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 11, 2025 • 15min
July 11, 2025 | AI vs. humans on dealership service calls; EVs continue slump
Pied Piper CEO Fran O’Hagan talks about how well artificial intelligence is doing compared to humans when answering service appointment calls. EVs continue their slump in May despite discounts. Plus, Nissan considers supplying vehicles to Honda in the U.S.
Jul 10, 2025 • 19min
July 10, 2025 | Making sense of trade developments; Volvo Cars slashes U.S. workforce
Automotive News Staff Reporter John Irwin discusses the latest tariff news and what comes next with volatile trade talks. Volvo Cars axes 15 percent of its U.S. salaried workforce. Plus, Ford and Stellantis get tough on suppliers amid tariffs.
Jul 9, 2025 • 17min
July 9, 2025 | Ford manufacturing chief looks to change culture; new tariffs on copper
Automotive News Staff Reporter Michael Martinez talks about how Ford’s top manufacturing executive, Bryce Currie, is trying to change the company’s culture to improve quality and efficiency. President Donald Trump wants 50 percent tariffs on copper imports. Plus, there’s a new luxury sales front-runner after seven straight quarters.
Jul 8, 2025 • 18min
July 8, 2025 | Ford drops employee pricing for new deals; unpacking the end of EV incentives
Ford Motor Co. is starting the third quarter with a new incentive campaign. Nissan tells suppliers it will postpone the start of production of two U.S.-built electric crossovers by nearly a year. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Molly Boigon talks about the likely impacts of the new U.S. spending law on the auto industry.
Jul 7, 2025 • 20min
Industry reacts to Trump budget bill; Dunne Insights CEO Michael Dunne
Biden-era electric vehicle tax credits will come to an end this fall now that President Donald Trump has signed his budget bill. Tariffs force Nissan to suspend production of three models for the Canadian market. Plus, China expert Michael Dunne talks about the country’s surging EV makers and whether legacy automakers can regain footing in the market.
Jul 6, 2025 • 8min
July 6, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Suppliers’ investment priorities; exemptions to vehicle rules
Executives from LG Energy Solution and Qualcomm Technologies explain where they are placing their bets. Plus, technical consultant Phil Koopman explains the exemptions to federal vehicle safety standards.
Jul 5, 2025 • 12min
July 5, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Why generative AI hallucinations persist and how to deal
Even as generative artificial intelligence tools become more widespread at dealerships, they continue to churn out inaccurate or nonsensical information. But so do humans. Staff Reporter Mark Hollmer joins the show to explain the current state of AI.
Jul 3, 2025 • 22min
July 3, 2025 | Trade partners seek tariff relief; Pinewood eyes North America tech rollout
The clock is ticking for trade partners as the pause on reciprocal trades is set to expire July 9. Plus, Pinewood Technologies Group CEO Bill Berman discusses plans to install its system throughout Lithia’s North American outlets.
Jul 2, 2025 • 15min
July 2, 2025 | Kuniskis takes over U.S. brands; how Trump is encouraging robotaxis
Ram brand chief Tim Kuniskis will lead all of Stellantis’ U.S. brands. Autos and parts theft at industrial sites is on the rise, according to FBI data. And the Trump administration wants to make it easier for cars to drive themselves.
Jul 1, 2025 • 19min
July 1, 2025 | June sales sputter for some automakers; panel airs suppliers’ many issues
U.S. auto sales slowed in June with more brands reporting declines. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump resume their feud over the Senate budget bill. And a Congress Conversation livestream panel address the issues facing suppliers.
