

Automotive News Daily Drive
Automotive News
Daily Drive is a daily podcast series hosted by Automotive News Executive Editor Jamie Butters and 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 21, 2025 • 12min
Dec. 21, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Gestamp's Riberas on the supplier financing crisis
Gestamp Executive Chairman Francisco Riberas explains why he thinks the century-old model for financing new vehicle programs is breaking down and what needs to replace it. Plus, more from NADA's incoming chair Rob Cochran on dealer expectations for 2025.

Dec 20, 2025 • 29min
Dec. 20, 2025 | Weekend Drive: EU's EV retreat; Ford's $20 billion gas pivot
Automotive News’ Molly Boigon and Automotive News Canada’s Greg Layson discuss the European Commission’s expected reversal of its 2035 combustion engine ban and Ford’s drastic scaling back of electric vehicle plans. Plus, Molly discusses her column on the auto industry’s policy whiplash, and Greg talks about Ford’s Canadian Super Duty plans amid tariff uncertainty.

Dec 19, 2025 • 20min
Dec. 19, 2025 | Incoming NADA chair talks 2026 priorities; USMCA talks set for January
Incoming National Automobile Dealers Association chair Rob Cochran discusses his priorities for 2026. U.S.-Canada trade talks are set to begin in January with high stakes for automakers. Plus, deleted texts reveal an alleged conspiracy against UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock.

Dec 18, 2025 • 25min
Dec. 18, 2025 | Steven Rattner on 2009 auto bailout: "Everybody had to take pain"
Steven Rattner, who led the Obama administration’s auto rescue, reflects 16 years later on General Motors and Chrysler’s bankruptcies and addresses whether he’d do anything differently today. Plus, why Europe’s EV future remains intact despite this week’s combustion ban reversal— and what Ford dealers fear as the Escape goes away.

Dec 17, 2025 • 18min
Dec. 17, 2025 | Impact of EU ICE ban reversal; Tesla sales at risk in California
The EU’s reversal on its combustion engine ban will reshape where automakers invest billions and which vehicles they prioritize globally. Automotive News Europe’s Peter Sigal details how this policy shift creates winners and losers for companies operating in both Europe and the U.S. Plus, California could suspend Tesla sales, and Scout Motors wins direct-sales rights in Colorado.

Dec 16, 2025 • 22min
Dec. 16, 2025 | New tool tracks distressed suppliers; Rivian CEO talks China, R2 launch
John Irwin, Automotive News supply chain reporter, introduces the Supplier Distress Tracker, revealing over 60,000 job cuts in the auto sector this year. He discusses how tariffs and EV shifts have strained suppliers. Meanwhile, RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, outlines the launch of their R2 mass-market EV, targeting a price of $45,000, and highlights the competitive edge of Chinese manufacturers in technology and cost. Insights into Rivian's strategic focus and production plans make this conversation particularly engaging.

Dec 15, 2025 • 20min
Dec. 15, 2025 | Trump’s CAFE retreat likely to cost consumers; Nissan overhauls stair-steps
Automotive News’ Molly Boigon explains why relaxed emissions standards are likely to cost consumers more than they would save. Nissan revamps its stair-step bonuses after a dealer uproar. Plus, JLR says it did not, in fact, fire its controversial design chief.

Dec 14, 2025 • 12min
Dec. 14, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson’s vision for cars of the future
Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson talks about the automaker’s powertrain strategy moving forward, its relationship with parent company Geely and more.

Dec 13, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 13, 2025 | Weekend Drive: USMCA drama; EVs do better than expected in October
Automotive News reporters Molly Boigon and Richard Truett discuss some of the biggest news stories in the auto industry from the past week, including President Donald Trump’s threat to dismantle USMCA and EV registrations doing better than expected in October after the repeal of federal tax credits.

Dec 12, 2025 • 22min
Dec. 12, 2025 | Ford, SK On end joint battery venture; doing mobile service right
South Korean battery maker SK On is ending its joint venture with Ford. Mexico plans tariffs as high as 50 percent on Chinese cars. Plus, Jeremy Stephens of Bozard Ford joins the show to talk about how mobile service has helped serve his customers and boost the company’s bottom line.


