At The Wheel Podcast w/ Tu Le & Joe White

Tu Le & Joe White
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A thoughtful discussion about the future of transportation that highlights companies and individuals moving the sector forward. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Joe White & Tu Le of Management Consultancy Sino Auto Insights highlight & discuss the most impactful events shaping the global automotive and transportation sectors. www.atthewheel.co

  1. Ferrari’s Biggest Gamble in Decades? Designers React to the Ferrari Luce | At The Wheel #23

    Jun 10

    Ferrari’s Biggest Gamble in Decades? Designers React to the Ferrari Luce | At The Wheel #23

    In this special edition of At The Wheel, Tu Le sits down with two leading design experts—Sam Livingstone (Car Design Research) and Matt McElvogue (Teague)—to break down one of the most polarizing vehicle launches in recent memory: the all-new Ferrari Luce. Ferrari’s first all-electric vehicle was supposed to mark the future of the legendary Italian brand. Instead, it sparked a fierce debate. Is the Luce a bold reinvention of Ferrari for the EV era? Or has Ferrari strayed too far from the DNA that made it one of the most iconic brands in automotive history? The discussion explores: 🔴 Why the Ferrari Luce is dividing the automotive world * Does it still look like a Ferrari? * Why many designers believe the exterior abandons core Ferrari identity * The challenge of translating Ferrari’s racing heritage into the EV era ⚡ The Jony Ive & LoveFrom Effect * Why Ferrari partnered with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive * How consumer electronics thinking influenced the vehicle * Whether Apple-style design works in ultra-luxury automotive 🖥️ The Interior That Could Change Automotive UX * Why the Luce’s interior may be more important than its exterior * The fusion of physical controls and digital interfaces * What Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and others may learn from Ferrari’s approach * Why many designers see the interior as a breakthrough 🇨🇳 The China Factor * How Xiaomi, NIO, XPeng and other Chinese EV brands are reshaping expectations * Why Ferrari can no longer rely on performance alone * The pressure luxury brands face from rapidly advancing EV competitors 💰 The $650,000 Question * Is the Luce worth its staggering price tag? * Who is Ferrari actually building this car for? * Silicon Valley buyers, tech billionaires and the next generation of luxury consumers The result is one of the most fascinating discussions we’ve had on automotive design, luxury branding, technology, and the future of Ferrari. Links: Car Design Research: https://www.cardesignresearch.com/ Teague: https://teague.com/ Ferrari: https://www.ferrari.com/en-US 🔎 SEO Keywords (Include in Description) Ferrari LuceFerrari EVFerrari electric carJony Ive FerrariLoveFrom FerrariFerrari design reviewFerrari Luce reactionFerrari electric vehiclefuture of Ferrariluxury EV marketautomotive design analysiscar design podcastEV luxury carsFerrari vs Porsche TaycanChinese EV competitionNIO ET9XPeng technologyXiaomi SU7future of luxury automotive ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Meet Sam Livingstone & Matt McElvogue 02:02 First Reactions to the Ferrari Luce 04:52 Why the Exterior Is So Polarizing 07:22 Is This Still a Ferrari? 10:34 Ferrari vs Porsche Taycan Strategy 13:43 The $650,000 Price Tag Debate 16:54 Luxury, Brand Identity & Future Buyers 19:21 How Ferrari Evaluates Design Concepts 23:18 Did Ferrari Expect This Backlash? 25:12 Why the Interior Is Getting Praise 27:46 The UX Breakthrough Hidden Inside the Luce 31:12 Physical Controls vs Screens 34:05 What Other Automakers Can Learn 37:22 Why Automotive UX Is Still Broken 41:05 China’s Influence on Global Vehicle Design 44:54 Could Ferrari Have Gone Too Far? 48:02 Would You Buy One? 49:10 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    50 min
  2. The EV Slowdown Is Over? LG Energy Solution’s Big Battery Bet | At The Wheel #22

