Flavio Volpe, the head of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association was in Washington during the trilateral summit between Canada, the United States and Mexico. He breaks down how President Joe Biden’s purchase incentive for American-made EVs could decimate the Canadian auto industry. He also explains the latest way the microchip crisis is costing suppliers.

Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri talks about what he calls “the strength of Magna,” how the supply giant has navigated COVID-19 and the chip crisis, what’s next after a failed Veoneer deal, and when might autonomous vehicles arrive?

Rebekah Young, the director of fiscal and provincial economics, at Scotiabank Economics, and Robert Karwel, J.D. Power Canada’s senior manager of automotive practice, discuss when the inventory shortage might end, what it’s doing to new-vehicle pricing and what it could mean for incentives in the new year.

Ryan Holtz, of Ryan Holtz Marketing and a podcast host, explains where the industry’s at when it comes to digital retailing and what dealers must do to capitalize on it. He also lays out some dos and don’ts for dealers using social media to sell cars and build relationships.

Unifor President Jerry Dias explains why his membership is now pushing back against vaccine mandates set to be implemented by the Detroit Three automakers. Dias says his union believes in vaccines but that the companies should be consulting with his executives before imposing mandates on employees.

Stellantis says it will reduce minivan output to a single shift in Windsor, Ont. But, Unifor Local 444 President David Cassidy says the company has promised new product and the return of three shifts, eventually. Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions says product is earmarked for the factory, but it’s contingent on the next collective agreement. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province is willing to offer financial assistance to the automaker.

Mitsubishi Canada Marketing Director Steve Carter says the company’s dealer network supports the automaker’s virtual showroom ClickShop. He also says the brand is weighing whether to participate in auto shows moving forward.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano says the global microchip and inventory shortages are “100 per cent” behind the automaker’s third-quarter, nine-per-cent sales decline, but he insists “demand is at record levels,” too. He also notes other kinks, such as a lack of shipping containers and truckers, are affecting the service bay.

Volvo Canada Managing Director Matt Girgis explains how the company’s unique shoe deal with Casca footwear came to be, and how it went international. He also discusses the importance of sustainability, how upgrades at the Port of Vancouver benefit Canadian dealers, and when inventory might get back to normal.

Pfaff CEO Chris Pfaff explains how U.S.-based Lithia Motors went from “kicking tires” to buying Pfaff Automotive Partners “on our terms.” Pfaff also talks about why the deal was good for his company, and what’s next.