Automotive News Canada Podcast

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Federal Director Aaron Wudrick says contract talks between Unifor and the Detroit Three have become “hostage negotiations,” with jobs and investment at stake if governments don’t contribute tax dollars to retooling projects. But, he doesn’t blame the automakers for taking the money, calling an automaker’s decision to do so “completely rational” because governments aro...

J.D. Power’s Robert Karwel says inventory levels won’t return to normal until at least early next year. But, in the meantime, incentives are down and prices and profitability are up in the retail market.

Automotive News Canada reporter John Irwin has covered auto talks on both sides of the border for years. He breaks down the latest deal between Ford and Unifor, looks ahead to the FCA talks and beyond to what the pattern, promised investment and new wage grow-in mean for unionized autoworkers.

Volkswagen Canada CEO Pierre Boutin talks about what the all-electric ID4 means for the brand, how the pandemic and more electrification at the automaker might affect dealers, and the need to attract more consumers to the brand in Canada.

A.J. Khan, CEO of Vehiqilla Inc., says Canada has “a huge opportunity” in the automotive cybersecurity sector as more of the auto industry, from the supply chain to transportation infrastructure, becomes connected to the internet. He’s got warnings and advice for companies and consumers.

Rebekah Young, Scotiabank Economics’ director of fiscal and provincial economics, says some “idiosyncrasies” were behind August’s nine-per-cent decline in sales. She also explains “the strength we’re seeing in Canadian auto sales” as the industry recovers from the pandemic while forecasting 1.6 million in new-vehicle sales in 2020.

Unifor's Jerry Dias discusses his union’s plan as it embarks on the latest round of contract talks with the Detroit Three. He also talks about how USMCA and a low-flying loonie might benefit his union this round.

Canadian International AutoShow Marketing Director David McLean discusses planning a show amid a global pandemic, what a virtual exhibition might look like and whether dealers and consumers will attend.

New Magna International Executive Vice-President Sherif Marakby talks about why he left Ford for the Tier I supplier, how autonomous and electric vehicles fit into Magna’s long-term plans and what excites him about the future of automotive.

Plug'n Drive’s Cara Clairman says COVID-19 stay-at-home orders gave us “heavenly air quality,” illustrated how much pollution traditional transportation causes and could lead to more EV sales. But, incentives and government rebates are still needed.

J.D. Power Canada’s Robert Karwel says the retail rebound has left Canada’s auto industry “decently healthy” and not needing to “get crazy with incentives.” He also thinks “2021 is going to be a strong model year for selling.”

Infiniti Canada’s Steve Rhind on conquest sales, the need for luxury sedans and increased marketing so dealers can "quickly get back to generating revenue."

Mike Lewicki, of Lewicki Automotive Consulting Ltd., says Canada’s buy-sell market was fairly healthy to start 2020, then COVID-19 struck. So who’s buying, who’s selling and how has the market changed amid the pandemic?

Deloitte’s Andrew Hamer and Denizhan Uykur talk about their latest report on how COVID-19 is affecting dealers and lenders. They have some advice and note some pitfalls to avoid.

Rebekah Young, Scotiabank’s director or fiscal and provincial economics, says the sales rebound has been a surprise, that 1.5 million vehicles sold are possible, but that “we’re not out of the woods.”

Peter Hall, the chief economist at Export Development Canada, says USMCA and COVID-19 has the potential to change the attitudes toward Canadian auto investment.

Nissan Canada President Steve Milette says more Canadians in positions similar to his gives others hope; reflects on his first year on the job; and talks about what’s ahead.

Global Automakers of Canada CEO David Adams says it’s important to keep fuel standards harmonized with the U.S. and talks about whether similar cooperation is needed when it comes to AVs and data collection.

Auto analyst Dennis DesRosiers has been covering the Canadian market for more than 50 years and even he hasn’t seen a sales slump and crisis like the one the industry is enduring. He has nothing to compare it to but has some thoughts on how and when it might end.

Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe talks about how his members shifted gears to make medical equipment during the pandemic, and how long that might last. He also weighs in on re-shoring manufacturing from China and the opportunities USMCA presents to suppliers.

Join Automotive News Canada Digital and Mobile Editor Greg Layson in a weekly podcast series on the Canadian auto industry. They’ll speak with experts, insiders and Automotive News Canada reporters about key topics affecting dealers and manufacturers.