    Jun 5

    The EV Slowdown Is Over? LG Energy Solution’s Big Battery Bet | At The Wheel #22

    While much of the automotive industry focuses on slowing EV growth, a much bigger battery story may be unfolding behind the scenes. In this special edition of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le sit down with Bob Lee, President of LG Energy Solution North America, to discuss the future of batteries, energy storage, AI infrastructure, and the next phase of America’s manufacturing transformation. Bob shares details on LG Energy Solution’s landmark partnership with DTE Energy—the first large-scale energy storage deployment in Michigan powered by battery cells manufactured in Michigan. More than just another battery project, it represents a major milestone for the state’s energy future and demonstrates how Michigan’s automotive manufacturing expertise is helping power the next generation of energy infrastructure. The conversation explores: ⚡ Why LG Energy Solution is shifting battery capacity from EVs to energy storage 🔋 The explosive growth of grid-scale battery storage 🏭 How Michigan-made batteries are creating new opportunities for energy security and economic growth 🤖 Why AI, data centers, and electrification are driving unprecedented demand for batteries 🚗 What the future holds for EV adoption, battery chemistry, and affordable electric vehicles 🇺🇸 The challenge of building a competitive North American battery ecosystem 🔬 LFP, LMR, NMC, and the technologies shaping the next decade of battery innovation As the worlds of transportation, energy, and AI increasingly converge, batteries are becoming one of the most strategically important technologies on the planet. The question is no longer whether batteries will matter. The question is where the next wave of demand will come from—and who will supply it. 🎙️ Featuring: • Bob Lee, President, LG Energy Solution North America • Joe White, High Speed Rodeo • Tu Le, Sino Auto Insights Links: LG ES: https://lgenergymi.com/ Sino Auto Insights: https://www.sinoautoinsights.com/ China EVs & More: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaEVsandMore High Speed Rodeo: Sino Auto Insights Weekly: #BatteryStorage #EnergyStorage #LGEnergySolution #ElectricVehicles #BatteryTechnology #MichiganManufacturing #DataCenters #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfMobility #EnergyTransition #BatterySupplyChain #CleanEnergy #EVBatteries #AdvancedManufacturing #AtTheWheelPodcas 🔎 SEO Keywords LG Energy SolutionBob Lee LGESbattery manufacturing USAenergy storage systemsESS batteriesAI data centers power demandEV battery industryLFP batteriesLMR batteriesCATL competitionBYD batteriesRivian batteriesFord EV batteriesGM battery strategybattery supply chainfuture of batteriesNorth American battery productionfuture of energy storage ⏱️ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:20 Meet Bob Lee, President of LG Energy Solution North America 00:56 The DTE Energy Battery Storage Announcement 02:40 Why LG Is Pivoting Toward Energy Storage 04:44 EV Batteries vs Energy Storage Batteries 07:04 Is Energy Storage More Stable Than EV Demand? 09:43 Competing with Tesla & Megapack 11:47 Battery Management Systems Explained 13:03 Hiring, Talent & New Battery Jobs 14:26 Data Centers, AI & The Next Battery Boom 18:01 Why Energy Storage Demand Is Exploding 20:19 The Future of LFP Batteries 22:20 LMR, NMC & Next-Generation Chemistries 24:45 Can EV Demand Rebound? 26:09 How Much Battery Capacity Does America Need? 27:57 Advanced Manufacturing & Automation 28:50 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    29 min
  3. Michigan’s Auto Industry Is at a Crossroads - Glenn Stevens on China, AI & What Comes Next | At The Wheel #21

    Jun 4

    Michigan’s Auto Industry Is at a Crossroads - Glenn Stevens on China, AI & What Comes Next | At The Wheel #21

