Automotive News Daily Drive

Honda plans to revive the Element as a hybrid crossover, targeting nearly 100,000 sales in its first full year. An industry group says California could see vehicle sales halt as soon as next week. Plus, Kearney partner Kushal Fernandes explains why the DRAM chip shortage hitting automakers isn’t a typical boom-and-bust cycle — and why relief is still years away.

Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella makes his case for the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement as a competitiveness platform — not just a trade deal — in the face of China’s growing automotive dominance. Nissan’s CEO survives a bruising shareholder meeting. Plus, a DRAM chip shortage is squeezing automakers.

Unifor and Ford kick off contract talks in Toronto today, the first of three negotiations with the Detroit 3 automakers this summer. Toyota’s RAV4 finds a new home in Kentucky. Plus, TomTom’s Senior Vice President Manuela Locarno Ajayi explains how artificial intelligence is delivering real-time, lane-level mapping and why it matters for the future of autonomous driving. 

UAW President Shawn Fain heads into a fall election facing five challengers and a federal monitor’s scrutiny. Toyota’s all-hybrid RAV4 is flying off lots faster than dealers can stock them. And Mike Stanton, CEO of the National Automobile Dealers Association, calls Carvana “part of the family.” Michael Martinez and Larry Vellequette break it all down on this edition of Weekend Drive.

Reporter Paige Hodder previews Automotive News’ upcoming list of the top 100 U.S. dealership groups ranked by F&I revenue. Attorneys Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso of Troutman Pepper Locke break down the Federal Trade Commission’s warning letters to 97 dealerships and what comes next. Plus, General Motors’ Oshawa plant is set to lose the light-duty Silverado. 

NADA CEO Mike Stanton joins Automotive News from the sidelines of the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Ypsilanti, Mich., to discuss the durability of the franchise system — whether it’s Chinese brands, direct-sales models such as Scout, or Carvana’s new-car push. Ram sets its sights on dethroning Jeep by 2030. Plus, Volkswagen’s CEO faces a shareholder revolt.

Mitsubishi previews a wave of new models for U.S. dealers. Chevrolet pulls the wraps off a redesigned Silverado 1500. Plus, AlixPartners Global Automotive Market Lead Mark Wakefield joins Automotive News from the Center for Automotive Research’s Management Briefing Seminars to discuss how China is redefining the artificial intelligence-powered vehicle and what a renegotiated USMCA could mean for North America’s competitiveness.

Camouflaged prototypes of Ford’s $30,000 electric pickup are turning heads in California: Automotive News’ Michael Martinez breaks down what the footage tells us about Ford’s EV ambitions. A peace deal with Iran may be in the works, but don’t expect relief at the service counter anytime soon. Plus, RC Lacy Ford-Subaru Business Manager Nicole Lacy talks finance and insurance trends from the dealership floor.

U.S. electric vehicle registrations are showing signs of stabilization, but the recovery is uneven. The Dauch strike is officially over. Plus, Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang explains how geopolitical tensions are complicating the path to market.

Porsche rolled out three custom 911s themed after Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie for the red carpet premiere of Toy Story 5. Automotive News Staff Reporter Jack Walsworth joins Executive Producer Jake Neher to break down how the Porsche-Pixar relationship started, what went into building the cars and what it means for Porsche’s brand and bespoke business.

The UAW and Dauch Corp. reach a tentative deal after a 10-day strike that threatened General Motors’ most profitable trucks, and our panel breaks down what’s in it. Japan’s automakers are absorbing a historic tariff hit. Plus, Ford hopes orphaned Escape and Edge buyers are willing to step up to the Explorer.

An Automotive News analysis finds Japan’s automakers have absorbed $28 billion in combined costs from tariffs, electric vehicle write-downs and policy reversals — with more pain ahead. Two major auto suppliers are merging. Plus, Ducker Carlisle analyst Nate Chenenko breaks down data showing dealerships have been steadily losing service business to quick lubes and independent shops since 2022.

The UAW and Dauch Corp. have a tentative deal, likely ending a 10-day strike that threatened General Motors’ most profitable trucks. Volvo’s top U.S. manufacturing chief is out just months before the launch of its best-selling model on American soil. Plus, Automotive News Atlanta Bureau Chief Urvaksh Karkaria breaks down Honda’s strategy to take market share from Toyota with a heavily refreshed Accord and a more rugged Passport.

Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International, says uncertainty is the single biggest challenge complicating manufacturing decisions right now. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Ford’s aluminum supply problem. Plus, General Motors is pivoting its battery business toward the electrical grid as artificial intelligence data centers strain power supply.

Edmunds Head of Insights Jessica Caldwell breaks down why auto sales are holding steady even as inflation hits a three-year high and consumer confidence slides. A major Jeep recall raises fresh questions about Stellantis’ quality trajectory. Plus, Honda’s CEO survives a revolt by retired executives.

Honda is refreshing the Accord and Passport, and American Honda’s product planning chief says customers will feel like they’re seeing new models. Auto executives met with President Donald Trump to discuss the right-to-repair bill. Plus, Chargenomics CEO Loren McDonald breaks down why the F-150 Lightning, Silverado electric vehicle and Cybertruck all underperformed.

The USMCA renegotiation has some players that aren’t at the table and a bridge that isn’t open yet. A panel of North American auto industry experts digs into how Chinese parts in the supply chain could reshape the new deal, whether the Gordie Howe Bridge is being used as a bargaining chip and where automotive tariffs realistically land if zero-tariff trade doesn’t survive the review.

The UAW’s strike against Dauch Corp. threatens General Motors’ best-selling pickups. The Trump administration floats a trade carve-out for the auto industry ahead of the USMCA review starting next month. Plus, Ford launches a premium Bronco with outdoor brand Filson, and the panel weighs in on what it could mean for Lincoln.

