Shows
WardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp100 - 25th Anniversary of Recall that Ate the Auto IndustryIt'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.
2025-08-2842 minWardsAutoEp. 97 - Trump's Budget Bill and Chat with Stellantis's Tim KuniskisHost David Kiley talks about Trump's so-called Big Beautiful Bill, and impact on autos, and a chat with Stellantis's Tim Kuniskis
2025-07-0720 minWardsAutoEp. 96 - Talking GM with Bloomberg News Detroit Bureau Chief David WelchGM 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.
2025-06-3049 minWardsAutoEp. 95 - Rob Newton of ChargePoint on BEV Infrastructure IssuesHost David Kiley on news of the week, and a chat with Rob Newton of ChargPoint about BEV charging infrastructure issues.
2025-06-2234 minWardsAutoEp. 94 - How AI Can Transform Car Repair with Sonatus CMO John HeinleinAI 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.
2025-06-1620 minWardsAutoEp. 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.
2025-06-0922 minWardsAutoEp. 92 - Professional Grade GMC Terrain with Meghan ElyThe 2026 GMC Terrain is made in Mexico, but GM says it will hold the line and not increase prices to offset tariffs
2025-06-0214 minWardsAutoEp. 91 - Hybrids and EVs with Toyota Electric Planning Boss Cooper EricksenToyota 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.
2025-05-2729 minWardsAutoEp. 90 - WardsAuto 2025 10 Best Interiors and UX with David Kiley and Christie SchweinsbergWardsAuto is out with its annual 10 Best Interiors and UX. Editors David Kiley and Christie Schweinberg discuss.
2025-05-1927 minWardsAutoEp. 89 - More Tariff News and Overcoming Quality Issues with SkillReal's Peter GrabowskiHost 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.
2025-05-1227 minWardsAutoEp. 88 - GM Eating Most Tariff Costs; Voltaiq CEO on Solid State Batteries and Cell QualityTalking about Rivian vs. Tesla and solid state battery talk with Voltaiq CEO and how automakers are trying to cope with battery quality.
2025-05-0525 min
WardsAutoEp.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.
2025-04-2819 minWardsAutoEp. 86 - NY Auto Show, Tesla's "Code-Blue," Subaru OutbackHost David Kiley talks about the NY Auto Show, Subaru Outback, Tesla's drop and Subaru President Jeff Walters.
2025-04-2248 minWardsAutoEp. 85 - Can Public EV Charging Be Fixed with ChargePoint's Rob NewtonOne 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.
2025-04-1439 minWardsAutoEp. 84 - What's Next For Hydrogen in Trump Era with Tom Stephenson of Pajarito PowderThe 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.
2025-04-0529 minWardsAutoEp. 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.
2025-03-2835 minWardsAutoEp. 82 - Automotive Practice Leader from PwC C.J. Finn on Tariff PaloozaTariffs 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.
2025-03-2330 minWardsAutoEp. 81 - More Tesla and Tariff Bad News, Shift Digital CEO Matt VanDyke on Better Vehicle SellingMore 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.
2025-03-1638 minWardsAutoEp. 80 - The BEV vs ICE Crisis in the EU and U.S. with WardsAuto's Paul MylesHow the BEV revolution is under fire in the U.S. and EU
2025-03-1038 minWardsAutoEp. 79 - More Hybrids Are Coming: EY's Steve Patton and Environmental Advocate Dan BeckerBEV sales are uncertain. Automakers are rushing hybrids and PHEVs to market. And consumers say they are eager for more.
2025-03-0156 minWardsAutoEp. 78 - Travis Wattles and Jeremy Barnes of Mitsubishi Motors on '25 Outlander and future of brandHost David Kiley talks with Mitsubishi Motors execs Travis Wattles and Jeremy Barnes about the future of this perennially niche mass-market brand.
2025-02-2239 minWardsAutoEp. 77 - How WardsAuto Forecasted the Honda-Nissan Merger Wouldn't HappenHost 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.
2025-02-1752 minWardsAutoEp. 76 - News of the week; Chrysler/Alfa Romeo Chief Christine Feuell; Neil Boehm, VP GentexNews 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.
2025-02-0926 minWardsAutoEp. 74 - News of the Week. A talk with Aisin North America CEO Scott TurpinAisin 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.
2025-02-0328 minWardsAutoEp. 75 - News of the week, and the new Lexus LX with Lexus Marketing Manager Richard HollingsworthTariffs, Trump, Musk and a talk with Richard Hollingsworth at Lexus about the new LX Luxe SUV.
