Canada Conversations

More bad news for Tesla in Canada; Quebec brings back EV rebates; and the Vancouver International Auto Show saw record attendance. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe talks about U.S. President Donald Trump's auto tariffs, explains how they will affect Canada, and looks ahead at what might come next.

Tesla had a bad week in Canada; EVs best ICEVs in lifelong emissions; and AutoCanada looks to sell its U.S. stores. Plus, renowned Rotman School of Management professor, historian and author Dimitry Anastakis assesses the “madness” of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threat, explains the “chaos” it brings to the auto industry, and tell us whether they will work in bringing auto jobs back to America.

The Government of Canada expects automakers to honour commitments; Hyundai Canada has a new CEO; and PowerCo's battery plant said to be “on schedule.” Plus, outgoing Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano reflects on his time in Canada, has advice for his replacement, and talks about the current state of the brand.

Volkswagen Canada CEO Vito Paladino recently sat down for a fireside chat with Automotive News Canada Publisher Tim Dimopoulos to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats, electrification, battery plants, customer service, and more. This is that conversation.

Stellantis Canada CEO Jeff Hines recently sat down for a fireside chat with Automotive News Canada Digital and Mobile Editor Greg Layson to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats, the end of the federal iZEV program, the possible return of the Hemi engine, and more. This is that conversation.

Stellantis has paused retooling Brampton Assembly Plant; Polestar Canada has big plans for 2025; and Toyota Canada is committed to this country “for the long haul.” Plus, Waabi CEO Raquel Urtasun discusses a new partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions. She also details the generative AI advances at the heart of the company's end-to-end AI stack and approach to developing “AV 2.0.”

Newly named Toyota Canada CEO Cyril Dimitris talks about the automaker's executive shakeup, its product lineup, as well as value and affordability. He also discusses inventory levels with the COVID pandemic and semiconductor shortage in the past, and more.

January saw a spike in new-vehicle sales; the Kia EV5 is set to arrive; and Waabi partners with Volvo on self-driving trucks. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell previews the 2025 edition of the show.

Canadian Automobile Dealers Association President and CEO Tim Reuss talks about the end of the Canadian Incentives for Zero Emissions Vehicles Program, discusses what CADA would like to see happen to the federal ZEV sales mandate, talks about sales, and more.

Unifor aims to organize EV battery plants; Linamar plans billions in upgrades in Ontario; Volkswagen says the ID7 won't come to Canada. Plus, Linamar Executive Chair Linda Hasenfratz has a warning about U.S. tariffs on Canadian auto parts.

A new report shows how tough it would be to move Canadian auto assembly to the U.S.; Tesla hikes its Canadian prices; Canada's Holand Automotive Group expands overseas. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe is part of a federal Canada-U. S. relations council dealing with the incoming Trump administration's vow to impose tariffs. He talks tariffs, trade wars and more.

America needs Canada-made vehicles; tariff threats worry Canadian suppliers; the federal iZEV program winds down. Plus, Unifor President Lana Payne discusses tariffs, organizing more of Canada's autoworkers, the future of EV assembly, and more.

Jan. 10, 2025 | The week's top stories and a chat with Nissan Canada's Trevor Longley by Automotive News Canada

On this Automotive News Canada Podcast Replay from Sept. 20, 2024, new Managing Director of Infiniti Canada Ken Hearn talks about the QX80, the refreshening of the luxury brand's lineup, customer loyalty and bringing Infiniti and Nissan stores under the same rooftop.

On this Automotive News Canada Podcast Replay from Oct. 11, 2024, Linda Hasenfratz reflects on her time as Linamar CEO, talks about what's next for her at the company and discusses the current state of automotive and the influence of her father Frank.

Canada's auto industry reacts to Chrystia Freeland leaving cabinet. Quebec passes a law to ban the sale of ICE vehicles. Plus, Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli says the province will see billions in auto investment in 2025. He also talks about Freeland's decision and U.S. Preside-elect Donald Trump's threat of 25-per-cent tariffs on all imports from Canada.

Uncertainty lies ahead in North American automotive. Toyota's Stephen Beatty calls it a career. And Tim Kuniskis returns to Ram. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell tees up the 2025 edition.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns. November sales surge. And some big names return to the Toronto Auto Show. Plus, Murray Haukaas, chair of the Stellantis National Dealer Council, and Jim McManes, of McManes Auto Group, talk about the resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

Trump's latest tariff threats. Quebec's EV battery material industry gets a boost. Magna's Swamy Kotagiri is honoured. Plus, AutoTrader Vice-president of Insights and Intelligence Baris Akyurek talks about the latest Path to Purchase study, the used market, EVs, and the U.S. election.

Canadian Stellantis dealers are sounding off. Auto loan delinquencies are on the rise. And Legacy automakers powered federal iZEV claims to an all-time October high in. Plus, the APMA's Flavio Volpe discusses Project Arrow 2.0, talks Trump and addresses the upcoming review of the USMCA.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has harsh words for Mexico. Linamar's new gigacasting plant faces headwinds. And, AutoCanada earnings slip. Plus, retiring Toyota Canada Vice-president and Corporate Secretary Stephen Beatty reflects on his career, talks electrification, discusses the U.S. election, and more.

