

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 11, 2025 • 26min
Dec. 11, 2025 | Ionna CEO Seth Cutler interview Part 2; automakers push to preserve USMCA
In this second and final part of Automotive News’ interview with Seth Cutler, the Ionna CEO discusses softening electric vehicle demand after the loss of the federal tax credit and why the company is opting not to develop its own charging app. Automakers push to preserve USMCA as President Donald Trump floats bilateral deals. Plus, EV registrations do better in October than analysts expected.

Dec 10, 2025 • 24min
Dec. 10, 2025 | Ionna CEO Seth Cutler interview Part 1; affordable cars selling fast
Seth Cutler, CEO of the Ionna charging network, talks about the eight automakers trying to beat Tesla at its own game. U.S. inventory dips with affordable cars flying off dealer lots. Plus, VinFast’s U.S. expansion collapses.

Dec 9, 2025 • 20min
Dec. 9, 2025 | Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson interview; Nissan eyes hybrid hub in U.S.
Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson says 2026 will be a comeback year for the automaker. Nissan considers making hybrid powertrains in Tennessee to make the Rogue tariff-proof. Plus, Asbury Automotive’s CEO is stepping down.

Dec 8, 2025 • 19min
Dec. 8, 2025 | Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe interview; six EU leaders call to stop ICE ban
In the first part of an exclusive interview with Automotive News, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the auto industry is on the verge of a self-driving revolution. Six countries call on the European Union to abandon its 2035 combustion engine ban. Plus, Canadian auto retailers have poured millions into electric vehicle infrastructure upgrades, but many say there’s been no return on investment.

Dec 7, 2025 • 13min
Dec. 7, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Steps dealers should take before picking AI vendors
Part Two of Automotive News Retail Reporter Mark Hollmer’s interview with Yuriy Demidko, chief information Officer at Fox Motors, outlining the steps dealers need to take when selecting a vendor for artificial intelligence tools.

Dec 6, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 6, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Is Trump’s CAFE rollback moot?
Auto industry leaders joined President Donald Trump at the White House to announce proposed rollbacks of Biden-era fuel economy standards. Automotive News’ Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez talk about that and other news from the past week, including Toyota’s leap back into supercars.

Dec 5, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 5, 2025 | Trump wants kei cars in U.S.; how to set up dealership mobile service
President Donald Trump wants Asian kei cars to be built and sold in the U.S. Toyota leaps back into supercars. Plus, service and parts consultant Vernon Davis talks about his new book about how to implement mobile service at a dealership.

Dec 4, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 4, 2025 | How dealers should shop for AI tools; Trump unveils relaxed CAFE standards
Yuri Demidko, chief information Officer at Fox Motors, outlines the steps dealers need to take before settling on new artificial intelligence tools for their stores. President Donald Trump unveils his plan to slash fuel economy rules. Plus, dealer sentiment sinks as the tariff rush fades and tax credits end.

Dec 3, 2025 • 18min
Dec. 3, 2025 | Edmunds’ Jessica Caldwell on state of the market; Trump set to ease CAFE standards
Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds, talks about the state of the industry heading into 2026 and how affordability issues have continued to shrink the new car market. Trump is poised to propose relaxed fuel economy standards. Plus, thousands of dealerships fall victim to a new data breach.

Dec 2, 2025 • 18min
Dec. 2, 2025 | Hybrids surge in November; Helion President Erik Nachbahr
Toyota, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Kia posted mixed November U.S. sales, with strong hybrid volume offset by an EV slump. JLR fires the design boss behind Jaguar’s polarizing rebrand. Plus, Helion Technologies President Erik Nachbahr explains why the cybersecurity tools dealerships relied on five years ago are becoming obsolete.


