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
Apr 13, 2026 • 17min
Nissan Rogue to debut as hybrid; NTSB’s Ford BlueCruise investigation
Nissan is launching the next Rogue as hybrid-only late this year as it plays catch-up in a market dominated by Toyota and Honda. New steel and aluminum tariff math could cost automakers more. Plus, Kristin Poland of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Highway Safety discusses the board’s investigation into fatal crashes involving the Ford BlueCruise.
Apr 12, 2026 • 15min
Bonus Episode: Kia’s Russell Wager on EV3, Seltos hybrid and multi-powertrain strategy
Russell Wager, Kia’s vice president of marketing, discusses the brand’s newly announced EV3 compact electric SUV coming to the U.S., the redesigned Seltos with hybrid powertrain and how Kia’s multi-powertrain strategy is helping the brand navigate changing consumer preferences.
Apr 11, 2026 • 31min
April 11, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Is a U.S. sedan comeback on the horizon?
Automotive News reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez join Kellen Walker to discuss whether Buick’s planned new sedan could mean a broader comeback for the segment in the U.S. Plus, Kia enters the pickup market targeting 90,000 annual sales, new-vehicle inventories drop sharply to 2.98 million, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation calls for a federal gas tax repeal.
Apr 10, 2026 • 20min
April 10, 2026 | Top 150 Dealership Groups preview; VW ends ID4 U.S. production
A look at the trends and changes in Automotive News’ upcoming 2026 top 150 dealership groups rankings. Volkswagen halts ID4 production in Chattanooga as EV demand slows. Plus, Tesla is reportedly developing a smaller, cheaper electric SUV for production in Shanghai.
Apr 9, 2026 • 21min
April 9, 2026 | Genesis COO Ted Mengiste on Magma line; Kia gets into pickups
Genesis Motor North America COO Ted Mengiste talks about the brand’s new Magma performance trim and growth strategy. Kia CEO Ho Sung Song announces the brand will launch midsize pickups by 2030, targeting 90,000 annual sales. Plus, Hyundai Motor reroutes ships around Africa to avoid the Strait of Hormuz as CEO Jose Muñoz declares “globalization is over.”
Apr 8, 2026 • 20min
April 8, 2026 | Nissan's Christian Meunier on turnaround; U.S. sedan comeback?
Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, discusses the brand’s turnaround strategy and future direction. U.S. automakers accuse the European Union of blocking large pickup imports, potentially violating last year’s trade deal. Plus, Buick plans a new sedan for North America.
Apr 7, 2026 • 20min
April 7, 2026 | Hyundai's Randy Parker on Boulder concept; Gas prices boost EV economics
Automotive News Deputy Editor Lindsay VanHulle speaks with Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker about the brand’s new Boulder concept and its push into body-on-frame vehicles. Gasoline prices have hit $4.14 a gallon, making the economic case for EVs stronger. Plus, Volkswagen praises Rivian’s tech but gets vague when you ask when drivers will be able to use it in VW’s cars.
Apr 6, 2026 • 19min
April 6, 2026 | Is it time to kill the gas tax?; Senators push Trump on China
John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, argues that the time has come to get rid of the federal gasoline tax. Three Democratic senators urge President Donald Trump to keep Chinese automakers out of the U.S. market ahead of his May summit with President Xi Jinping. Plus, Jeep’s streamlined Grand Wagoneer strategy pays off with a sixfold sales increase.
Apr 4, 2026 • 25min
April 4, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Q1 sales dipped for several major automakers; New York International Auto Show recap
Automotive News’ staff reporters Larry Vellequette and Jack Walsworth discuss first-quarter sales results. A California ruling that could determine the future of the Scout brand. Plus, a recap of the New York International Auto Show.
Apr 3, 2026 • 18min
April 3, 2026 | The compliance risks auto lenders face when they use AI; Stellantis in talks to produce Chinese EVs at idled Canada plant
Sarah Milovich, general counsel and vice president of compliance at Carleton Inc., talks about the compliance risks auto lenders are facing when they use artificial intelligence. Stellantis is in talks to produce Leapmotor Chinese EVs at its idled Canadian plant. Plus, more on Mercedes’ $4 billion investment into its Alabama facility.
