{"version":"1.1.0","producer":"fm.getcarcurious","layer":"official","episode":{"title":"The Automaker That Takes Design Very Seriously? Kia. Surprised? Here's Why...","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-automaker-that-takes-design-very-seriously-kia-surprised-here-s-why","audioUrl":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/drivencarreviews/Kia_Design_Milan-SD_480p.mov?dest-id=185214","description":"Think great automotive design is only for high-end luxury and performance vehicles? Not necessary. Starting 20 years ago after stealing Peter Schreyer from the Volkswagen Group, Kia has quietly built an impressive portfolio of original award-winning automotive design. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week 2026 to show how the company is serious about staying true to its concept car designs. Kia's Global Head of Design, Karim Habib (formerly of BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes Benz) offers interesting insight, stuff you may not have thought about when it comes to the way your car looks. Plus, a close look at the Vision Meta Turismo concept. Tom was attended a Hyundai/Kia event to produce this story. All editorial content is his own opinion."},"annotations":[{"id":448400,"startTime":11.6,"endTime":19.8,"type":"place","title":"Milan, Italy","url":"/glossary/milan-italy","quote":"Welcome to Milan, Italy. It's design week and when I think design, I think cars because cars are not just transportation.","canonicalId":"place:milan-italy","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Milan, Italy is a major global design hub and the setting for “design week,” where automakers and other industries showcase new ideas. In this segment, the host uses Milan as a backdrop to talk about Kia’s design focus and presence.","simplifiedExplanation":"Milan is a famous design city in Italy. The episode is talking about design week there, and how Kia is showing off its design thinking.","sourceStartTime":11.6,"sourceEndTime":19.8}},{"id":448401,"startTime":34.6,"endTime":42.0,"type":"person","title":"Karim Habib","url":"/glossary/karim-habib","quote":"I had access to Kia's global head of design, Karim Habib, who spent years at BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz.","canonicalId":"person:karim-habib","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Karim Habib is Kia’s global head of design in this segment. The host notes he previously worked at BMW, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz, which frames his design perspective as informed by multiple premium brands.","simplifiedExplanation":"Karim Habib is the person Kia brought in to lead design. The host mentions he previously worked at several major car brands, so his ideas come from a lot of experience.","sourceStartTime":34.6,"sourceEndTime":42.0}},{"id":448402,"startTime":48.1,"endTime":56.0,"type":"term","title":"virtual reality","url":"/glossary/virtual-reality","quote":"Obviously we use virtual reality a lot. When we design our cars, even when we make the decisions, when we have multiple designs,","canonicalId":"term:virtual-reality","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment that lets designers and decision-makers “step into” a car’s look and proportions before a physical model exists. In this segment, Kia uses VR to review design choices with executives and compare alternatives.","simplifiedExplanation":"Virtual reality is a way to look at something in a computer-made 3D world. Kia uses it so leaders can judge how a car will look before they build a real model.","sourceStartTime":48.1,"sourceEndTime":56.0}},{"id":448403,"startTime":116.8,"endTime":126.8,"type":"person","title":"Peter Schreier","url":"/glossary/peter-schreier","quote":"In 2006, it hired Peter Schreier away from the Volkswagen Group to elevate the South Korean automakers lineup.","canonicalId":"person:peter-schreier","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Peter Schreier is referenced as a key design hire for Kia in 2006. The segment frames his move from the Volkswagen Group as a turning point meant to elevate Kia’s design and overall “upmarket” feel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Peter Schreier is a designer Kia hired in 2006. The host presents it as a major step to make Kia’s cars look and feel more premium.","sourceStartTime":116.8,"sourceEndTime":126.8}},{"id":448404,"startTime":116.8,"endTime":126.8,"type":"company","title":"Volkswagen Group","url":"/glossary/volkswagen-group","quote":"In 2006, it hired Peter Schreier away from the Volkswagen Group to elevate the South Korean automakers lineup.","canonicalId":"company:volkswagen-group","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Group is a large automotive conglomerate that owns multiple brands and has major design and engineering resources. Here, it’s relevant because Kia hired Peter Schreier away from the Volkswagen Group to elevate its lineup’s design direction.