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
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Episodes1022

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February 9 · 18 min
Feb. 9, 2026 | Toyota Highlander goes electric; TrueCar founder Scott Painter on his comeback
The Toyota Highlander nameplate is going all-electric for 2027. While Kia is stepping back from plug-in hybrids, Nissan is doubling down on them. Plus, TrueCar founder Scott Painter talks about his return to the company and how he plans to turn it around.
February 8 · 11 min
Feb. 8, 2026 | Bonus Episode: More from NASCAR Champ Joey Logano
In the second and final part of Automotive News’ interview with three-time NACSAR champion Joey Logano, he talks more about his ownership stake in with Huntersville Ford and whether he plans to be in the auto retail business for the long haul.
February 7 · 21 min
Feb. 7, 2026 | Weekend Drive: NADA 2026 wrap-up; UAW-VW deal
Automotive News’ Michael Martinez and Larry P. Vellequette discuss the week’s biggest stories from the NADA Show in Las Vegas, including China making waves at the show and J.D. Power’s forecast for dealer profits in 2026. Plus, the UAW and Volkswagen reach a tentative agreement in Chattanooga.
February 6 · 21 min
February 6, 2026 | Cox Automotive's Steve Rowley on AI revolution; Toyota names new CEO
Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley joins Daily Drive from the NADA Show 2026 to talk about how the AI revolution is transforming dealerships. Toyota CFO Kenta Kon will become CEO effective April 1, just three years after the last major leadership change. Plus, LG Energy Solution buys out Stellantis’ stake in NextStar.
February 5 · 22 min
Feb. 5, 2026 | Meet Megan and Lauren: dealership AI avatars; UAW, VW reach tentative deal
Automotive News Retail Tech Reporter Mark Hollmer talks about how dealerships are starting to use AI avatars in their customer service. The UAW and Volkswagen have reached a tentative agreement covering the Chattanooga plant nearly two years after workers voted to join the union. Plus, VW of America aims for a 10 percent sales increase amid tensions with dealers.
February 4 · 22 min
Feb. 4, 2026 | NASCAR champ Joey Logano on Ford dealership partnership; J.D. Power profit forecast
Three-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano discusses his partnership with Huntersville Ford and why he’s getting into automotive retail. J.D. Power expects U.S. dealer profits to drop 12 percent this year to $25.4 billion. Plus, China is top-of-mind at the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas.
February 3 · 21 min
Feb. 3, 2026 | Hyundai, Kia set January sales records; Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell
Hyundai and Kia post record January sales driven by hybrids and crossovers. Consumer Reports crowns nine hybrids in its top 10 vehicle rankings. Plus, Chrysler Brand CEO Chris Feuell talks about the minivan comeback, the refreshed Pacifica and why Chrysler is pivoting away from going all-electric.
February 2 · 23 min
Feb. 2, 2026 | Dealers worry about economy ahead of NADA Show; Bosch cuts 13K jobs
Automotive News Retail Reporter Paige Hodder discusses the 2026 Dealer Outlook Survey and how dealers are navigating economic uncertainty heading into this week’s NADA Show in Las Vegas. Bosch pushes back profit targets after a painful 2025. Plus, Stellantis ends remote work flexibility with a return-to-office mandate.
February 1 · 6 min
Feb. 1, 2026 | Bonus Episode: MADD’s Stephanie Manning on impairment tech roadblocks
In the second and final part of Automotive News Tech Reporter Molly Boigon’s interview with Stephanie Manning, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, they discuss the roadblocks to implementing impairment prevention technology, why automakers and regulators are stuck in a circular dependency, and MADD’s commitment to a federal mandate despite industry hesitation.
January 31 · 23 min
Jan. 31, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Tesla ditches Model S/X; 2026 NADA preview
Automotive News' Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss Tesla ending Model S and Model X production for Optimus robots, Hyundai axing the Santa Cruz after one generation, and what to expect at next week's NADA Show in Las Vegas—from dealer sentiment trends to the biggest issues facing retailers in 2026.
January 30 · 21 min
Jan. 30, 2026 | Tesla-SpaceX merger talk; car buyer satisfaction
Elon Musk is weighing a potential SpaceX-Tesla merger ahead of a planned public offering that could raise $50 billion. Minivans roar back with 20 percent U.S. sales growth as consumers trade down from pricier SUVs. Plus, Cox Automotive’s Jessica Stafford discusses why car buyer satisfaction hit a record 76 percent — driven by digital tools, connected buying processes and omni-channel experiences.
January 29 · 23 min
Jan. 29, 2026 | Tesla axes Model S and Model X; why kei cars are “doomed” in U.S.
Tesla is ending production of its Model S and Model X to make room for a humanoid robot factory as the company shifts from being a carmaker to a “physical-AI provider.” Hyundai axes the Santa Cruz pickup after just one generation. Plus, Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel explains the eight reasons Japanese kei cars are “doomed to flop” in the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s push to bring them here.
January 28 · 21 min
Jan. 28, 2026 | MADD pushes impairment tech mandate; GM cuts Oshawa shift
MADD’s Stephanie Manning explains why she thinks impairment prevention technology is “the next seatbelt.” General Motors is cutting the third shift at its Oshawa Assembly Plant, laying off about 700 workers as tariffs reshape North American production. Plus, Ford dealer council chair Steve Blasing discusses the strategy to keep Escape customers in the fold.
January 27 · 22 min
Jan. 27, 2026 | Ancor CEO: “Data is king”; Hyundai, Kia face new disadvantage
Ancor CEO Jose Flores explains why data management is the overlooked key to the software-defined vehicle era and why companies are “bleeding profit, trust and time” by treating data as back-office compliance. President Donald Trump raises tariffs on South Korean vehicles to 25 percent, putting Hyundai and Kia at a disadvantage against Japanese rivals. Plus, General Motors widened its fourth-quarter loss to $3.3 billion after electric vehicle charges but raised 2026 guidance.
January 26 · 21 min
Jan. 26, 2026 | Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs; AWS on AI timelines
President Donald Trump threatens Canada with 100 percent tariffs over its new trade deal with China that includes electric vehicles. Volkswagen pumps the brakes on a U.S. Audi factory unless tariffs drop. Plus, Amazon Web Services’ Ozgur Tohumcu explains how artificial intelligence is compressing vehicle development timelines and why software-defined vehicles will extend vehicle lifespans.
January 25 · 11 min
Jan. 25, 2026 | Bonus Episode: Lincoln President Joaquin Nuño-Whelan on growth plans
Lincoln President Joaquin Nuño-Whelan talks about the brand’s plan to grow sales in 2026 despite losing the Corsair crossover, future product direction and navigating tariff uncertainty.
January 24 · 23 min
Jan. 24, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Trump reloads trade chaos; Lincoln's growth bet
Automotive News’ Larry Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss President Donald Trump’s whiplash on European tariffs, the latest Auto Industry Confidence Index results showing diverging sentiment, Lincoln’s plan to grow sales despite shrinking its lineup to three nameplates and more.
January 23 · 17 min
Jan. 23, 2026 | Tesla launches robotaxis without safety monitors; F&I cash deal
Tesla finally launches robotaxi rides without safety monitors in Austin, years after Elon Musk’s predictions. VW renames the ID4. Plus, Automotive News’ John Huetter explains why cash buyers still present opportunities for finance and insurance products despite lower profits.
January 22 · 23 min
Jan. 22, 2026 | GM moves Buick out of China; Karma's product reinvention
GM shifts production of its Buick compact crossover out of China and into the U.S. starting in 2028. Cash buyers are costing dealers serious money in F&I. Plus, Karma Automotive CEO Marques McCammon discusses the company’s complete product reinvention, ending its 11-year-old Revero nameplate and launching an entirely new lineup in 2026.
January 21 · 19 min
Jan. 21, 2026 | Hyundai’s market value surge; Teradar's Matt Carey on sensors
Hyundai’s market value surges, overtaking General Motors to become the world’s fourth-most valuable automaker. Dealer confidence slips in the fourth quarter as consumer affordability challenges intensify. Plus, Teradar CEO Matt Carey explains how the company’s pioneering sensor technology combines the best of radar and lidar at a fraction of the cost.