2025-02-0324 minWardsAutoEp 73. - NAIAS: Fixing Stellantis Brands Ram, Jeep and DodgeStellantis 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.
2025-01-2031 minWardsAutoEp.72 - CES2025 and Bosch Mobility President Paul Thomas and Yazaki Innovations CEO Erik FlemingHost 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.
2025-01-1222 minWardsAutoEp. 71 - Scout Motors' Shaheen KarimianHost 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.
2025-01-0625 minWardsAutoEp. 70 - Jag's New Direction with Managing Director Rawdon GloverJaguar 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.
2024-12-1523 minWardsAutoEp. 69 - Auto Industry Lobby and DOE on Trump EffectAlliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozella and DOE Official Michael Berube DOE talk to WardsAuto about the Trump Effect on Auto Regs and Policy.
2024-12-0821 minWardsAutoEp. 68 - Drew Winter and Host David Kiley handicap the NACTOY AwardsThe 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.
2024-12-0141 minWardsAutoEp.: 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.
2024-11-2441 minWardsAutoEpisode66 - What Now with EVs? with AutoPacific President Ed KimAutomakers 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.
2024-11-1845 minWardsAutoEp. 65 - Post Election Analysis of Trump-Musk Alliance and Cadillac Vistiq RevealHost David Kiley looks at BEV policy and outlook after election, and takes listeners to the Cadillac Vistiq reveal.
2024-11-1221 minWardsAutoEp. 64 - Eli Leland, CEO of Voltaiq and Battery RecallsEp. 64 - Eli Leland, CEO of Voltaiq and Battery Recalls by WardsAuto
2024-11-0333 minWardsAutoEp. 63 - Scout Motors' Shaheen KarimianHost 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.
2024-10-2836 minWardsAutoEp. 62 - PHEVs and Hydrogen with Forvia Chief H2 Engineer Tarek Abdel-BasetTalking PHEVS, as well as hydrogen with Forvia's Chief Hydrogen Engineer Tarek Abdel-Baset
2024-10-2033 minWardsAutoEp. 61 - The Battery Show with Ken Hoffman, McKinseyHost David Kiley talks about the Battery Show with McKinsey Battery Analyst Ken Hoffman, talking about the pace of electrification and 600-mile ranges.
2024-10-1431 minWardsAutoEp. 60 - Paul Thomas, President of Bosch North AmericaBosch 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.
2024-10-0721 minWardsAutoEp. 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.
2024-09-2924 minWardsAutoEp58 - Stellantis's Carlos Tavares's Headaches and EnvorsoStellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has multiple headaches and challenges. And we talk with Envorso CEO, a former Ford exec. (Head of Lincoln) Scott Tobin.
2024-09-2223 minWardsAutoEp. 57 - Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International talks challenges of the electrification eraEp. 57 - Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International talks challenges of the electrification era by WardsAuto
2024-09-1620 minWardsAutoEp. 56 - Volkswagen 2025 Jetta and ID.BuzzOn 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.
2024-09-0827 minWardsAutoEp. 55 - Boaz Hartal of Upstream on What We Should Fear From HackersThe 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.
2024-09-0232 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp54 - John Casesa on current chaos in auto industryGuggenheim 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.
2024-08-2531 minWardsAutoEpisode 53 - Most Impactful Auto Executives of the 20th CenturyWardsAuto, 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.
2024-08-2047 minWardsAutoEp52 - Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John BozzellaThe 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.
2024-08-1130 minWardsAutoThe Most Powerful Corvette Ever: A chat with ZR-1 Chief Engineer Tadge JuechterThe 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.
2024-08-0415 minWardsAutoWards100: 100 Years Of Most Impactful Vehicles 1924-2024Marking it's 100th anniversary, WardsAuto chooses the most impactful vehicles of the last century, 1924-2024.
2024-07-2851 minWardsAutoWards100: Best Engines/Propulsion Systems 100 YearsWardsAuto Editors and Contributors name the most impactful engines/propulsion systems from 1924-2024.
2024-07-2249 minWardsAutoWards100 Podcast - Most impactful engines/propulsion systems of the last 100 years.WardsAuto is marking its 100th anniversary this year. A jury of editors and contributors have selected the most impactful engines/propulsion systems, one per decade and a runner-up, for each of the last ten decades. Listen up to see if you agree.
2024-07-2257 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp48 - 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.
2024-07-1422 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp47 - Infotainment with Valentin Janiaut LG Vehicle SolutionsSouth 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.
