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 5, 2025 • 18min
Aug. 5, 2025 | Mazda blames tariffs for loss; automakers pull back hydrogen plans
Mazda tumbles to a loss in the latest quarter as the import-dependent Japanese automaker grapples with U.S. tariffs. Rivian sues Ohio over its direct-sales ban that exempts Tesla. Plus, Automotive News’ Jerry Hirsch talks about why hydrogen technology is losing steam among automakers.
Aug 4, 2025 • 19min
Aug. 4, 2025 | Amazon Autos starts used-vehicle sales; Plus CEO David Liu
Amazon is expanding its online car-shopping platform to include used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Tesla CEO Elon Musk gets his payday. Plus, David Liu, CEO of self-driving company Plus, talks about the decision to take his company public.
Aug 3, 2025 • 8min
Aug. 3, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Impact of trade deals; angry customer takes dealership’s name
Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions talks with Automotive News’ Hannah Lutz about the impact of new U.S. trade deals on the automotive market. Plus, a look at how one woman in Ohio tried to reclaim a dealership’s name after it repossessed her car.
Aug 2, 2025 • 21min
Aug. 2, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Sales gains under unusual conditions; trade deals
Daily Drive Host Kellen Walker and Automotive News Staff Reporter Larry P. Vellequette discuss strong sales gains in June amid unusual market conditions, a string of new U.S. trade deals, and more.
Aug 1, 2025 • 18min
Aug. 1, 2025 | Canada to see 35 percent tariffs; how lenders can gain from auto refinancing
President Donald Trump enacts 35 percent tariffs on Canada while giving Mexico a reprieve. Unusual market conditions drive higher July sales for several automakers. Plus, TransUnion’s Satyan Merchant talks about how millions of customers could save money on their monthly bills by refinancing their auto loans.
Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
July 31, 2025 | GM CEO Mary Barra’s leadership through change; Ford posts loss
Automotive News Staff Reporter Lindsay VanHulle talks about her profile of General Motors CEO Mary Barra, who will receive a Centennial Award as part of Automotive News’ 100th anniversary. Ford swings to a loss in the second quarter. Plus, Hyundai praises the U.S. trade deal with South Korea.
Jul 30, 2025 • 16min
July 30, 2025 | Toyota shrugs off tariffs; the engine’s impact on U.S. car culture
Despite steep tariffs, Toyota’s auto exports to the U.S. keep climbing and have helped drive record sales for the world’s biggest automaker. Mercedes pauses EV orders in the U.S. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Richard Truett talks about the impact of the gasoline engine on U.S. car culture and the people who have shaped the auto industry.
Jul 29, 2025 • 18min
July 29, 2025 | Stellantis braces for $1.4 billion tariff hit; stop-start technology under fire
Stellantis expects tariffs to take a $1.4 billion bite out of profits in the second half. Ford opens a $3 billion credit line ahead of its earnings report. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Molly Boigon talks about the growing criticism of stop-start technology from customers and regulators.
Jul 28, 2025 • 19min
July 28, 2025 | U.S., EU reach trade deal; GM’s Kurt Kelty on EV transition
The U.S. and the European Union reach a trade deal. Tesla signs a chip deal with Samsung. Plus, Kurt Kelty, General Motors’ vice president of battery, propulsion and sustainability, talks about why the company believes the EV era is inevitable despite sluggish demand and policy challenges.
Jul 27, 2025 • 8min
July 27, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Bill Ford’s children on father’s “heart and humanity”
In these excerpts from Automotive News Staff Reporter Michael Martinez’s interviews with Ford Motor Co. Executive Chair Bill Ford’s children, Will Ford and Alexandra Ford English discuss their father’s leadership through crises, such as the 2023 UAW strike.