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Group is a big company that owns several car brands. The episode says Kia hired a top designer from that group to improve Kia’s design.","sourceStartTime":116.8,"sourceEndTime":126.8}},{"id":448405,"startTime":141.1,"endTime":150.2,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV3","url":"/cars/kia/ev3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/2024_Kia_EV3_SV_%281%29.jpg","quote":"This is the EV3 Concepts and the production version that they showed at the New York Auto Show looks awfully familiar.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev3","priority":0.65,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “EV3 Concepts” refers to Kia’s concept-car preview for an upcoming electric vehicle. The segment emphasizes that Kia’s concept work is closely tied to the eventual production design, so the concept’s styling cues carry over to the real car.","simplifiedExplanation":"“EV3 Concepts” is Kia’s preview design for an upcoming electric car. The point here is that Kia’s concept version already looks very close to the production car.","imageAttribution":"Avante2025 (CC BY 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Kia_EV3_SV_(1).jpg","sourceStartTime":141.1,"sourceEndTime":150.2}},{"id":448406,"startTime":141.1,"endTime":150.2,"type":"topic","title":"New York Auto Show","url":"/glossary/new-york-auto-show","quote":"This is the EV3 Concepts and the production version that they showed at the New York Auto Show looks awfully familiar.","canonicalId":"topic:new-york-auto-show","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The New York Auto Show is a major North American auto event where automakers reveal concept cars and production vehicles. In this segment, it’s used as the moment when Kia’s production version was shown, allowing comparison to the EV3 concept.","simplifiedExplanation":"The New York Auto Show is a big car event where brands show off new cars. Here, it’s where Kia showed the production version so the host could compare it to the concept.","sourceStartTime":141.1,"sourceEndTime":150.2}},{"id":448407,"startTime":158.0,"endTime":167.3,"type":"term","title":"Opposites United","url":"/glossary/opposites-united","quote":"Kia calls its design language Opposites United, which uses the tension of unusual pairings to add dynamics to the visuals.","canonicalId":"term:opposites-united","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Opposites United is Kia’s named design language. The segment explains it as using “tension of unusual pairings” to create more dynamic, distinctive visual character in the styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Opposites United is Kia’s official design theme. The idea is that Kia combines contrasting elements to make the car look more energetic and interesting.","sourceStartTime":158.0,"sourceEndTime":167.3}},{"id":448408,"startTime":172.9,"endTime":181.5,"type":"term","title":"star map lighting elements","url":"/glossary/star-map-lighting-elements","quote":"there are similarities like the star map lighting elements that, if you squint, look like astrological maps.","canonicalId":"term:star-map-lighting-elements","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Star map lighting elements” describes a specific lighting design motif Kia uses—lights arranged or shaped to resemble a star chart. The host suggests they can look like astrological maps, tying the lighting signature to Kia’s broader design language.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Star map lighting elements” means the car’s lights are designed to look like a star chart. The host compares the pattern to something you’d see in astrology.","sourceStartTime":172.9,"sourceEndTime":181.5}},{"id":448409,"startTime":182.2,"endTime":191.68,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV2","url":"/cars/kia/ev2","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/2026_Kia_EV2_GT-Line.png","quote":"... squint, look like astrological maps. This is the EV2 Concepts. It will be built, unfortunately, we pro...","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev2","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV2 is an electric vehicle concept that previews Kia’s next steps in smaller, more mainstream EV sizing. It’s brought up because concept cars often hint at the look, interior direction, and overall design goals of a future production model. The podcast context suggests it’s expected to be built, which is why it’s worth discussing even before it’s on the road.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV2 is a concept car, meaning it’s a preview of what a future electric Kia could look like and how it might be built. Concept cars help show design ideas before a real customer version exists. The podcast mentions it because it may eventually turn into a production EV.","imageAttribution":"AutoGids (CC BY 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2026_Kia_EV2_GT-Line.png","sourceStartTime":182.2,"sourceEndTime":191.68}},{"id":448410,"startTime":197.6,"endTime":206.6,"type":"term","title":"EGMP platform","url":"/glossary/egmp-platform","quote":"It's built on the EGMP platform, which underpins both Kia and Hyundai electric vehicles.","canonicalId":"term:egmp-platform","priority":0.85,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"EGMP is Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform, a