WardsAuto
WardsAuto has been providing news and insights to and about the auto industry for 100 years. The WardsAuto Podcast, hosted by David Kiley, examines the compelling issues facing the modern mobility industries.
Episodes
WardsAutoPodcastEp100 - 25th Anniversary of Recall that Ate the Auto Industry
It's 25 years since the enormous recall of Firestone tires on Ford Explorers and the debacle and controversy that followed, costing the Ford CEO his job. Host David Kiley and Headlight News Editor Paul Eisenstein chat about it, as well as a few others on Kiley's last WardsAuto podcast.
Ep. 99 - The New Push on Advanced Lighting, and News of The Week
Host David Kiley talks thre news of the week, and chats with Reza Chaji, founder and CEO of VueReal, an innovative automotive lighting company.
Ep. 98 - Chatting Toyota, Tariffs, Trucks and Trump Era with former Toyota USA Chief Jim Press
Jim Press has done it all and seen it all in the auto industry, and chats with Host David Kiley about the current disruptions in the auto industry.
Ep. 97 - Trump's Budget Bill and Chat with Stellantis's Tim Kuniskis
Host David Kiley talks about Trump's so-called Big Beautiful Bill, and impact on autos, and a chat with Stellantis's Tim Kuniskis
Ep. 96 - Talking GM with Bloomberg News Detroit Bureau Chief David Welch
GM did pretty well in Q1 despite eating tariffs. CEO Mary Barra, in her 11th year, is walking a Trumpian tightrope. Hos David Kiley chats with Bloomberg News's David Welch.
Ep. 95 - Rob Newton of ChargePoint on BEV Infrastructure Issues
Host David Kiley on news of the week, and a chat with Rob Newton of ChargPoint about BEV charging infrastructure issues.
Ep. 94 - How AI Can Transform Car Repair with Sonatus CMO John Heinlein
AI is transforming every aspect of business. Car repair is no exception. AI platforms are doing better than ever diagnosing broken systems and parts, and they will getter better still.
Ep. A Few Minutes with S&P Global's Michael Robinet. aka "Mr. Tariff"
S&P Global's chief of forecasting in the auto industry Michael Robinet says Trump's tariffs and waffling is costing automakers some 18 months in strategic planning and cycle timing.
Ep. 92 - Professional Grade GMC Terrain with Meghan Ely
The 2026 GMC Terrain is made in Mexico, but GM says it will hold the line and not increase prices to offset tariffs
Ep. 91 - Hybrids and EVs with Toyota Electric Planning Boss Cooper Ericksen
Toyota is 100% Hybrid with two top selling models, and three BEVs hitting showrooms in next 12 months. Discussing it all with Toyota Electrification Boss Cooper Ericksen.
Ep. 90 - WardsAuto 2025 10 Best Interiors and UX with David Kiley and Christie Schweinsberg
WardsAuto is out with its annual 10 Best Interiors and UX. Editors David Kiley and Christie Schweinberg discuss.
Ep. 89 - More Tariff News and Overcoming Quality Issues with SkillReal's Peter Grabowski
Host David Kiley talks about some of news of the week like Trump's tariffs and a comeback for Yugo, as well as amazing advances in quality control.
Ep. 88 - GM Eating Most Tariff Costs; Voltaiq CEO on Solid State Batteries and Cell Quality
Talking about Rivian vs. Tesla and solid state battery talk with Voltaiq CEO and how automakers are trying to cope with battery quality.
Ep.87 - Slate EVs and Volkswagen Golf R and GTI.
Host David Kiley talks about Slate Motors, backed by Jeff Bezos, and the 2025 VW GTI and Golf R.
Ep. 86 - NY Auto Show, Tesla's "Code-Blue," Subaru Outback
Host David Kiley talks about the NY Auto Show, Subaru Outback, Tesla's drop and Subaru President Jeff Walters.
Ep. 85 - Can Public EV Charging Be Fixed with ChargePoint's Rob Newton
One of the speedbumps to consumers adopting EVs is lack of public charging infrastructure. Rob Newton from ChargePoint joins David Kiley about the present and future of charging.
Ep. 84 - What's Next For Hydrogen in Trump Era with Tom Stephenson of Pajarito Powder
The drive for more hydrogen power for transportation is seeing a setback in the U.S. with Trump era deregulation. But Europe and Asia are forging ahead, leaving the U.S. lagging in hydrogen energy.