    In this special Mackinac Policy Conference edition of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le sit down with Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto, to discuss one of the most important questions facing the automotive industry: Can Michigan remain one of the centers of the global auto industry in the age of AI, automation, electrification, and Chinese competition? Glenn shares details about the newly launched MichAuto Policy Roadmap, a comprehensive effort designed to ensure Michigan remains competitive as the auto industry undergoes its biggest transformation in more than a century. Thank you to Glenn Stevens and the MichAuto team for the invitation to join the conference and the amazing hospitality we received while at Mackinac Island! The conversation covers: 🚗 Michigan’s Auto Future * Why Michigan remains the automotive capital of North America * The risks of standing still while the industry changes * Why Glenn believes the state faces a pivotal moment 🎓 The Talent & Education Crisis * Why Michigan’s education system is one of the industry’s biggest concerns * The connection between workforce development and automotive competitiveness * How career pathway planning is failing too many students * Why the next generation of engineers, software developers, and skilled trades workers matter more than ever 🇨🇳 China’s Automotive Rise * The growing influence of Chinese automakers * Why Michigan companies must understand global competition * What BYD, XPeng, Geely and others mean for the future of the industry 🤖 AI, Automation & Silicon Valley * Why the competition isn’t just China * How software, AI and advanced manufacturing are changing the game * The role of technology companies in shaping the future of mobility 🏭 Manufacturing, Innovation & Policy * Why Michigan must leverage its automotive leadership as a platform for broader innovation * The importance of advanced manufacturing, research, and engineering * What policymakers must do to keep investment and talent in Michigan Throughout the conversation, Glenn emphasizes a simple but urgent message: The automotive industry isn’t waiting. Michigan can lead the next era—or watch it happen somewhere else. Links to: MichAuto: https://michauto.org/ Sino Auto Insights: https://www.sinoautoinsights.com/ High Speed Rodeo: SAI Weekly: China EVs & More: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaEVsandMore 🔎 SEO Keywords Michigan automotive industryMichAutoGlenn StevensMackinac Policy ConferenceDetroit auto industryfuture of mobilityautomotive workforce developmentautomotive education crisisChina EV competitionBYD MichiganXPeng automotiveAI automotive industryautomotive manufacturing jobsMichigan economyadvanced manufacturingautomotive innovationDetroit vs Silicon Valleyautomotive policy roadmapfuture of Michigan automotive industry ⏱️ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Welcome from Mackinac Policy Conference 00:28 What Is the MichAuto Policy Roadmap? 01:57 Why Michigan Faces a Critical Moment 03:04 The Urgency Behind the Automotive Roadmap 05:29 Education: Michigan’s Biggest Competitive Challenge 07:08 Why Workforce Development Matters 08:55 Innovation, Research & Michigan’s Future 10:06 Competing for Talent Globally 12:28 Career Pathways & Skilled Trades 15:32 Why This Election Matters for Michigan 18:24 The Need for Bipartisan Action 20:03 Competing With China & Global Rivals 22:20 AI, Silicon Valley & Automotive Disruption 24:45 Michigan vs The South 25:36 Final Thoughts from Mackinac This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    27 min
  4. Inside China’s EV Revolution: What Detroit Isn’t Ready For | At The Wheel #20