Automotive News Daily Drive

Feb. 9, 2026 | Toyota Highlander goes electric; TrueCar founder Scott Painter on his comeback

Feb. 8, 2026 | Bonus Episode: More from NASCAR Champ Joey Logano

Feb. 7, 2026 | Weekend Drive: NADA 2026 wrap-up; UAW-VW deal

February 6, 2026 | Cox Automotive's Steve Rowley on AI revolution; Toyota names new CEO

Feb. 5, 2026 | Meet Megan and Lauren: dealership AI avatars; UAW, VW reach tentative deal

Feb. 4, 2026 | NASCAR champ Joey Logano on Ford dealership partnership; J.D. Power profit forecast

Feb. 3, 2026 | Hyundai, Kia set January sales records; Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell

Feb. 2, 2026 | Dealers worry about economy ahead of NADA Show; Bosch cuts 13K jobs

Feb. 1, 2026 | Bonus Episode: MADD’s Stephanie Manning on impairment tech roadblocks

Jan. 31, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Tesla ditches Model S/X; 2026 NADA preview

Jan. 30, 2026 | Tesla-SpaceX merger talk; car buyer satisfaction

Jan. 29, 2026 | Tesla axes Model S and Model X; why kei cars are “doomed” in U.S.

Jan. 28, 2026 | MADD pushes impairment tech mandate; GM cuts Oshawa shift

Jan. 27, 2026 | Ancor CEO: “Data is king”; Hyundai, Kia face new disadvantage

Jan. 26, 2026 | Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs; AWS on AI timelines

Jan. 25, 2026 | Bonus Episode: Lincoln President Joaquin Nuño-Whelan on growth plans

Jan. 24, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Trump reloads trade chaos; Lincoln's growth bet

Jan. 23, 2026 | Tesla launches robotaxis without safety monitors; F&I cash deal

Jan. 22, 2026 | GM moves Buick out of China; Karma's product reinvention

Jan. 21, 2026 | Hyundai’s market value surge; Teradar's Matt Carey on sensors