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
Feb 11, 2026 • 20min
Feb. 11, 2026 | CDK CEO Brian MacDonald interview; Ford posts $11B Q4 loss
CDK Global CEO Brian MacDonald discusses how the company is moving beyond basic artificial intelligence applications to deliver data-driven insights for dealers. Ford posts its worst quarterly loss since 2008, driven by EV write-downs and tariff costs. Plus, Honda names a new leader for its critical U.S. operations.
Feb 10, 2026 • 15min
Feb. 10, 2026 | Lance Woelfer on Honda's fresh lineup strategy; Trump threatens Gordie Howe Bridge
Lance Woelfer, vice president of automobile sales for American Honda, discusses how the company plans to grow in a contracting market with its refreshed lineup and flexible EV Hub production. Plus, President Donald Trump threatens to block the opening of the critical Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit.
Feb 9, 2026 • 18min
Feb. 9, 2026 | Toyota Highlander goes electric; TrueCar founder Scott Painter on his comeback
The Toyota Highlander nameplate is going all-electric for 2027. While Kia is stepping back from plug-in hybrids, Nissan is doubling down on them. Plus, TrueCar founder Scott Painter talks about his return to the company and how he plans to turn it around.
Feb 8, 2026 • 12min
Feb. 8, 2026 | Bonus Episode: More from NASCAR Champ Joey Logano
In the second and final part of Automotive News’ interview with three-time NACSAR champion Joey Logano, he talks more about his ownership stake in with Huntersville Ford and whether he plans to be in the auto retail business for the long haul.
Feb 7, 2026 • 21min
Feb. 7, 2026 | Weekend Drive: NADA 2026 wrap-up; UAW-VW deal
Automotive News’ Michael Martinez and Larry P. Vellequette discuss the week’s biggest stories from the NADA Show in Las Vegas, including China making waves at the show and J.D. Power’s forecast for dealer profits in 2026. Plus, the UAW and Volkswagen reach a tentative agreement in Chattanooga.
Feb 6, 2026 • 21min
February 6, 2026 | Cox Automotive's Steve Rowley on AI revolution; Toyota names new CEO
Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley joins Daily Drive from the NADA Show 2026 to talk about how the AI revolution is transforming dealerships. Toyota CFO Kenta Kon will become CEO effective April 1, just three years after the last major leadership change. Plus, LG Energy Solution buys out Stellantis’ stake in NextStar.
Feb 5, 2026 • 22min
Feb. 5, 2026 | Meet Megan and Lauren: dealership AI avatars; UAW, VW reach tentative deal
Automotive News Retail Tech Reporter Mark Hollmer talks about how dealerships are starting to use AI avatars in their customer service. The UAW and Volkswagen have reached a tentative agreement covering the Chattanooga plant nearly two years after workers voted to join the union. Plus, VW of America aims for a 10 percent sales increase amid tensions with dealers.
Feb 4, 2026 • 22min
Feb. 4, 2026 | NASCAR champ Joey Logano on Ford dealership partnership; J.D. Power profit forecast
Three-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano discusses his partnership with Huntersville Ford and why he’s getting into automotive retail. J.D. Power expects U.S. dealer profits to drop 12 percent this year to $25.4 billion. Plus, China is top-of-mind at the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas.
Feb 3, 2026 • 22min
Feb. 3, 2026 | Hyundai, Kia set January sales records; Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell
Hyundai and Kia post record January sales driven by hybrids and crossovers. Consumer Reports crowns nine hybrids in its top 10 vehicle rankings. Plus, Chrysler Brand CEO Chris Feuell talks about the minivan comeback, the refreshed Pacifica and why Chrysler is pivoting away from going all-electric.
Feb 2, 2026 • 23min
Feb. 2, 2026 | Dealers worry about economy ahead of NADA Show; Bosch cuts 13K jobs
Automotive News Retail Reporter Paige Hodder discusses the 2026 Dealer Outlook Survey and how dealers are navigating economic uncertainty heading into this week’s NADA Show in Las Vegas. Bosch pushes back profit targets after a painful 2025. Plus, Stellantis ends remote work flexibility with a return-to-office mandate.
