These CAR Brands Are Going EXTINCT | Episode 1109
About this episode
The hosts kick off by zeroing in on “the car brands that are going extinct,” then focus on EV pressure—especially Lucid—citing low sales, a sharp stock drop, and the end of the $7,500 tax incentive. They connect weak demand to bigger discounts and question whether startups can survive. From model “extinction” (like VW trims) to consolidation, they argue pricing, profitability, and incentives shape who gets folded into the future.
Lucid
"There's a car brand that's on the brink of extinction. And that would be Lucid. They've recently hired an organization to help them support their turnaround plan."
Lucid is a company that makes electric cars. The hosts are saying Lucid is in serious trouble because it’s not selling enough cars and its stock has dropped a lot.
Lucid is an EV automaker known for building electric vehicles with a strong focus on efficiency and long-range capability. In this segment, the hosts discuss Lucid’s financial and sales struggles, framing it as a brand “on the brink of extinction.”
turnaround plan
"They've recently hired an organization to help them support their turnaround plan."
A turnaround plan is what a company makes when it’s struggling and needs to get back on track. It usually involves changes meant to improve sales and reduce problems.
A turnaround plan is a structured effort by a struggling company to reverse poor performance—often by cutting costs, changing strategy, and improving sales or operations. In this context, the hosts say Lucid hired help to support its turnaround plan.
stock crashed
"As you can see here, their stock crashed over 50% yesterday."
“Stock crashed” means the company’s share price dropped a lot quickly. The hosts use it as a sign that investors are worried about how well the company is doing.
When a company’s stock “crashes,” it means the share price fell sharply in a short period, reflecting investor concern about the company’s future. Here, the hosts tie Lucid’s stock drop to its low sales numbers.
automaker
"It is hard to be an automaker. And we've seen a lot of automakers over the past couple of years go bankrupt and go extinct."
An automaker is a car company—one that makes and sells cars. The point here is that it can be really hard for car companies to stay in business.
An automaker is a company that designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles. The hosts use the term to discuss how difficult it is for car companies to survive, especially during periods of rapid industry change.
tax incentive
"Ever since the federal government got rid of the $7,500 tax incentive, EV sales have not been great."
A tax incentive is a government discount that comes through your taxes. If it gets removed, electric cars can cost more, so fewer people buy them.
A tax incentive is a government policy that reduces the cost of buying a qualifying product—here, an EV. When the federal government removes or changes the incentive, buyers may be less likely to purchase, which can quickly hurt EV sales.
EV sales
"Ever since the federal government got rid of the $7,500 tax incentive, EV sales have not been great."
EV sales just means how many electric cars people are buying. The hosts are saying sales dropped after the tax credit changed, so companies had to offer more discounts.
EV sales refers to how many electric vehicles are sold over a given period, which is a key indicator of market health and consumer demand. The hosts link EV sales weakness to the loss of the federal tax incentive and the need for automakers to increase incentives.
MSRP
"And many of the Lucid products, you can get $7,500, $10,000 off of the MSRP."
MSRP is the price the manufacturer puts on the car’s sticker. The hosts are saying Lucid is offering big discounts off that sticker price.
MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is the sticker price automakers publish as the starting point for pricing. The segment says Lucid discounts are applied relative to MSRP, meaning buyers can get thousands off the listed price.
negotiation free dealerships
"These are negotiation free dealerships. You're just buying directly from the manufacturer, but they're having to incentivize a significant amount to try and move the metal."
This means the price is usually set, and you don’t bargain with a salesperson. The hosts are saying that even with fixed pricing, the company still has to offer big discounts.
Negotiation-free dealerships are a direct-sales model where the buyer typically doesn’t haggle over price. Even with that approach, the hosts say Lucid still needs to offer large discounts to move inventory.
dealer network
"They were one of the brands I wanted to talk about today. [298.7s] Like they've started to build out a dealer network, but you know,"
A dealer network is the set of car dealerships a brand uses to sell cars and provide service. If an EV company doesn’t have enough dealers, it can be harder for customers to buy and get help later.
