Automotive News Daily Drive

In the second and final part of Automotive News Tech Reporter Molly Boigon’s interview with Stephanie Manning, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, they discuss the roadblocks to implementing impairment prevention technology, why automakers and regulators are stuck in a circular dependency, and MADD’s commitment to a federal mandate despite industry hesitation.

Automotive News' Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss Tesla ending Model S and Model X production for Optimus robots, Hyundai axing the Santa Cruz after one generation, and what to expect at next week's NADA Show in Las Vegas—from dealer sentiment trends to the biggest issues facing retailers in 2026.

Elon Musk is weighing a potential SpaceX-Tesla merger ahead of a planned public offering that could raise $50 billion. Minivans roar back with 20 percent U.S. sales growth as consumers trade down from pricier SUVs. Plus, Cox Automotive’s Jessica Stafford discusses why car buyer satisfaction hit a record 76 percent — driven by digital tools, connected buying processes and omni-channel experiences.

Tesla is ending production of its Model S and Model X to make room for a humanoid robot factory as the company shifts from being a carmaker to a “physical-AI provider.” Hyundai axes the Santa Cruz pickup after just one generation. Plus, Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel explains the eight reasons Japanese kei cars are “doomed to flop” in the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s push to bring them here.

MADD’s Stephanie Manning explains why she thinks impairment prevention technology is “the next seatbelt.” General Motors is cutting the third shift at its Oshawa Assembly Plant, laying off about 700 workers as tariffs reshape North American production. Plus, Ford dealer council chair Steve Blasing discusses the strategy to keep Escape customers in the fold.

Ancor CEO Jose Flores explains why data management is the overlooked key to the software-defined vehicle era and why companies are “bleeding profit, trust and time” by treating data as back-office compliance. President Donald Trump raises tariffs on South Korean vehicles to 25 percent, putting Hyundai and Kia at a disadvantage against Japanese rivals. Plus, General Motors widened its fourth-quarter loss to $3.3 billion after electric vehicle charges but raised 2026 guidance.

President Donald Trump threatens Canada with 100 percent tariffs over its new trade deal with China that includes electric vehicles. Volkswagen pumps the brakes on a U.S. Audi factory unless tariffs drop. Plus, Amazon Web Services’ Ozgur Tohumcu explains how artificial intelligence is compressing vehicle development timelines and why software-defined vehicles will extend vehicle lifespans.

Lincoln President Joaquin Nuño-Whelan talks about the brand’s plan to grow sales in 2026 despite losing the Corsair crossover, future product direction and navigating tariff uncertainty.

Automotive News’ Larry Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss President Donald Trump’s whiplash on European tariffs, the latest Auto Industry Confidence Index results showing diverging sentiment, Lincoln’s plan to grow sales despite shrinking its lineup to three nameplates and more.

Tesla finally launches robotaxi rides without safety monitors in Austin, years after Elon Musk’s predictions. VW renames the ID4. Plus, Automotive News’ John Huetter explains why cash buyers still present opportunities for finance and insurance products despite lower profits.