{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Swings, Roundabouts, etc. - 2 December 2025","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/swings-roundabouts-etc-2-december-2025","audioUrl":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/67fc2ff7-5544-43fd-922c-bb5321198b15.mp3","description":"UK AUTUMN BUDGET ANNOUNCED The UK Government finally announced the autumn Budget, after weeks of leaks and rumours. There was some motoring related aspects, most notable being from 2028 new electric and plug-in hybrid car drivers will have to pay-per-mile which is additional to previously announced measures. How this is to be run has yet to be decided, with a consultation being conducted in early 2026.More money is being allocated the Electric Car Grant, increasing the pot by a further £1.3 billion. Additionally, the luxury car tax will increase, only for EVs, to £50,000, following a lot of lobbying by industry. Click this EV Powered article link here, to read more. MOTABILITY FORCED TO REMOVE PREMIUM CARS FROM SCHEMEThanks to a dishonest and disgusting campaign, that attacked those with extra mobility needs, Motability has been forced to removed premium brand vehicles from their scheme before the Government caved to such abhorrent pressure and pushed to remove nice things from a segment of society. There are many reasons, both factual and moral, why this did not need to happen. Click this Autocar article link here, to read more. NCAP TO REVISE ADAS TESTING As this show has stated many times, along with others in the automotive media, the current raft of ADAS safety systems are not fit for use on public roads. NCAP has announced they are revising the testing standards and procedures for them. After admitting they are not good enough, by the way they will now be tested, NCAP is finally doing something. To read more, click this Autocar article link here. SOUTHEND-ON-SEA GETS BIG CHARGER BOOSTEV charging company Zest has been selected to install 3,000 public charging points across the city. This will be a mix of on-street chargers in lamp posts, as well as fast and rapid charging stations. If you want to read more, click this electrive article link here. NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE GETS SOME NEW CHARGERSBeliev has been chosen to install up to 470 fast and rapid chargers across the region, over the coming years. Very limited details have been revealed, such as some of the charging stations will be fitted to some ‘key’ car parks. To learn more, click this electrive article link here. GOVERNMENT DECIDES PHYSICS DOESN’T APPLY TO E-VANSThe UK Government, following hard lobbying by fleet operators who didn’t pay attention to details, is going to reclassify electric vans in a way that removes them from being classified as HGVs, even though they are overweight. One of the key elements of doing this will be not requiring a first year MOT. In the same week as it was shown that a quarter of all vans fail their first MOT. For more on the reclassification of e-vans, click this electrive article link here. To learn about one aspect that makes this a very dumb idea, click this Motoring Research article link here. If you..."},"annotations":[{"startTime":464.0,"endTime":470.0,"type":"concept","title":"Motability","url":"/glossary/motability","quote":"Yeah, this is this is Motability. Now, the thing about Motability, the story that caught everyone's eyes...","canonicalId":"concept:motability","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Motability is a UK government-backed leasing scheme that allows people with disabilities to lease new cars, paying only the cost of the car and insurance while the scheme covers the rest.","simplifiedExplanation":"Motability is a program that helps people with disabilities get new cars by paying just the car’s price and insurance. The government pays the rest, making it easier to afford a vehicle."}},{"startTime":493.0,"endTime":500.0,"type":"brand","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"then it would be unequivalent Persia voxel or even something that's not from Stellantis.","canonicalId":"brand:stellantis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A.S., owning brands like Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo, and more.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis is a big car company that owns many brands, such as Jeep and Dodge. It was created when two large companies joined together."}},{"startTime":555.0,"endTime":558.0,"type":"car","title":"Citroën EC3","quote":"So you're allowed a Renault Clio adacia jogger Citroen EC3, for example, is just fine.","canonicalId":"car:citroen-ec3","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Citroën EC3 is a compact car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën, popular in Europe for its affordability and distinctive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The EC3 is a small French car that many people buy because it’s cheap to run and has a unique look."