Automotive News’ Nick Bunkley talks about the top stories of 2024, as voted on by staff at the publication. Plus, Reporters Molly Boigon and John Irwin talk about the impact of the U.S. presidential election in the first installment of Daily Drive’s annual year-in-review series.

New-vehicle sales are on pace to finish 2024 strong. VW and German unions reach a deal on cost cuts. Plus, Jon Meredith, national service operations senior manager at Volkswagen, talks about how the automaker is helping dealerships sell more maintenance and repairs with service drive financing.

Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel joins the show to dig into the possibility of a merger between Nissan and Honda and the potential downsides. The Federal Reserve’s quarter-point benchmark rate decrease is welcome news for dealers and other industry stakeholders. Plus, the U.S. backs off recalling 50 million airbag parts.

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Honda and Nissan explore a possible merger. President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team looks to scrap a car crash reporting rule that Tesla opposes. Plus, Tyson Jominy, J.D. Power vice president of data and analytics, joins the show to talk about what the firm expects for the rest of the year and 2025.

GM’s design chief Michael Simcoe joins the show to talk about the automaker’s ever-evolving identity as it transitions more to electric vehicles. The massive expansion of EV charging infrastructure is likely to continue under President-elect Donald Trump. Plus, Waymo goes global.

The U.S. finalizes a $9.6 billion loan for Ford’s battery venture with SK On. Some of the world’s largest suppliers are skipping CES. Plus, Gartner’s Mike Ramsey talks about GM’s decision to scrap Cruise and its robotaxi ambitions.

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Automotive News’ John Huetter explains why dealers are feeling better than they have in a long time about the future of the retail business. Plus, Jamie Butters and Jake Neher discuss a series of executive comebacks announced this week, why industry leaders are using more profane language in public comments lately, and more.

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Volkswagen is offering workers at its Tennessee assembly plant a 14 percent wage increase over four years as well as profit-sharing. Electric vehicle registrations increase again despite another drop for Tesla. Plus, Protective Asset Protection’s Rick Kurtz joins the show to talk about how different approaches to finance and insurance can help improve customer loyalty.

Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Scott Bell, Chevrolet’s global vice president, joins the show to talk about the brand’s EV transition, plans for 2025 and more. President-elect Donald Trump makes his pick to steer the Federal Trade Commission. Plus, used-car prices continue to come down.

Daily Drive listeners can register for Best Practices at NADA at our lowest rate. Use code dailydrive at www.autonewsevents.com/bestpractices

Tom Donnelly, Mazda’s North America chief, joins the show to talk about the automaker’s win streak, its new marketing push and its goals for the new year. General Motors’ Cruise unit is abandoning its effort to develop robotaxis. Plus, Hyundai picks a new North America CEO.