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
Jul 21, 2025 • 18min
July 21, 2025 | Stellantis’ $2.7 billion loss; Factorial Energy’s Siyu Huang
Stellantis expects a $2.7 billion loss in the first half. A new report says franchised dealerships saw double-digit profit gains in the second quarter. Plus, Siyu Huang, founder and CEO of Factorial Energy, talks about the solid-state battery maker’s business in 2025.
Jul 20, 2025 • 15min
July 20, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Flavio Volpe; trade group showdown
Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe talks about the idea of an all-Canadian automaker and why North American production has not shut down as predicted with new U.S. tariffs. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Molly Boigon breaks down rising tensions between two of the leading U.S. auto industry trade groups.
Jul 19, 2025 • 25min
July 19, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Farewell to Jamie Butters
Automotive News Executive Editor Jamie Butters is moving to the next stage of his career. He and Daily Drive Host Kellen Walker talk about his time with the publication and his future.
Jul 18, 2025 • 18min
July 18, 2025 | Latest tariffs threaten battery makers; PayNearMe’s Dawn Fretwell
The U.S. is set to impose more than 90 percent tariffs on a key EV battery material. NHTSA is shedding more than a quarter of its employees. Plus, Dawn Fretwell of PayNearMe talks about the growing demand for more convenient repayment options for auto loans.
Jul 17, 2025 • 21min
July 17, 2025 | CAFE defanged; solving the service tech shortage with Faulkner’s Mike Rocchi
Automakers are off the hook for fuel efficiency penalties for the last three years. Volvo swings to a $1 billion loss. Plus, Faulkner Automotive's Mike Rocchi talks about how the 25-store dealership group has staffed up its service drive despite the nationwide tech shortage.
Jul 16, 2025 • 19min
July 16, 2025 | NADA, alliance clash over franchise laws; Redwood Materials’ Cal Lankton
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is provoking a battle with NADA over state dealership franchise laws. Canadian auto companies see double-digit revenue declines amid tariffs. Plus, Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials chief commercial officer, talks about the company’s efforts to reuse electric vehicle batteries to store energy for power-hungry sites such as data centers.
Jul 15, 2025 • 17min
July 15, 2025 | Renault names interim CEO; FTC FAQ on Safeguards Rule
Renault has named an interim CEO to lead the group while it searches for a permanent replacement for Luca de Meo. Tesla’s North America sales chief exits. Plus, the FTC has a new tool to help dealerships navigate the Safeguards Rule.
Jul 14, 2025 • 22min
July 14, 2025 | Bergstrom Automotive’s John Bergstrom interview; EU, Mexico tariffs
Bergstrom Automotive Chairman John Bergstrom talks about his decades-long career as a dealer and how his company has grown to about $2 billion in sales. President Donald Trump announces 30 percent tariffs on the EU and Mexico. Plus, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann settles a $200 million tax case in Italy.
Jul 13, 2025 • 10min
July 13, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Nissan’s Christian Meunier on tariffs; Ford’s new deals
Nissan Americas Chairperson Christian Meunier talks about tariffs and changing regulations in the U.S. and Canada. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Michael Martinez discusses Ford’s new incentive strategy as it ends popular employee-pricing-for-all deals.
Jul 12, 2025 • 23min
July 12, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Toyota close to dream of building on demand
Long considered an industry pipe dream, Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant is closing in on on-demand production. Automotive News Staff Reporter Larry P. Vellequette joins the show to talk about that and some of the biggest stories across the auto industry in the past week.