}},{"startTime":555.0,"endTime":558.0,"type":"car","title":"Renault Clio","url":"/cars/renault/clio-5-doors","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/1999_Renault_Clio_5-door_Radio_101_edition.jpg","quote":"So you're allowed a Renault Clio adacia jogger Citroen EC3, for example, is just fine.","canonicalId":"car:renault:clio-5-doors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Renault Clio is a compact hatchback produced by the French automaker Renault, known for its practicality and fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Clio is a small, everyday car from France that many people use for city driving because it’s easy to park and doesn’t use a lot of gas.","imageAttribution":"Corvettec6r (CC0)"}},{"startTime":570.0,"endTime":572.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes-Benz","url":"/glossary/mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","quote":"The people who were getting or were trying to choose a Mercedes or an Audi were paying the difference.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for high-quality engineering, advanced technology, and prestigious status.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes-Benz makes fancy cars that are often more expensive but also very reliable and comfortable."}},{"startTime":570.0,"endTime":572.0,"type":"brand","title":"Audi","url":"/glossary/audi","quote":"The people who were getting or were trying to choose a Mercedes or an Audi were paying the difference.","canonicalId":"brand:audi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Audi is a German automaker that produces luxury vehicles, known for its quattro all-wheel-drive system and modern design.","simplifiedExplanation":"Audi makes stylish cars that are often more expensive but offer good performance and safety features."}},{"startTime":704.0,"endTime":710.0,"type":"concept","title":"Euro NCAP","url":"/glossary/euro-ncap","quote":"And failing at doing that right now, the new Euro NCAP tests, they are responding to consumer criticism.","canonicalId":"concept:euro-ncap","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is an independent safety testing organization that evaluates new cars for crash protection, pedestrian safety, and other safety features. Their ratings influence consumer perception and can affect sales.","simplifiedExplanation":"Euro NCAP is a group that tests cars in Europe to see how safe they are. They give stars or points so people know which cars protect them better in crashes."}},{"startTime":858.0,"endTime":864.0,"type":"concept","title":"battery isolation in EVs","url":"/glossary/battery-isolation-in-evs","quote":"How was that not a thing already? I want might ask one might ask. Certainly the second one, the first one I can see not having been a thing because nobody would have thought that anybody was stupid enough to build door handles that electrically retracted to the body of the car and then can't be used unless it popped out again.","canonicalId":"concept:battery-isolation-in-evs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Battery isolation refers to the separation of high-voltage battery packs from other vehicle systems during a crash or fault condition, preventing electrical arcing and reducing fire risk. Modern EVs use disconnect switches and protective relays to achieve this.","simplifiedExplanation":"Battery isolation means keeping the car’s big battery separate from everything else if something goes wrong, so it doesn’t spark or catch fire."}},{"startTime":1324.0,"endTime":1335.0,"type":"concept","title":"three and a half tonne","url":"/glossary/three-and-a-half-tonne","quote":"[1324.0s] We are so familiar in this in the UK with the idea of the three and a half tonne. [1329.0s] So like good vehicles up to three and a half tons.","canonicalId":"concept:three-and-a-half-tonne","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"In the UK, commercial vehicles are classified by weight; a three‑and‑a‑half‑tonne limit is the threshold below which certain tax and regulatory benefits apply. Vehicles lighter than this can be used for delivery, courier or light freight work without the heavier vehicle licensing requirements.","simplifiedExplanation":"If a van weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, it can be driven with a standard car licence and gets lower taxes. Anything heavier needs special permits."