{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The FTC Just Changed Everything for Car Buyers | Episode 1041","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-ftc-just-changed-everything-for-car-buyers-episode-1041","audioUrl":"https://pdrl.fm/3359a6/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/1385/injector.simplecastaudio.com/14b42e71-1f9c-41b2-944f-bc8f2b3a3cb9/episodes/dd12709f-79a2-475a-9a61-0b043555e195/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=14b42e71-1f9c-41b2-944f-bc8f2b3a3cb9&awEpisodeId=dd12709f-79a2-475a-9a61-0b043555e195&feed=gkrQ6WSC","description":"Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest news from the FTC. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com\nfor information about our collection and use of personal data for\nadvertising.\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":96.82,"endTime":102.06,"type":"car","title":"Ford Excursion","url":"/cars/ford/excursion","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/%2705_Ford_Excursion_Limousine_%28Vancouver_2010%29.jpg","quote":"...uests.  Enjoy all-inclusive farm-to-table dining, excursions, and all the gear you need.  Visit us at uncruise...","canonicalId":"car:ford:excursion","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Excursion is a large, full-size SUV built on a truck platform, known for its big towing capacity and roomy, three-row interior. It’s often discussed because it’s one of the most capable “workhorse” style SUVs from its era, appealing to people who need space and hauling ability. In a podcast, it might come up when talking about older, heavy-duty vehicles and what they’re like to own today.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Excursion is a very large SUV made by Ford. It was designed to carry lots of people and handle heavy hauling, like towing a trailer. People mention it because it’s roomy and built for serious use.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":142.1,"endTime":148.8,"type":"concept","title":"FTC","url":"/glossary/ftc","quote":"We're going to be talking about the FTC. Automative News just ran another article about the letter that they sent out about a week ago now.","canonicalId":"concept:ftc","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is a U.S. agency that regulates consumer protection and competition. In car buying, FTC actions and guidance can affect how dealers and marketers disclose pricing, fees, and financing terms.","simplifiedExplanation":"The FTC is a U.S. government agency that protects consumers. When it changes rules or sends letters, it can change what car dealers have to tell you about prices and deals."}},{"startTime":159.6,"endTime":167.8,"type":"concept","title":"contact dealers","url":"/glossary/contact-dealers","quote":"You want us to actually contact dealers for you, and you want us to do the negotiations. We learn what matters to you, contact dealers, and compare real offers to help you get the best deal without the stress.","canonicalId":"concept:contact-dealers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Contact dealers” refers to reaching out to multiple dealerships to request quotes and availability. This is often the first step in getting comparable offers rather than relying on a single dealership’s pricing."}},{"startTime":286.0,"endTime":287.2,"type":"concept","title":"deceptive pricing","url":"/glossary/deceptive-pricing","quote":"[286.0s] deceptive pricing.\n[287.2s] And the call out here with regards to deceptive pricing was pretty clear.","canonicalId":"concept:deceptive-pricing","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Deceptive pricing is when advertised numbers don’t match what consumers will actually pay under the advertised conditions. In car ads, this often shows up as missing fees, unrealistic qualification requirements, or structuring the price around a down payment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Deceptive pricing is when the price you see in the ad doesn’t reflect the real price you’ll end up paying. It can happen when important costs or requirements are left out."}},{"startTime":291.3,"endTime":304.7,"type":"concept","title":"advertised prices that reflect all fees","url":"/glossary/advertised-prices-that-reflect-all-fees","quote":"[291.3s] Advertised prices that reflect all fees, advertised prices that actually don't include rebates\n[297.8s] that people can't qualify for, advertised prices that have a down payment factored into them, etc.","canonicalId":"concept:advertised-prices-that-reflect-all-fees","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This highlights the difference between an advertised “headline” price and the true out-the-door cost. If ads don’t clearly include fees, shoppers may think they’re getting a lower price than they actually will.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some ads show a low price but leave out extra charges. “All fees” means the ad should include the real add-ons so you can compare deals fairly."}},{"startTime":326.9,"endTime":330.7,"type":"concept","title":"strategy that some dealers are using to try and get customers in","url":"/glossary/strategy-that-some-dealers-are-using-to-try-and-get-customers-in","quote":"[326.9s] Or is this a strategy that some dealers are using to try and get customers in?\n[330.7s] And does this start to change things for car buyers if the FTC starts to enforce this rule?","canonicalId":"concept:strategy-that-some-dealers-are-using-to-try-and-get-customers-in","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment suggests “bait” advertising—using an advertised vehicle that isn’t available to attract shoppers and move them into a dealership conversation. This is important because FTC enforcement can change how dealers structure ads and inventory claims."