    May 7

    Inside China’s EV Revolution: What Detroit Isn’t Ready For | At The Wheel #20

    In Episode 20 of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le break down one of the biggest stories in the global auto industry: China’s accelerating lead in electric vehicles, software, batteries, and intelligent driving systems. Fresh off a week in China attending the Beijing Auto Show, Tu shares firsthand insight into the most important auto show in the world — and why many Western automakers should be deeply concerned. The conversation explores: * How the Beijing Auto Show dwarfs Detroit in scale, technology, and excitement * XPeng’s transformation into a full-stack technology company focused on AI, humanoids, eVTOLs, and autonomous driving * BYD’s ultra-fast charging breakthroughs and next-generation Blade battery * How Chinese automakers are dramatically reducing development timelines through automation and software integration * Why companies like Toyota and Volkswagen are increasingly relying on Chinese software and technology partners * The rise of Huawei, Momenta, Xiaomi, and Chinese software ecosystems inside vehicles * The growing gap between China’s EV market and the U.S. auto industry * The implications for Ford, GM, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche Joe and Tu also discuss whether the U.S. auto industry is moving fast enough to compete in a future increasingly defined by: * software-enabled vehicles * battery technology * AI and autonomy * robotics * data ecosystems As China’s automakers push beyond EVs into intelligent mobility platforms, the central question becomes: The center of gravity already shifted - Can Detroit and Europe catch up? Are they currently even playing the same game? 🔎 SEO Keywords for Discoverability Beijing Auto Show 2026China EV marketBYD battery technologyXPeng AI strategyHuawei automotive softwareChinese automakers expansionsoftware defined vehiclesfuture of electric vehiclesChina EV dominanceToyota China EV strategyVolkswagen XPeng partnershipautonomous driving ChinaEV charging breakthroughfuture of mobility ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Back From China 00:57 Beijing Auto Show First Impressions 03:05 XPeng’s AI and Technology Pivot 07:10 eVTOLs, Humanoids & Autonomous Systems 11:20 Beijing Auto Show Scale vs Detroit 15:12 BYD’s Battery and Charging Breakthroughs 20:19 Why Chinese EV Makers Are Moving Faster 24:48 Volkswagen, Toyota & Chinese Partnerships 29:11 Software-Defined Vehicles Explained 33:06 China’s Manufacturing Advantage 37:18 Why Detroit Should Be Paying Attention 42:08 Chinese EV Expansion Into Canada & Mexico 47:00 Future of EV Competition 53:17 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    54 min
  5. BYD Earnings Shock + $4 Gas: What It Means for EVs | At The Wheel #19

    Apr 1

    BYD Earnings Shock + $4 Gas: What It Means for EVs | At The Wheel #19

    In Episode 19 of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le unpack a rapidly shifting global auto landscape — where rising gas prices, geopolitical instability, and intensifying EV competition are colliding. The conversation begins with BYD’s latest earnings report, which shows declining profits despite massive growth in global vehicle sales. Rather than signaling collapse, Joe and Tu explain why BYD’s results reflect intense competition and structural changes in China’s auto market. They break down: * Why BYD’s profits declined despite selling 4.6 million vehicles globally * The impact of China’s ongoing price war and government intervention * How competitors like Geely, Chery, and Wuling are reshaping the market * Why Chinese automakers are accelerating exports across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia * Tesla’s growing challenges in China and lack of new product refreshes * The implications of rising global gas prices due to geopolitical tensions * How oil price spikes could shift demand back toward hybrids and EVs * Why Western automakers may struggle to adapt to both cost pressure and technological competition * The long-term impact of software, automation, and data on the future of mobility Joe and Tu also explore how China’s rapid innovation cycles — from manufacturing to software — are creating a new competitive benchmark that Western automakers must match or risk falling behind. As fuel prices rise and EV competition intensifies, the industry faces a critical question: Can legacy automakers keep up — or will China’s speed and scale redefine the global auto market? 🔎 SEO Keywords BYD Earnings China EV market EV price war China gas prices auto industry oil price impact cars electric vehicle competition BYD vs Tesla China EV exports global auto industry trends EV adoption trends hybrid vs EV demand future of mobility auto industry disruption ⏱ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Gas Prices and Road Trips 01:43 BYD Earnings Breakdown 03:06 China EV Price War Explained 05:23 BYD Growth vs Profit Decline 07:10 Tesla Challenges in China 09:38 Export Markets and Global Competition 12:57 China Manufacturing Advantage 15:56 Speed vs Quality Debate 18:58 Oil Prices and Supply Chain Risks 21:49 Impact on Auto Industry Costs 25:06 Winners and Losers from Rising Gas Prices 28:46 EV Demand vs Gas Vehicles 31:32 Future of Global Auto Competition 34:39 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    43 min
  6. Tesla’s $1.6T Mystery, China’s EV Surge & the Robotaxi Reality Check | At The Wheel #18