Ep. 83 - What's next? Dealing with auto tariffs with David Pate of TBM Consulting Group.
President Trump's tariffs on foreign goods are going to blow a hole through the industry's profitability, shareholder value and global supply chains. Talking it through with Senior Editor David Kiley and manufacturing and supply chain expert David Pate.
Ep. 82 - Automotive Practice Leader from PwC C.J. Finn on Tariff Palooza
Tariffs on goods coming in from Mexico and Canada, as well as China, set to go into effect April 2, are creating havoc on automakers' plans and finances. PwC's automotive practice C.J. Finn talks with host David Kiley.
Ep. 81 - More Tesla and Tariff Bad News, Shift Digital CEO Matt VanDyke on Better Vehicle Selling
More auto industry disruption with tariffs and Teslas. Plus, improving the selling process for dealers with Shit Digital CEO and former Ford exec Matt Van Dyke.
Ep. 80 - The BEV vs ICE Crisis in the EU and U.S. with WardsAuto's Paul Myles
How the BEV revolution is under fire in the U.S. and EU
Ep. 79 - More Hybrids Are Coming: EY's Steve Patton and Environmental Advocate Dan Becker
BEV sales are uncertain. Automakers are rushing hybrids and PHEVs to market. And consumers say they are eager for more.
Ep. 78 - Travis Wattles and Jeremy Barnes of Mitsubishi Motors on '25 Outlander and future of brand
Host David Kiley talks with Mitsubishi Motors execs Travis Wattles and Jeremy Barnes about the future of this perennially niche mass-market brand.
Ep. 77 - How WardsAuto Forecasted the Honda-Nissan Merger Wouldn't Happen
Host David Kiley and Guest Autoline Editor and Publisher John McElroy discuss Ward's December prediction that the Honda-Nissan merger would never get off the ground. Also, Ford's quality woes.
Ep. 76 - News of the week; Chrysler/Alfa Romeo Chief Christine Feuell; Neil Boehm, VP Gentex
News of the week; Trump Tariffs, Musk and Honda-Nissan Busting. Chats with Chrysler/Alfa-Romeo Chief Christine Fuell; and cool stuff with Gentex, VP Engineering Neil Boehm.
Ep. 75 - News of the week, and the new Lexus LX with Lexus Marketing Manager Richard Hollingsworth
Tariffs, Trump, Musk and a talk with Richard Hollingsworth at Lexus about the new LX Luxe SUV.
Ep. 74 - News of the Week. A talk with Aisin North America CEO Scott Turpin
Aisin N.A. CEO Scott Turpin on balancing EVs and ICE business. Host David Kiley delves into ongoing Stellantis transitions and tariffs on Mexico and Canada.
Ep 73. - NAIAS: Fixing Stellantis Brands Ram, Jeep and Dodge
Stellantis has shuffled executives while they look for a new CEO. We talk to the heads of Ram, Jeep and Dodge about how to fix the brands.
Ep.72 - CES2025 and Bosch Mobility President Paul Thomas and Yazaki Innovations CEO Erik Fleming
Host David Kiley makes the rounds at CES2025 and has chats with Bosch Mobility President Paul Thomas and Yazaki Innovations CEO Erik Fleming, former Tesla and SpaceX exec.
Ep. 71 - Scout Motors' Shaheen Karimian
Host David Kiley talks about year-end auto sales and chats with Scout Motors's executive Shaheen Karimian about the start-ups two concept models and progress in hitting the market on time.
Ep. 70 - Jag's New Direction with Managing Director Rawdon Glover
Jaguar is charting a new controversial direction. We speak with Jag Managing Director Rawdon Glover about it. Plus, Host David Kiley with some of the news of the week.
Ep. 69 - Auto Industry Lobby and DOE on Trump Effect
Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozella and DOE Official Michael Berube DOE talk to WardsAuto about the Trump Effect on Auto Regs and Policy.
Ep. 68 - Drew Winter and Host David Kiley handicap the NACTOY Awards
The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards will be announced this January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Juror and WardsAuto Contributor Drew Winter gives us a preview and handicaps the winners.
Ep.: 67 WardsAuto Talks with Dave Cantin about auto dealerships in the Trump era.
Auto dealerships are fetching good prices for sellers, and buyers see them as good investments, even with the move to EVs. Dave Cantin, who advises buyers and sellers talks with Host David Kiley.
