Automotive News Canada Podcast

Century Auto Group CEO Michael MacGillivray checks in from the East Coast while McManes Automotive Group CEO Jim McManes weighs in from the Prairies. They paint a cross-county picture of what it’s like to be in auto retailing as the spring selling season heats up. They talk inventory, EVs, hybrids, affordability and more.

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.

Ralph Gilles, chief designer at Stellantis, looks back on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Charger as the trio of cars, built in Brampton, Ont., come to an end. He also talks a bit about what replaces them and what’s next for Brampton.

Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli says auto investment in the province might have exceeded expectations in 2023 and says more is still to come.

Toyota Canada Inc. Vice-president Stephen Beatty talks about the automaker’s electrification strategy and why it’s so focused on hybrids. He discusses the Crown Insignia and explains why the Camry is available only in a hybrid in Canada.

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.

Erin Kerrigan, founder and CEO of Kerrigan Advisors, talks about which automakers dealers trust the most — and least. She also says it’s still “raining Canadians” in southern U.S. states where Canadian dealers are buying stores. And, she explains how electric vehicles are affecting dealership valuations.

Flavio Volpe, head of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, tells us why he’s ringing alarm bells so loudly of China’s growing auto presence in Mexico. He explains Chinese automakers have advantages North American companies don’t and why that could hurt Canadian suppliers in the long run.

On this replay of the June 2, 2023 Automotive News Canada Podcast, Porsche Canada CEO John Cappella gives a lay of the Canadian luxury market, explains how electrification affects sports cars, and tells us what effect the luxury tax is having.

Ford Motor Co. of Canada CEO Bev Goodman talks electric vehicles, sales and more during a fireside chat at the 2023 Automotive News Canada Retail Forum.

In this Automotive News Canada Podcast replay from Aug. 25, 2023, Volkswagen Canada CEO Pierre Boutin talks about VW Canada’s role in the St. Thomas, Ont., electric-vehicle battery plant, new product, including the ID Buzz, the need for a harmonized North American charging standard, and more.

Brock University Labour Professor Larry Savage on the “celebrity status” of UAW President Shawn Fain in the U.S. and the “Lana Payne/Dave Cassidy drama” at Unifor in Canada. He also talks about the power unions currently hold and whether Unifor members at Stellantis might break from pattern bargaining.

Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecast at U.S.-based AutoForecast Solutions, says the North American auto industry is “under attack” from all sides. Labour strife, rising interest rates, and still spotty inventory are hitting the industry simultaneously. Still, he says inventory and output continue to rise.

John D’Agnolo, the head of Unifor’s Ford master bargaining committee, talks about what it was like bargaining with the automaker, breaks down what’s in the new contract, and explains why he believes it’s a winner. He also explains why comparing Unifor demands to those of the UAW isn’t realistic, and he talks about the impact UAW President Shawn Fain is having on negotiations between Unifor and the Detroit Three.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy breaks down everything we know about the tentative deal before Unifor and Ford Motor Co. of Canada. And he tells us what comes next.

Brendan Sweeney, managing director of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, deconstructs the recent Parliamentary Budget Officer report that says it will take the federal government 20 years to break even on its investments in two electric-vehicle battery plants in Ontario.

Bruce Johnson, the senior director for dealer management systems at CDK Global, talks about the challenges dealers face right now, technology in the service department, the effect interests are having, and the firm's new deal with BMW Canada.

In this replay of the Aug. 4, 2023, Automotive News Canada Podcast, our Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy tells us what Unifor and the Detroit Three want from this year’s contract talks. He also explains what it means to have Unifor and the UAW in the United States bargaining at the same time and how the electric vehicle revolution could affect bargaining.

Volkswagen Canada CEO Pierre Boutin talks about VW Canada’s role in the St. Thomas, Ont., electric-vehicle battery plant, new products, including the ID Buzz, the need for a harmonized North American charging standard, and more.

Todd Bourgon, the executive director of the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario, talks about the overwhelming shortage of service technicians in that province, dealers’ reliance on temporary foreign workers, and what needs to be done to really solve the problem.