shared EV architecture used across multiple models. Using the same platform helps automakers standardize battery, drive, and packaging choices, which can speed development and improve efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"EGMP is the shared “EV building system” Hyundai and Kia use for their electric cars. It’s like a common foundation that helps them design different EVs more efficiently.","sourceStartTime":197.6,"sourceEndTime":206.6}},{"id":448411,"startTime":206.62,"endTime":215.54,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Ioniq","url":"/cars/hyundai/ioniq","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/BEV_EPA_range_comparison_2016-2017_MY_priced_under_50K_US.png","quote":"At Design Week, Hyundai took the wraps off its IONIQ 3, which is about the same size as the EV2, should be no surprise.","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:ioniq","priority":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is an EV concept-to-production design study that previews Hyundai’s next styling direction. In this segment, it’s used to connect the EV2 Concept’s size and the brand’s new design language.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is an electric car concept that hints at what Hyundai’s future EVs will look like. Here, the host says it’s roughly the same size as the EV2 Concept and shares the same design direction.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BEV_EPA_range_comparison_2016-2017_MY_priced_under_50K_US.png","sourceStartTime":206.62,"sourceEndTime":215.54}},{"id":448412,"startTime":206.62,"endTime":215.54,"type":"car","title":"Ioniq 3","url":"/cars/hyundai/ioniq-3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Hyundai_Ioniq_9_IMG_5944.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail","quote":"...s. At Design Week, Hyundai took the wraps off its IONIQ 3, which is about the same size as the EV2, should ...","canonicalId":"car:ioniq:3","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ioniq 3 is a Hyundai electric concept revealed at Design Week, positioned as a vehicle roughly similar in size to the EV2 concept mentioned in the discussion. It matters because it shows Hyundai’s design and product direction for upcoming EVs, including how they plan to package space and styling in that segment. That’s why it’s referenced alongside other concept EVs in the episode.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ioniq 3 is an electric concept car from Hyundai that was shown at an event focused on design. It’s meant to give a preview of a future EV, including its size and general layout. The podcast brings it up because it’s in the same general “category” as other upcoming concept EVs.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hyundai_Ioniq_9_IMG_5944.jpg","sourceStartTime":206.62,"sourceEndTime":215.54}},{"id":448413,"startTime":216.3,"endTime":221.2,"type":"term","title":"Art of Steel","url":"/glossary/art-of-steel","quote":"The IONIQ wears Hyundai's new design language that it calls the Art of Steel.","canonicalId":"term:art-of-steel","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Art of Steel” is Hyundai’s named design language for its vehicles, emphasizing how steel-like shapes and surfaces can be used to create distinctive styling. The host describes it as something developed through sketches and physical paper models before being applied to the IONIQ 3.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Art of Steel” is Hyundai’s branding name for a new way of designing car shapes. The idea is to make the car’s look feel like it’s built from strong, sculpted “steel” forms.","sourceStartTime":216.3,"sourceEndTime":221.2}},{"id":448414,"startTime":256.64,"endTime":265.14,"type":"car","title":"Boulder Suv","url":"/cars/hyundai/boulder","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/2027_Hyundai_Boulder_Concept.jpg","quote":"but you will see this design language in upcoming models like the Boulder SUV, which was shown at the New York Auto Show.","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:boulder","priority":0.45,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “Boulder SUV” is referenced as an upcoming Kia model that will carry the same design language shown on the IONIQ 3. The host frames it as a future production direction, even though the segment calls the earlier EV2/IONIQ 3 material concept-level.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Boulder SUV is mentioned as a future Kia SUV that will use the same new design style. The host is basically saying: don’t just look at the concept—this look is coming to real cars.","imageAttribution":"BuickCentury04 (Public domain)","imageLicense":"Public domain","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2027_Hyundai_Boulder_Concept.jpg","sourceStartTime":256.64,"sourceEndTime":265.14}},{"id":448415,"startTime":276.0,"endTime":283.2,"type":"term","title":"C-pillar","url":"/glossary/c-pillar","quote":"To my eye, the EV4 concept has Optima or K5 vibes, especially in the C-pillar.","canonicalId":"term:c-pillar","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The C-pillar is the structural body panel between the rear