Episode66 - What Now with EVs? with AutoPacific President Ed Kim
Automakers are retrenching their EV strategy and product plans. What's hot? What's not? What's next? Host David Kiley and AutoPacific President and Chief Analyst Ed Kim chew it over.
Ep. 65 - Post Election Analysis of Trump-Musk Alliance and Cadillac Vistiq Reveal
Host David Kiley looks at BEV policy and outlook after election, and takes listeners to the Cadillac Vistiq reveal.
Ep. 64 - Eli Leland, CEO of Voltaiq and Battery Recalls
Ep. 64 - Eli Leland, CEO of Voltaiq and Battery Recalls by WardsAuto
Ep. 63 - Scout Motors' Shaheen Karimian
Host David Kiley reports from Scout Motors' reveal of its first two vehicles, the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. He talks with product manager Shaheen Karimian, as well as Scout enthusiast Joe McIntire who electrified his vintage Scout.
Ep. 62 - PHEVs and Hydrogen with Forvia Chief H2 Engineer Tarek Abdel-Baset
Talking PHEVS, as well as hydrogen with Forvia's Chief Hydrogen Engineer Tarek Abdel-Baset
Ep. 61 - The Battery Show with Ken Hoffman, McKinsey
Host David Kiley talks about the Battery Show with McKinsey Battery Analyst Ken Hoffman, talking about the pace of electrification and 600-mile ranges.
Ep. 60 - Paul Thomas, President of Bosch North America
Bosch North America President Paul Thomas, who is also President of Bosch Mobility, talks to us about EV and Hydrogen Technology and managing the transition to EVs and FCEVs.
Ep. 59 - GM President Mark Reuss on Hyundai JV, Culture Changes and More.
GM President Mark Reuss is in charge of the product development and design functions at the automaker. He talks to WardsAuto Host David Kiley about what's going on these days at GM, including the Hyundai JV that GM is working on.
Ep58 - Stellantis's Carlos Tavares's Headaches and Envorso
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has multiple headaches and challenges. And we talk with Envorso CEO, a former Ford exec. (Head of Lincoln) Scott Tobin.
Ep. 57 - Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International talks challenges of the electrification era
Ep. 57 - Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International talks challenges of the electrification era by WardsAuto
Ep. 56 - Volkswagen 2025 Jetta and ID.Buzz
On VW's 75th Anniversary of selling in the U.S., we talk to the company's head of product planning about the 2025 Jetta, GLI and the much anticipated ID. Buzz.
Ep. 55 - Boaz Hartal of Upstream on What We Should Fear From Hackers
The CDK hack cost the software service company $25 million in ransom, and dealers lost business for weeks. Upstream's Boaz Hartal and David Kiley talk about why this is the tip of the iceberg, and why we should deeply care.
WardsAutoPodcastEp54 - John Casesa on current chaos in auto industry
Guggenheim Securities John Casesa, one of the leading analysts of the auto industry over the last three decades, talks to WardsAuto about the chaos of the current industry and who some of the winners and losers are.
Episode 53 - Most Impactful Auto Executives of the 20th Century
WardsAuto, marking its 100th year of publishing, created a list of the most impactful executives of the 20th century. Listen up to a discussion between Host David Kiley and one of the jurists, Headlight.news Editor/Publisher Paul Eisenstein.
Ep52 - Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella
The U.S. auto industry got a huge gift from the Biden Administration when it relaxed the EV mandates. But automakers still face a huge challenge from the states.
The Most Powerful Corvette Ever: A chat with ZR-1 Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter
The 2025 Corvette ZR-1 is the most powerful ICE production ever, according to GM. A talk with Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter just before he retired after 47 years on the job.
Wards100: 100 Years Of Most Impactful Vehicles 1924-2024
Marking it's 100th anniversary, WardsAuto chooses the most impactful vehicles of the last century, 1924-2024.
Wards100: Best Engines/Propulsion Systems 100 Years
WardsAuto Editors and Contributors name the most impactful engines/propulsion systems from 1924-2024.
WardsAutoPodcastEp48 - Sonatus CMO John Heinlein and top stories of the week.
Are automakers really prepared to compete in the software-defined-vehicle space. Sonatus CMO John Heinlein talks with us about how companies like Hyundai Group are adapting. Also, Tesla rolls back robotaxi schedule.
