Automotive News Daily Drive

Protective Asset Protection’s Rick Kurtz talks about how dealership finance and insurance offices can leverage the new tax deduction on auto loan interest. Industry groups react to the U.S. trade framework with the EU. Plus, the Jeep Cherokee is coming back with a hybrid powertrain.

Tisha Johnson, Slate Auto’s head of design, joins the show to talk about the low-cost electric pickup that can be customized and converted to an SUV. The U.S. and EU reach a deal that could cut auto tariffs. Plus, Nissan plans a major product blitz that would reincarnate the Xterra.

Maserati North America chief Andrea Soriani talks about challenges and opportunities for the brand in an uncertain trade environment. Suppliers are more pessimistic about their companies’ overall performance than automakers and dealers. Plus, Honda taps a Silicon Valley startup for self-driving software.

Paul Metrey, NADA executive vice president of public policy, talks about issues affecting retailers, from artificial intelligence to environmental regulations. The Automotive News Auto Industry Confidence Index finds that dealers are losing confidence in the future of the auto industry. Plus, Teamsters picket in three states over nonunion car carriers.

Automotive News’ inaugural Auto Industry Confidence Index shows automaker executives are upbeat about current business conditions but less optimistic about the future. Cleveland-Cliffs inks a multiyear deal to supply U.S. carmakers amid tariffs. Plus, “The Rideshare Guy,” Harry Campbell, talks about the momentum behind robotaxis and partnerships with traditional platforms such as Uber and Lyft.

In this second and final portion of this interview, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., discusses President Joe Biden’s push for electric vehicle adoption, as well as how policymakers can protect the U.S. from Chinese threats while also maintaining a strong and adaptable supply chain.

Automotive News staff reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Molly Boigon join the show to talk about whether Ford can reinvent vehicle assembly in its bid to compete with China. They also discuss the trajectory of software-defined vehicles and growing collaboration around the technology.

Jeep is restoring the Hemi V-8 after its electric vehicle push. VinFast will spin off assets in a $1.5 billion deal with its founder. Plus, TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher talks about efforts to help aspiring service techs pay for their education.

Electric vehicle registrations rise in June, but U.S. market share drops. Automaker incentives are on the rise in August. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Carly Schaffner joins the show from Monterey Car Week, where Acura just unveiled its new electric crossover. 

Canada imported more vehicles from Mexico than the United States in June for the first time in three decades. Suppliers continue to push tariffs costs to automakers. Plus, Gabe Klein, the former head of the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, talks about the changing electric vehicle landscape under President Donald Trump.

Ford bets big on a midsize EV pickup and a new assembly process. GM eyes a return to driverless cars . Plus, Unifor President Lana Payne talks about the high stakes for the North American auto industry as the U.S. and Canada negotiate a new trade landscape.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) joins the show to talk about increasing competition from China and the state of the auto industry as Washington swerves. The global lithium market soars after CATL idles a mine in China. Plus, car buyers had an easier time getting approved for loans in the second quarter.

Rivian and Lucid this past week showed signs of trouble for EV startups under President Donald Trump’s policies. Plus, Roger Penske’s IndyCar Series is distancing itself from a post by the Department of Homeland Security depicting an IndyCar vehicle outfitted with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement emblem. 

Retired automotive analyst Michelle Krebs guest co-hosts the show from Automotive News’ offices in Detroit. She and Daily Drive Host Kellen Walker discuss the week’s biggest news stories, including concerning earnings reports from EV startups, turbulence inside the UAW and Amazon Autos launching used-car sales.

Ford is once again delaying two of its next-generation electric vehicles, including its upcoming EV pickup. General Motors will reportedly import EV batteries from China’s CATL . Plus, Charisma Communications Owner Laurie Halter talks about what dealers want from AI in the service drive and how those expectations stack up against reality.

Automotive News Staff Reporter Michael Martinez talks about how tariffs stand to cut UAW profit-sharing checks by thousands of dollars, as well as the growing effort to oust union President Shawn Fain. General Motors and Hyundai strike a deal to develop vehicles together . Plus, Toyota will build a new assembly plant in Japan despite a $10 billion tariff bill.

Alix Partners’ Shea Burns talks about the six automakers that have legal agreements with California to keep emissions low and what President Donald Trump’s environmental policy changes mean for them. Honda’s profits plunge . Plus, Infiniti hopes new concepts will provide some badly needed buzz around the brand.

Mazda tumbles to a loss in the latest quarter as the import-dependent Japanese automaker grapples with U.S. tariffs. Rivian sues Ohio over its direct-sales ban that exempts Tesla. Plus, Automotive News’ Jerry Hirsch talks about why hydrogen technology is losing steam among automakers.

Amazon is expanding its online car-shopping platform to include used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Tesla CEO Elon Musk gets his payday . Plus, David Liu, CEO of self-driving company Plus, talks about the decision to take his company public.

Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions talks with Automotive News’ Hannah Lutz about the impact of new U.S. trade deals on the automotive market. Plus, a look at how one woman in Ohio tried to reclaim a dealership’s name after it repossessed her car.

Daily Drive Host Kellen Walker and Automotive News Staff Reporter Larry P. Vellequette discuss strong sales gains in June amid unusual market conditions, a string of new U.S. trade deals, and more.

President Donald Trump enacts 35 percent tariffs on Canada while giving Mexico a reprieve. Unusual market conditions drive higher July sales for several automakers. Plus, TransUnion’s Satyan Merchant talks about how millions of customers could save money on their monthly bills by refinancing their auto loans.

Automotive News Staff Reporter Lindsay VanHulle talks about her profile of General Motors CEO Mary Barra, who will receive a Centennial Award as part of Automotive News’ 100th anniversary. Ford swings to a loss in the second quarter . Plus, Hyundai praises the U.S. trade deal with South Korea.

Despite steep tariffs, Toyota’s auto exports to the U.S. keep climbing and have helped drive record sales for the world’s biggest automaker. Mercedes pauses EV orders in the U.S. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Richard Truett talks about the impact of the gasoline engine on U.S. car culture and the people who have shaped the auto industry.

Stellantis expects tariffs to take a $1.4 billion bite out of profits in the second half. Ford opens a $ 3 billion credit line ahead of its earnings report. Plus, Automotive News Staff Reporter Molly Boigon talks about the growing criticism of stop-start technology from customers and regulators.