JD Power Canada Senior Manager of Automotive Practice Robert Karwel breaks down the most current sales data, from average transaction price to average monthly payments to dealer margins. He also tells us why trucks aren’t selling as fast as they once were and why “cars are hot” right now.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy tells us what Unifor and the Detroit Three want from this year’s contract talks. He also explains what it means to have Unifor and the UAW in the United States bargaining at the same time, and how the electric-vehicle revolution could affect bargaining.

AutoTrader Vice-president of Insights and Intelligence Baris Akyurek leans on his wealth of data to break down current average listing prices, the inventory crunch, and how much Canadians are paying on a monthly basis for vehicles.

Nissan Canada President Steve Milette talks about how the Nissan Grand Prix is used to build a customer base and the next generation of racers.

John Currado, CEO of taq Automotive Intelligence, talks about the challenges of getting people to transact entirely online, discusses the differences in startup and legacy retail models, and talks about a new partnership with VinFast.

Scott Sharabura, vice president of electric vehicle charging at parkland corporation, which owns On the Run and Ultramar gas and convenience stores across Canada, talks about the company’s EV charging strategy, charge times, and where more chargers are needed.

In this replay of the May 12, 2023 Automotive News Canada Podcast, HeyAuto President Brett Jones explains what type of data — from text messages to body weight — is stored in a vehicle. He explains how it can be used for good and evil and the information needs to be wiped from a used vehicle before resale.

Kees Jansen, director of EV service delivery at BC Hydro, explains how the utility is encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles through charging incentives. He also explains how the province and utility are meeting demand and making it easier to charge in condos and while traveling.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy spent two days at BEV In-Depth 2023, a mining conference in Sudbury, Ont., where several in the auto industry descended to talk critical minerals, mining, and policy. He tells us what he learned.

June 9, 2023 | VinFast Canada’s Daniel Morello on the VF 8, retailing and future models by Automotive News Canada

Porsche Canada CEO John Capella breaks down the Canadian luxury market, explains how electrification affects sports cars, and tells us what effect the luxury tax is having.

Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz explains giga-casting, what it means to the supplier, and why it’s building a new factory in Ontario to facilitate the process. She’ll also talk electric vehicles and about the company’s diversification plan.

Magna’s Vice-president of Factory of the Future Todd Deaville tells us what tomorrow’s auto plants will look like, explains why artificial intelligence is good for the industry, and why people aren’t going anywhere and will always be needed on shop floors.

HeyAuto President Brett Jones explains what type of data — from text messages to body weight — is stored in a vehicle. He explains how it can be used for good and evil and why the information needs to be wiped from a used vehicle before resale.

Todd Bourgon, executive director of the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario, formerly the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, talks about Ontario’s reluctance to offer EV rebates, explains how the view of direct sales has changed over the years, and says auto shows remain a very important piece of auto retailing.

Vice-president and Corporate Secretary of Toyota Canada Stephen Beatty explains how Canada’s ZEV sales mandate and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act are going to affect sales and auto manufacturing in Canada. He also details why Toyota isn’t all-in on electric vehicles, and might never be.

GM Canada Vice-President of Sales, Service, and Marketing Sandor Piszar talks Q1 sales, demand, and affordable “gateway” EVs. He also explains what’s expected of Canadian GM dealers as they prepare to sell an all-electric lineup.

Nissan Canada President Steve Milette breaks down the automaker’s Ambition 2030 plan, talks about why the Ariya EV is such an important EV, and tells us what’s expected of dealers as they prep to sell more electric vehicles.

In this replay of the Feb. 24, 2023 Automotive News Canada Podcast, we caught up with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. He shared his thoughts on the federal ZEV mandate, saying as soon as a government “starts mandating, it never works out.” He also said dealing with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is the responsibility of the federal government. And, he explained why he refuses to offer Ontarians an EV rebate.

Brian Kingston, the CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, says the 2023 federal budget does a good job at responding to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which he calls “green industrial policy on steroids.” Kingston says the budget keeps Canada in the game when it comes to landing new auto investment, saying “it was key Canada rolled out a plan to respond.”

Brendan Sweeney, managing director of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, says Volkswagen’s decision to build an EV battery plant in Canada might go down as the biggest automotive win in the country’s history. He explains how many direct and indirect jobs the plant will support, tells us what the plant says about Canada and says the government is justified in financially supporting such a venture with taxpayer money.

