Automotive News Daily Drive

Honda is scrapping three electric vehicles and booking up to $15.8 billion in losses as the auto industry’s EV restructuring bill approaches $70 billion. But could rising gas prices and a growing used EV market help revive demand? Michael Martinez and Lindsay VanHulle talk about those trends and more.

EV registrations dropped 41 percent in January, according to new data from S&P Global Mobility. The auto industry’s EV retreat bill approaches $70 billion. Plus, Blake Helfman of Helfman River Oaks CDJR in Houston talks about Stellantis’ product refresh and how artificial intelligence is improving dealership operations. 

The Iran conflict is causing diesel price spikes, squeezing supplier margins across North America. Honda cancels three electric vehicles planned for U.S. production, expecting up to $15.8 billion in losses. Plus, new rules from the Department of Motor Vehicles are creating friction at dealerships and threatening auto loan defaults.

Plug CEO Jimmy Douglas explains why he thinks the used electric vehicle “price meltdown” narrative is wrong. Ram jumps back into the small van segment it abandoned in 2022, betting on a four-billion-dollar opportunity. Plus, Porsche’s new CEO reviews the brand’s product lineup after a turbulent year.

Edmunds’ Ivan Drury explains why the record negative equity problem isn’t going away. Nissan replaces CFO Jeremie Papin with George Leondis as the automaker braces for a massive operating loss. Plus, Infiniti fast-tracks a 600-hp QX80 Red Sport for 2027. 

Mercedes-Benz settles a National Labor Relations Board case over alleged anti-union conduct during 2024 Alabama organizing drive. Fourth-quarter dealership buy-sell activity rises, with Stellantis stores changing hands at the highest rate. Plus, Automotive News reporter Laurence Iliff discusses how lidar technology has evolved from expensive, specialized sensors to mass-market automotive components.

After 17 years and 1.5 million units sold, Kia is ending production of the Soul, its all-time bestselling vehicle in the U.S. Reporter Richard Truett joins Jake Neher to discuss why the quirky, affordable hatchback earned such devoted fans across all demographics, what went wrong with competitors such as the Scion xB and Honda Element, and whether we’re losing the era of affordable, personality-driven cars as automakers move upmarket.

The Iran conflict threatens global automakers with rising oil prices the real risk. Ford pivots its Kentucky battery plant to energy storage. Hyundai invests $6 billion in robotics and hydrogen. Plus, wealthy shoppers keep auto sales afloat while lower-income buyers struggle with seven-year loans.

Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating says dealers continue to face a cloudy outlook, but there’s reason to be optimistic heading into Spring 2026. Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell has left Stellantis for personal reasons. Plus, new research shows automakers face big risks related to the Iran conflict, especially Asian manufacturers.

Pinewood.AI CEO Bill Berman explains why private equity firm Apax Partners backed out of acquiring his company, and it has everything to do with AI disruption fears in the software market. More buyers are stretching auto loans to seven years or longer just to afford record vehicle prices. Plus, the Iran conflict forces automakers to delay Middle East shipments.