Sean McLain

Sean McLain, a WSJ auto industry reporter and VW bus enthusiast, dives into the struggles of Volkswagen's ID Buzz, their all-electric revival of the iconic bus. He discusses the hype surrounding its launch and the significant challenges it faced in capturing American consumer interest. The historical legacy of the VW bus as a cultural icon contrasts sharply with the current lackluster market response. McLain also highlights how Volkswagen aims to rebuild trust post-Dieselgate while navigating fierce competition in the EV landscape.

Sean McLain, a WSJ reporter specializing in the auto industry, discusses the impending 2026 merger between Honda and Nissan, two former rivals. He dives into Nissan's struggles and the electric vehicle race against fierce competition from China. The conversation highlights the cultural challenges of merging distinct corporate identities and the strategic urgency behind the deal. McLain also explores how Honda's strengths could impact the new automaker's competitive stance against innovative giants like Tesla.

In this discussion, Sean McLain, an experienced Journal reporter covering the car industry, shares his insights on the evolving electric vehicle market. He highlights the current slowdown in EV sales, driven by high prices and charging issues. McLain examines the competitive landscape, particularly the rise of Chinese manufacturers like BYD and the implications for established giants like Tesla. He also delves into Rivian's strategic partnership with Volkswagen as a response to production challenges, predicting a more dynamic market landscape by 2025.