Automotive News Daily Drive
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.
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March 13, 2026 | EV registrations plunge 41%; Stellantis dealer upbeat on new products
<p>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. </p>
March 12, 2026 | Diesel price spike squeezes North American suppliers; Honda cancels 3 EVs
<p>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.</p>
March 11, 2026 | Plug CEO isn’t buying prediction of used EV price meltdown; Ran revives ProMaster City small van
<p>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.</p>
March 10, 2026 | Edmunds’ Ivan Drury: Negative equity crisis here to stay; Nissan names new CFO
<p>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. </p>
March 9, 2026 | Mercedes settles UAW union case; Lidar goes mainstream
<p>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.</p>
March 8, 2026 | Bonus Episode: Farewell to the Kia Soul, the quirky hatchback that defied the odds
<p>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.</p>
March 7, 2026 | Weekend Drive: Iran conflict could spike oil prices; Ford plant’s pivot to energy storage
<p>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.</p>
March 6, 2026 | Cox Automotive’s Erin Keating on dealer outlook; Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell leaves Stellantis
<p>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.</p>
March 5, 2026 | Pinewood.AI CEO on why Apax deal fell apart; buyers stretch loans to 7 years
<p>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.</p>
March 4, 2026 | Does Toyota need a sixth U.S. plant?; More VW dealers sue Scout
<p>Automotive News’ Larry P. Vellequette explains why he thinks Toyota may be considering a sixth U.S. assembly plant to build a compact pickup and meet surging demand. Two more Volkswagen dealers are suing to block Scout Motors from direct sales, seeking class-action status. Plus, Hyundai invests $6 billion in robotics and AI in South Korea.</p>