}},{"startTime":450.6,"endTime":459.7,"type":"concept","title":"available for sale","url":"/glossary/available-for-sale","quote":"If you're going to advertise a car, it has to be a car that exists and is actually available for sale.","canonicalId":"concept:available-for-sale","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is the core standard being emphasized: if a dealer advertises a car, it must exist and be genuinely available to purchase. It’s a practical rule for buyers because it directly affects whether the listing you see online is real.","simplifiedExplanation":"The key idea is simple: if it’s advertised, the car should actually be there and ready to buy. That’s what makes the ad trustworthy."}},{"startTime":461.2,"endTime":477.3,"type":"concept","title":"unbelievably great advertised price","url":"/glossary/unbelievably-great-advertised-price","quote":"I would venture a guess and say that anybody who has ever seen an unbelievably great advertised price for a vehicle and has then shown up at that dealership that advertised it, heard something like this, oh my goodness, I'm sorry, Mr. Customer, but that car just sold an hour","canonicalId":"concept:unbelievably-great-advertised-price","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes the buyer experience where an ad’s price is so good it seems too perfect, prompting a visit. The episode uses this as an example of how misleading listings can lead to disappointment once the buyer arrives.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about those ads where the price looks almost unbelievable. People go to the dealership expecting that deal, but then the car isn’t actually available."}},{"startTime":505.4,"endTime":511.0,"type":"concept","title":"settled with the state attorney general","url":"/glossary/settled-with-the-state-attorney-general","quote":"[504.2s]  This is out of the state of Alaska.\n[505.4s]  A swickered auto group actually settled with the state attorney general and the FTC's involvement\n[511.0s]  here and this was about unavailable vehicles being advertised for sale.","canonicalId":"concept:settled-with-the-state-attorney-general","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A settlement with a state attorney general typically means regulators and the dealer agreed to resolve allegations without a full trial. In this context, it’s tied to advertising practices—specifically ads for vehicles that weren’t actually available and/or pricing that didn’t match what buyers would pay.","simplifiedExplanation":"The state attorney general can investigate misleading advertising. A settlement usually means the dealer agreed to fix the problem or pay/comply with requirements to end the case."}},{"startTime":511.0,"endTime":515.2,"type":"concept","title":"unavailable vehicles being advertised for sale","url":"/glossary/unavailable-vehicles-being-advertised-for-sale","quote":"[505.4s]  A swickered auto group actually settled with the state attorney general and the FTC's involvement\n[511.0s]  here and this was about unavailable vehicles being advertised for sale.\n[515.2s]  And you know, so I'm going to talk about what happened here with a swickered auto group,","canonicalId":"concept:unavailable-vehicles-being-advertised-for-sale","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes a misleading advertising scenario where dealers list cars for sale even though those vehicles aren’t actually available at the time of the ad. It’s relevant because it violates the “availability” expectation tied to truthful advertising rules."}},{"startTime":670.4,"endTime":677.1,"type":"brand","title":"Lexus","url":"/glossary/lexus","quote":"We know many automakers that primarily Toyota and Lexus, they are undersupplying in many markets...","canonicalId":"brand:lexus","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lexus is cited alongside Toyota as an automaker that may be undersupplying vehicles in certain markets. The supply situation can influence how dealers advertise inventory and disclose whether cars are already on-site.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lexus is mentioned as part of the group of brands that may not have enough cars in some areas. That can change what dealers can sell immediately."}},{"startTime":670.4,"endTime":677.1,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"We know many automakers that primarily Toyota and Lexus, they are undersupplying in many markets...","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is mentioned as an automaker that may be undersupplying vehicles in some markets. In a dealer-advertising context, limited supply can increase the temptation to advertise incoming inventory.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is one of the brands mentioned as not sending enough cars to dealers in some places. That can affect what’s actually available to buy right now."}},{"startTime":670.4,"endTime":677.1,"type":"concept","title":"undersupplying in many markets","url":"/glossary/undersupplying-in-many-markets","quote":"We know many automakers that primarily Toyota and Lexus, they are undersupplying in many markets the amount of vehicles they have available for sale.","canonicalId":"concept:undersupplying-in-many-markets","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Undersupplying” means automakers provide fewer vehicles to dealers than demand in certain regions. That can lead to shortages, higher prices, and more pressure on dealers to advertise what’s coming rather than what’s already available.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means some brands don’t send enough cars to dealers in certain areas. When that happens, dealers may have fewer cars on hand and customers may see ads for cars that aren’t there yet."}},{"startTime":681.9,"endTime":687.9,"type":"concept","title":"holding back and pulling back on production","url":"/glossary/holding-back-and-pulling-back-on-production","quote":"We know Chevrolet actually is doing it a bit on the purposeful side. They're holding back and pulling back on production.","canonicalId":"concept:holding-back-and-pulling-back-on-production","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes a strategy where an automaker reduces output to control inventory levels. Lower production can increase dealer shortages and make “in-transit” inventory more common, which then intersects with advertising rules and consumer expectations.