A dealer network is the network of local dealerships that sell and service vehicles for a brand. For EV startups, building a dealer network is often crucial for reaching customers and handling repairs and warranty work.
Lincoln
"I mean, hell, dad, there's some automakers on this list, like Lincoln. Where'd it go? Lincoln Motor Company, they went out of business already once before."
Lincoln is a luxury car brand. The discussion is pointing out that even brands that seem established can go bankrupt and have to restart.
Lincoln is Ford Motor Company’s luxury brand. The hosts mention it went out of business once before and later returned, highlighting how even established luxury automakers can fail and restart after bankruptcy.
EV wave
"You know, everybody bought in to the EV wave of the future. And in many parts of the world, it took off much more so than it did in this country."
The “EV wave” means the big push toward electric cars. The point here is that some companies planned their future around EVs and then ran into trouble when sales were slower than expected.
The “EV wave” refers to the industry-wide shift toward electric vehicles as the next major direction for automakers. The hosts imply many companies bet heavily on this transition and later struggled when EV sales didn’t match their projections.
EV investments
"many, many manufacturers have written off their EV investments, taken huge multi-billion dollar charges to write down and write off their EV investments"
“EV investments” are the billions of dollars car companies put into making electric cars. The hosts are saying some companies lost money and had to admit those plans weren’t working out.
“EV investments” means the money automakers spend to develop and scale electric vehicles—like factories, engineering, batteries, and supply chains. The hosts say many manufacturers “wrote off” these investments after EV demand didn’t meet expectations.
multi-billion dollar charges
"taken huge multi-billion dollar charges to write down and write off their EV investments"
A “multi-billion dollar charge” is a big financial hit a company records in its accounting. Here, it’s described as related to EV plans losing value because sales didn’t go as hoped.
“Multi-billion dollar charges” refers to large accounting losses recorded by companies. In this context, the hosts tie them to EV “write-downs” and “write-offs,” meaning the companies concluded their EV assets or plans weren’t worth as much as previously expected.
$7,500 incentives
"When the government did away with the $7,500 incentives, you know, really, is that enough?"
The “$7,500 incentives” are government money that can lower what you pay for certain electric cars. The hosts are debating whether taking that help away made EV sales drop too much.
The “$7,500 incentives” refers to U.S. government EV purchase incentives/tax credits that can reduce the effective price of qualifying electric vehicles. The hosts question whether removing these incentives was enough to worsen EV demand and hurt companies like Lucid.
tax credit
"Would Lucid still be in the position they're in today, even if there was a $7,500 tax credit from the government?"
A “tax credit” is a government benefit that reduces your taxes. The hosts are saying that even if EV buyers got a $7,500 credit, expensive EVs might still have a limited buyer pool.
A “tax credit” is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of taxes owed (or a benefit structured through the tax system) for qualifying purchases. Here, the hosts discuss a $7,500 EV tax credit and whether it could have kept Lucid competitive despite high vehicle prices.
limited market
"You've really got a limited market as to who wants to buy them, whether there's a government subsidy to encourage it or not."
A “limited market” means not many people are in a position to buy. The point is that very expensive EVs have fewer buyers, so sales can stay low.
A “limited market” means the number of potential buyers is relatively small. The hosts argue that when EVs cost close to $100,000, fewer people can afford them, so sales volumes may fall short even with incentives.
negative gross profit losses
"$300,000 per vehicle sold in negative gross profit losses. [473.1s] Yes, you know, but you have all the startup costs and it ain't cheap to start building"
This is a way of saying the company was losing money on each vehicle it sold, at least when you look at the basic cost to build the cars versus the sales price. It’s not just overall business expenses—it’s the core production math.