}},{"startTime":1344.0,"endTime":1350.0,"type":"concept","title":"four and a quarter tons","url":"/glossary/four-and-a-quarter-tons","quote":"[1344.0s] Then our EVs, not so they're three and a half tons up so that they're four and a quarter tons will still fit under the three and a half ton regulations.","canonicalId":"concept:four-and-a-quarter-tons","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The government plan will reclassify electric vans that weigh up to 4.25 tonnes as still falling under the three‑and‑a‑half‑tonne category for tax purposes, effectively giving them a weight advantage. This means heavier electric vans can avoid higher taxes and licensing costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electric vans that weigh up to 4.25 tonnes will still get the same tax benefits as lighter vans, even though they are heavier than 3.5 tonnes."}},{"startTime":1450.0,"endTime":1465.0,"type":"term","title":"MOT test","url":"/glossary/mot-test","quote":"[1450.0s] Hunting out that one in four UK vans feel their first MOT test.\n[1456.0s] And that the failure rate for like commercial vehicles, like what we've just been talking about, is more than twice the rate recorded for cars.\n[1465.0s] And the only 12.6% of cars fail their first MOT, but 25% of vans fail their first MOT.","canonicalId":"term:mot-test","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual safety and emissions inspection required for vehicles in the UK. It checks items like brakes, lights, tires, and exhaust to ensure the car meets minimum roadworthiness standards.","simplifiedExplanation":"In the UK, every car must pass a yearly check called an MOT test. It’s like a health check for your vehicle, making sure things like brakes and lights are working properly so you can drive safely."}},{"startTime":1841.0,"endTime":1845.0,"type":"car","title":"Renault Trafic e-Tech 2026","url":"/cars/renault/trafic","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Marennes_17_Renault-Trafic_La_Cayenne_2014.jpg","quote":"[1841.0s] The 2026 Renault traffic e-tech has been unveiled.","canonicalId":"car:renault:trafic","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Renault Trafic e-Tech is a new electric‑powered commercial van introduced for the 2026 model year, offering zero‑emission driving and a range suitable for urban logistics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Renault’s Trafic e-Tech is a van that runs on electricity, so it doesn’t use gasoline and produces no exhaust fumes. It’s designed for businesses that need to move goods around town.","imageAttribution":"JLPC (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":1934.0,"endTime":1937.0,"type":"term","title":"V12","url":"/glossary/v12","quote":"So this eTech also features V12.","canonicalId":"term:v12","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A V12 engine has twelve cylinders arranged in two banks of six, forming a 'V' shape. It delivers smooth power and high torque, often used in luxury or performance vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V12 is a type of car engine with twelve cylinders. It’s powerful and smooth, usually found in fancy or high‑performance cars."}},{"startTime":1964.0,"endTime":1975.0,"type":"term","title":"skateboard chassis","url":"/glossary/skateboard-chassis","quote":"Also the new skateboard traffic chassis has allowed them to optimize the car capacity relative to the footprint, lower its height.","canonicalId":"term:skateboard-chassis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A skateboard chassis is a low, flat platform that supports the vehicle's drivetrain and suspension, allowing for better weight distribution and easier integration of components.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of a skateboard: the flat board holds everything together. In cars, this design keeps parts close to the ground and makes the car lighter."}},{"startTime":2005.0,"endTime":2012.0,"type":"concept","title":"Android Automotive OS","url":"/glossary/android-automotive-os","quote":"It makes a point, this article by Matt Allen makes a point of saying that it has a 12 inch touchscreen or any Android automotive.","canonicalId":"concept:android-automotive-os","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Android Automotive OS is a mobile operating system developed by Google, designed to run natively on vehicles for infotainment and vehicle control functions.","simplifiedExplanation":"It's like the software that runs on a car's screen, made by Google. It lets you use apps and control the car from the dashboard."}},{"startTime":2063.0,"endTime":2075.0,"type":"brand","title":"Lexus","url":"/glossary/lexus","quote":"I have a little Android computer fitted in the Lexus, which runs a car play for me","canonicalId":"brand:lexus","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Lexus is a luxury vehicle division of Toyota, offering high-end sedans, SUVs, and hybrids.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lexus is a fancy car brand that makes luxury cars and SUVs, owned by the Japanese company Toyota."}},{"startTime":2148.0,"endTime":2157.0,"type":"car","title":"Genesis Magma GT concept","quote":"[2144.0s] And now we are going to something that really isn't.\n[2148.0s] And this is the Genesis Magma GT concept that was revealed last week.\n[2156.0s] Now, the whole point behind this is it underlines Genesis desire to be a racing brand.","canonicalId":"car:genesis-magma-gt-concept","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Genesis Magma GT concept is a futuristic, high‑performance vehicle unveiled by Genesis, the luxury brand of Kia. It showcases advanced styling cues and technology that hint at Genesis’s ambitions in motorsport, particularly for endurance events like Le Mans.","simplifiedExplanation":"Genesis is a luxury car brand owned by Kia. The Magma GT concept is a new, show‑room model that looks like it could be very fast and fancy, and it shows the brand’s plans to race in big events like Le Mans."}},{"startTime":2298.0,"endTime":2301.9,"type":"concept","title":"GTs","url":"/glossary/gts","quote":"It's not like many other GTs out there at the moment. Because a lot of the GTs are very recognizable road cars like the AMG, the BMW.","canonicalId":"concept:gts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"GT stands for \"Grand Tourer,\" a type of high-performance luxury car designed for long-distance driving with both comfort and speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"A GT is a fancy car that’s built to be fast and comfortable for long trips. Think of it as a sporty, luxury sedan that can go really well on highways."}},{"startTime":2302.0,"endTime":2304.5,"type":"brand","title":"AMG","url":"/glossary/amg","quote":"Because a lot of the GTs are very recognizable road cars like the AMG, the BMW.","canonicalId":"brand:amg","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"AMG is the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, producing powerful and sport-tuned versions of standard Mercedes models.","simplifiedExplanation":"AMG makes super-fast and sporty versions of regular Mercedes cars. They add more power, better handling, and a cooler look."}},{"startTime":2302.0,"endTime":2304.5,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"Because a lot of the GTs are very recognizable road cars like the AMG, the BMW.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"BMW is a German automaker known for its performance-oriented vehicles, often featuring rear-wheel drive and boxer engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW makes cars that are fun to drive, with good handling and a sporty feel. They’re famous for their \"Bavarian\" engineering."}},{"startTime":2310.0,"endTime":2312.5,"type":"brand","title":"Ferrari","url":"/glossary/ferrari","quote":"That sort of thing and the Ferrari. This is because it's a totally new thing for Genesis as well.","canonicalId":"brand:ferrari","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer renowned for its high-performance, iconic designs and racing heritage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari makes very fast, beautiful cars that are also race cars. They’re known for their red color and sleek style."}},{"startTime":2349.0,"endTime":2350.0,"type":"car","title":"McLaren P1","url":"/cars/mclaren/p1","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/2014_McLaren_P1_3.8.jpg","quote":"[2349.0s] McLaren P1.","canonicalId":"car:mclaren:p1","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The McLaren P1 is a limited‑run, high‑performance hybrid supercar produced by the British manufacturer McLaren Automotive. It combines a twin‑turbocharged V8 with an electric motor to deliver over 1,000 horsepower and blistering acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"The McLaren P1 is a very fast, rare car made by the British company McLaren. It uses both an engine and electric power to go super quick.","imageAttribution":"Chelsea Jay (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2353.0,"endTime":2355.0,"type":"brand","title":"Bugatti","url":"/glossary/bugatti","quote":"[2353.0s] It's a little more bugatti I think.","canonicalId":"brand:bugatti","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Bugatti is a French luxury automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance hypercars such as the Chiron and Veyron.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bugatti makes very fast, expensive cars that are famous for their speed and style."}},{"startTime":2355.0,"endTime":2358.0,"type":"brand","title":"Noble","url":"/glossary/noble","quote":"[2355.0s] I'm also getting the noble.","canonicalId":"brand:noble","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Noble Automotive is a British manufacturer that builds lightweight, high-performance sports cars like the Noble M600.","simplifiedExplanation":"Noble makes small, fast cars that are popular among car enthusiasts for their handling and power."