side window and the trunk area (or hatch). It strongly affects a car’s silhouette and how “sporty” or “sleek” the rear profile looks, which is why the host calls out the EV4 concept’s C-pillar styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The C-pillar is the vertical support behind the rear side window. It helps shape the car’s overall look from the side and rear, so changing its design can make a big visual difference.","sourceStartTime":276.0,"sourceEndTime":283.2}},{"id":448416,"startTime":276.0,"endTime":282.62,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV4","url":"/cars/kia/ev4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/2026_Kia_EV4_%28Rear%29_on_display_at_the_2025_NYC_Auto_Show.jpg","quote":"...h the same. Keep your eyes peeled. To my eye, the EV4 concept has Optima or K5 vibes, especially in the...","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev4","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV4 is an electric SUV concept discussed as having design cues that remind the speaker of Kia’s Optima or K5 styling. It’s relevant because concept vehicles are often used to preview how the brand will evolve its look and aerodynamics before production. The episode’s “keep your eyes peeled” tone suggests it’s a future model to watch as Kia expands its EV lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV4 is an electric SUV concept, which means it’s a preview of a future production car. The podcast compares its design style to other Kia models to help describe what it looks like. It’s mentioned because it could become a real EV later.","imageAttribution":"Raszbeary (CC BY 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2026_Kia_EV4_(Rear)_on_display_at_the_2025_NYC_Auto_Show.jpg","sourceStartTime":276.0,"sourceEndTime":282.62}},{"id":448417,"startTime":293.1,"endTime":320.4,"type":"concept","title":"art installation","url":"/glossary/art-installation","quote":"Kia didn't just bring vehicles to Milan. It created an entire art installation.","canonicalId":"concept:art-installation","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An “art installation” here is a large, immersive display space designed to communicate a brand’s identity and design philosophy. The host uses it to argue Kia is treating design as a core part of its brand experience, not just a styling exercise.","simplifiedExplanation":"An art installation is a big, designed display space meant to be experienced, not just looked at. The host is using it to show Kia is making design a major part of how they present themselves.","sourceStartTime":293.1,"sourceEndTime":320.4}},{"id":448418,"startTime":312.9,"endTime":320.4,"type":"company","title":"Kia staff","url":"/glossary/kia-staff","quote":"These installations were designed by Kia staff to give them creative freedom to let them flex some artistic muscle","canonicalId":"company:kia-staff","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Kia staff” refers to employees directly involved in designing the installations. The point is that Kia’s internal team is shaping the creative presentation, reinforcing the episode’s theme about how seriously Kia takes design.","simplifiedExplanation":"This just means Kia’s employees. The host is saying the people at Kia designed the installations themselves, not an outside group.","sourceStartTime":312.9,"sourceEndTime":320.4}},{"id":448419,"startTime":327.2,"endTime":334.1,"type":"place","title":"Korea","url":"/glossary/korea","quote":"Now, I'm showing this to you so you understand how serious the South Koreans take design. So we obviously have our headquarters in Korea.","canonicalId":"place:korea","priority":0.15,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Korea is referenced as the location of Kia’s headquarters, tying the story to the automaker’s South Korean roots. It’s used to set up the next point about Kia expanding studio operations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Korea is where Kia is based. The host mentions it to explain where the company’s design culture comes from.","sourceStartTime":327.2,"sourceEndTime":334.1}},{"id":448420,"startTime":334.1,"endTime":339.82,"type":"place","title":"India","url":"/glossary/india","quote":"So we obviously have our headquarters in Korea. We're going to be opening this summer a studio in India.","canonicalId":"place:india","priority":0.15,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"India is mentioned as the location for a new Kia studio opening “this summer.” This is a business/operations expansion detail, but it supports the segment’s theme of Kia investing in design resources.","simplifiedExplanation":"India is where Kia plans to open a new studio. The host is pointing out Kia is putting more resources into design by expanding to new locations.","sourceStartTime":334.1,"sourceEndTime":339.82}},{"id":448422,"startTime":340.2,"endTime":350.2,"type":"place","title":"Irvine","url":"/glossary/irvine","quote":"We have two studios in China. We have our studio in Frankfurt, and we have a studio in Irvine.","canonicalId":"place:irvine","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Irvine is referenced as the location of Kia’s US