
Automotive News Daily Drive
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 19, 2024 • 20min
Dec. 19, 2024 | Potential and pitfalls of Nissan-Honda tie-up; industry reacts to Fed rate cut
Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel joins the show to dig into the possibility of a merger between Nissan and Honda and the potential downsides. The Federal Reserve’s quarter-point benchmark rate decrease is welcome news for dealers and other industry stakeholders. Plus, the U.S. backs off recalling 50 million airbag parts.Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Dec 18, 2024 • 22min
Dec. 18, 2024 | Honda, Nissan consider merger; J.D. Power’s Tyson Jominy interview
Honda and Nissan explore a possible merger. President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team looks to scrap a car crash reporting rule that Tesla opposes. Plus, Tyson Jominy, J.D. Power vice president of data and analytics, joins the show to talk about what the firm expects for the rest of the year and 2025.

Dec 17, 2024 • 21min
Dec. 17, 2024 | GM design chief Michael Simcoe interview; Trump unlikely to stop charging expansion
GM’s design chief Michael Simcoe joins the show to talk about the automaker’s ever-evolving identity as it transitions more to electric vehicles. The massive expansion of EV charging infrastructure is likely to continue under President-elect Donald Trump. Plus, Waymo goes global.

Dec 16, 2024 • 24min
Dec. 16, 2024 | U.S. finalizes $9.6 billion Ford, SK On loan; Gartner’s Mike Ramsey on Cruise
The U.S. finalizes a $9.6 billion loan for Ford’s battery venture with SK On. Some of the world’s largest suppliers are skipping CES. Plus, Gartner’s Mike Ramsey talks about GM’s decision to scrap Cruise and its robotaxi ambitions.Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Dec 14, 2024 • 27min
Dec. 14, 2024 | Weekend Drive: Why dealers are the most optimistic since 2022
Automotive News’ John Huetter explains why dealers are feeling better than they have in a long time about the future of the retail business. Plus, Jamie Butters and Jake Neher discuss a series of executive comebacks announced this week, why industry leaders are using more profane language in public comments lately, and more.Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Dec 13, 2024 • 22min
Dec. 13, 2024 | VW offers wage increases in Chattanooga; Protective Asset Protection’s Rick Kurtz
Volkswagen is offering workers at its Tennessee assembly plant a 14 percent wage increase over four years as well as profit-sharing. Electric vehicle registrations increase again despite another drop for Tesla. Plus, Protective Asset Protection’s Rick Kurtz joins the show to talk about how different approaches to finance and insurance can help improve customer loyalty.Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Dec 12, 2024 • 19min
Dec. 12, 2024 | Chevrolet’s Scott Bell interview; Trump makes pick for FTC chair
Scott Bell, Chevrolet’s global vice president, joins the show to talk about the brand’s EV transition, plans for 2025 and more. President-elect Donald Trump makes his pick to steer the Federal Trade Commission. Plus, used-car prices continue to come down.Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Dec 11, 2024 • 20min
Dec. 11, 2024 | Mazda’s Tom Donnelly interview; GM pulls plug on Cruise robotaxis
Tom Donnelly, Mazda’s North America chief, joins the show to talk about the automaker’s win streak, its new marketing push and its goals for the new year. General Motors’ Cruise unit is abandoning its effort to develop robotaxis. Plus, Hyundai picks a new North America CEO.

Dec 10, 2024 • 21min
Dec. 10, 2024 | Nissan brings back Christian Meunier; Erin Kerrigan talks M&A market
Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Dec 9, 2024 • 18min
Dec. 9, 2024 | Tim Kuniskis returns to Stellantis to lead Ram; AV policy under Trump
Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices