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
Dec 8, 2025 • 19min
Dec. 8, 2025 | Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe interview; six EU leaders call to stop ICE ban
In the first part of an exclusive interview with Automotive News, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the auto industry is on the verge of a self-driving revolution. Six countries call on the European Union to abandon its 2035 combustion engine ban. Plus, Canadian auto retailers have poured millions into electric vehicle infrastructure upgrades, but many say there’s been no return on investment.
Dec 7, 2025 • 13min
Dec. 7, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Steps dealers should take before picking AI vendors
Part Two of Automotive News Retail Reporter Mark Hollmer’s interview with Yuriy Demidko, chief information Officer at Fox Motors, outlining the steps dealers need to take when selecting a vendor for artificial intelligence tools.
Dec 6, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 6, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Is Trump’s CAFE rollback moot?
Auto industry leaders joined President Donald Trump at the White House to announce proposed rollbacks of Biden-era fuel economy standards. Automotive News’ Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez talk about that and other news from the past week, including Toyota’s leap back into supercars.
Dec 5, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 5, 2025 | Trump wants kei cars in U.S.; how to set up dealership mobile service
President Donald Trump wants Asian kei cars to be built and sold in the U.S. Toyota leaps back into supercars. Plus, service and parts consultant Vernon Davis talks about his new book about how to implement mobile service at a dealership.
Dec 4, 2025 • 21min
Dec. 4, 2025 | How dealers should shop for AI tools; Trump unveils relaxed CAFE standards
Yuri Demidko, chief information Officer at Fox Motors, outlines the steps dealers need to take before settling on new artificial intelligence tools for their stores. President Donald Trump unveils his plan to slash fuel economy rules. Plus, dealer sentiment sinks as the tariff rush fades and tax credits end.
Dec 3, 2025 • 18min
Dec. 3, 2025 | Edmunds’ Jessica Caldwell on state of the market; Trump set to ease CAFE standards
Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds, talks about the state of the industry heading into 2026 and how affordability issues have continued to shrink the new car market. Trump is poised to propose relaxed fuel economy standards. Plus, thousands of dealerships fall victim to a new data breach.
Dec 2, 2025 • 18min
Dec. 2, 2025 | Hybrids surge in November; Helion President Erik Nachbahr
Toyota, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Kia posted mixed November U.S. sales, with strong hybrid volume offset by an EV slump. JLR fires the design boss behind Jaguar’s polarizing rebrand. Plus, Helion Technologies President Erik Nachbahr explains why the cybersecurity tools dealerships relied on five years ago are becoming obsolete.
Dec 1, 2025 • 17min
Dec. 1, 2025 | Stellantis hiring spree; ChargerHelp CEO Kameale Terry
Stellantis goes on a hiring spree at its North American headquarters. Pressure grows on Mercedes’ CEO as the company’s luxury strategy stalls. Plus, ChargerHelp CEO Kameale Terry explains why charging attempts still fail despite better uptime.
Nov 26, 2025 • 18min
Nov. 26, 2025 | Kia America’s Eric Watson on 2026 optimism; Audi price hikes
Eric Watson, Kia America’s vice president of sales operations, joins the show to talk about the automaker’s affordability strategy and why he’s optimistic about 2026. Audi’s pared down U.S. compact crossover lineup comes with big price hikes. Plus, 2025 has been the year artificial intelligence has started making a big mark on both carmaking and sales.
Nov 25, 2025 • 24min
Nov. 25, 2025 | Hyundai’s Randy Parker interview; GM misses CAMI deadline
Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker joins the show to talk about the automaker’s fresh models and why it’s still optimistic about the future of its electric vehicles. GM misses Canada’s deadline for a plan on its shuttered BrightDrop plant. And industry executives pitch collaboration on supply chain mapping.
