Automotive News Canada Podcast

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act’s new tax incentives are compelling automakers to rethink their supply chains and manufacturing priorities. That’s true for Nissan, which is looking to build stronger supply chains in North America. Nissan Americas chairperson Jérémie Papin explains what that means for Canada.

Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell explains how the event succeeded after a two-year hiatus and stunned with the third-largest crowd on record. He also discusses how to keep the momentum and how to convince automakers that skipped the 2023 show to return next year.

We caught up with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. He shared his thoughts on the federal ZEV mandate, saying as soon as a government “starts mandating, it never works out.” He also said dealing with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is the responsibility of the federal government. And, he explains why he refuses to offer Ontarians an EV rebate.

J.D. Power’s Robert Karwel tells us where the average transaction price of new vehicles is headed in 2023, when more robust incentives might return, and how interest rates might affect the industry this year.

Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell tees up the exhibit’s first live event since 2020. He explains the challenges the show overcame, talks about which automakers will be on hand, and what to expect.

Plug’N Drive CEO Cara Clairman updates us on Canada’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) inventory, talks about the price cuts Tesla and Ford made to the electric vehicles, and offers her thoughts on the federal ZEV sales mandate.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano explains how the brand rose to become the No. 2 import in Canada. He also says Hyundai will not only compete with but beat Tesla in the EV game. And, he talks about how the brand will handle interest rate hikes and the risk of a recession.

Toyota Canada’s Vice-president of Sales and Marketing Cyril Dimitris talks about what it means to have the Corolla be Canada’s top-selling car, why the automaker believes in sedans, the new flagship Crown and EV readiness.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe, the association’s Chief Technical Officer Colin Dhillon and Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli talk about what Project Arrow means to the Canadian auto industry and the province, break down the technical specs of the vehicle, lay out what’s next for the project and tell us when and where Canadians will finally...

Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli reflects on the province’s automotive successes of 2022, explains why the government now believes in financially assisting automakers and says 2023 is shaping up to — maybe — be better than 2023 when it comes to auto investment.

On this replay of the Aug. 5, 2022 episode of the Automotive News Canada Podcast, Kimoby’s Dan Robinson talks about how the software program he helped develop and market allows dealers to use text messaging to communicate with customers, helps stores run more efficiently and saves dealerships money. He also explains why good old-fashioned email and phone calls are already antiquated technology at...

On this replay of the Nov. 4, 2022 episode of the Automotive News Canada Podcast, Hanif Datoo, Telus vice-president of technical sales and the telecom’s connected cars specialist, explains why mass adoption of autonomous vehicles is likely two or more decades away. He describes the hurdles driverless cars face and details the AV research Telus is conducting in Canada.

E3 Lithium CEO Chris Doornbos talks about the company’s $87-million lithium project and what it means to the industry. He also discusses how the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act affects the mining industry, and addresses Alberta’s growing role in automotive

Flo Charging CEO Louis Tremblay discusses GM’s deal to buy its Canadian and U.S. dealers 40,000 charging stations, what it means for EV uptake in underserved markets and whether an order this big might lead to the expansion of his company.

Chief Design Officer for Stellantis North America Ralph Gilles talks about winning the Eyes on Design Award, the differences between designing production and concept vehicles, and how electric vehicles might change the way he works. He also lists his top three favourite designs.

In this replay of the Sept. 30 Automotive News Canada Podcast, GM Canada CEO Marissa West talks about the automaker’s battery supply chain, pickup production, electric vehicles, dealer network, and gender equity.

Al-Karim Awadia, head of automotive industry at google Canada, says the online giant’s 2022 Google Gearshift Canada Study shows waning brand loyalty, a faster shift to electric vehicles, a growing interest in online retailing, and more.

Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association outlines what Canada needs to do next to take full advantage of the “generational opportunity” the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act offers the industry. He also talks charging infrastructure, EV incentives, and more.

Hanif Datoo, Telus vice-president of technical sales and the telecom’s connected cars specialist, tells why mass adoption of autonomous vehicles is likely two or more decades away. He describes the hurdles the auto industry faces and details the AV research Telus is conducting in a number of provinces. And, who’s liable when a connected car fails?

Head of Jeep Brand North America Jim Morrison talks new product, battery production, loyalty and competition from Ford.

Max Moruzzi, co-founder of the Toronto-based 3D printer Xaba, details how reliable, efficient, and important the technology is now — and will be — in the automotive industry. It’s not just for small parts and plastic toys. It’s for chassis, like the one on Project Arrow.

Canada’s automotive suppliers are preparing to gather for its first “normal” Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association Conference. President Flavio Volpe says a labour shortage is top of mind. He also talks about the growing number of links electric vehicles and mining are adding to the supply chain. And, he explains why a sneak peek of Project Arrow is just around the corner.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano talks about why the agency model works for Genesis, and why it might not work for other brands.

GM Canada CEO Marissa West talks about the automaker’s battery supply chain, pickup production, electric vehicles, dealer network, and gender equity.

Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says Canada has a “winning strategy” in automotive and “all the ingredients” to offer “generational opportunities for workers.” He talks about new investment, the EV supply chain, and pitching Canada “as a solution provider.”