

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

Nov 15, 2025 • 16min
Nov. 15, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Toyota, Nissan bet big on North America
Automotive News’ Omari Gardner and Automotive News Canada’s Greg Layson talk about major moves by Japanese automakers this week to boost manufacturing and sales in the U.S. and Canada amid tariffs.

Nov 14, 2025 • 17min
Nov. 14, 2025 | Can Mitsubishi plot a U.S. comeback?; lease calculation pitfalls
Mitsubishi seems confident it can turn around U.S. sales and jump into new segments. Volkswagen delays investments amid financial doubts. Plus, Tim Yalich of Carleton discusses the challenges dealerships face to quote accurate lease payments these days.

Nov 13, 2025 • 23min
Nov. 13, 2025 | Nissan plans ‘full blast’ of new products; Peterson Institute’s Cullen Hendrix
Nissan is readying a slew of new products for next year as part of a plan to restart U.S. sales growth. Scout Motors chooses Charlotte for its headquarters. Plus, Cullen Hendrix of the Peterson Institute for International Economics talks about whether the U.S. can catch up to China on rare earth mining and processing.

Nov 12, 2025 • 26min
Nov. 12, 2025 | Toyota’s $10 billion U.S. investment; KPMG’s Lenny LaRocca
Join Lenny LaRocca, U.S. Automotive Industry Leader at KPMG, as he unravels the complexities of the automotive supply chain and the future of EV investments amidst market volatility. Molly Boygan, a seasoned Automotive News reporter, discusses the U.S.'s heavy reliance on China for rare earth minerals and the daunting task of reviving domestic processing capabilities. Together, they delve into the implications of Toyota's massive $10 billion U.S. investment and the shifting dynamics within the global auto market.

Nov 11, 2025 • 23min
Nov. 11, 2025 | Tesla loses two key execs; What Musk, Scaringe pay plans mean for industry
Tesla has lost two key vehicle program leaders this week. Dutch officials visit China to end disputes over Nexperia. Plus, Automotive News’ Laurence Iliff breaks down massive pay packages for both Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe.

Nov 10, 2025 • 17min
Nov. 10, 2025 | Nexperia chip supply flowing again; Upstream Security’s Jennifer Tisdale
China is easing its export restrictions on Nexperia chips, a move that is already relieving pressure on global automakers hit by recent shortages. Rivian gives CEO RJ Scaringe a Musk-style pay package. Plus, Upstream Security’s Jennifer Tisdale talks about whether the auto industry is ready for the next vehicle hack.

Nov 9, 2025 • 12min
Nov. 9, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Slate not interested in self-driving; Gen Z loves auto shows
Automotive News’ Laurence Iliff talks about why Slate has no interest in getting especially high-tech or jumping into the self-driving race with fellow electric vehicle startups such as Tesla or Rivian. Plus, Clarify Group President Darren Slind talks about the company’s latest auto show survey and some surprising results.

Nov 8, 2025 • 12min
Nov. 8, 2025 | Weekend Drive: Ford’s Signature 2.0 program
Michael Martinez, an Automotive News reporter focused on Ford and the UAW, and Molly Boigon, a tech and innovation reporter, delve into the transformative impact of Ford’s Signature 2.0 showroom program, emphasizing its lifestyle-driven design. They discuss the customizable nature for dealers and share personal experiences from dealership visits. Additionally, they tackle the pause in F-150 Lightning production, raising questions about Ford's EV strategies. Molly also explores the Supreme Court's scrutiny of tariff authority, revealing its implications for trade and presidential power.

Nov 7, 2025 • 18min
Nov. 7, 2025 | Tesla to enter a new growth phase; Apple Tree Honda’s Fixed Ops Director Richard Lupo
Tesla enters a new growth phase with the approval of Elon Musk’s new pay package. Meanwhile, some Nexperia chip deliveries resume. Honda’s bet on EVs backfire. Plus, Apple Tree Automotive Fixed Ops Director Richard Lupo joins the show to tell us how his service department is meeting customers in their home driveways with mobile service.

Nov 6, 2025 • 17min
Nov. 6, 2025 | CarMax’s CEO fired amid financial weakness; S&P Global Mobility’s Stephanie Brinley on hybrid vehicle tech
Molly Boygon, a technology and innovation reporter for Automotive News, dives into the Supreme Court's discussion on trade-tariff challenges. She highlights the legal complexities and justices' skepticism. Joining her is Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global Mobility, who unpacks the evolving landscape of hybrid vehicles. She shares insights on consumer adoption, performance benefits of extended-range electric systems, and compares plug-in hybrids with traditional EVs, illustrating hybrids' vital role in today's auto market.


