Automotive News Canada Podcast

B.C store to pay $5.5M after crash; EVs seek momentum; Hybrid sales surge. Plus, Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy gives an update on contract talks between Stellantis and Unifor.

Unifor ratifies GM deal; Stellantis in Unifor crosshairs; more Chinese EVs en route. Plus, Volkswagen Canada CEO Edgar Estrada on booming sales, new product, sedans, affordability, and more.

Auto issues killed trade talks; Trump threatens more tariffs; Canada repeals EV mandate. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe talks trade, tariffs, threats and what comes next in the tense trade war between the U.S. and Canada.

Stellantis weighs Brampton sale; Ottawa ends EV mandate; Canada’s lowest-priced EV. Plus, GM Canada Vice-President of Sales, Service and Marketing Shane Peever talks electric-vehicle sales, adoption rates, infrastructure, federal rebates, and more.

Unifor wants Sierra output; CAMI’s future; Pacifica price cuts. Plus, Viova Head of Sales Benjamin Wenger talks about what artificial intelligence can do dealers today, and in the near future.

Stellantis avoids Gordie Howe Bridge; tariffs might be here to stay; more EV chargers for N.B. Plus, Volkswagen Canada CEO Edgar Estrada on booming sales, new product, sedans, affordability, and more.

Gordie Howe Bridge opens; Toyota EV sales surge; Fast chargers idle. Plus, Toyota Canada CEO Cyril Dimitris talks sales, electrification, affordability, and more.

Trump’s new tariffs; Unifor ratifies Ford deal; Tariffs hurt U.S. auto. Plus, Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy breaks down the new collective bargaining agreement struck between Ford of Canada and Unifor.

Dealers second guess China; Dongfeng eyes Canada; Ford, Unifor deal. Plus, Kia Canada Director of Strategic Planning David Sherrard, discusses the new PV5 commercial electric van, from pricing to capabilities.

USMCA uncertainty; Subaru’s Solterra price cut; and sub deal lacks auto. Plus, J.D. Power Canada Director of OEM Solutions Robert Karwel talks first-half sales, pricing, leasing, incentives and more. 

In this replay of the May 22, 2026 Automotive News Canada Podcast, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe talks about the need for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open. It’s a key link in the North American automotive supply chain. 

 China brands eye JVs, output; GM Oshawa’s future; and Honda Element’s comeback. Plus, Unifor President Lana Payne sets the table for the 2026 contract talks between her union and the Detroit 3 automakers. 

China brands eye production; the USMCA case for Canada; and Honda’s warning. Plus, Toyota Canada Director of Corporate Strategy and External Affairs Scott MacKenzie on electrification, powertrains, Canadian production, affordability, USMCA and more.

BYD is hiring; Ineos is expanding; and Trump downplays USMCA. Plus, Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri on capital investment, electric-vehicle volume shortfall, Chinese automakers, and how Magna is preparing for a renegotiated USMCA.

Linamar’s cobot bet; Mazda’s price cuts; and $122M in EV rebates. Plus, Hyundai Auto Canada CEO Steve Flamand talks record May sales, promotions, Genesis, electrification, tariffs and more.

A bridge to benefit auto; Hope for Stellantis Brampton; Honda halts Ridgeline. Plus, Director of Lexus Canada Martin Gilbert talks Lexus sales, the luxury market, electrification, the Lexus ES, sedans, and more

Nissan eyes China exports; Tech’s effect on pricing; VW Canada expansion. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe talks about the need for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open. It’s a key link in the North American automotive supply chain.

Honda’s cancelled EV plans; AutoCanada earnings dip; Chinese automakers’ market entry. Plus, Mazda North American Operations Director of Vehicle Safety Jennifer Morrison on safety features, how they become standard equipment, and at what cost, and how AI is integrated into safety development.

Chinese EVs are closer; Honda halts $15B plan; Tesla’s cheap Model 3 Plus, Infiniti Canada Managing Director Ken Hearn talks about the QX65, tariffs, the brand’s expanding lineup, affordability, and more.

Used EVs lose value; GM invests in Canada; Stellantis suggests regulatory change. Plus, Boston Consulting Group’s Eric Jesse discusses how automakers can find “white space” to win in different powertrain segments.

Genesis’ hybrid plan; Leapmotor idea panned; CADA’s warning. Plus, Nissan Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier talks about profitability, new product, SUVs, and more.

BYD brand recognition; Stellantis Brampton stalled; Q1 sales recap. Plus, new Chrysler and Dodge brand CEO Matt McAlear talks about what Canadian dealers and consumers can expect from the two brands. He also discusses new product, affordability, and more.

401 Group’s AI buy; Clutch expands; slow trade talks. Plus, Australian Automotive Dealer Association CEO James Voortman offers a glimpse of what might lie ahead for Canadian dealers and consumers once Chinese brands land in Canada.

On this Automotive News Canada Podcast Replay from Feb. 20, 2026, Hyundai Canada CEO Steve Flamand sits down with Automotive News Canada for a lengthy fireside chat.

Tariff relief program; Groupe Park Avenue’s plan; EV security concerns. Plus, Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy speaks with Tony Weber, CEO of Australia’s Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. He discusses China’s sudden dominance of the Australian new-vehicle market.

EV sales slide; Chery eyes Canada; Sigma expansion. Plus, Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy explains in detail the Canada-China compromise that sees more China-made EVs on the way to Canada. He also explains the quota limits, who might sell them, and at what cost.

