Automotive News Daily Drive

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.

Nissan slashed its tariff bill by $2.3 billion with an America-first production strategy. Geely becomes the first Chinese automaker to enter Canada, shipping Lotus EVs under a new trade deal. Plus, Volvo’s Anders Bell discusses how organizational changes have accelerated the company’s software-defined vehicle development.

A preview of Automotive News’ Top 100 dealership groups ranked by service and parts and body shop revenue. Hear from leaders at Vaughan Automotive, Hendrick Automotive Group, and Masano Auto Group about training, technology, and the tough decisions around collision centers.

Ford Reporter Michael Martinez shares details from his rare visit inside the automaker’s secretive California skunk works. Larry P. Vellequette talks about Toyota’s big loss despite record U.S. sales. Plus, the panel discusses the pickup market as General Motors tries to capitalize on F-150 shortages.

John Masano of Masano Auto Group in Pennsylvania explains why he sold his collision center to focus on his core business. A federal trade court strikes down Trump’s 10 percent global tariffs as unlawful. Plus, General Motors pushes for more pickup inventory as Ford production problems linger.

Laura Perrotta, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, says dealers are pushing back against a growing network of brokers who charge fees and operate without licenses in the state. Ram wants more dealers chasing small-business buyers. Plus, U.S. auto sales fell nearly 7 percent in April as tariffs and high prices continue to weigh on the market.

Automotive News Managing Editor Jerry Hirsch argues in a new column that the U.S. needs its own electric vehicle industrial policy to counter China’s strategic push to dominate global auto exports. Lucid suspends 2026 production guidance after reporting a $1 billion first-quarter net loss. Plus, hybrid demand surges as fuel prices climb.

Automotive News Ford Reporter Michael Martinez shares an inside look at the automaker’s secretive California Skunk Works, where an isolated team is developing the automaker’s answer to Chinese EVs. Public dealership groups lean on used vehicles as affordability pressures mount. Plus, Chinese automakers including Zeekr and Chery are making serious moves to enter the Canadian market. 

The UAW plans a strike authorization vote at Stellantis’ Ram truck plant over contractor disputes. Honda is stretching vehicle life cycles after taking a $15.8 billion hit backing away from its electric vehicle plans. Plus, Alex Oyler of SBD Automotive discusses whether traditional automakers can keep up with EV makers on software-defined vehicles.

Automotive News journalists Larry P. Vellequette, Michael Martinez and Molly Boigon discuss Ford bringing back employee pricing for all customers through July, Toyota posting record sales despite tariffs, Detroit automakers expecting over $2 billion in tariff refunds and more.

Automotive News previews the 2026 top 100 dealership groups ranked by used-car sales as dealers increasingly bet on pre-owned vehicles. Nissan cancels its $500 million electric vehicle investment in Mississippi, pivoting to gas-powered trucks. Plus, Ford brings back employee pricing, and Detroit automakers await $2 billion in tariff refunds.

Douglas Bolduc, managing editor of Automotive News Europe, discusses his visit to the Beijing auto show and how Chinese automakers are positioning themselves for global expansion. The Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady could compound affordability problems. Plus, Ford and Stellantis post first-quarter earnings boosted by tariff refunds.

BMW North America CEO Sebastian Mackensen talks about the rollout of the Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform and whether the brand is nervous about the timing as EV markets reset. Toyota suppliers face urgent shortages because of the Iran war. Plus, deep cuts could force Volkswagen to completely rethink its production model. 

Widewail CEO Cuyler Owens discusses why so many of the top 150 dealership groups generate more bait-and-switch complaints than the national benchmark. General Motors posts lower Q1 earnings but raises its full-year forecast on expected tariff refunds. Plus, Chinese automakers plan to triple overseas production by 2030.

Toyota posts record sales despite tariffs thanks to hybrids. Automotive News Managing Editor Jerry Hirsch makes the case for simple, affordable “appliance cars” to solve the vehicle affordability crisis. Plus, Boston Consulting Group’s Eric Jesse discusses how automakers can find “white space” to win in different powertrain segments.

Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, discusses the automaker’s confirmation of the EV3 for the U.S. market, the importance of expanding its electric vehicle lineup, and how Kia is navigating the evolving EV landscape.

Reporters Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss Stellantis’ move to focus investments on Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat; GM shelving its electric pickup plans; rising pessimism in the Automotive News Auto Industry Confidence Index; and Elon Musk admitting Tesla vehicles will need hardware upgrades for Full Self-Driving.

Stellantis is focusing investments on Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat to lead its turnaround. A look at the questions dealers and customers should ask before embracing Chinese vehicles. Plus, Cox Automotive’s Skyler Chadwick discusses how dealerships are growing service and parts revenue. 

Frank McKenna of Point Predictive discusses how dealerships can protect themselves from artificial intelligence-powered website cloning scams. Tesla says the Roadster will be its only human-driven car as it shifts to a fully autonomous lineup. Plus, Toyota unveils its new AI vision system to catch up with Chinese automakers.

General Motors is indefinitely delaying its next-generation electric pickups and redirecting cash to gasoline engines and plug-in hybrids. Sony Honda Mobility scales back its Afeela EV venture. Plus, we hear from a dealer who’s embracing Amazon Autos — a contrast to dealers who have opted out.

Andrew Wright, managing partner at Vinart Dealerships, explains why he chose not to participate in Hyundai’s Amazon Autos partnership despite helping establish the program. The FTC wants dealers to report competitors who violate advertising rules. Plus, Hyundai’s CEO says tariffs are hurting the company.