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 2, 2026 • 15min
April 2, 2026 | What the European auto crisis might mean for the U.S.; first-quarter sales start to roll in; Genesis to expand lineup by 2030
Doug Bolduc, managing editor of Automotive News Europe, talks about the crisis racking the European auto industry and what it might mean for American automakers and dealers. Plus, many automakers see a drop in first-quarter sales.
Apr 1, 2026 • 16min
April 1, 2026 | Six years of crisis for auto industry; Mercedes invests $4 billion into Alabama plant
Mercedes-Benz invests $4 billion into its Alabama plant. Molly Boigon talks about how crises have battered the auto industry. Plus, a federal judge rules that a California lawsuit against Scout Motors’ direct sales may proceed.
Mar 31, 2026 • 18min
March 31, 2026 | General Motors idles 1,300 workers at its Detroit EV plant; GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan talks gas prices; Infiniti scales back growth targets
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, talks gas prices and consumer behavior. General Motors idles 1,300 workers at Factory Zero, its electric vehicle plant in Detroit. And Infiniti scales back its U.S. growth targets for the fiscal year.
Mar 30, 2026 • 17min
March 30, 2026 | Aumovio’s Dennis Fritsch talks dry brake technology; GM expects growth from subscriptions; Audi axes five-cylinder engine in Europe
Dennis Fritsch, Aumovio’s vice president of safety and motion, discusses dry brake technology and how it could impact vehicle engineering. Audi is phasing out its five-star engine in Europe by 2027. Plus, what dealers can learn from China’s rapid expansion in Mexico.
Mar 29, 2026 • 14min
March 29, 2026 | Bonus Episode: CarEdge CEO says vehicle listings sites are outdated
CarEdge CEO Zach Shefska discusses how his company’s AI agents are bypassing traditional vehicle listing sites to connect car buyers directly with dealerships. Shefska explains how the technology works, why he believes listings sites are outdated, and what the future holds for automotive retail.
Mar 28, 2026 • 23min
March 28, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Afeela’s demise, Farley's $27M pay, parking lot drama at Stellantis
Automotive News reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez join Kellen Walker to discuss Sony Honda Mobility’s cancellation of its Afeela electric vehicles, Ford CEO Jim Farley’s $27 million compensation despite record recalls, Stellantis ticketing employees who drive competitor vehicles and what to expect at next week’s New York auto show.
Mar 27, 2026 • 26min
March 27, 2026 | WrenchWay’s Jay Goninen talks about what technicians are looking for; Hyundai pledges increase in U.S. production
WrenchWay President Jay Goninen discusses the company’s Voice of the Technician survey results and what technicians are looking for in a dealership. Hyundai pledges to increase U.S. production by 2030. Plus, what dealers need to know about the wave of used electric vehicles hitting the market.
Mar 26, 2026 • 18min
March 26, 2026 | What Afeela cancellations signal for Honda, Sony; Q1 sales preview
Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel discusses Sony Honda Mobility’s decision to cancel its Afeela EVs. U.S. auto sales are heading for a rough first quarter. Plus, Stellantis workers face parking tickets for driving the wrong brand.
Mar 25, 2026 • 18min
March 25, 2026 | Toyota’s Mark Templin on tariff pressure, price hikes; Honda, Sony nix Afeela EVs
Mark Templin, Toyota Motor North America COO, talks about how the automaker is navigating rising tariff costs and global unrest. Sony and Honda cancel their Afeela electric vehicles. Plus, what dealers need to know about how workers’ social media posts could violate FTC advertising rules.
Mar 24, 2026 • 21min
March 24, 2026 | Could AI replace vehicle listing sites?; Zoox expands to two new markets
A new wave of startups is betting that artificial intelligence can replace third-party vehicle listings sites entirely, saving money for dealers and customers alike. Amazon’s Zoox is bringing its robotaxis to Austin and Miami while expanding coverage in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Plus, Toyota invests $1 billion in Kentucky and Indiana plants for electric vehicle production.