Negative gross profit means the company’s direct costs to produce vehicles exceed the revenue from selling them, before operating expenses. When the hosts say “negative gross profit losses,” they’re emphasizing that the business model wasn’t covering production costs from sales.
Rivian
"but was there really ever a future there, would Rivians still be in the position they're in today, [491.2s] if there was that $7,500 government subsidy?"
Rivian is a company that makes electric vehicles. The discussion here is about whether government money helped them stay afloat, and what might have happened without it.
Rivian is an EV brand known for building electric trucks and SUVs, and it has faced financial pressure as EV demand and pricing have shifted. The hosts are discussing how government incentives could have affected Rivian’s survival prospects.
government subsidy
"if there was that $7,500 government subsidy? [494.6s] And I believe they still would be."
A government subsidy is money the government gives to help make something cheaper or more affordable. In this case, it’s about helping EVs sell better by reducing the cost for buyers.
A government subsidy is financial support from the government to lower the effective cost of something—here, EVs. In practice, it can change consumer buying decisions and improve a company’s sales economics.
powertrain
"Let's pivot off of EVs, Dad, because there are other brands that are also struggling, [502.9s] and it kind of fits a similar narrative. [504.6s] You can get rid of the powertrain and it kind of just comes back to price."
The powertrain is the main set of parts that makes the car move. It includes things like the engine or electric motor and the components that send power to the wheels.
A powertrain is the vehicle’s core mechanical system that generates and delivers motion—typically the engine/motor, transmission, and related components. The hosts mention “getting rid of the powertrain” to argue that pricing and economics dominate the brand’s fate, not the specific propulsion hardware.
Alfa Romeo
"You know which brand I'm thinking of next? [510.3s] I don't know. [512.3s] Alfa Romeo. Alfa Romeo is an example of a brand."
Alfa Romeo is a car brand from Italy. In this segment, the hosts use it as an example of a company that may be struggling because the cars are priced higher than many buyers feel they’re worth.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian automaker brand that the hosts cite as an example of a struggling legacy manufacturer. They’re framing it as a “price-to-value” problem in which consumers won’t pay the brand’s asking prices, contributing to financial strain.
VW Group
"There are countless others that we'll get into here. [536.1s] I mean, VW Group in many ways is experiencing this right now."
VW Group is the big company behind Volkswagen and several other car brands. The point here is that even a major group can struggle when costs are high and customers don’t want to pay the prices being asked.
VW Group refers to Volkswagen Group, the large automaker holding company behind multiple brands. The hosts say it’s experiencing similar financial pressure, tying the discussion to EV transition costs and pricing/value mismatches.
Jaguar
"There are many brands. Jaguar. Jaguar is a perfect example, just the price."
Jaguar is a luxury car brand from the UK. Here it’s mentioned as an example of a brand that may be priced too high for what customers feel they’re getting.
Jaguar is a British luxury automaker brand the hosts use as an example of a “price” problem. They’re suggesting that if buyers reject the price-to-value equation, even a well-known brand can struggle financially.
Fiat
"In my lifetime, in the automotive industry, I watched a number of brands, many of them far, come and go. Fiat came and went and then came back again and might go again. [585.7s] Fiat is another example. I mean, what do they even sell here anymore at this point?"
Fiat is a car company from Italy. The host is saying it has left and returned to the market more than once, which shows how brands can change over time.
Fiat is an Italian automaker known for compact cars and for having gone through multiple ownership and restructuring cycles over the decades. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a brand that can disappear and later return to the market.
Citroën
"[600.0s] Citroën was a French car. A came and went, didn't come back again. [606.2s] Peugeot, another French car, came and went, never came back again."
Citroën is a French car brand. The host is saying it left the market and didn’t come back.
Citroën is a French automaker known for unusual, comfort-focused designs and distinctive engineering. The segment uses Citroën as an example of a brand that exited and did not return to the market being discussed.
