Automotive News Daily Drive

Stellantis goes on a hiring spree at its North American headquarters. Pressure grows on Mercedes’ CEO as the company’s luxury strategy stalls. Plus, ChargerHelp CEO Kameale Terry explains why charging attempts still fail despite better uptime.

Eric Watson, Kia America’s vice president of sales operations, joins the show to talk about the automaker’s affordability strategy and why he’s optimistic about 2026. Audi’s pared down U.S. compact crossover lineup comes with big price hikes. Plus, 2025 has been the year artificial intelligence has started making a big mark on both carmaking and sales.

Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker joins the show to talk about the automaker’s fresh models and why it’s still optimistic about the future of its electric vehicles. GM misses Canada’s deadline for a plan on its shuttered BrightDrop plant. And industry executives pitch collaboration on supply chain mapping.

Michael Barabay, CEO of CalStart and former Department of Energy official, emphasizes the vital role of public-sector initiatives in educating consumers about EVs and filling charging gaps. He highlights the need for clearer messaging to boost EV adoption. Irvash Krakaria, an Automotive News reporter, shares insights on Mercedes-Benz's aggressive strategy to reclaim the U.S. luxury market, detailing dealer optimism and upcoming vehicle rollouts. The duo provides a captivating look into the changing landscape of the automotive industry.

Stefano Marzani, an executive at Amazon Web Services, dives into the complexities of cellular connectivity for vehicles, highlighting the promise of new technologies like CV2X and AWS Wavelength to reduce latency. Rachael Zaluzec, VP of brand marketing at Volkswagen of America, shares the inspiring story of 'Azul,' a restored VW Microbus that survived the Palisades fire. She discusses its journey from rescue to restoration and its role as a symbol of hope showcased proudly at the LA Auto Show.

Join Jerry Hirsch, a tech and innovation expert from Automotive News, and Larry P. Vellequette, reporter on Toyota and Subaru, as they dive into the highlights of the LA Auto Show. Discover the buzz around Kia’s revamped Telluride and Hyundai's adventurous concepts. The duo also tackles the surprising shift in hybrid vehicle focus, aimed at performance rather than just fuel economy. Additionally, they discuss Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda's controversial MAGA hat moment in Japan and its potential implications for the brand's image and sales.

A Tier 2 supplier is suing Nexteer over a canceled Ford EV program. China makes new demands to end the Nexperia chip crisis. Plus, Cox Automotive’s Skyler Chadwick talks about the findings from the company’s new Service Industry Study.

Ivan Espinosa, the CEO of Nissan, shares insights on the company’s ambitious turnaround plan and exciting new product launches for 2026. He discusses strategies for U.S. sales, including a healthier retail mix and a focus on hybrids. Paige Hodder offers a fascinating view into Gen Z car-buying habits, emphasizing their cautious credit approach and the necessity for dealerships to adapt their finance strategies. The conversation reveals the mounting pressure on automakers, including the recent challenges of a fire at a key manufacturing plant.

Molly Boygon, an Automotive News reporter focusing on connected vehicles, discusses the vital role of cellular networks in car functionality and highlights the challenges posed by dead zones, especially in rural areas. Stefano Marzani, an engineering technology leader at Amazon Web Services, elaborates on the architecture needed for connected vehicles and the importance of keeping critical systems local. They also explore solutions like pre-downloading data and the potential of satellite connectivity, raising questions about safety and efficiency in today's automotive landscape.

As part of Automotive News’ 100 year anniversary, former Ford Mexico CEO Kathleen Ligocki reflects on Mary Barra’s rise at General Motors and what it has meant for women in the industry. Toyota will spend almost a billion dollars to boost hybrid production across the U.S. Audi plans to build a Land Rover Defender rival for the American market.