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
Aug 28, 2025 • 19min
Aug. 28, 2025 | Mercedes wants a Europe tariff deal; AAA’s Greg Brannon
Mercedes-Benz wants the U.S. and Europe to lower auto tariffs. AAA’s director of automotive research Greg Brannon talks about how driver-assistance systems fare in traffic. Plus, the UAW encounters a speed bump in a vote in Kentucky.
Aug 27, 2025 • 25min
Aug. 27, 2025 | U.S. Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Part 1; AN 100th birthday
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, talks about his vision for a stronger American auto industry. Stellantis pays $190 million in U.S. fuel economy penalties. Plus, Automotive News journalists celebrate the publication’s 100th birthday with stories of some of the most influential figures they have covered in the industry.
Aug 26, 2025 • 20min
Aug. 26, 2025 | Hyundai adds $5 billion in U.S. investments; AN Congress preview
Hyundai Motor Group is adding $5 billion of investments to its U.S. operations. California dealers sue Sony Honda over direct sales of Afeela electric vehicles. Plus, three industry experts scheduled to speak at Automotive News Congress 2025 discuss Chinese competition, the retail market and more.
Aug 25, 2025 • 19min
Aug. 25, 2025 | Nissan’s Christian Meunier; possible bombshell in EU trade framework
Nissan Americas Chairperson Christian Meunier joins the show to talk about how the Japanese automaker hopes to win back customers with a fresh lineup and more powertrain options. A possible bombshell lies in the U.S.-EU trade framework. NHTSA probes more than 1.4 million Honda vehicles over engine failures.
Aug 24, 2025 • 13min
Aug. 24, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Autos Drive America CEO Jennifer Safavian; Slate’s Tisha Johnson
Jennifer Safavian, CEO of Autos Drive America, reacts to the latest developments in trade talks between the U.S. and EU. Plus, the conclusion of Automotive News Staff Reporter Laurence Iliff’s interview with Tisha Johnson, Slate Auto’s head of design.
Aug 23, 2025 • 15min
Aug. 23, 2025 | Weekend Drive: EU trade framework; pessimism grows across industry
Automotive News’ Hannah Lutz, director of technology and innovation coverage, and Staff Reporter Michael Martinez discuss the biggest auto industry news stories from the past week, including a new trade framework between the U.S. and European Union and increasing uncertainty about the industry’s future.
Aug 22, 2025 • 19min
Aug. 22, 2025 | How budget bill will affect F&I profits; Jeep revives the Cherokee
Protective Asset Protection’s Rick Kurtz talks about how dealership finance and insurance offices can leverage the new tax deduction on auto loan interest. Industry groups react to the U.S. trade framework with the EU. Plus, the Jeep Cherokee is coming back with a hybrid powertrain.
Aug 21, 2025 • 25min
Aug. 21, 2025 | Slate Auto’s Tisha Johnson; U.S., EU reach deal to cut tariffs
Tisha Johnson, Slate Auto’s head of design, joins the show to talk about the low-cost electric pickup that can be customized and converted to an SUV. The U.S. and EU reach a deal that could cut auto tariffs. Plus, Nissan plans a major product blitz that would reincarnate the Xterra.
Aug 20, 2025 • 22min
Aug. 20, 2025 | Maserati’s Andrea Soriani; suppliers expect tough six months
Maserati North America chief Andrea Soriani talks about challenges and opportunities for the brand in an uncertain trade environment. Suppliers are more pessimistic about their companies’ overall performance than automakers and dealers. Plus, Honda taps a Silicon Valley startup for self-driving software.
Aug 19, 2025 • 22min
Aug. 19, 2025 | NADA’s Paul Metrey interview; new study finds dealers losing confidence in industry future
Paul Metrey, NADA executive vice president of public policy, talks about issues affecting retailers, from artificial intelligence to environmental regulations. The Automotive News Auto Industry Confidence Index finds that dealers are losing confidence in the future of the auto industry. Plus, Teamsters picket in three states over nonunion car carriers.