2024-07-0720 minWardsAutoEp. 46 - Be Scared. Cyber attacks are here to stay--with Prashant Gupta DMI ManagementAs 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.
2024-06-3043 minWardsAutoCan 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.
2024-06-2128 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp44 - Rebeca Delgado, CTO of Intel AutomotiveSoftware-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.
2024-06-1742 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp43 - The Era of Electrification with Jennifer Brace Ford FuturistAutomakers 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.
2024-06-1036 minWardsAutoEp42 - Going Electric with Jeep NA CEO Bill PefferJeep 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.
2024-06-0318 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp41 - Chevy Traverse Engineer Joel HuffmanHost David Kiley talks about today's SUVs and CUVs, and spends time with Chevy Traverse Chief Engineer Joel Huffman.
2024-05-2718 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp40 - 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.
2024-05-2137 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp39 - John Roth Cadillac on EVs and Selling ICE Vehicles LongerHost 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.
2024-05-1018 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp38 - 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 at the Port of Oakland in CA. We discuss how fast converting diesel trucks to hydrogen can happen.
2024-05-0529 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp37 - Steve Majoros Chevrolet CMOChevy 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.
2024-04-2627 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp36 - Talking Hybrid SUVs with Sheldon Brown of ToyotaToyota 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.
2024-04-1922 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp35 - Talking Ten Years of Mary Barra leading GM with Bloomberg News's David WelchMary 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.
2024-04-1440 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp34 - EV and AutoBeat Talk with David Kiley and Paul EisensteinFisker 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.
2024-04-0533 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp33 - A Talk With Subaru President/COO Jeff WaltersSubaru 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.
2024-03-2836 minWardsAutoWardsAutoPodcastEp32 - Lincoln NautilusFord 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.
2024-03-2225 min
2024-02-2929 min
WardsAutoEp. 30: The Chicago Auto ShowWardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley is at The Chicago Auto Show and discusses Lucid, Cadillac, Kia, VW and the auto ads in the Super Bowl.
2024-02-1119 min
WardsAutoEp. 29: A Chat with Auto Supplier American Axle & Manufacturing About Adapting to the EV AgeAmerican 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.
2024-02-0632 min
WardsAutoEp. 28: Facial and Eye Recognition Systems Coming to Detecting Drunk DrivingNHTSA 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.
2024-02-0526 min
WardsAutoEp. 27: CES 2024 and Software-Based VehiclesThe 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 this monumental shift to software-based vehicles from the floor of CES 2024.
2024-02-0525 min
WardsAutoEp. 26: Wrapping Up the Year's EV Stories and Forecasting 2024Much 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.
2024-02-0530 min
WardsAutoEp.25: Transforming Lotus To EV EraLotus 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.
Today, we chat with Lotus Chief Creative Officer Ben Payne.
2024-02-0528 min
WardsAutoEp. 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.
2024-02-0518 min
WardsAutoEp. 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 is talking about with Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst and associate director of research at S&P Global. Tune in and hear how we see Cybertruck and its possible threat to Detroit.
2024-02-0538 min
WardsAutoEp.22: Taking You to LA Auto and Vegas to Check Out Camry, Gravity, Karma and SubaruAuto 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.
2024-02-0532 min
WardsAutoEp. 21: While Consumers Cool on EVs, Opportunities Abound in Commercial and Government FleetsDealer 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., as well as Plug, which is brokering used EVs for dealers and fleets.
Our guests this week are Plug CEO Jimmy Douglas and Lightning eMotors CEO Tim Reeser.
2024-02-0535 min
WardsAutoEp. 20: Helping Consumers Overcome Anxiety Over EVsNearly 40% of consumers surveyed are ready to consider an EV for their next purchase. But even with those folks, there is a certain amount of anxiety and trepidation over making a radical transition from an ICE vehicle to an EV.
John Possumato is Founder and CEO of driveitaway.com, which is a company that works with dealers to allow customers rent to own vehicles. We can use the service for any type of vehicle, but in this week's episode Possumato talks about how appropriate and useful this service is to would-be EV buyers, and also how both dealers and consumers...
2024-02-0534 min
WardsAutoEp. 18: Discussing Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion SystemsWardsAuto announced its annual "10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems" recently, and made the presentations to the winners at the Informa/WardsAuto Electrification 2023.
The list of winners includes internal conbustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
The judges--Editor-in-Chief Bob Gritzinger, Editorial Director Dave Zoia, Managing Editor Jim Irwin, WardsAuto Contributor Drew Winters, WardsAuto Intelligence Analyst Christie Schweinsberg and WardsAuto Senior Editor David Kiley--discussed how and why the winners were chosen. WardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley moderated the panel at the Conference. And we share it here.