Peugeot
"[606.2s] Peugeot, another French car, came and went, never came back again. [611.5s] So it's not like there are vehicles that there were, oh my God,"
Peugeot is a French car brand. The host is using it as another example of a brand that left and didn’t come back.
Peugeot is a French automaker with a long history in Europe and a shifting presence in other markets. In this discussion, it’s cited as another brand that exited and did not return.
Triumph
"English brands, Sterling, Triumph, MG. I mean, there were so many English brands. [627.4s] Many came and went, came back again. And then trust me, many dealers have been wondering for"
Triumph is a British car brand name the host brings up as an example of brands that have come and gone. It supports the idea that some brands don’t survive long-term.
Triumph is a British marque historically associated with cars and motorcycles. The host lists it among English brands that have repeatedly entered and exited the market, highlighting brand volatility.
MG
"English brands, Sterling, Triumph, MG. I mean, there were so many English brands. [627.4s] Many came and went, came back again. And then trust me, many dealers have been wondering for"
MG is a car brand name from the UK. The host is using it to show that even well-known brands can disappear and later return.
MG is a British car brand name that has had multiple eras of ownership and market presence. It’s mentioned here as part of a list of English brands that have come and gone over the years.
Sterling
"English brands, Sterling, Triumph, MG. I mean, there were so many English brands. [627.4s] Many came and went, came back again. And then trust me, many dealers have been wondering for"
Sterling is mentioned as one of the older British car brands that the host says didn’t last. It’s part of the broader point that many brands eventually vanish.
Sterling is referenced as an example of a former English car brand that came and went. The point is to illustrate how many smaller or niche brands have disappeared from the market over time.
Taos
"Well, they're doing product cuts. I mean, we are looking at likely the Jetta and the Taos go away in the United States. Like that is a real consideration right now."
The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover SUV positioned below VW’s larger models. The host suggests it could be removed from the United States lineup as part of Volkswagen’s product cuts, which would effectively end that model’s U.S. availability.
product cuts
"Well, they're doing product cuts. I mean, we are looking at likely the Jetta and the Taos go away in the United States."
“Product cuts” means a company is trimming its lineup—dropping some models from sale. It usually happens when those models aren’t selling enough or the company wants to focus on other cars.
“Product cuts” means reducing or eliminating certain vehicles from a brand’s lineup, often by stopping sales of specific models in a region. Automakers do this when demand is weak or when they want to focus resources on fewer, higher-priority models.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...roduct cuts. I mean, we are looking at likely the Jetta and the Taos go away in the United States. Like t..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car (a sedan) meant for everyday commuting. It’s the kind of vehicle people choose for practicality and efficiency. The podcast mentions it because Volkswagen may be changing which models it sells in the United States.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that’s commonly discussed as a mainstream, practical car option. It’s significant in the context of market strategy because the podcast mentions potential product cuts and whether the Jetta (and the Taos) will remain in the U.S. lineup. That makes it relevant to talk about how Volkswagen is reshaping what it sells.
General Motors
"When we're starting to look at, and we're going to spend some time here today looking at General Motors' future vehicle pipeline,"
General Motors is a big car company in the U.S. The host is about to talk about GM’s future plans for what cars they’re going to build next.
General Motors (GM) is a major U.S. automaker with multiple brands and large-scale vehicle production. The host says they’ll discuss GM’s future vehicle pipeline, which is essentially the planned set of upcoming vehicles and powertrain programs.
vehicle pipeline
"When we're starting to look at, and we're going to spend some time here today looking at General Motors' future vehicle pipeline,"
A “vehicle pipeline” is the company’s plan for what new cars it’s working on and when they’ll arrive. It’s like a schedule of future products.