    Mar 17

    Tesla’s $1.6T Mystery, China’s EV Surge & the Robotaxi Reality Check | At The Wheel #18

    In Episode 18 of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le are joined by Alan Ohnsman, Senior Editor at Forbes, to break down the evolving story of Tesla — from its early days as a Silicon Valley startup to its current position as one of the most valuable companies in the world. Alan shares firsthand stories from the earliest days of Tesla, including the company’s debut in 2006 and the pivotal investments from Daimler and Toyota that helped it survive its early financial struggles. The discussion then shifts to Tesla’s present challenges and the rapidly changing global EV landscape. Joe, Tu, and Alan analyze: * Why Tesla’s EV sales are slowing despite its massive valuation * The role of China’s EV industry and companies like BYD in reshaping the market * Whether Tesla’s shift toward AI, robotaxis, and humanoid robots is a visionary strategy or a risky pivot * The growing competition in autonomous driving from Waymo, Zoox, Waabi, and Chinese companies * The economics of the robotaxi business and why it may not be as profitable as many investors believe * Tesla’s expanding battery storage and energy business, which could become a major growth engine * How EV supply chains, battery technology, and energy markets are becoming central to the future of transportation The conversation also explores the broader transformation of the auto industry, where software, batteries, and energy infrastructure may ultimately matter more than cars themselves. As Tesla evolves from an EV disruptor into a broader technology company, the question becomes: Is Tesla still an automaker — or something entirely different? 🔎 SEO Keywords for Discoverability Tesla valuation Tesla robotaxi strategy Tesla AI pivot BYD electric vehicles China EV industry EV supply chain robotaxi competition Waymo autonomous vehicles electric vehicle market trends future of EV industry battery energy storage systems EV geopolitics future of mobility ⏱ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Special Guest Alan Ohnsman 00:39 The Early Days of Tesla 02:23 Tesla’s First Public Debut 04:56 Daimler and Toyota’s Early Investments 07:17 How Tesla Survived the 2008 Crisis 12:05 Tesla’s Battery Strategy Explained 16:05 Tesla’s Current EV Sales Challenges 20:19 Tesla’s $1.6T Valuation Debate 24:47 Robotaxis and Autonomous Driving Competition 29:05 Why Waymo and Others Challenge Tesla 34:36 Tesla’s Energy and Battery Storage Business 40:53 EV Supply Chains and China’s Dominance 47:18 The Future of Tesla and the EV Industry 54:11 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    56 min
  7. Oil Shock, BYD’s Breakthrough Battery & the Future of EVs | At The Wheel #17

