs can be steady but sometimes hard because they involve doing the same tasks many times.
Plant jobs refer to employment positions within a manufacturing facility, often involving assembly line work or specialized tasks such as welding. These jobs are typically considered stable career opportunities but can be physically demanding and repetitive.
robotics in manufacturing
""And they were talking today about, you know, again, using these robots to do the jobs that are dangerous or repetitive or just boring or very, very much demanding, as well as working side by side and or fencing off the robot.""
Robots are machines that help people in factories by doing jobs that might be unsafe or boring. They can work next to people or behind fences to keep everyone safe.
Robotics in manufacturing involves using automated machines to perform tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or require high precision. Robots can work alongside humans or be separated by safety barriers to improve efficiency and safety in car production plants.
Chinese automakers entering the US market
"Chinese automakers want to enter the US market, but the path forward is anything but clear. ... Coming in and getting a foothold is only the beginning, but from there until you establish yourself as a kind of an Americanized brand,"
Chinese car companies want to sell cars in the U.S., but it's not easy. They have to follow rules and make cars that American buyers like.
Chinese automakers face significant challenges entering the US market due to regulatory, political, and consumer perception issues. Establishing a foothold requires adapting to American market expectations and regulations.
Commerce Department ban
"explains the real obstacles to Chinese vehicles reaching American driveways, including the Commerce Department ban."
The Commerce Department ban is a rule that stops some cars from other countries from being sold in the U.S. It can make it hard for those car companies to sell their cars here.
The Commerce Department ban refers to restrictions imposed by the U.S. Commerce Department that can limit or prohibit certain imports, including vehicles from specific countries, affecting market access for automakers.
JD Power
"I know sitting out on the JD Power event that they talked about there being flat sales this year, so I see that persisting."
JD Power is a company that studies how happy car buyers are and how well cars sell, helping people understand which cars are good.
JD Power is a global marketing information services company known for its customer satisfaction research and automotive industry studies, including vehicle quality and sales trends.
loaner car
""There's another aspect and we really track loaner car availability and variable transportation.""
A loaner car is a car you can use for a short time when your own car is in the shop getting fixed. It helps you get around while your car is being worked on.
A loaner car is a temporary vehicle provided by a dealership or repair shop to customers while their own car is being serviced or repaired. This helps customers maintain mobility and convenience during wait times.
fixed operations
"Fixed operations because people are holding onto their cars a little bit longer. You think about affordability and the cost of vehicles going up."
Fixed operations are the part of a car dealership that works on your car and sells parts, not the part that sells new cars.
Fixed operations refer to the parts of a car dealership business that generate revenue from services like maintenance, repairs, and parts sales, as opposed to selling new or used cars.
defection to third-party shops
"I think the opportunity on the service side and with fixed operations is really, really guarding against defection to third-party shops, right?"
Sometimes people take their cars to other repair shops instead of the dealer because it might be cheaper or easier.
Defection to third-party shops refers to customers choosing to have their vehicle serviced or repaired at independent garages or service centers instead of the original dealership, often due to cost or convenience.
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