A “vehicle pipeline” is the automaker’s roadmap of upcoming vehicles—what’s planned for development, launch timing, and sometimes which powertrains will be used. It matters because it shows what the company is prioritizing as markets and regulations change.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"Can I share with you a vehicle that was the number one selling vehicle in the United States, I believe, in the late 70s or early 80s? Please enlighten me. The Oldsmobile Cutlass. Okay, Oldsmobile doesn't exist anymore."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a very popular American car line back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The hosts bring it up to show that even once-massive brands can disappear.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a long-running American model line from Oldsmobile, which was known for being a top-selling mainstream car in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a once-dominant brand/model disappearing over time.
Alex Partners
"And I think my guess is that the good folks at Lucid and the folks that they've employed at Alex Partners to come up with a plan probably understand that there isn't."
Alex Partners is a business firm that the host says helped with planning. It’s being mentioned for the business side of what Lucid might do next.
Alex Partners is referenced as a firm that was involved in helping Lucid develop a plan. The mention is about corporate strategy support rather than a specific automotive technology.
Nissan
"I mean, look, last year it didn't happen, but there were a lot of rumors and talks of Nissan and Honda merging together."
Nissan is a big Japanese car company. The hosts mention it because they’re talking about possible mergers between major automakers.
Nissan is a major Japanese automaker mentioned here in merger rumors with Honda. The context is industry consolidation—how large companies may team up to reduce costs and increase scale.
Honda
"there were a lot of rumors and talks of Nissan and Honda merging together."
Honda is a well-known Japanese car brand. It’s mentioned here because the discussion is about big companies possibly combining or working together more.
Honda is a major Japanese automaker mentioned alongside Nissan in merger rumors. In this segment, it’s part of the broader point that Japanese automakers may collaborate more closely.
Toyota
"Recently, we didn't even talk about it on the show, but the CEO of Toyota came out and said, Japanese automakers need to work more closely together."
Toyota is a major automaker, and the host says its CEO suggested Japanese car companies should work together more. It’s used to reinforce the idea of consolidation.
Toyota is referenced via its CEO’s comments about Japanese automakers working more closely together. The mention supports the segment’s theme: consolidation and collaboration in the auto industry.
product pipeline
"We've got some updated product pipeline visibility from our friends over at Automotive News. And you'll see here that affordability concerns is again, one of the things that's being called out here."
A product pipeline is the planned sequence of new vehicles and updates a company intends to launch over time. In automotive coverage, it’s often used to discuss what models are coming next and how a brand will respond to trends like affordability or changing consumer tastes.
vehicle affordability
"you'll see here that affordability concerns is again, one of the things that's being called out here. ...amid rising concerns across the industry about vehicle affordability."
Vehicle affordability means whether people can afford to buy a car without stretching their budget too much. The host is saying this is a big issue right now and it’s affecting what car companies plan to sell.
Vehicle affordability refers to whether buyers can realistically afford the purchase price and ongoing costs of a vehicle. The host frames it as a major industry concern that is influencing consumer preferences and automaker strategies.
Chevy
"Executives in recent months have touted six Chevy and Buick name plates starting at less than $30,000."
Chevy is short for Chevrolet, a brand owned by General Motors. The host is saying GM is leaning on cheaper Chevrolet models to attract buyers who are worried about price.
Chevy is the common shorthand for Chevrolet, one of General Motors’ core brands. The host mentions Chevrolet nameplates as part of GM’s strategy to offer vehicles starting under $30,000 to address affordability concerns.
Buick
"at a Buick dealership in the 80s and 90s, there wasn't brand loyalty... Most of the inexpensive Buicks that they're selling are manufactured in China."
Buick is a car brand. Here, the hosts are worried that some Buicks are made in China, which could make them vulnerable to U.S. rules that limit imports.
Buick is a U.S. automaker brand that, in this discussion, is being criticized for selling “inexpensive Buicks” manufactured in China. The hosts connect that sourcing to the risk of future U.S. import restrictions, especially if the government targets Chinese-made vehicles.
excess capacity
"VW Group is grappling with high cost and excess capacity at German factories on top of rising Chinese competition..."