    Mar 15

    Oil Shock, BYD’s Breakthrough Battery & the Future of EVs | At The Wheel #17

    In Episode 17 of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le examine two powerful forces reshaping the global auto industry: rising oil prices triggered by geopolitical conflict and a major battery breakthrough from BYD. As tensions in the Middle East disrupt global oil markets and threaten energy supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz, automakers may once again face the consequences of volatile fuel prices. Higher gasoline prices historically reshape vehicle demand and force shifts toward more efficient cars and electrified vehicles. Joe and Tu discuss: * How rising oil prices could reshape the global auto market * The impact of geopolitical conflict on fuel prices and supply chains * Why Toyota, Hyundai, and EV makers may benefit from higher gas prices * The vulnerability of truck-heavy automakers like Ford and Stellantis * How Chinese automakers may redirect exports as global markets shift * BYD’s next-generation Blade battery and ultra-fast charging technology * Why BYD’s charging speeds now rival the time it takes to fill a gas tank * The role of battery innovation in the next phase of EV competition * Why Chinese automakers may gain further advantages in global EV markets The episode also explores the future of charging infrastructure, the economics of EV adoption, and whether Western automakers can keep pace with China’s accelerating innovation. As oil shocks and technological breakthroughs collide, the auto industry faces a new question: Will the future of transportation be driven by energy markets — or battery innovation? 🔎 SEO Keywords for Discoverability BYD battery breakthrough BYD blade battery EV fast charging technology oil price spike auto industry electric vehicle charging speed EV battery innovation China EV technology EV market competition future of electric vehicles EV vs gasoline vehicles global oil market impact auto industry energy transition Chinese automakers innovation ⏱ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Oil Shock Hits the Auto Industry 02:32 How the Iran Conflict Disrupts Global Oil Markets 06:06 Why Asian Automakers Face Greater Fuel Risks 09:38 Rising Gas Prices and Consumer Behavior 13:03 Supply Chain Risks from Energy Markets 15:56 BYD’s New Blade Battery Explained 18:58 Ultra-Fast Charging Technology 22:16 Why BYD Is Pushing Charging Innovation 25:36 EV Technology vs Gasoline Vehicles 29:11 Western Automakers Falling Behind? 33:19 Chinese EV Expansion and Global Competition 36:53 The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure 41:17 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    1h 4m
  8. China’s Battery Dominance w/ special guest Henry Sanderson | At The Wheel #16

    Mar 15

    China’s Battery Dominance w/ special guest Henry Sanderson | At The Wheel #16

    In Episode 16 of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le are joined by Henry Sanderson, author of Volt Rush and an expert on global battery supply chains and critical minerals. The discussion explores one of the most important issues shaping the future of the auto industry: who controls the batteries, minerals, and technology powering the EV transition. Henry explains how China built a dominant position across the EV supply chain — from mining and refining to battery manufacturing — and why Western governments are now scrambling to catch up. Joe, Tu, and Henry discuss: * How Chinese companies like CATL, BYD, and Ganfeng Lithium built global dominance in batteries * Why China controls key processing capacity for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth magnets * Whether the United States and Europe can realistically rebuild their own supply chains * The challenge of competing with China’s scale and cost advantages * How EV demand, energy storage, and AI-driven data centers are reshaping energy markets * Tesla’s shift toward AI, robotaxis, and robotics — and what that means for the EV industry * Why EV policy, industrial strategy, and geopolitics are now deeply intertwined The conversation also dives into emerging battery technologies including LFP, sodium-ion, and manganese-rich batteries, and what they could mean for the next phase of the energy transition. As governments and automakers race to secure supply chains, the future of the EV industry may depend less on cars — and more on minerals, batteries, and energy infrastructure. 🔎 SEO Keywords for Discoverability EV battery supply chain China battery dominance CATL batteries Volt Rush book Henry Sanderson EV lithium supply chain rare earth magnets EV LFP battery technology sodium ion batteries energy transition geopolitics Tesla robotaxi strategy EV industry competition global EV market battery manufacturing US future of electric vehicles ⏱ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Special Guest Henry Sanderson 01:18 Henry Sanderson and the Story Behind Volt Rush 03:48 China’s Battery Supply Chain Dominance 07:33 Can the West Catch Up to China? 10:58 Rare Earths, Lithium and Critical Minerals 15:57 How China Controls EV Supply Chains 19:42 LFP Batteries and Cost Advantages 22:05 Sodium-Ion and Next Generation Batteries 27:20 Tesla’s Shift Toward AI and Robotics 31:14 EV Demand and Global Market Competition 36:47 Ford, GM and the Future of EVs 41:01 Geopolitics and the Energy Transition 45:23 Will the West Rebuild Its Supply Chain? 52:51 Final Thoughts on the EV Race This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co

    52 min
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A thoughtful discussion about the future of transportation that highlights companies and individuals moving the sector forward. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Joe White & Tu Le of Management Consultancy Sino Auto Insights highlight & discuss the most impactful events shaping the global automotive and transportation sectors. www.atthewheel.co

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