Automotive News Canada Podcast

Newly hired Stellantis Canada President Jeff Hines talks about dealer relations, slowing sales, the future of the automaker’s several brands, muscle cars and more.

Toyota Canada Director of Corporate and External Affairs talks about the automaker’s electrification strategy, the important role Canadian production plays, how to solve auto theft, and more.

J.D. Power’s Robert Karwel talks about what first-quarter sales, incentives, and inventory say about the state of auto retailing. He also talks about what’s in store for the rest of 2024.

AutoForecast Solution Vice-president of Global Auto Forecasting Sam Fiorani talks about Ford’s decision to delay EV production at Oakville Assembly, assesses the likelihood of more Honda output in Alliston, Ont., and weighs in on whether ZEV mandates are doing their job. AutoForecast Solution’s Sam Fiorani on Ontario EV output

Nissan Canada President Steve Milette spoke with Automotive News Canada Publisher Tim Dimopoulos at the New York Auto Show, where they discussed the redesigned Kicks, government EV rebates, the Infiniti luxury line, and the automaker’s dealer footprint in Canada.

Country Manager for Polestar Canada Hugues Bissonnette tells us why the brand chose Montreal for its headquarters, breaks down the multitude of EV markets in Canada, explains why it picked the franchised model over online sales and outlines what’s next for the brand.

AutoTrader Vice-president of Insights and Intelligence Baris Akyurek leans on his wealth of data to break down rising inventory levels, current average listing prices, and what to expect from the used market moving forward.

David Adams, the CEO of the Global Automakers of Canada, which represents the interests of all overseas automakers in Canada, explains why he thinks Quebec’s decision to end electric-vehicle incentives is a bad idea, checks in on Alberta’s new EV registration fee, and talks about the “geopolitical war” Canada and the United States finds itself in with China and its EV industry.

The Canadian International AutoShow recently reported record attendance for its 2024 edition. CIAS General Manager Jason Campbell explains how that happened, what it means for the industry, and what’s in store for 2025. Jason Campbell on the record-breaking CIAS

Borealis AI Research Director Brian Keng explains how the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence can be harnessed to create deeper and more meaningful customer experiences in auto retailing, and how the technology might revolutionize mobility and transform autonomous transportation.

Porsche Cars Canada CEO John Cappella sat down for a fireside chat at the Automotive News Canada Congress in Toronto to talk about the luxury market, EVs, ZEV mandates, and the new Porsche Experience Centre in Toronto. This is that discussion in its entirety.

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association CEO Brian Kingston and Canadian Automobile Dealers Association CEO Tim Reuss recap the federal government’s auto theft summit, explain what — and where — the problems are, and offer some solutions.

Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell explains how the 2024 show jumped to 44 brands from the 28 it had on display last year. He also talks about aiming to double the number of electric-vehicle test drives and moving part of that EV track outdoors. And, he says automakers still see great value in a show such as CIAS.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano explains how the brand has been successful at selling EVs, why it supports a ZEV sales mandate and says affordability is still an issue. He also talks subscription services, logistic bottlenecks and the end of fossil fuel.

Deloitte Automotive Research Leader Ryan Robinson discusses the Global Automotive Consumer Study, its key findings, affordability, EVs, and more.

VinFast Chairwoman Madame Thuy talks about the VF3, Wild concept pickup, North America’s appetite for electric vehicles and the process of building out a dealership network in Canada and the United States.

BlackBerry QNX Vice-President of Products and Strategy Grant Courville tells us why he believes “the time has come for the software-defined vehicle.” He also explains BlackBerry’s role in automotive, talks about the tech giant’s latest partnership with Stellantis and Amazon, and identifies one challenge the company — and Canada as a whole — faces.

Canadian Automobile Dealers Association CEO Tim Reuss talks about 2023 as the start of a return to normal sales. He also discusses what lies ahead for dealers in 2024, talks ZEV sales mandates and clarifies what right to repair means in Canada.

In this replay of the Nov. 24, 2023, Automotive News Canada Podcast, Lana Payne, president of Unifor, takes us inside the contract talks with the Detroit Three automakers, how the deals affect the industry — from wages to the competition to pricing — and where the union goes from here.

David Adams, head of the Global Automakers of Canada, and Brian Kingston, who leads the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, discuss all the issues their members have with the new federal Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, which forces automakers to sell a defined percentage of zero-emissions vehicles each year. They talk about incentives, infrastructure, and how achievable the goal of 100 percent ZEV sales by 2035 is.