WardsAutoPodcastEp47 - Infotainment with Valentin Janiaut LG Vehicle Solutions
South Korean electronics giant LG is the market leader in infotainment solutions in the auto industry. We talk to Valentin Janiaut, one of the company's top strategists about some of the issues confronting automakers.
Ep. 46 - Be Scared. Cyber attacks are here to stay--with Prashant Gupta DMI Management
As our vehicles become "software defined," the risks of your car being hacked are going way up. Cyber-security/connected services expert Prashant Gupta of DMI Management talks to us about the rapidly changing and risk-sensitive world of hacking vehicles.
Can Infiniti Come Back in the EV Era?
Nissan's Infiniti brand chief Craig Keeys talks to David Kiley about the present and future of the brand.
WardsAutoPodcastEp44 - Rebeca Delgado, CTO of Intel Automotive
Software-defined vehicles are here to stay, and will transform mobility. Intel Automotive is helping automakers chart the course. Learn what you need to know about the software revolution.
WardsAutoPodcastEp43 - The Era of Electrification with Jennifer Brace Ford Futurist
Automakers have been grappling with when and how much to invest in BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs, and some have invested too early or did not invest in hybrids in time for demand to spike. Predicting the future is tough. Host David Kiley talks this week to Ford's Chief Futurist Jennifer Brace about this challenging time to be a futurist.
Ep42 - Going Electric with Jeep NA CEO Bill Peffer
Jeep very quietly led all automotive brands in 2023 with PHEV sales--the Wrangle and Grand Cherokee PHEVs. Later this year, Jeep launches its first BEV, the Wagoneer S. Listen to Host David Kiley's chat with Jeep CEO Bill Peffer at the NYC launch event.
WardsAutoPodcastEp41 - Chevy Traverse Engineer Joel Huffman
Host David Kiley talks about today's SUVs and CUVs, and spends time with Chevy Traverse Chief Engineer Joel Huffman.
WardsAutoPodcastEp40 - Vanessa Ton of Cox Automotive talks to David Kiley about EV fence sitters.
In this week's WardsAuto Podcast, Senior Editor and Host David Kiley talks to Cox Automotive's Vanessa Ton about the firm's latest study about consumer demand and interest in EVs.
WardsAutoPodcastEp39 - John Roth Cadillac on EVs and Selling ICE Vehicles Longer
Host David Kiley talks about the woes of the EV startups, and then with Cadillac Global Chief John Roth about GM's luxury brand's EV plans, the Optiq crossover, and selling ICE vehicles longer than we thought.
WardsAutoPodcastEp38 - Shane Stephens of First Element Fuel on Hydrogen heavy trucks.
Hydrogen power is a real thing after decades of being thirty years away. Harnessing hydrogen energy to replace burning fossil fuel for heavy trucks, port power, stationary generators is moving forward at a good pace. A critical mass of hydrogen passenger cars is still decades away. Shane Stephens, founder of First Element Fuel, just opened the company's first heavy-truck hydrogen refueling station
WardsAutoPodcastEp37 - Steve Majoros Chevrolet CMO
Chevy is the spine and muscle of General Motors. Chief Marketing Officer Steve Majoros talks to us about new products, the push for hybrids and Chevy's latest advertising that went viral.
WardsAutoPodcastEp36 - Talking Hybrid SUVs with Sheldon Brown of Toyota
Toyota leads all automakers with hybrid offerings, soon to be 15 in showrooms. Host David Kiley was in California to test drive the all-new Camry and Crown Signia--both all hybrids; the Tacoma hybrid and to check out the new 4Runner and Land Cruiser. We talk to Tacoma Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown about hybrid body-on-frame vehicles.
WardsAutoPodcastEp35 - Talking Ten Years of Mary Barra leading GM with Bloomberg News's David Welch
Mary Barra has been CEO of General Motors for ten years, the longest tenure after founder Alfred Sloan. Host David Kiley discusses Barra's successes, challenges and even some ideas about succession with Bloomberg News's Detroit Bureau Chief David Welch, author of the definitive book on Barra.
WardsAutoPodcastEp34 - EV and AutoBeat Talk with David Kiley and Paul Eisenstein
Fisker is circling the drain again. EV sales better than we think? Lightning round on what EV startups are going to be around five years from now in the U.S.