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means the manufacturer is making fewer cars than usual. That can lead to dealers having fewer cars on hand, so ads may be for cars that haven’t arrived yet."}},{"startTime":681.9,"endTime":687.9,"type":"brand","title":"Chevrolet","url":"/glossary/chevrolet","quote":"We know Chevrolet actually is doing it a bit on the purposeful side. They're holding back and pulling back on production.","canonicalId":"brand:chevrolet","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Chevrolet is mentioned as intentionally “holding back” production to manage supply. When production is pulled back, dealers may have more vehicles in transit and fewer ready-to-sell units, raising advertising and disclosure questions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chevrolet is described as deliberately making fewer cars than demand. When that happens, dealers may advertise cars that are still on the way."}},{"startTime":693.7,"endTime":701.2,"type":"concept","title":"oversupply their dealers with inventory","url":"/glossary/oversupply-their-dealers-with-inventory","quote":"And we also know that there are other manufacturers out there that oversupply their dealers with inventory.","canonicalId":"concept:oversupply-their-dealers-with-inventory","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Oversupplying” means automakers send more vehicles to dealers than the market can quickly absorb. With plenty of on-lot inventory, dealers have less incentive to advertise cars that aren’t actually available for immediate sale.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means a brand sends more cars to dealers than they can sell right away. When dealers have lots of cars on hand, it’s easier to advertise what you can buy immediately."}},{"startTime":727.9,"endTime":743.0,"type":"concept","title":"subject to availability","url":"/glossary/subject-to-availability","quote":"...I would include one other thing, that it is subject to availability based on the fact that somebody could reserve that vehicle between when we placed the ad and when you came in.","canonicalId":"concept:subject-to-availability","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Subject to availability” means the advertised car may not be guaranteed to the first person who responds, because inventory can change quickly. In this scenario, it’s tied to the idea that someone could reserve the incoming vehicle between the ad being placed and the customer arriving.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Subject to availability” means the car might be gone by the time you show up. It’s a way of saying the dealer can’t promise it will still be available to you."}},{"startTime":914.0,"endTime":938.8,"type":"concept","title":"enforcement actions","url":"/glossary/enforcement-actions","quote":"It is long past due for enforcement actions to be brought into help hold these dealers accountable.\nAnd so I think the next step beyond the conversation that they're having a car dealership guy or at automotive news or at car edge,","canonicalId":"concept:enforcement-actions","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Enforcement actions are formal steps regulators take against businesses that violate advertising or consumer-protection rules. The episode argues that conversation alone isn’t enough—real enforcement is needed to deter dealers “walking a fine line.”","simplifiedExplanation":"Enforcement actions are when regulators actually take action against companies that break the rules. The point is that penalties make it harder for dealers to get away with misleading pricing."}},{"startTime":980.9,"endTime":990.0,"type":"concept","title":"advertise fraudulently","url":"/glossary/advertise-fraudulently","quote":"There is no reason for a dealer to have to advertise fraudulently.\nAnd what's worse is that a dealer principle thinks that that is an OK way to operate your business.","canonicalId":"concept:advertise-fraudulently","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Advertise fraudulently” describes intentionally misleading advertising—such as advertising a low price while omitting required fees until later. The episode frames this as unacceptable and argues buyers shouldn’t reward it with their money.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means advertising in a way that’s not honest—like showing one price online but making the real total cost much higher later. The speaker says buyers shouldn’t reward that behavior."}},{"startTime":1066.4,"endTime":1072.4,"type":"concept","title":"days on the market","url":"/glossary/days-on-the-market","quote":"...vehicle pops and 216 days on the market. [1071.7s] Holy cow.","canonicalId":"concept:days-on-the-market","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Days on the market” is how long a specific vehicle listing has been available for sale. Longer time on the market can indicate weaker demand, pricing issues, or other factors that may affect negotiation leverage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Days on the market tells you how long the car has been listed for sale. If it’s been sitting a long time, it might mean the price isn’t right or the deal could be better."}},{"startTime":1072.4,"endTime":1084.2,"type":"term","title":"dealer fees","url":"/glossary/dealer-fees","quote":"...here's the dock fee. [1076.7s] Here's the average amount of add-ons... [1081.5s] They're price accuracy. [1082.6s] They're fee scores.","canonicalId":"term:dealer-fees","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Dealer fees” are charges added by the dealership on top of the vehicle price, such as documentation fees, processing fees, and other administrative costs. These fees can be a major part of the out-the-door total, so transparency matters.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dealer fees are extra charges the dealership adds to the bill. They can make the final price higher than the sticker price, so you want to see them up front."