Auto loan delinquencies are ticking up and PayNearMe’s Steve Kramer says lenders are leaving money on the table by ignoring a strategy that e-commerce has used for years. Volkswagen could expand its Golf lineup in the U.S. if tariffs cooperate. Plus, Canada’s largest auto workers union is heading into contract talks with a message for the Detroit Three: don’t even think about concessions.

A new white paper warns that tariffs and renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement could gut the supply of affordable vehicles in the U.S. A new study finds dealerships flagged by the Federal Trade Commission had twice the customer complaints about bait-and-switch behavior than the industry overall. Plus, Dutch chipmaker Nexperia is coming to the U.S. amid a messy ownership battle.

Fiat unveils two new small SUVs, and Stellantis is planning to badge them as Chryslers in the U.S. General Motors has a new way of building cars starting with its revived Chevy Bolt EV. Plus, a Georgia Toyota dealership is developing a free white paper to help retailers respond when customers bring ChatGPT into the negotiation. 

Automotive News wraps its three-week series on the state of auto trade with a panel of industry experts breaking down the USMCA review from all sides. A look at the setbacks hitting Waymo this spring. Plus, the new-vehicle market may finally be turning a corner in the U.S.

The UAW has walked off the job at a key supplier, threatening production of General Motors’ best-selling pickups. New USMCA content rules could sideline Canada entirely. Plus, Richard Ward of the American Vehicle Owners Alliance talks about legislation that would change the rules around who owns personal vehicle data.

Lindsay VanHulle and Molly Boigon of Automotive News join host Kellen Walker to break down the looming synthetic motor oil shortage, the biggest trade and tariff issues ahead of USMCA negotiations and how automakers are adapting to the U.S. ban on Chinese hardware and software. 

Mitsubishi will come out with a U.S.-built midsize pickup with help from Nissan. CDK’s declining debt value raises concerns about future dealership tech investments. Plus, Ducker Carlisle analyst Nate Chenenko breaks down the impending synthetic motor oil shortage and what dealerships need to know.

Flavio Volpe of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association talks about what the Gordie Howe Bridge means for the auto industry. Honda is leaning hard into hybrids to hold onto its double-digit share. Plus, a motor oil shortage is imminent and could last until at least mid-2027.

Automotive News Canada’s Greg Layson breaks down what’s at stake for the North American auto industry with the expected opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Dealers are feeling positive despite economic and geopolitical headwinds. Plus, Volvo gets the green light to import connected vehicles despite its Chinese ownership stake.

Honda will pause Ridgeline pickup production until 2028 due to tougher emissions standards. Ferrari just unveiled its first electric car. Plus, Nuro COO Andrew Chapin discusses scaling robotaxis safely.

Automotive News reporter Jack Walsworth elaborates on Mercedes-AMG’s first all-electric performance car, including the complex sound engineering behind the GT 4-Door Coupe and the glitzy, star-studded L.A. reveal event complete with Brad Pitt and Blink-182.

Our panel breaks down Stellantis’ ambitious plan to launch 11 new models in North America by 2030, most under $40,000. Plus, a look at Automotive News’ series on the state of trade and tariffs in 2026 ahead of USMCA negotiations.

Arnold Gacita, president of Petra Automotive Products, talks about the growing motor oil shortage linked to the Iran war that is hitting dealerships and service centers. Ram will bring a compact pickup to challenge Ford’s Maverick in 2028. Plus, Stellantis sees opportunities for its idled Brampton plant.

Stellantis unveils plans for nine vehicles under $40,000 by 2030. Nissan eyes importing Chinese-made vehicles to Canada. Plus, Automotive News’ Urvaksh Karkaria explains why Mitsubishi has cut 56 dealerships since 2019.

Hyundai is overhauling its service operations after years at the bottom of customer satisfaction surveys. Mitsubishi’s dealer network is shrinking fast. Plus, Mercedes-AMG unveils its first all-electric performance car.

Ford is in talks to supply pickups to the military. After years of tightening standards, subprime lending is on the rise once again. Plus, Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures shares advice for dealers navigating the artificial intelligence landscape. 

Elena Ciccotelli, host of the “EVs for Everyone” podcast, and Cox Automotive’s Stephanie Valdez Streaty talk about surging used electric vehicle sales in April. Automakers and suppliers improve their relationships for the first time in 26 years. Plus, Stellantis partners with Dongfeng in France. 

Automotive News reporters Larry Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss Toyota’s potential $2 billion Texas assembly plant, Ford cracking down on suppliers over quality and costs, and the latest electric vehicle strategy shifts from Honda, Mazda and Subaru.

Toyota is considering a new $2 billion assembly plant in Texas. Subaru puts its electric vehicle plans on ice and shifts focus back to internal combustion and hybrid cars. Plus, AutoPayPlus CEO Robert Steenbergh explains why he says lowering interest rates won’t solve the auto industry’s affordability problem.

Liz Door, Ford’s chief supply chain officer, discusses how the automaker is managing supplier relationships and disruptions. Honda abandons its combustion-free goal as it reports its first loss since going public in 1957. Plus, David Kennedy of Automotive News Canada discusses what’s at stake for the North American auto industry in USMCA renegotiations.

Ford is putting suppliers with quality problems on a “no bid” list and pushing parts makers to sign three-year cost savings plans. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa says partnerships will be key to the company’s turnaround strategy. Plus, Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, discusses what Canadian suppliers want from USMCA negotiations.

Unifor President Lana Payne discusses what Canadian auto workers want from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement renegotiations, including its push for a “sell in North America, build in North America” rule. Mazda delays its first dedicated electric vehicle by two years and slashes its EV investment nearly in half, pivoting to hybrids. Plus, a look at Automotive News’ series on the state of trade in 2026.