2024-02-0530 min
WardsAutoEp. 19: Is Hydrogen Really Going to Happen?The U.S. government is putting $7 billion into building hydrogen hubs across the country. There is more than $50 billion in additional investments in hydrogen production and applications: cars, hydrogen production, trains, planes, stationary power and even ships.
The first big push, set to happen over the next ten to fifteen years, is converting diesel-powered semi-trucks and generators to hydrogen fuel-cells. Despite the promises of how the cleanest burning energy on the planet can mitigate carbon emissions, there is plenty of controversy and debate around whether we should or can develop a hydrogen economy.
Thomas Stephenson--Founder, Chairman and CEO of Pajarito...
2024-02-0538 min
WardsAutoEp. 16: EVs Usher in Autonomous DrivingThe car-driving public in the U.S., as well as Europe and China, is getting used to the idea that we are heading toward driving electric. By 2040, a scant 17 years from now, every new car sold is expected to be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). But that is not the only big change coming. Over the same period, cars will get better and better at driving themselves.
Ride with Host David Kiley as he experiences Ghost Autonomy's L4 Self-driving car.
2024-02-0531 min
WardsAutoEp. 15: Honda's First-Ever BEV; Subaru's Amazing Off-Roader and the Automaker's BEV Plans.Honda has an amazing reputation the world over for its internal combustion engines.But for its first BEVs, the Japanese automaker is using General Motors' Ultium platform. We address why. And we ventured to Utah's Zion National Park to put the the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition through off-road paces and diascuss the company's electrification plans.
2024-02-0523 min
WardsAutoEp. 17: Electrification and Dealers, and Tension With OE AutomakersGovernment mandates are pushing the U.S., China and Europe to electrification of our personal vehicles. In a decade, two-thirds of all new-vehicle sales are supposed to be battery-electric-vehicles.
But dealers are not exactly enthusiastic. An EV fleet will mean less service business for dealers, plus they are being required by automakers to make significant investments to sell, service and recharge electric vehicles.
WardsAuto's principal retail analyst Nancy Dunham, and automotiveMastermind senior director of dealer relations talks to WardsAuto Podcast host David Kiley about the tension over EVs at the dealer level.
2024-02-0541 min
WardsAutoEp. 14: Battery News and What Consumers Like About EVsThere are always developments happening with batteries that will bring down prices and give us longer ranges. Wards Intelligence's battery analyst Adam Raggozzino chats about solid state tech and why battery prices are falling. And Steve Patton from global consulting firm EY talkis about what consumers like and fear about EVs.
The WardsAuto Podcast is sponsored by leading global auto supplier AAM.
2024-02-0529 min
WardsAutoEp. 13: Range and Safety: Acura and Hyundai Execs Join the PodcastRange is extremely important in the BEV wars, and the '24 Acura ZDX has range up to 320 miles. Acura sales chief Emile Korkor joins us.
Meantime, Hyundai added two more BEVs to the IIHS list of Top Pick+. We speak to Hyundai's global safety chief Brian Letouf about engineering safety into BEVs.
2024-02-0521 min
WardsAutoEp. 12: The Transition from ICE to EVs. "It's a Mess."In episode 12, WardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley talks to Mike Austin, senior analyst for EVs at GuideHouse Transportation Insights. Austin, a former journalist and now leading analyst jawbones the big issues with WardsAuto. WardsAuto Podcast is sponsored by American Axle.
2024-02-0529 min
WardsAutoEp. 11: A Talk with Continental North America CEO Aruna Anand About Adapting to The EV EraContinental North America, a unit of Continental AG is a major supplier of systems, components and parts, as well as tires. But it is becoming a more software-focused company to maintain its leadership as a Tier One supplier to automakers as the whole global business shifts from internal combustion engines to electrification.
CEO Aruna Anand talks about the shifts inside Continental that made it WardsAuto's Tier One Supplier of the Year in 2023.
2024-02-0531 min
WardsAutoEp. 10: Culture Shock In The EV Era with Gravitas Detroit's Jan GriffithsThere is a lot of pain and disruption in the transition from the ICE Age to the BEV Age. And ome of that pain and disruption can create tension and conflicts in an organization in which there are engineers and other personnel that have worked in the ICE world for decades and the newer fresh faces in the software engineering ranks.