}},{"startTime":1076.7,"endTime":1081.5,"type":"term","title":"add-ons","url":"/glossary/add-ons","quote":"...Here's the average amount of add-ons that this dealer adds to vehicles, which in this case obviously is zero. [1081.5s] They're price accuracy.","canonicalId":"term:add-ons","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Add-ons” are optional or semi-optional dealer-installed products and services added to the sale price (e.g., protection packages, accessories, warranties). They can significantly increase the out-the-door cost, so buyers should ask what’s included and whether each item is truly optional.","simplifiedExplanation":"Add-ons are extra items or services the dealer tries to add to the deal. They can raise your total cost, so you should review them carefully and ask what’s optional."}},{"startTime":1268.6,"endTime":1271.8,"type":"car","title":"Honda Pilot Elite","url":"/cars/honda/pilot","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Honda_Pilot_%28YF1%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA_%282%29.jpg","quote":"[1266.3s] Dad, let's give a shout out to Francine real quick.\n[1268.6s] We just bought a Honda Pilot Elite.\n[1270.1s] We negotiate with confidence because of your videos.","canonicalId":"car:honda:pilot","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A Honda Pilot Elite is the top trim of the Honda Pilot three-row SUV. “Elite” typically means you get more comfort and convenience features than lower trims, which can matter for buyers comparing total value rather than just base pricing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Pilot Elite is a higher-end version of the Honda Pilot SUV. It usually comes with more features and comfort stuff than the cheaper versions, so it’s a good example of how trim levels affect what you’re really paying for.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1319.9,"endTime":1327.7,"type":"concept","title":"recalls","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"the number of recalls relative to the same timeframe as last year is significantly lower, low enough that I would want to compensate the CEO of that business.","canonicalId":"concept:recall","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A recall is when a manufacturer (or regulator) requires vehicles to be repaired because of a safety or compliance defect. Recall counts are often tracked over time to gauge whether a company’s quality and defect prevention are improving.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall is when a car company has to fix a problem in certain vehicles. It’s usually done for safety reasons, and the number of recalls can hint at how well the company is doing."}},{"startTime":1332.2,"endTime":1338.3,"type":"concept","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"You know, the one that took a $20 billion right off for EVs, I would want to compensate him at least $27 million maybe more for exceeding those quality targets.","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"EVs are electric vehicles powered primarily by electricity stored in a battery rather than a gasoline engine. The speaker references a large EV-related figure, tying it to how the company is judged on quality outcomes while investing in electrification.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs are electric cars that run on batteries instead of gas. The speaker is mentioning EV investment while talking about recalls and quality."}},{"startTime":1388.0,"endTime":1396.7,"type":"brand","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"The previous record for a manufacturer in one year was 69, which was held by General Motors. Ford has won the recall crown, if I'm not mistaken.","canonicalId":"brand:general-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is referenced as the holder of the previous one-year recall record. The comparison is used to emphasize how unusually high the cited recall numbers are for the other manufacturer.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is mentioned because it previously had the record for the most recalls in a year. The speaker is using that history to show how extreme the new numbers are."}},{"startTime":1958.4,"endTime":1961.9,"type":"concept","title":"beta","url":"/glossary/beta","quote":"So again, this is all in beta. This is all brand new. We need your feedback.","canonicalId":"concept:beta","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Beta” indicates the feature is in a testing phase and may change based on user feedback. In this context, the host is asking for feedback on the new offer and bidding tools.","simplifiedExplanation":"Beta means it’s a new feature being tested. It may not be perfect yet, and they want your feedback to improve it."}},{"startTime":1968.7,"endTime":1977.0,"type":"concept","title":"reverse auction","url":"/glossary/reverse-auction","quote":"We've also added a new kind of like a reverse auction where you can actually have dealers bid on your vehicle. So not only will you get a car max instant cash offer if you choose to get one, you can also set it up so that dealers get your vehicle information, not your information.","canonicalId":"concept:reverse-auction","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A reverse auction flips the usual auction format: instead of you bidding on cars, dealers bid on your vehicle. It’s meant to create competition among buyers and potentially raise the offer you receive.","simplifiedExplanation":"Normally, you bid to buy something. In a reverse auction, car dealers compete by bidding against each other for your car, which can help you get a better price."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Ray","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Zach Shefska","role":"host"},{"id":"s3","name":"Bleav","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-ftc-just-changed-everything-for-car-buyers-episode-1041/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}