Automotive News Daily Drive

Stellantis swings back to profit in the second quarter. Nissan is trying to build cars at China speed. Plus, four North American supplier executives share how they’re planning through an industry defined by tariffs, electric vehicle retreats and geopolitical disruption. 

Ford posts a $1.3 billion second-quarter net loss on charges tied to scrapped electric vehicle programs but raises its full-year guidance. The earthquake damage in Japan keeps growing for automakers. Plus, Frank Peña, who spent 30 years running stores for others before closing on three New Mexico dealerships of his own, talks about the road to ownership. 

Automotive News reporter John Irwin walks through the biggest trends in this year’s top suppliers list, from the rise of Chinese suppliers to a North American supply chain just trying to get through 2025. A 7.1-magnitude earthquake disrupts Toyota and Nissan production in Japan. Plus, NHTSA moves to overhaul car door rules after deadly Tesla incidents.

Honda is eyeing a lifted Accord hatchback to take on the Subaru Outback, potentially launching in 2029. America’s Car-Mart warns it may not survive without new financing. And Andrew Garberson of Recurrent explains why used electric vehicle prices keep climbing even as off-lease supply surges.

Ford and Chinese automaker Geely have formed a joint venture to produce new electrified vehicles from both brands at Ford’s factory in Valencia, Spain.

Honda has its sights set on a new North American factory. President Donald Trump has ordered 50 percent tariffs on some Canadian goods. Plus, General Motors is raising its guidance for the second time this year after profits jumped in the second quarter. Michael Martinez and Larry Vellequette break it all down on this edition of Weekend Drive.

Toyota doubles down on its multipath electrification strategy with new electric vehicles and next-generation hybrids. Penske Corp. and Mitsui make a $3.8 billion bid to take Penske Automotive Group private. And American Honda reshuffles its top sales leadership. Plus, an automotive mentor who’s using the power of social media to help dealerships sell more vehicles and connect with today’s car buyers.

The Department of Justice is investigating UAW President Shawn Fain for alleged favoritism toward his fiancée, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe is considering an eighth North American plant, and General Motors is trying to differentiate their new Chevrolet and GMC designs. Plus, McKinsey analysts discuss the firm’s 2026 mobility survey and the steady rise of electric vehicle adoption.

Toyota's Koji Sato wants parts standardization among Japanese automakers to combat China. UAW President Shawn Fain is under investigation by the Department of Justice. Plus, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume outlines up to 50,000 job cuts to hit savings goals. Michael Martinez and Larry Vellequette break it all down on this edition of Weekend Drive.

Subaru’s Todd Lawrence and Jim Pernas talk service department challenges. Honda will discontinue the electric Prologue next year. Foxconn postpones the U.S. release of a midsize EV crossover due to tariffs. Plus, tough competition in China derailed Volvo’s sales in the first half of the year.

Mazda’s Jennifer Morrison talks about the benefits of driver-monitoring cameras. The Chinese auto market is fast and furious, with around 650 new or refreshed cars in the first half of the year. Tesla is now China’s No. 6 exporter. Plus, Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 light-duty pickup is getting a sweeping makeover.

Infiniti’s Eric Ledieu talks about the launch of the QX65. Top officials from the U.S. and Mexico will meet in Mexico City next week to likely discuss automotive rules of origin and tariff rates. General Motors is betting on a diverse lineup for the next five years. Plus, Volvo weighs a return to midsize vehicles with a pair of electric vehicles. 

Peter Sigal, news editor of Automotive News Europe, talks about Volkswagen’s tough decisions in order to regain profitability. Electric vehicle range anxiety decreased due to bigger batteries, but affordability remains a concern for buyers. Plus, Toyota’s Koji Sato looks to standardize commodity components among Japan’s seven automakers. 

Aseem Kapur, chief revenue officer of General Motors, talks the future of bidirectional charging and the country’s unprecedented demand on the grid. Automotive industry confidence is strong despite tariff and affordability concerns. Plus, Stellantis’ global shipments grew in the second quarter. 

Larry Vellequette and Michael Martinez break down Toyota’s $3.6 billion San Antonio expansion and what it signals for U.S. manufacturing strategy. Plus, the auto market has held up better than expected through the first half, but headwinds are building.

Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating pushes back on the conventional wisdom that new cars are unaffordable and makes the case for why fixed operations may be the most underutilized profit engine at dealerships right now. Volkswagen Group is planning to slash its 150-model lineup by up to half. Plus, a look at why the Infiniti QX65 might be the brand’s most important model in 2026.