Gravitas Detroit's Jan Griffiths was an auto industry C-suiter and maverick who left it behind to be a consultant, executive coach and change manager. Host David Kiley talks to Griffiths about Culture Shock in the electric age.
2024-02-0533 min
WardsAutoEp. 8: Auto Industry Chief Lobbyist John Bozzella on How the New EPA Rule Plays Into China's HandsJohn Bozzella is CEO and President of The Alliance for Automotive Innovation. That makes him the industry's point person with The Biden Administration, the Congressional Auto Caucus, NHTSA, The Dept. of Energy and The EPA. Currently, the EPA is in process of finalizing a rule that would drive automakers to chalk up two-thirds of sales to BEVs by 2032. Bozella says that pace will reward the Chinese, and discusses the issues with Host David Kiley.
2024-02-0527 min
WardsAutoEp. 7: A Talk With Paul Thomas, President of Bosch MobilityThe transformation from an ICE business to one centered around electrification is a messy road. And not just for OEs. It's topsy turvy for suppliers too. We talk with Paul Thomas, President of Bosch Mobility North America, who assumed this leadership post earlier this year, about how the world's biggest auto supplier is tracking with its OE customers.
2024-02-0530 min
WardsAutoEp. 9: A Talk With Karma Automotive CEO Marques McCammonKarma Automotive CEO Marques McCammon talks about the future of the automaker.
2024-02-0539 min
WardsAutoEp. 6: Why the "Roof is on Fire" at VWEpisode Six of The WardsAuto Podcast has Host and WardsAuto Senior Editor David Kiley talking to WardsAuto Germany Correspondent Greg Kable about the financial alarm bells in Wolfsburg brought about by lower sales volume and massive EV investments being made by VW, as well as a chat with VW's head of product planning in North America about the new 2024 Atlas SUV.
2024-02-0532 min
WardsAutoEp. 5: Elon Musk's Big Win, and the New Silverado EVThe transition to EVs will not happen in a straight line. In this episode, we discuss: opposition to the EPA's proposed rules on greenhouse gas emissions from the auto industry; Elon Musk's big win on charging infrastructure; and the introduction of the Chevy Silverado EV, including our first drive.
2024-02-0536 min
WardsAutoEp. 4: Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh And Reviving a LegendScout Motors is a new, independent vehicle company part of The Volkswagen Group, gearing up to launch as a BEV SUV and pickup company. Scott Keogh, former CEO of Volkswagen of America, is heading up the effort to leverage the "Scout" brand in a new era of electrification. We talk with Keogh about starting up a new company and what we can expect from Scout.
2024-02-0536 min
WardsAutoEp 3: Managing The Transition for Fun and ProfitIn Episode 3,we talk with Autoline Editor and WardsAuto columnist John McElroy about how difficult it is for automakers and suppliers to manage profits while investing big in electrification and while waiting for consumers to get excited about the new vehicles in bigger numbers. Then, we discuss the topic with Zf North American Chief Martin Fisher. Zf is one of the leading, most innovative Tier-One suppliers in the world, and in the thick of the move to electrification.
2024-02-0547 min
WardsAutoEp 2: Lithium Batteries: State of the Technology, Pricing and SourcingLithium-ion batteries are the principal source of power for BEVs, but there are other battery chemistries in development. The worry over lithium supplies and pricing has moved auto companies to invest in their own lithium mines. And we talk about the China effect on batteries. Host David Kiley talks with Wards Intelligence Battery Tech Analyst Adam Raggozino. And Adam talks wth leading lithium analyst Dr. Cameron Perks at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
2024-02-0544 min
WardsAutoEp.1: Transforming To EVs: Getting StartedIn this episode Host David Kiley talks to Wards Intelligence Sustainability Analyst Christie Schweinsberg, who keeps tabs on EVs and EV infrastructure for Wards, as well as Toyota's North American Powertrain Chief Jordan Choby.
2024-02-0547 min
CBT Automotive Network PodcastWardsAuto Editor Steve Finlay on Digital Retailing, Inventory Struggles, and MoreJoining us today to give a full recap on retail automotive trends and what dealers need to know is Steve Finlay, senior editor at WardsAuto. For a number of years, automotive digital retailing has been a topic of conversation, but the COVID-19 pandemic kicked it into high gear. Steve wonders if the surge of online transactions and home delivery will stick, or if many dealers will revert back to their usual practices.
While many consumers would still rather do their shopping online, the flip-side for dealers is that building the infrastructure to facilitate online transactions can be expensive. Steve asks – Ca...
2020-08-3113 min