Managing Director for Cadillac in Canada Mike Speranzini tells us the secret to surging sales, explains why the interaction between driver and vehicle is one of the more important details in luxury automobiles and says upgrading dealerships to prep for electric vehicles is “not a task for the faint.”

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act’s new tax incentives are compelling automakers to rethink their supply chains and manufacturing priorities. That’s true for Nissan, which is looking to build stronger supply chains in North America. Nissan Americas chairperson Jérémie Papin explains what that means for Canada.

Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell explains how the event succeeded after a two-year hiatus and stunned with the third-largest crowd on record. He also discusses how to keep the momentum and how to convince automakers that skipped the 2023 show to return next year.

We caught up with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. He shared his thoughts on the federal ZEV mandate, saying as soon as a government “starts mandating, it never works out.” He also said dealing with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is the responsibility of the federal government. And, he explains why he refuses to offer Ontarians an EV rebate.

J.D. Power’s Robert Karwel tells us where the average transaction price of new vehicles is headed in 2023, when more robust incentives might return, and how interest rates might affect the industry this year.

Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell tees up the exhibit’s first live event since 2020. He explains the challenges the show overcame, talks about which automakers will be on hand, and what to expect.

Plug’N Drive CEO Cara Clairman updates us on Canada’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) inventory, talks about the price cuts Tesla and Ford made to the electric vehicles, and offers her thoughts on the federal ZEV sales mandate.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano explains how the brand rose to become the No. 2 import in Canada. He also says Hyundai will not only compete with but beat Tesla in the EV game. And, he talks about how the brand will handle interest rate hikes and the risk of a recession.

Toyota Canada’s Vice-president of Sales and Marketing Cyril Dimitris talks about what it means to have the Corolla be Canada’s top-selling car, why the automaker believes in sedans, the new flagship Crown and EV readiness.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe, the association’s Chief Technical Officer Colin Dhillon and Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli talk about what Project Arrow means to the Canadian auto industry and the province, break down the technical specs of the vehicle, lay out what’s next for the project and tell us when and where Canadians will finally get to see it in person.

Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli reflects on the province’s automotive successes of 2022, explains why the government now believes in financially assisting automakers and says 2023 is shaping up to — maybe — be better than 2023 when it comes to auto investment.

On this replay of the Aug. 5, 2022 episode of the Automotive News Canada Podcast, Kimoby’s Dan Robinson talks about how the software program he helped develop and market allows dealers to use text messaging to communicate with customers, helps stores run more efficiently and saves dealerships money. He also explains why good old-fashioned email and phone calls are already antiquated technology at dealerships and what makes instant messaging the go-to solution in customer service and retention.

On this replay of the Nov. 4, 2022 episode of the Automotive News Canada Podcast, Hanif Datoo, Telus vice-president of technical sales and the telecom’s connected cars specialist, explains why mass adoption of autonomous vehicles is likely two or more decades away. He describes the hurdles driverless cars face and details the AV research Telus is conducting in Canada.

E3 Lithium CEO Chris Doornbos talks about the company’s $87-million lithium project and what it means to the industry. He also discusses how the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act affects the mining industry, and addresses Alberta’s growing role in automotive

Flo Charging CEO Louis Tremblay discusses GM’s deal to buy its Canadian and U.S. dealers 40,000 charging stations, what it means for EV uptake in underserved markets and whether an order this big might lead to the expansion of his company.

Chief Design Officer for Stellantis North America Ralph Gilles talks about winning the Eyes on Design Award, the differences between designing production and concept vehicles, and how electric vehicles might change the way he works. He also lists his top three favourite designs.

In this replay of the Sept. 30 Automotive News Canada Podcast, GM Canada CEO Marissa West talks about the automaker’s battery supply chain, pickup production, electric vehicles, dealer network, and gender equity.

Al-Karim Awadia, head of automotive industry at google Canada, says the online giant’s 2022 Google Gearshift Canada Study shows waning brand loyalty, a faster shift to electric vehicles, a growing interest in online retailing, and more.

Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association outlines what Canada needs to do next to take full advantage of the “generational opportunity” the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act offers the industry. He also talks charging infrastructure, EV incentives, and more.

Hanif Datoo, Telus vice-president of technical sales and the telecom’s connected cars specialist, tells why mass adoption of autonomous vehicles is likely two or more decades away. He describes the hurdles the auto industry faces and details the AV research Telus is conducting in a number of provinces. And, who’s liable when a connected car fails?

