Automotive News Daily Drive
Automotive News
Updated about 18 hours agoDaily Drive is a daily podcast series hosted by Automotive News Executive Editor Jamie Butters and Kellen Walker. We speak with industry experts, insiders and Automotive News reporters about events and trends impacting and reshaping the automotive industry.Automotive News is the leading source of news, data and understanding for the auto industry's decision-makers. Learn more at autonews.com.
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Episodes (1012)
July 12, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Toyota close to dream of building on demand
Long considered an industry pipe dream, Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant is closing in on on-demand production. Automotive News Staff Reporter Larry P. Vellequette joins the show to talk about that and some of the biggest stories across the auto industry in the past week.
July 11, 2025 | AI vs. humans on dealership service calls; EVs continue slump
Pied Piper CEO Fran O’Hagan talks about how well artificial intelligence is doing compared to humans when answering service appointment calls. EVs continue their slump in May despite discounts. Plus, Nissan considers supplying vehicles to Honda in the U.S.
July 10, 2025 | Making sense of trade developments; Volvo Cars slashes U.S. workforce
Automotive News Staff Reporter John Irwin discusses the latest tariff news and what comes next with volatile trade talks. Volvo Cars axes 15 percent of its U.S. salaried workforce. Plus, Ford and Stellantis get tough on suppliers amid tariffs.
July 9, 2025 | Ford manufacturing chief looks to change culture; new tariffs on copper
Automotive News Staff Reporter Michael Martinez talks about how Ford’s top manufacturing executive, Bryce Currie, is trying to change the company’s culture to improve quality and efficiency. President Donald Trump wants 50 percent tariffs on copper imports. Plus, there’s a new luxury sales front-runner after seven straight quarters.
July 8, 2025 | Ford drops employee pricing for new deals; unpacking the end of EV incentives
Ford Motor Co. is starting the third quarter with a new incentive campaign. Nissan tells suppliers it will postpone the start of production of two U.S.-built electric crossovers by nearly a year. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Molly Boigon talks about the likely impacts of the new U.S. spending law on the auto industry.
Industry reacts to Trump budget bill; Dunne Insights CEO Michael Dunne
Biden-era electric vehicle tax credits will come to an end this fall now that President Donald Trump has signed his budget bill. Tariffs force Nissan to suspend production of three models for the Canadian market. Plus, China expert Michael Dunne talks about the country’s surging EV makers and whether legacy automakers can regain footing in the market.
July 6, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Suppliers’ investment priorities; exemptions to vehicle rules
Executives from LG Energy Solution and Qualcomm Technologies explain where they are placing their bets. Plus, technical consultant Phil Koopman explains the exemptions to federal vehicle safety standards.
July 5, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Why generative AI hallucinations persist and how to deal
Even as generative artificial intelligence tools become more widespread at dealerships, they continue to churn out inaccurate or nonsensical information. But so do humans. Staff Reporter Mark Hollmer joins the show to explain the current state of AI.
July 3, 2025 | Trade partners seek tariff relief; Pinewood eyes North America tech rollout
The clock is ticking for trade partners as the pause on reciprocal trades is set to expire July 9. Plus, Pinewood Technologies Group CEO Bill Berman discusses plans to install its system throughout Lithia’s North American outlets.
July 2, 2025 | Kuniskis takes over U.S. brands; how Trump is encouraging robotaxis
Ram brand chief Tim Kuniskis will lead all of Stellantis’ U.S. brands. Autos and parts theft at industrial sites is on the rise, according to FBI data. And the Trump administration wants to make it easier for cars to drive themselves.
July 1, 2025 | June sales sputter for some automakers; panel airs suppliers’ many issues
U.S. auto sales slowed in June with more brands reporting declines. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump resume their feud over the Senate budget bill. And a Congress Conversation livestream panel address the issues facing suppliers.
June 30, 2025 | Canada pulls tax to spur trade talks; Lyft sees robotaxi partnership model
Canada rescinded its digital services tax and the finance minister said trade negotiations with the U.S. will resume. Also, a Lyft executive explains how the company is working with Mobileye, May Mobility and others to launch robotaxis.