WardsAutoPodcastEp33 - A Talk With Subaru President/COO Jeff Walters
Subaru is unique car company in so many ways. Based in Japan, yet 80%-plus of its business is in North America. Known best for its all-wheel-drive, it has had Consumer Reports top-rated SUV for eleven straight years. WardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley talks to Subaru President/COO Jeff Walters as he marks his first year in the C-suite.
WardsAutoPodcastEp32 - Lincoln Nautilus
Ford Motor Co. has one premium brand, Lincoln. The century-plus old brand, though, continues to have difficulty competing against European and Asian luxury brands. David Kiley goes on the road to drive and preview the '24 Lincoln Nautilus SUV and talk to Lincoln insiders about design and engineering.
Ep31: Jan Becker Apex AI
Ep31: Jan Becker Apex AI by WardsAuto
Ep. 30: The Chicago Auto Show
WardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley is at The Chicago Auto Show and discusses Lucid, Cadillac, Kia, VW and the auto ads in the Super Bowl.
Ep. 29: A Chat with Auto Supplier American Axle & Manufacturing About Adapting to the EV Age
American Axle & Manufacturing has been a leading Tier One supplier for decades, supplying hardware to major OEs. We chat with strategy and business development leader at AAM about how the company is moving into the software-centered auto industry.
Ep. 28: Facial and Eye Recognition Systems Coming to Detecting Drunk Driving
NHTSA is amidst rule-making that will mandate systems in cars to detect when a driver is drunk. This eventual rule begs many questions, such as whether a vehicle would be disabled if it detects a drunk driver.
Senior Editor David Kiley talks with Bosch North America's expert at CES2024 about the technology and issues.
Ep. 27: CES 2024 and Software-Based Vehicles
The entire auto industry is transitioning to software-based vehicles. Yes, there is hardware that we will be driving around town and on the highways. But all the controlling functions of the car will be managed by software, with repairs and updates coming via Over-The-Air.
Host David Kiley and Wards Intelligence principal software-vehicle analyst Maite Bezerra talk about the latest issues around
Ep. 26: Wrapping Up the Year's EV Stories and Forecasting 2024
Much has transpired in 2023 witrh regard to the transformation of the auto industry from a century-plus of being centered around the internal combustion engine to the era ahead of electrification. There is pain and growing pains. Host David Kiley and Wards Intelligence Sustainability and Digital Economy Analyst Christie Schweinberg talk about the stories and what's ahead in 2024.
Ep.25: Transforming Lotus To EV Era
Lotus is a brand that has been part of the automotive scene since the early 50s. It has been loved by collectors, designers and engineers.
Today, Lotus is owned by Chinese auto group Geely. And while Lotus has been primarily known in recent years for the Elise roadster, today it is charting a growth plan around EVs that includes a new CUV and sporty sedan, with a new roadster on the horizon.
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Ep. 23: Why Are EV Sales Slowing Down?
EV sales will top one million this year, and that's a 50% gain from 2022. But that growth is not fast enough to match the production plans and investments made by automakers and suppliers.
Host David Kiley talks with Cox Automotive's industry analyst Michelle Krebs about what is holding back consumers.
Ep. 24: Cybertruck Mania - Who's Buying the Tesla Pickup?
It looks like it was sketched by Marvel Comics artists, and cast as a menacing robo-character in a blockbuster film. In reality, Tesla Motors' Cybertruck, which Founder and CEO Elon Musk began delivering to customers on Nov. 30, is just a wacky, difficult to manufacture, question mark.
You have seen the picctures and the videos. Now, WardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley discusses the truck everyone
Ep.22: Taking You to LA Auto and Vegas to Check Out Camry, Gravity, Karma and Subaru
Auto Shows aren't what they used to be, but the LA Auto Show '23 had a decent share of debuts including the Toyota Camry, Lucid Gravity, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Santa Fe and more. Plus a bonus look at Karma Automotive's new hyper-car EV Roadster in Las Vegas on the eve of the F1 race in Sin City.
Host David Kiley talks to some of the executives behind these important models.
Ep. 21: While Consumers Cool on EVs, Opportunities Abound in Commercial and Government Fleets
Dealer inventories of EVs are swelling, so discounting is kicking in and production plans are being rethought. But government and corporate fleets keep buying because they have mandates and zero-emission vehicle goals that aren't impacted by consumer adoption rates.
That has opened up opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups like Lightning eMotors, which manufactures EV coaches, buses, etc.,
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