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Automotive News Daily Drive

Sept. 5, 2024 | Kia America COO Steve Center; Biden to block U.S. Steel sale to Nippon

Sep 5, 2024
Steve Center, the COO of Kia America, discusses the brand's impressive 4.3% sales growth, driven mainly by electric vehicles and the new EV9 crossover. He emphasizes the balanced approach Kia is taking, blending gasoline vehicles with hybrids and fully electric models. The conversation also touches on the competitive EV landscape, including challenges in infrastructure, consumer demand, and the impact of policy changes on the electric vehicle market. Additionally, the podcast highlights the potential implications of President Biden's intervention in the U.S. Steel acquisition.
20:05

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Quick takeaways

  • President Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel highlights the importance of protecting domestic jobs in the auto industry.
  • Kia's successful electric vehicle growth, particularly with the EV9, showcases its ability to balance diverse powertrains amid shifting consumer demands.

Deep dives

Biden's Intervention in Steel Acquisition

President Biden is preparing to block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, which poses significant implications for the North American auto industry. The proposed $15 billion merger has raised concerns regarding the potential loss of thousands of U.S. jobs, especially within unions. While Nippon's bid was initially seen as favorable due to its potential to enhance technological advancements in steelmaking and maintain domestic supplies of electrical steel, the president's intervention signals a protective stance towards domestic industry and employment. This decision could reshape relationships between automakers and their steel suppliers, impacting supply chains and production capabilities.

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