design studio. For listeners, it signals that Kia uses regional studios to tailor design decisions to local market preferences and regulations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Irvine is where Kia has a design studio for the US. It helps the company design cars that fit what American buyers and rules require.","sourceStartTime":340.2,"sourceEndTime":350.2}},{"id":448421,"startTime":340.2,"endTime":350.2,"type":"place","title":"Frankfurt","url":"/glossary/frankfurt","quote":"We have two studios in China. We have our studio in Frankfurt, and we have a studio in Irvine.","canonicalId":"place:frankfurt","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Frankfurt is mentioned as one of Kia’s design studios. In automotive terms, it’s common for brands to place design and styling teams in major European cities to stay close to global trends and regulations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Frankfurt is a city in Germany where Kia has a design studio. Big car brands often set up design teams in major cities to stay connected to the rest of the world.","sourceStartTime":340.2,"sourceEndTime":350.2}},{"id":448423,"startTime":350.2,"endTime":360.2,"type":"term","title":"clay work","url":"/glossary/clay-work","quote":"The US studio has more clay work. Just from the history, the studio has been open for almost 20 years.","canonicalId":"term:clay-work","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Clay work is the physical sculpting of full-size vehicle shapes (often before digital modeling is finalized). It’s used to quickly evaluate proportions, surfacing, and ergonomics in a way that’s hard to judge purely on screens.","simplifiedExplanation":"Clay work means designers physically sculpt the car’s shape out of clay. It helps them check the look and feel of the design before it becomes a real vehicle.","sourceStartTime":350.2,"sourceEndTime":360.2}},{"id":448424,"startTime":386.6,"endTime":390.3,"type":"concept","title":"cheap and cheerful segment","url":"/glossary/cheap-and-cheerful-segment","quote":"It knew the Chinese were going to take over the cheap and cheerful segment, and it had to elevate its position in the marketplace to stay relevant.","canonicalId":"concept:cheap-and-cheerful-segment","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cheap and cheerful” is an enthusiast shorthand for the low-cost, high-volume market segment where buyers prioritize affordability over styling or brand image. The host is saying Kia needed to elevate its design to compete as Chinese brands gained strength there.","simplifiedExplanation":"This phrase is basically about the budget-friendly car market. The idea is that Kia had to make its cars look more special because cheaper competitors were getting better.","sourceStartTime":386.6,"sourceEndTime":390.3}},{"id":448425,"startTime":411.7,"endTime":420.9,"type":"term","title":"hard points for the architecture","url":"/glossary/hard-points-for-the-architecture","quote":"Hard points for the architecture, safety requirements for dozens of markets, which are all different.","canonicalId":"term:hard-points-for-the-architecture","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Hard points” are fixed structural reference locations in a vehicle’s architecture—places where components must mount and where crash-safety and packaging constraints are anchored. Designers can shape surfaces around them, but they can’t move them without major engineering changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hard points are non-negotiable spots in the car’s structure where parts have to fit. Designers can change the look around those spots, but the spots themselves are fixed.","sourceStartTime":411.7,"sourceEndTime":420.9}},{"id":448426,"startTime":411.7,"endTime":420.9,"type":"term","title":"safety requirements for dozens of markets","url":"/glossary/safety-requirements-for-dozens-of-markets","quote":"Hard points for the architecture, safety requirements for dozens of markets, which are all different.","canonicalId":"term:safety-requirements-for-dozens-of-markets","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This refers to the fact that vehicle regulations vary by country/region (lighting, crash standards, emissions, occupant protection, etc.). Even if the design looks the same, engineers and designers must adapt details so the car can be sold legally and safely in each market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Different countries have different rules for cars. So the design has to be adjusted to meet safety requirements everywhere it’s sold.","sourceStartTime":411.7,"sourceEndTime":420.9}},{"id":448427,"startTime":433.8,"endTime":454.3,"type":"term","title":"feasibility","quote":"Safety, ergonomics, feasibility, you have to be able to stamp these things a certain amount of time.","canonicalId":"term:feasibility","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.65,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Feasibility means whether a design can actually be built with real manufacturing processes, tooling, and time/cost constraints. In automotive design, a “beautiful” surface still has to be manufacturable at scale.","simplifiedExplanation":"Feasibility means whether the design can realistically be made in a factory. It’s not just about how it looks—it has to be buildable.","sourceStartTime":433.8,"sourceEndTime":454.3}},{"id":448428,"startTime":433.8,"endTime":454.3,"type":"term","title":"ergonomics","url":"/glossary/ergonomics","quote":"Safety, ergonomics, feasibility, you have to be able to stamp these things a certain amount of time.","canonicalId":"term:ergonomics","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ergonomics is the study of designing controls, seating, and interior layouts so people of different sizes can use them comfortably and effectively. In car design, it affects everything from visibility and reach to how intuitive the driver’s workspace feels.