Scout lays out its retail plan for Canada. Umicore lengthens the pause on construction of an EV battery materials plant in Ontario, and October sales saw a surge. Plus, Mazda Canada Chief Operating Officer Amy Fleming talks product, EVs, China and more.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Roman sat down for a fireside chat with Automotive News Canada Publisher Tim Dimopoulos during the 2024 Automotive News Canada Retail Forum. This is their conversation in its entirety.

Newly appointed Nissan Canada President Trevor Longley talks about how he landed his new role, discusses the new Kicks and Murano, addresses ZEV mandates, commits to sedans, and more.

On this Automotive News Canada Podcast Replay from Sept. 6, 2024, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association CEO Tim Reuss breaks down a pair of new reports from the organization. He discusses the recent CADA Data Report and the National Workforce Study. He talks about dealership consolidation, wages, zero-emission vehicle sales, the gender gap and more.

Linda Hasenfratz reflects on her time as Linamar CEO, talks about what's next for her at the company and discusses the current state of automotive and the influence of her father Frank.

LeddarTech CEO Frantz Saintellemy talks about the tech company's new focus on automotive software, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence and more.

Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe explains why Canada must follow the lead of the United States and ban automotive software and hardware used in connected vehicles from entering the country. He talks about national security, the importance of North American harmonization and opportunities for Canada.

New Managing Director of Infiniti Canada Ken Hearn talks about the QX80, the refreshening of the luxury brand's lineup, customer loyalty and bringing Infiniti and Nissan stores under the same rooftop.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy breaks down the contract talks between Unifor and General Motors. The two sides are trying to hammer out a deal at the automaker's Chevrolet BrightDrop EV van plant in Ontario. He also talks about some recent changes at the plant, and its future.

Canadian Automobile Dealers Association CEO Tim Reuss breaks down a pair of new reports from the organization. He discusses the recent CADA Data Report and the National Workforce Study. He talks about dealership consolidation, wages, zero-emission vehicle sales, the gender gap and more.

Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe talks about the APMA's 2024 summit, Chinese electric vehicles, how the U.S. election could affect Canadian automotive, and more.

Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano talks about the need for educating the public when it comes to electric vehicles, the automaker's new Total Electric Vehicle Talks — or TEV Talks — and the sales success the brand is currently experiencing.

Former Nissan Canada President — now the Vice-President of Dealer Network Development, Customer Resources and Training for Nissan U.S. and Canada — Steve Milette discusses his Canadian tenure, vouches for his successor and talks about dealer relations. He also has thoughts on how upcoming U.S. and Canadian elections might affect the EV revolution.

On this Automotive News Canada Podcast Replay, Volvo Canada Managing Director Matt Girgis discusses what a survey conducted by the automaker reveals how Canadians feel about electric vehicles. He also talks affordability and what needs to be done to ease consumer concerns about EVs.

J.D. Power Canada Director of Customer Success for the Data and Analytics Division Robert Karwel updates us on where the industry stands when it comes to sales, pricing, incentives, inventory and electric-vehicle penetration. He also talks about what BYD might do to the Canadian retail segment.

Global Automakers of Canada CEO David Adams talks about the changing landscape when it comes to zero-emissions vehicle purchase incentives as Quebec prepares to eliminate them while Manitoba adds them. He'll also discuss the current state of EV charging infrastructure and give his thoughts on Canada's plan to impose tariffs on EVs imported from China.

Hyundai Canada Executive Director of Sales and Digital Strategy Steve Flamand on the secret of the automaker's EV sales success. He also discusses affordability, government incentives, charging infrastructure, and more.

GM Canada Vice-president of Sales, Service, and Marketing Shane Peever talks about the staying power of the Denali brand and why it's more than just a sub-brand. He also discusses Canada's truck market, electrification, hybrids and sedans.

On this Automotive News Canada Podcast Replay, 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.

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association CEO Brian Kingston talks about the countdown to Canada's zero-emissions sales mandate, a shortage of charging infrastructure, B.C.'s gutted EV rebates, and potential tariffs on China-made EVs.

Paays' Head of Fraud Anne-Marie Kelly has advice for dealers and their customers when it comes to protecting against identity theft, fake IDs and fraudulent purchases. She also talks about who pays and how prevalent the problem is.

Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe talks about the APMA's 2024 summit, Chinese electric vehicles, how the U.S. election could affect Canadian automotive, and more.

General Motors North America President Marissa West talks about the important role of hybrids, affordable electric vehicles, and the automaker's zero-emissions goals.

Cadillac Canada Managing Director Mike Speranzini talks about what's in store for the luxury brand in 2024, the importance of the Optiq EV, and which customers it's targeting, and he discusses treating customers with special care.

Brendan Sweeney, the managing director of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, talks about what the recent run of investments automakers and suppliers have made in Ontario's electric-vehicle and battery production means for Ontario, suppliers and the workforce. He also talks about what the future holds for investment and suppliers as some automakers appear to be pulling back on their rush to electrification.

Volvo Canada Managing Director Matt Girgis discusses what a survey conducted by the automaker reveals how Canadians feel about electric vehicles. He also talks affordability and what needs to be done to ease consumer concerns about EVs.

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.