Automotive News Daily Drive

Automotive News

Daily Drive is a daily podcast series hosted by 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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1,022 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes1022

Newest first

April 13 · 16 min
Nissan Rogue to debut as hybrid; NTSB’s Ford BlueCruise investigation
Nissan is launching the next Rogue as hybrid-only late this year as it plays catch-up in a market dominated by Toyota and Honda. New steel and aluminum tariff math could cost automakers more. Plus, Kristin Poland of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Highway Safety discusses the board’s investigation into fatal crashes involving the Ford BlueCruise.
April 12 · 14 min
Bonus Episode: Kia’s Russell Wager on EV3, Seltos hybrid and multi-powertrain strategy
Russell Wager, Kia’s vice president of marketing, discusses the brand’s newly announced EV3 compact electric SUV coming to the U.S., the redesigned Seltos with hybrid powertrain and how Kia’s multi-powertrain strategy is helping the brand navigate changing consumer preferences.
April 11 · 30 min
April 11, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Is a U.S. sedan comeback on the horizon?
Automotive News reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez join Kellen Walker to discuss whether Buick’s planned new sedan could mean a broader comeback for the segment in the U.S. Plus, Kia enters the pickup market targeting 90,000 annual sales, new-vehicle inventories drop sharply to 2.98 million, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation calls for a federal gas tax repeal.
April 10 · 19 min
April 10, 2026 | Top 150 Dealership Groups preview; VW ends ID4 U.S. production
A look at the trends and changes in Automotive News’ upcoming 2026 top 150 dealership groups rankings. Volkswagen halts ID4 production in Chattanooga as EV demand slows. Plus, Tesla is reportedly developing a smaller, cheaper electric SUV for production in Shanghai.
April 9 · 21 min
April 9, 2026 | Genesis COO Ted Mengiste on Magma line; Kia gets into pickups
Genesis Motor North America COO Ted Mengiste talks about the brand’s new Magma performance trim and growth strategy. Kia CEO Ho Sung Song announces the brand will launch midsize pickups by 2030, targeting 90,000 annual sales. Plus, Hyundai Motor reroutes ships around Africa to avoid the Strait of Hormuz as CEO Jose Muñoz declares “globalization is over.”
April 8 · 20 min
April 8, 2026 | Nissan's Christian Meunier on turnaround; U.S. sedan comeback?
Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, discusses the brand’s turnaround strategy and future direction. U.S. automakers accuse the European Union of blocking large pickup imports, potentially violating last year’s trade deal. Plus, Buick plans a new sedan for North America.
April 7 · 19 min
April 7, 2026 | Hyundai's Randy Parker on Boulder concept; Gas prices boost EV economics
Automotive News Deputy Editor Lindsay VanHulle speaks with Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker about the brand’s new Boulder concept and its push into body-on-frame vehicles. Gasoline prices have hit $4.14 a gallon, making the economic case for EVs stronger. Plus, Volkswagen praises Rivian’s tech but gets vague when you ask when drivers will be able to use it in VW’s cars.
April 6 · 18 min
April 6, 2026 | Is it time to kill the gas tax?; Senators push Trump on China
John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, argues that the time has come to get rid of the federal gasoline tax. Three Democratic senators urge President Donald Trump to keep Chinese automakers out of the U.S. market ahead of his May summit with President Xi Jinping. Plus, Jeep’s streamlined Grand Wagoneer strategy pays off with a sixfold sales increase.
April 4 · 24 min
April 4, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Q1 sales dipped for several major automakers; New York International Auto Show recap
Automotive News’ staff reporters Larry Vellequette and Jack Walsworth discuss first-quarter sales results. A California ruling that could determine the future of the Scout brand. Plus, a recap of the New York International Auto Show.
April 3 · 18 min
April 3, 2026 | The compliance risks auto lenders face when they use AI; Stellantis in talks to produce Chinese EVs at idled Canada plant
Sarah Milovich, general counsel and vice president of compliance at Carleton Inc., talks about the compliance risks auto lenders are facing when they use artificial intelligence. Stellantis is in talks to produce Leapmotor Chinese EVs at its idled Canadian plant. Plus, more on Mercedes’ $4 billion investment into its Alabama facility.
April 2 · 15 min
April 2, 2026 | What the European auto crisis might mean for the U.S.; first-quarter sales start to roll in; Genesis to expand lineup by 2030
Doug Bolduc, managing editor of Automotive News Europe, talks about the crisis racking the European auto industry and what it might mean for American automakers and dealers. Plus, many automakers see a drop in first-quarter sales.
April 1 · 16 min
April 1, 2026 | Six years of crisis for auto industry; Mercedes invests $4 billion into Alabama plant
Mercedes-Benz invests $4 billion into its Alabama plant. Molly Boigon talks about how crises have battered the auto industry. Plus, a federal judge rules that a California lawsuit against Scout Motors’ direct sales may proceed.
March 31 · 17 min
March 31, 2026 | General Motors idles 1,300 workers at its Detroit EV plant; GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan talks gas prices; Infiniti scales back growth targets
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, talks gas prices and consumer behavior. General Motors idles 1,300 workers at Factory Zero, its electric vehicle plant in Detroit. And Infiniti scales back its U.S. growth targets for the fiscal year.
March 30 · 17 min
March 30, 2026 | Aumovio’s Dennis Fritsch talks dry brake technology; GM expects growth from subscriptions; Audi axes five-cylinder engine in Europe
Dennis Fritsch, Aumovio’s vice president of safety and motion, discusses dry brake technology and how it could impact vehicle engineering. Audi is phasing out its five-star engine in Europe by 2027. Plus, what dealers can learn from China’s rapid expansion in Mexico.
March 29 · 14 min
March 29, 2026 | Bonus Episode: CarEdge CEO says vehicle listings sites are outdated
CarEdge CEO Zach Shefska discusses how his company’s AI agents are bypassing traditional vehicle listing sites to connect car buyers directly with dealerships. Shefska explains how the technology works, why he believes listings sites are outdated, and what the future holds for automotive retail.
March 28 · 22 min
March 28, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Afeela’s demise, Farley's $27M pay, parking lot drama at Stellantis
Automotive News reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez join Kellen Walker to discuss Sony Honda Mobility’s cancellation of its Afeela electric vehicles, Ford CEO Jim Farley’s $27 million compensation despite record recalls, Stellantis ticketing employees who drive competitor vehicles and what to expect at next week’s New York auto show.
March 27 · 26 min
March 27, 2026 | WrenchWay’s Jay Goninen talks about what technicians are looking for; Hyundai pledges increase in U.S. production
WrenchWay President Jay Goninen discusses the company’s Voice of the Technician survey results and what technicians are looking for in a dealership. Hyundai pledges to increase U.S. production by 2030. Plus, what dealers need to know about the wave of used electric vehicles hitting the market.
March 26 · 18 min
March 26, 2026 | What Afeela cancellations signal for Honda, Sony; Q1 sales preview
Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel discusses Sony Honda Mobility’s decision to cancel its Afeela EVs. U.S. auto sales are heading for a rough first quarter. Plus, Stellantis workers face parking tickets for driving the wrong brand.
March 25 · 18 min
March 25, 2026 | Toyota’s Mark Templin on tariff pressure, price hikes; Honda, Sony nix Afeela EVs
Mark Templin, Toyota Motor North America COO, talks about how the automaker is navigating rising tariff costs and global unrest. Sony and Honda cancel their Afeela electric vehicles. Plus, what dealers need to know about how workers’ social media posts could violate FTC advertising rules.
March 24 · 21 min
March 24, 2026 | Could AI replace vehicle listing sites?; Zoox expands to two new markets
A new wave of startups is betting that artificial intelligence can replace third-party vehicle listings sites entirely, saving money for dealers and customers alike. Amazon’s Zoox is bringing its robotaxis to Austin and Miami while expanding coverage in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Plus, Toyota invests $1 billion in Kentucky and Indiana plants for electric vehicle production.