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ergonomics is about making the car’s interior easy and comfortable to use. It includes things like where the controls are and how the seats fit different people.","sourceStartTime":433.8,"sourceEndTime":454.3}},{"id":448429,"startTime":444.8,"endTime":454.3,"type":"term","title":"stamp","url":"/glossary/stamp","quote":"Safety, ergonomics, feasibility, you have to be able to stamp these things a certain amount of time.","canonicalId":"term:stamp","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Stamp” here points to metal stamping—the manufacturing process where large presses form sheet metal into body panels. Design choices must consider how the metal can be shaped, stretched, and tooled within production timing.","simplifiedExplanation":"To “stamp” means forming metal parts using big presses. The car’s design has to be shaped in a way that factories can press into real body panels.","sourceStartTime":444.8,"sourceEndTime":454.3}},{"id":448430,"startTime":494.8,"endTime":502.9,"type":"term","title":"production vehicle","url":"/glossary/production-vehicle","quote":"This is the EV5 concept. It's about the size of a Honda CR-V, and it is going to be a production vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:production-vehicle","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A production vehicle is a car that’s engineered and manufactured for regular customer sales, not just a one-off concept. The host contrasts this with concept cars to explain how Kia plans to move design ideas into real, buildable products.","simplifiedExplanation":"A production vehicle is a car that will actually be built for customers to buy. It’s different from a concept car that’s just shown for ideas.","sourceStartTime":494.8,"sourceEndTime":502.9}},{"id":448431,"startTime":494.84,"endTime":502.94,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV5","url":"/cars/kia/ev5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/2024_Kia_EV5_EV_in_Sky_Blue%2C_front_right.jpg","quote":"...ink that's part of industrial design. This is the EV5 concept. It's about the size of a Honda CR-V, and...","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev5","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV5 is an electric vehicle concept sized around the same general footprint as a Honda CR-V, according to the podcast. It’s significant because that size target typically aims at the high-volume crossover market—where practicality and daily usability matter most. That’s why it’s discussed alongside other EV concepts: it signals Kia’s plan for a broader range of electric models.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV5 is an electric concept car that’s described as being about the size of a typical compact crossover. Concept cars are shown to preview what a future EV could be like. The podcast mentions it because it’s aimed at a common, everyday vehicle size category.","imageAttribution":"Ethan Llamas (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Kia_EV5_EV_in_Sky_Blue,_front_right.jpg","sourceStartTime":494.84,"sourceEndTime":502.94}},{"id":448432,"startTime":494.84,"endTime":502.94,"type":"car","title":"Honda Crv","url":"/cars/honda/cr-v","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/2018_Honda_CR-V_%28RW_MY18%29_%2BSport_2WD_wagon_%282018-10-22%29_01.jpg","quote":"This is the EV5 concept. It's about the size of a Honda CR-V, and it is going to be a production vehicle.","canonicalId":"car:honda:crv","priority":0.25,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Honda CR-V is used as a size reference point for Kia’s EV5 concept. That comparison helps listeners quickly understand the EV5’s intended footprint and market positioning.