Head of Jeep Brand North America Jim Morrison talks new product, battery production, loyalty and competition from Ford.

Max Moruzzi, co-founder of the Toronto-based 3D printer Xaba, details how reliable, efficient, and important the technology is now — and will be — in the automotive industry. It’s not just for small parts and plastic toys. It’s for chassis, like the one on Project Arrow.

Canada’s automotive suppliers are preparing to gather for its first “normal” Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association Conference. President Flavio Volpe says a labour shortage is top of mind. He also talks about the growing number of links electric vehicles and mining are adding to the supply chain. And, he explains why a sneak peek of Project Arrow is just around the corner.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano talks about why the agency model works for Genesis, and why it might not work for other brands.

GM Canada CEO Marissa West talks about the automaker’s battery supply chain, pickup production, electric vehicles, dealer network, and gender equity.

Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says Canada has a “winning strategy” in automotive and “all the ingredients” to offer “generational opportunities for workers.” He talks about new investment, the EV supply chain, and pitching Canada “as a solution provider.”

Flo EV Charging CEO Louis Tremblay explains why Canadians need to be thinking about “sipping, not gulping” at EV chargers. He also talks about why his company recently expanded in Michigan and what new U.S. EV infrastructure money could mean to FLO. And, he explains why Quebec is a leader in EV uptake and manufacturing.

Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions says “we’re looking at this year hopefully being the bottom” of the chip and inventory shortages. He tells us how many new vehicles automakers will sell in Canada in 2022 and explains why the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act will inevitably “help Canada in the long run.” He also predicts which products Stellantis will assemble in its two Ontario factories.

Unifor’s newly elected national president Lana Payne sat down with Jamie Butters, executive editor of sister publication Automotive News in Detroit and the host of the Automotive News Daily Drive Podcast, to talk pattern bargaining, organizing Japanese plants in Canada, the country’s expanding battery supply chain, inflation and more.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy explains what the recent memoranda of agreement between Canada, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz mean. He also explains how and why the Canadian government’s critical minerals and electric-vehicle strategy is working.

Flavio Volpe, head of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, explains how close Canadian auto assembly came to extinction and how the word “north” added to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act turned the tide. He also tells us how the new U.S. EV tax credits will benefit Canada and affect the automotive supply chain.

Lana Payne is the new national president at Unifor. She says it’s time for the union to “turn a page” and restore trust in order to move past the kickback scandal that ended Jerry Dias’ presidency early. She also says nothing will change when it comes to auto bargaining unless committee members what to tweak that approach. And, she plans to grow the union and take its fight “in the street god damnit.”

Kimoby’s Dan Robinson helped develop and market a software program that allows dealers to use text messaging to communicate with customers, help stores run more efficiently, and save dealerships money. He tells us why good old-fashioned email and phone calls are already antiquated technology at dealerships and what makes instant messaging the go-to solution in customer service and retention.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy sets the scene less than two weeks before Unifor elects its next president. Who’s running? What’s the process? And what’s the first order of business for the union’s next national leader?

Rafih Auto Group CEO Terry Rafih compares and contrasts Canadian and U.S. operations discuss his new, unique Gen-5 Porsche store in Michigan, and talks about “the ups and downs of Detroit” as it relates to automotive. He also has some candid thoughts on the Canadian federal luxury tax.

Trader Corporation’s AutoSync President Edwin Ulak discusses how consumers always drive change in the retail space, particularly online. He also has some advice for dealers as the pace of digital transactions picks up.

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association President Brian Kingston discusses his group’s new EV Readiness Dashboard, calls for tripling EV incentives, explains why Canada needs 1.6 million chargers, and tells us what he learned at the Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition in Oslo, Norway.

Al-Karim Awadia, Google Canada’s Head of Industry - Automotive, tells us what Canadians are searching for, what dealers need to do to seamlessly transition to digital retailing, and looks at what lies ahead for automotive online.

Jeff Williams of Absolute Results says dealers need to look at new ways to measure success when inventory is tight and demand is high. He also has advice on how dealers should prepare now for a return to normal inventory levels. And, he says, the compensation model absolutely has to change as the digital revolution continues.