June 29, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Roger Penske’s medal of freedom; fixed ops solutions
Penske Automotive Group CEO Roger Penske shares what his Presidential Medal of Freedom means to him. Plus, service and parts experts discuss the importance of customer retention and how to do it.
June 28, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Stellantis CEO fosters a more open culture
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is cultivating openness at the company he just took over. Staff Reporter Vince Bond Jr. joins the show to discuss the relationships that need mending.
June 27, 2025 | Second-quarter sales slow at end; customer-pay work is key for service profits
Auto sales finish the second quarter at their slowest pace of the year. Japanese automakers continue to increase exports to the U.S. despite tariffs. And service and parts experts stress the need to keep customers visiting for more than recall work.
June 26, 2025 | Automaker group blasts NHTSA; Roger Penske honored by Automotive News
Automaker trade group says NHTSA is impeding its progress and struggling to modernize. Ford calls most salaried workers back to the office. And Roger Penske, auto dealer and motorsports giant, receives Automotive News centennial award.
June 25, 2025 | Judge protects EV charger funds; Lucid leader argues for tax credit fairness
A federal judge blocks Trump administration from withholding EV charging infrastructure funds. Continental warns that tariffs will hold back profits. And Marc Winterhoff, Lucid Motors’ interim CEO, argues for small manufacturers to get EV tax credits.
June 24, 2025 | Espinosa faces unruly shareholders; why driver assistance fails to satisfy
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa takes tough questions at shareholder meeting. Despite Trump’s tariffs, Mexico is seen as a vital automotive hub. And J.D. Power’s Kathleen Rizk and Lisa Boor explain American consumers’ dissatisfaction with advanced driver-assistance systems.
June 23, 2025 | Filosa keeps responsibility for North America; Elkann on global industry
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa keeps responsibility for North America and key brands. Tesla robotaxis start rolling in Texas. Toyota raises prices in the U.S. Plus, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann reflects on his family’s legacy.
June 22, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan interview; suppliers and AI
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan talks about how tariffs are affecting the U.S. auto industry’s hometown and his dream of landing a Toyota plant in Michigan. Plus, Paul Thomas, president of Bosch North America, and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers President Collin Shaw discuss how artificial intelligence technology is affecting the supply chain.
June 21, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Suppliers face unique challenges in 2025
Automotive News is releasing our list of top auto suppliers in 2025. Staff Reporter John Irwin joins the show to talk about this year’s list and what those companies face as trade tensions stir and market conditions evolve.
June 20, 2025 | Customers bear $30 billion tariff brunt; service members buying more F&I
Tariffs are likely to add about $2,000 to sticker prices. Stellantis considers selling one of its brands. Plus, Finance and Insurance Reporter John Huetter talks about why service members are more likely to buy F&I products at dealerships.
June 19, 2025 | Why Tesla sales, EV market are struggling; Toyota adds battery pack lines
Staff Reporter Laurence Iliff explains why electric vehicle registrations recently fell for the first time in more than two years and how much Tesla’s woes are to blame. Toyota adds battery pack lines at two plants to pave the way for the new RAV4. Plus, Ford orders dealers to halt deliveries of some Mach-Es.
June 18, 2025 | KPMG’s Lenny LaRocca; UAW monitor skewers Shawn Fain’s leadership
Lenny LaRocca, head of KPMG’s automotive practice, talks about the evolving mergers and acquisitions market and how his clients are trying to beef up bottom lines in 2025. The UAW’s federal monitor paints a damning picture of President Shawn Fain’s leadership. Plus, the U.S. Senate looks to phase out EV tax credits over six months.
June 17, 2025 | U.S., Japan fail to reach trade deal; New Industry VC’s Alex Roy
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba failed to reach an agreement on a trade package on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Tesla dominates this year’s Cars.com’s American-Made Index. Plus, as Tesla readies its robotaxi launch, New Industry VC’s Alex Roy raises questions about safety and profit potential.