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda CR-V is being used as a “size benchmark.” It helps you picture how big the Kia EV5 is supposed to be.","imageAttribution":"EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2018_Honda_CR-V_(RW_MY18)_+Sport_2WD_wagon_(2018-10-22)_01.jpg","sourceStartTime":494.84,"sourceEndTime":502.94}},{"id":448433,"startTime":510.24,"endTime":519.74,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV9","url":"/cars/kia/ev9","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/2024_Kia_EV9_1.jpg","quote":"...e are really missing out in the US. We do get the EV9, though. This is the concept from which it came, ...","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev9","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV9 is a fully electric, three-row SUV built to bring battery-electric power to a larger family-vehicle format. It’s significant because it’s part of Kia’s push into mainstream EVs, and it’s also discussed in relation to earlier concept work that previewed the design and packaging. That’s why it may come up when a podcast talks about what the US market is “missing out on.”","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV9 is an all-electric SUV that can seat more people, including in a third row. It’s important because it’s designed to make EVs practical for families. The podcast mentions it because it connects to earlier concept designs that showed what Kia was planning.","imageAttribution":"Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Kia_EV9_1.jpg","sourceStartTime":510.24,"sourceEndTime":519.74}},{"id":448434,"startTime":520.5,"endTime":538.3,"type":"car","title":"Vision Metaturismo","quote":"Which brings me to this, the Vision Metaturismo. It's strictly a concept, but hope it gets built. It's a beautiful design.","canonicalId":"car:kia:visionmetaturismo","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Vision Metaturismo is described as a concept car—specifically a show car—meant to be a credible preview of what Kia could build. The interesting part is the host’s emphasis on translating the design into production using the company’s existing platform and technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Vision Metaturismo is a Kia concept car, basically a design study/showpiece. Kia is trying to make it realistic enough that they could build something close to it later.","sourceStartTime":520.5,"sourceEndTime":538.3}},{"id":448435,"startTime":530.0,"endTime":538.3,"type":"term","title":"show car","url":"/glossary/show-car","quote":"It's obviously a show car. We really want to make that credible.","canonicalId":"term:show-car","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A show car is a vehicle built primarily to display design ideas at auto shows, not necessarily to be sold to customers. Hosts often use show cars to gauge public reaction and to test whether a styling direction can be engineered into a production model.","simplifiedExplanation":"A show car is a car made mainly to be displayed at events. It’s often a preview of ideas that might (or might not) make it into a real customer car.","sourceStartTime":530.0,"sourceEndTime":538.3}},{"id":448436,"startTime":546.7,"endTime":563.2,"type":"car","title":"Stinger","url":"/cars/kia/stinger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/2018_Kia_Stinger_%28Australia%29_front_view.jpg","quote":"If we do our job right, then it will be one day. It's nothing we have in our portfolio. We did have a Stinger.\n\nStinger was a very important car to us as a brand shaper.","canonicalId":"car:kia:stinger","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Stinger is a performance-oriented sedan/fastback that helped Kia establish a more serious, design-led image. In this segment, the host frames it as a “brand shaper,” meaning it played a key role in changing how people perceive Kia’s design direction.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Stinger is a Kia model that was important for the brand’s image. The point here is that it helped Kia look more serious and design-focused, not just like a budget option.","imageAttribution":"FotoSleuth (CC BY 2.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 2.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2018_Kia_Stinger_(Australia)_front_view.jpg","sourceStartTime":546.7,"sourceEndTime":563.2}},{"id":448437,"startTime":563.2,"endTime":595.0,"type":"term","title":"long wheelbase","url":"/glossary/long-wheelbase","quote":"EVs have one thing that I love as a designer. You need a long wheelbase to put the battery inside.\n\nAnd you don't have a transversal engine in front of the axle, like maybe cheaper cars were in the past.","canonicalId":"term:long-wheelbase","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. A long wheelbase helps packaging—especially for EVs—because it gives more room to place the battery while keeping the cabin usable and the body proportions balanced.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels. A longer wheelbase can make it easier to fit an EV’s battery without making the car awkward or cramped.","sourceStartTime":563.2,"sourceEndTime":595.0}},{"id":448438,"startTime":573.4,"endTime":587.0,"type":"term","title":"transversal engine","url":"/glossary/transversal-engine","quote":"And you don't have a transversal engine in front of the axle, like maybe cheaper cars were in the past. So we don't need a long overhang.","canonicalId":"term:transversal-engine","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A transversal engine is mounted sideways, so the engine’s crankshaft runs left-to-right across the car. The host contrasts this with layouts that don’t require that front packaging, which affects how much space the designers need at the front axle and therefore how short the overhang can be.","simplifiedExplanation":"A transversal engine is an engine mounted sideways in the car. The speaker is saying that some designs don’t need that kind of front space, which lets the car have a shorter front overhang.","sourceStartTime":573.4,"sourceEndTime":587.0}},{"id":448439,"startTime":573.4,"endTime":595.0,"type":"term","title":"overhang","url":"/glossary/overhang","quote":"So we don't need a long overhang.