Excess capacity means a factory can make more cars than people are buying. If too many cars are being produced, the company has a harder time making good money.
Excess capacity means factories are able to produce more vehicles than the market can realistically absorb. When that happens, automakers often struggle with pricing pressure and profitability because they still have to cover fixed production costs.
import tariffs
"U.S. import tariffs and shifting customer preferences. Their profits have sliced in half between 2021 and 2025."
Import tariffs are taxes on products shipped into a country. For cars, they can make imported vehicles more expensive, which can change what people choose to buy.
Import tariffs are taxes the U.S. (or another country) charges on goods brought in from abroad. In car markets, tariffs can raise the landed cost of imported vehicles, affecting pricing, demand, and automaker profits.
EV
"the headline was Ford is coming out with a $30,000 EV. Sure they are. Yeah, an EV truck."
EV means electric vehicle. It’s a car that runs on electricity from a battery instead of gasoline.
EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor using energy stored in a battery. The segment uses “EV” to discuss Ford’s planned low-cost electric vehicle and frames it as part of the broader shift toward electrification.
EV truck
"Sure they are. Yeah. Wait, I remember when they came out with a sub $40,000 EV truck, [1183.4s] that was never a sub $40,000 EV truck."
An EV truck is a truck that runs on electricity from a battery. The discussion here is about whether these trucks can be sold for really low prices like $30,000 or $40,000.
An EV truck is a pickup or truck that’s powered by an electric motor(s) instead of a gasoline engine. In this segment, the hosts are debating whether certain EV trucks can realistically be priced under $30,000 or $40,000.
affordable ability issue
"And yes, since Chevy is a GM senator, we have to address the affordable [1213.7s] ability issue. They've all said it, nobody's done anything about it."
They’re talking about whether regular people can actually afford the new cars being offered, especially electric ones. The point is that the industry keeps saying it’s a problem, but the prices don’t seem to come down.
This phrase is referring to the affordability problem—whether new vehicles, especially EVs, can be priced low enough for mainstream buyers. The host frames it as an ongoing issue that manufacturers have acknowledged but haven’t solved.
Cadillac Escalade
"The interesting thing here, Dad, is that obviously there's a push for still gasoline vehicles like [1260.9s] the Escalade, but look at this."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big luxury SUV. The hosts mention it because Cadillac is still selling gas versions even while it plans more electric models.
The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV known for its big, V8-powered comfort and status appeal. In this segment, it’s used as an example of Cadillac still pushing gasoline vehicles alongside upcoming electrified models.
electric version
"They're still pushing forward on the Celestic. They're still [1264.1s] pushing forward on the Escalade IQ, which is the electric version."
An “electric version” is when a car model is sold with an all-electric drivetrain. That usually means it runs on a battery instead of a gas engine.
“Electric version” means the same model line is offered with a battery-electric powertrain instead of a gasoline or hybrid setup. In this segment, the host uses it to explain that Cadillac is pushing EV variants alongside gas models.
Cadillac Lyric
"They're still pushing forward on the Escalade IQ, which is the electric version. They're still pushing forward [1267.7s] on the Lyric, the Vistik, the Optik."
The Cadillac Lyriq is an electric Cadillac model. The host mentions it in a list of Cadillac’s EV plans to make the point that the lineup could become more expensive.
The Cadillac Lyriq (spoken here as “Lyric”) is referenced as one of Cadillac’s electrified products. The host lists it alongside other Cadillac EV-related model names to suggest Cadillac’s pricing could climb as the lineup shifts.
IC vehicles
"They're either going to be these big V8 engines in those Cadillac Escalades, [1282.2s] or they're going to be these IC vehicles. I don't mean that as like, I have an IC."
IC vehicles are cars that run on a traditional gas or diesel engine. The host is contrasting those with electric cars and hybrids.