VW’s firm line; Chinese brands eye launch; Pacifica refresh on tap. Plus, Unifor President Lana Payne talks Canadian auto investment and gives her thoughts on the Government of Canada’s approach to tying new factories to a $12-billion submarine deal.

February’s flat sales; Linamar’s Q4 profits; EV rebates return. Plus, Dan Hearsch, global co-leader of the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners, explains how the latest military conflict in Iran could affect the auto industry. 

Brampton’s murky future; a warning amid trade talks; auto investment for sub deal. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow GM Jason Campbell talks about the record-setting event, looks ahead, and talks about a possible Chinese presence in 2027. 

GM spends in Oshawa; Toyota to deploy humanoid robots. Plus, Hyundai Canada CEO Steve Flamand sits down with Automotive News Canada for a lengthy fireside chat.

Trump’s latest threat; Chinese EV demand; More EV infrastructure. Plus, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association President Tim Reuss talks about Canada’s new auto strategy, 2025 sales and what’s ahead in 2026, and Chinese EVs.

EV rebates return; Canadians support Chinese EVs; Strong January sales. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell sets the table for the 2026 event.

RAV4 output ramps up; GM Oshawa cuts a shift; Century Auto expands. Plus, Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell talks about the resurgence of minivans, the future of the Chrysler brand, affordability, and the brand’s plan to enter the car market.

Chinese EVs are coming, Changes to AutoTrader.ca; David Adams retiring. Plus, Cadillac Canada Managing Director Mike Speranzini talks about record sales, winning new customers, digital marketing, the Luxury market, image programs, new product, and more.

Canada courts VW, Hyundai plants; no Ford Escape; Tesla sales sink. Plus, AutoTrader.ca Vice-president of Insights and Intelligence Baris Akyurek talks about affordability, Canadian buying behaviour, the used market, EVs, tariffs, and more.

2025 sales were up; a better way to defrost; 401 Group expands in Ontario. Plus, new Nissan Canada President Steve Rhind talks about his new role, his priorities, dealer relations, affordability, product mix, new Canadian buyers, and more.

In this replay of the June 6, 2025 episode, former Senior Vice-President of Automotive Finance at Scotiabank Canada John Hiscock talks affordability, dealership health, fraud, and retirement.

In this replay of the May 30, 2025 episode, Google Strategic Insights Lead Nisha Hariharan offers some insight into Gen Z car buyers. She tells us who they are, what they want and need, and most importantly, how they shop for new vehicles.

Hybrid sales surge; AutoCanada’s new COO; hope for Stellantis Brampton. Plus, Stellantis Canada President Trevor Longley on his new role and what he learned while at Nissan Canada. He also discusses affordability, product, tariffs, Canadian manufacturing, and more.

GM preps CAMI payout; dealers spend big on EVs; 2026 EV pricing. Plus, Nissan Chairman of the Americas Christian Meunier on dealer relations, the merger of Infiniti and Nissan brands under single rooftops, sales projections, new product and more.

November sales slide; New Charger output starts; USMCA under scrutiny. Plus, Zanchin Automotive Group Principal and Executive Director Laura Zanchin talks EV investment, sales, rebates and more.

GM pressured over CAMI; trades when ‘appropriate’ | Leading Women Roundtables. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell talks electric vehicles, consumer choice, and about the 2026 show.

B.C. scraps EV mandate; NACTOY finalists announced; Jeep Recon EV. Plus, Head of Turo Canada Bassem El-Rahimy talks about the car-sharing company’s core mission, the future of auto ownership, affordability, mobility, access over ownership, and more.

Aquilina leaves GM Canada; Volvo safety head on regulations; VW gets Supercharger access. Plus, Director of Lexus Canada Martin Gilbert talks about the Lexus LS Concept, the Century luxury brand, how luxury brand extensions get consumers and dealers engaged, and more.

Federal budget breakdown; OpenRoad buys into NewRoads; October sales. Plus, NextStar CEO Danies Lee talks about why the Stellantis-LG Energy Solution joint venture is now making energy storage systems instead of EV batteries in Windsor, Ont.

Honda adjusts production; hope for Brampton; exports lack U.S. content. Plus, Clarify Group co-founder and President Darren Slind discusses the latest findings in a survey about auto shows.

GM kills BrightDrop; QX60 imports start again; Best Dealerships to Work For. Plus QNX Chief Operating Officer John Wall talks about cybersecurity and how software recalls are changing vehicle tech development.

Stellantis changes Brampton plans; ZEV sales show life; Lyft expands. Plus, Head of the PBV Business Division at Kia Sangdae Kim talks about Kia’s new PV5 midsize passenger van, its Platform Beyond Vehicle concept, and the van's uses beyond just being a passenger vehicle.

Carney, Trump talk tariffs; Linamar’s big European buy; Jeep drops Wagoneer. Plus, Magna Vice-president of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Todd Deaville explains how the supplier is leaning on artificial intelligence to improve manufacturing and to gain supply chain insights amid shifting trade policy.

Canadians choose hybrids; Australia’s Eagers buys into CanadaOne; NextStar battery plant complete. Plus, Stellantis Canada Head of Product Planning Mike Szymkiewicz on tariffs, Jeep Cherokee, EVs, affordability and more.