\n\nSo you have short overhang, long wheelbase. And on top of that, obviously because of the weight, they need bigger wheels too.","canonicalId":"term:overhang","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overhang is the body length that extends beyond an axle—front overhang beyond the front wheels, and rear overhang beyond the rear wheels. Short overhangs can improve proportions and reduce the need for extra front packaging space, while a long wheelbase supports interior/battery packaging (especially on EVs).","simplifiedExplanation":"Overhang is how much the car’s body sticks out past the wheels. Shorter overhangs help the car look more balanced, and they can also make packaging easier.","sourceStartTime":573.4,"sourceEndTime":595.0}},{"id":448440,"startTime":587.0,"endTime":595.0,"type":"term","title":"bigger wheels","url":"/glossary/bigger-wheels","quote":"So you have short overhang, long wheelbase. And on top of that, obviously because of the weight, they need bigger wheels too.\n\nBig wheels, long wheelbase, short overhang is the basis for any good car design.","canonicalId":"term:bigger-wheels","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bigger wheels (and typically wider tires) can help manage EV weight and improve ride/handling feel. The host ties wheel sizing to design fundamentals: long wheelbase and short overhang, then wheel size to support the vehicle’s mass and stance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bigger wheels can help a heavier EV feel more stable and controlled. The speaker is connecting wheel size to overall car proportions and how the car is designed to handle its weight.","sourceStartTime":587.0,"sourceEndTime":595.0}},{"id":448441,"startTime":622.3,"endTime":638.3,"type":"term","title":"burdle flange","quote":"It's usually three and sometimes four times.\n\nAnd the fourth time is often to make the edge extra precise, you know, or the burdle flange or how do you…","canonicalId":"term:burdle-flange","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A flange is a bent-out edge on a metal panel that helps with stiffness and joining to other parts. The host’s “burdle flange” appears to refer to a specific flange/edge feature that requires extra stamping passes to achieve tight tolerances and a refined surface lead-in without wobble.","simplifiedExplanation":"A flange is a folded edge on a metal part that helps it fit together and stay strong. The speaker is saying that certain edge details take extra manufacturing steps to make them come out very clean and accurate.","sourceStartTime":622.3,"sourceEndTime":638.3}},{"id":448442,"startTime":648.6,"endTime":661.4,"type":"term","title":"wobble in the metal","quote":"So you're right. But to get that extra precision, that extra refinement, how a surface leads in so there's no wobble in the metal, that does require more time.","canonicalId":"term:wobble-in-the-metal","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In stamped body panels, “wobble” refers to unwanted movement or unevenness in the metal surface caused by forming variation or poor control of how the surface transitions. The host connects this to refinement: how one surface leads into another without distortion.","simplifiedExplanation":"When metal panels are stamped, they can end up slightly uneven. The speaker is saying that better forming control helps the surfaces line up smoothly so you don’t see or feel distortions.","sourceStartTime":648.6,"sourceEndTime":661.4}},{"id":448443,"startTime":706.9,"endTime":720.0,"type":"concept","title":"automotive design DNA","url":"/glossary/automotive-design-dna","quote":"What I find that is fascinating is how each company has their own kind of DNA.\n\nEach company has different ways of seeing things, different processes, obviously, different mindsets.","canonicalId":"concept:automotive-design-dna","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Design DNA” is a metaphor for a company’s consistent design language—how it interprets form, proportions, and styling decisions. The host argues that each automaker develops its own internal “DNA” through processes and mindsets, which can matter more than the country where the brand is based.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Design DNA” means a brand’s recognizable style and design habits. The speaker’s point is that what happens inside the company—its process and mindset—often shapes the look more than where the company is located.","sourceStartTime":706.9,"sourceEndTime":720.0}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Tom Voelk","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-automaker-that-takes-design-very-seriously-kia-surprised-here-s-why/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}],"alignmentMode":"scalar","fallbackOffset":0.0}