Automotive News Daily Drive

Staff Reporter Laurence Iliff explains why electric vehicle registrations recently fell for the first time in more than two years and how much Tesla’s woes are to blame. Toyota adds battery pack lines at two plants to pave the way for the new RAV4. Plus, Ford orders dealers to halt deliveries of some Mach-Es.

Lenny LaRocca, head of KPMG’s automotive practice, talks about the evolving mergers and acquisitions market and how his clients are trying to beef up bottom lines in 2025. The UAW’s federal monitor paints a damning picture of President Shawn Fain’s leadership. Plus, the U.S. Senate looks to phase out EV tax credits over six months.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba failed to reach an agreement on a trade package on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Tesla dominates this year’s Cars.com’s American-Made Index. Plus, as Tesla readies its robotaxi launch, New Industry VC’s Alex Roy raises questions about safety and profit potential.

Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, is stepping down after five years. Ford’s rare-earth magnet supply is “day to day” after forcing a plant shutdown. Plus, Paul Thomas, president of Bosch North America, and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers President Collin Shaw discuss the latest challenges facing parts makers amid tariffs and supply chain bottlenecks.

Telemetry’s Sam Abuelsamid talks about where Tesla’s brand image stands after CEO Elon Musk’s online spat with President Donald Trump. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Richard Truett talks about Brian Wilson’s indelible impact on American car culture after the Beach Boys’ founder’s death this past week at age 82.Brian Wilson/Beach Boys/Car Hits playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0e7QhkZtdBlMcTApGeGscZ?si=150664ce58f34406 

More often than not, revenue from service, parts and the body shop carry dealerships through tough times. Automotive News Senior Retail Editor Dan Shine talks about this year’s list of top dealership groups as ranked by service and parts revenue and body shop revenue.

President Trump repeals California’s gas-car ban and floats higher auto tariffs. Electric vehicle momentum halts in April. Plus, EasyCare’s Corey Smith talks about how service drives can cut stress and boost profits by rethinking their scheduling processes.

Openlane CEO Peter Kelly talks about the digital wholesaler’s view of tariffs as well as the benefits and shortcomings of artificial intelligence technologies. A survey finds the auto industry is the most vulnerable to financial distress. Plus, Dana inks a massive deal to sell its off-highway business.

The U.S. reaches a trade framework with China to ease the rare-earths shortage. GM makes a blockbuster investment in U.S. production. Plus, Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry, talks about Tesla’s planned robotaxi launch and why he thinks it’s a big risk for the self-driving industry.

Chinese officials say they are willing to fast-track approval of rare-earth exports to eligible users in the European Union. Hyundai reportedly has a rare-earths stockpile that can last about a year. Plus, Dean Evans, co-founder of rare-earth midstream processor Evolution Metals and Technologies, talks about the bottleneck in China and what his company is seeing as a result.