}},{"startTime":2602.0,"endTime":2605.0,"type":"term","title":"pop-up headlamps","url":"/glossary/pop-up-headlamps","quote":"Because why would you not want a two‑seater saloon with pop-up headlamps and four wheel steering?","canonicalId":"term:pop-up-headlamps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Pop‑up headlamps are headlights that retract into the car’s body when not in use, creating a sleeker appearance and reducing drag.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are headlights that can be pushed up into the car’s front when you turn them on, and they sit flat against the body when off. They make the car look cleaner."}},{"startTime":2602.0,"endTime":2608.0,"type":"term","title":"four wheel steering","url":"/glossary/four-wheel-steering","quote":"Because why would you not want a two‑seater saloon with pop-up headlamps and four wheel steering?","canonicalId":"term:four-wheel-steering","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Four‑wheel steering allows the rear wheels to turn in addition to the front wheels, improving maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means the car can turn its back wheels too, not just the front ones. This helps it turn tighter in parking lots and stay steadier when driving fast."}},{"startTime":2680.7,"endTime":2690.5,"type":"company","title":"Aerodec","url":"/glossary/aerodec","quote":"Well, I of course had the accord aerodec of that milk. Exactly.","canonicalId":"company:aerodec","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Aerodec is a specialty automotive parts manufacturer known for producing high‑performance aftermarket components such as wheels, brakes, and suspension upgrades.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aerodec makes parts that can make a car look cooler or drive better. They’re popular with people who want to upgrade their cars."}},{"startTime":2741.2,"endTime":2751.7,"type":"term","title":"BTCC","url":"/glossary/btcc","quote":"So if you want to gen you in Alam and you BTCC Renault Laguna, this is your opportunity.","canonicalId":"term:btcc","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"BTCC stands for British Touring Car Championship, a popular touring car racing series in the United Kingdom featuring modified production cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"BTCC is a racing competition in the UK where drivers race cars that are based on regular street models but have been upgraded for speed and safety."}},{"startTime":2785.2,"endTime":2796.5,"type":"part","title":"mountain bike rack","url":"/glossary/mountain-bike-rack","quote":"with mountain bike racks instead of the rear luggage compartment","canonicalId":"part:mountain-bike-rack","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A mountain bike rack is a mounting system that attaches to the rear of a vehicle, allowing riders to transport bikes securely. They often feature adjustable arms and protective covers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A bike rack is a piece of hardware you put on the back of a car so you can carry bikes inside or outside. It keeps them safe while you drive."}},{"startTime":2785.2,"endTime":2796.5,"type":"car","title":"Citroën Kangoo 4x4","quote":"But there's the one that made me laugh, which is the sort of kangoo four by four with mountain bike racks instead of the rear luggage compartment.","canonicalId":"car:citroen-kangoo-4x4","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Citroën Kangoo 4x4 is a compact van that was offered with four‑wheel drive, making it suitable for off‑road or utility use. It’s often used as a work vehicle or for recreational conversions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kangoo 4x4 is a small van from the French maker Citroën that can drive on all four wheels, so it’s handy for rough roads or carrying heavy stuff. It’s popular for people who need a versatile, budget‑friendly vehicle."}},{"startTime":2790.0,"endTime":2808.5,"type":"car","title":"Subaru Baja","url":"/cars/subaru/baja","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/2003_Subaru_Baja%2C_front_left%2C_09-07-2024.jpg","quote":"Subaru Baja or what's a little tour to open deck. Yes. Yeah. So I can imagine","canonicalId":"car:subaru:baja","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Subaru Baja is a compact pickup truck produced by Subaru in the early 2000s. It combined a van‑like cab with a pickup bed, making it useful for both family and work tasks.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Baja is a small pickup truck from Subaru that looks like a van but has a cargo bed in the back. It’s good for carrying tools, groceries, or even pets.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Motoring Podcast","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/swings-roundabouts-etc-2-december-2025/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}