Automotive News Daily Drive

Nissan Rogue to debut as hybrid; NTSB’s Ford BlueCruise investigation

Bonus Episode: Kia’s Russell Wager on EV3, Seltos hybrid and multi-powertrain strategy

April 11, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Is a U.S. sedan comeback on the horizon?

April 10, 2026 | Top 150 Dealership Groups preview; VW ends ID4 U.S. production

April 9, 2026 | Genesis COO Ted Mengiste on Magma line; Kia gets into pickups

April 8, 2026 | Nissan's Christian Meunier on turnaround; U.S. sedan comeback?

April 7, 2026 | Hyundai's Randy Parker on Boulder concept; Gas prices boost EV economics

April 6, 2026 | Is it time to kill the gas tax?; Senators push Trump on China

April 4, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Q1 sales dipped for several major automakers; New York International Auto Show recap

April 3, 2026 | The compliance risks auto lenders face when they use AI; Stellantis in talks to produce Chinese EVs at idled Canada plant

April 2, 2026 | What the European auto crisis might mean for the U.S.; first-quarter sales start to roll in; Genesis to expand lineup by 2030

April 1, 2026 | Six years of crisis for auto industry; Mercedes invests $4 billion into Alabama plant

March 31, 2026 | General Motors idles 1,300 workers at its Detroit EV plant; GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan talks gas prices; Infiniti scales back growth targets

March 30, 2026 | Aumovio’s Dennis Fritsch talks dry brake technology; GM expects growth from subscriptions; Audi axes five-cylinder engine in Europe

March 29, 2026 | Bonus Episode: CarEdge CEO says vehicle listings sites are outdated

March 28, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Afeela’s demise, Farley's $27M pay, parking lot drama at Stellantis

March 27, 2026 | WrenchWay’s Jay Goninen talks about what technicians are looking for; Hyundai pledges increase in U.S. production

March 26, 2026 | What Afeela cancellations signal for Honda, Sony; Q1 sales preview

March 25, 2026 | Toyota’s Mark Templin on tariff pressure, price hikes; Honda, Sony nix Afeela EVs

March 24, 2026 | Could AI replace vehicle listing sites?; Zoox expands to two new markets