IC vehicles are internal-combustion vehicles—cars powered by gasoline or diesel engines. The host contrasts these with EVs and hybrids, implying future Cadillac models will rely on engine-based power rather than electrification alone.
battery electric
"So they are going to continue with the gas powertrains and hybrid powertrains as opposed to all battery electric."
This means the car runs only on electricity from a battery. There’s no gas engine doing the main work.
“All battery electric” refers to a fully electric vehicle (EV) that relies on a battery pack and electric motors rather than a gasoline engine. The host uses it as the alternative to gasoline and hybrid strategies.
Infinity
"I don't have a Q'd for today's show, but Infinity trying to compete with Mercedes-Benz right now. We'll turn our attention there in a second."
Infiniti is a luxury car brand. The host thinks it’s trying to compete with the biggest German luxury brands, but doesn’t have the same pull with buyers.
Infinity (likely referring to Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti) is being discussed as it tries to compete in the luxury market. The host claims Infiniti is aiming at Mercedes-Benz-level buyers but can’t match the appeal of top German rivals.
Mercedes-Benz
"Infinity trying to compete with Mercedes-Benz right now. We'll turn our attention there in a second."
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury car brand from Germany. The host is using it as the standard Infiniti is trying to compete against.
Mercedes-Benz is a major German luxury brand, and the host uses it as the benchmark Infiniti is trying to match. The comparison is about brand appeal and buyer demand in the luxury segment.
AMG
"You're not AMG. You're never going to be AMG. You're never going to have the appeal that AMG has."
AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s performance brand. The host is saying AMG cars have a special reputation that Infiniti can’t easily copy.
AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s performance division, known for higher-output engines and sport-tuned models. The host argues Infiniti can’t replicate AMG’s reputation and buyer appeal, even if it launches similar SUV competitors.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"It seems to me they're following the Stalantis path of let's make $120,000 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer. Nobody's asking for it."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the more expensive, higher-end version of the Wagoneer. The host is saying that making it extremely pricey doesn’t match what buyers are actually asking for.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the top, more upscale version of Jeep’s full-size Wagoneer line, aimed at buyers who want a luxury SUV experience. In the segment, it’s cited as an example of a model priced around $120,000 that the host argues lacks sufficient customer demand.
Stalantis
"It seems to me they're following the Stalantis path of let's make $120,000 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer."
“Stalantis” sounds like Stellantis, a big car company that owns multiple brands. The host is saying Stellantis has tried expensive, niche products that didn’t get much demand.
“Stalantis” appears to be a misspoken reference to Stellantis, the large automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA. The host is using Stellantis as a shorthand for a pricing/product strategy they believe is misaligned with what customers want.
Jeep Grand
"...up in the morning and said, damn, I need $120,000 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Realistically, there's not a whole lot ..."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV made for both regular driving and rougher roads. It’s the kind of vehicle people buy when they want space and capability. In the podcast, it’s brought up because Jeep’s higher-priced models are being discussed.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for combining everyday usability with off-road capability. It often comes up in discussions because it sits in a popular price-and-trim range, and changes in pricing or product strategy can make it a focal point. In this podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside the idea of very expensive Jeep models, highlighting how Jeep’s lineup is being positioned.
Infiniti QX80
"Realistically, there's not a whole lot of people waking up every morning going, I kind of get me $100,000 $1,000 QX80 from Infinity. Infinity doesn't have the same cache... On that Infinity QX80 autograph in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the last 45 days, we've got zero of the 46 that are available that have sold."
The Infiniti QX80 is Infiniti’s big luxury SUV. It’s meant to feel upscale and “top of the line,” and the host is saying it doesn’t have the same brand prestige as some rivals, which affects sales.
The Infiniti QX80 is Infiniti’s large luxury SUV, positioned as a flagship family hauler with a premium badge and upscale interior. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how Infiniti’s higher-priced models struggle to sell compared with brands that carry stronger “status” appeal.
cache
"Infinity doesn't have the same cache. It doesn't make the same statement that BMW makes or Mercedes makes."
In this context, “cache” means how much respect or status people think a brand has. The host is saying Infiniti doesn’t have as much of that prestige as some German luxury brands.
In car-brand talk, “cache” means the perceived prestige or status a brand carries. The host argues Infiniti lacks the same cache as brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz, so buyers don’t view it as a strong “achievement” signal.
Scottsdale, Arizona
"On that Infinity QX80 autograph in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the last 45 days, we've got zero of the 46 that are available that have sold."
Scottsdale, Arizona is a city in the U.S. The host is using it as the location for a real sales/inventory example.
Scottsdale, Arizona is a specific city where the host references a dealership’s inventory and sales results. It grounds the discussion in a real local market rather than a national average.
Acura
"I remember when we were Scottsdale Acura and we were on the McDowell Road in Scottsdale and South Scottsdale..."
Acura is Honda’s luxury brand. They mention it as part of a personal dealership story, not as a technical car discussion.
Acura is Honda’s luxury brand. It’s referenced as part of the hosts’ dealership history in Scottsdale, used as setup for the Michael Jordan autograph story.
Lexus
"Our Lexus store thought it would be a good idea to provide him with an automobile. Wow. The concept behind it was, well, we'll get him to autograph it."
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury car brand. The hosts mention it in a story about a Michael Jordan autograph and how that kind of celebrity tie-in can change what people pay later.
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand. The hosts tell a story about a Lexus dealership providing a vehicle for Michael Jordan to autograph, using it to illustrate how celebrity signatures can affect resale value.
invoice price
"The dealer loves this stat. I mean, the invoice price on this thing is $108,000. There's almost $9,000 in markup on this Infinity from invoice to MSRP."
Invoice price is basically what the dealer pays the car company for the car. If MSRP is much higher, the dealer can offer a “discount” and still make money.
Invoice price is the amount the dealer pays the manufacturer for the vehicle (before dealer add-ons and profit). The hosts use it to show how much room there is between what the dealer paid and what the MSRP is, which affects how discounts are marketed.
markup
"There's almost $9,000 in markup on this Infinity from invoice to MSRP. No wonder the dealerships happy to offer a $4,000 discount."
Markup is the extra amount added on top of what the dealer paid. If the markup is large, the dealer can “discount” the price and still profit.
Markup is the amount added to the dealer’s cost (or invoice price) to reach the MSRP or selling price. Here, the hosts quantify markup to argue that dealers can offer discounts while still earning substantial money.
discount
"No wonder the dealerships happy to offer a $4,000 discount. If someone actually just takes up, they're still making thousands upon thousands of dollars."
A discount is a lower price than the sticker or list price. The hosts are saying you should look beyond the headline discount because the dealer may still profit in other ways.
A discount is a reduction from the listed selling price (often tied to MSRP or dealer pricing). The hosts frame the discount as potentially misleading if the dealer still makes money through markup and other incentives.
financing
"They're even gotten into how much Infinity is paying them to sell it. Oh my gosh. Yeah, I'm financing and things like that."
Financing means paying for the car over time with a loan or lease. The hosts are pointing out that dealers can make money through the financing deal too, not only the car price.
Financing refers to how the buyer pays for the vehicle over time via a loan or lease. The hosts mention financing because dealers and manufacturers can earn additional money through financing arrangements, not just the vehicle’s sticker price.
high performance variant
"Infinity just made the great strategic decision to delay the high performance variant of this that's going to be roughly $30,000 more expensive than the standard QX80 trim."
A high performance variant is the “stronger” or sportier version of the same model. The hosts say Infiniti is delaying it and that it’ll cost much more than the regular version.
A high performance variant is a more powerful or sportier version of a model, typically with upgraded engines, tuning, or hardware. The hosts say Infiniti delayed this variant and that it will cost about $30,000 more than the standard QX80 trim, which matters for pricing strategy and buyer expectations.
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