Automotive News Retail Tech Reporter Mark Hollmer talks about how dealerships are starting to use AI avatars in their customer service. The UAW and Volkswagen have reached a tentative agreement covering the Chattanooga plant nearly two years after workers voted to join the union. Plus, VW of America aims for a 10 percent sales increase amid tensions with dealers.

Three-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano discusses his partnership with Huntersville Ford and why he’s getting into automotive retail. J.D. Power expects U.S. dealer profits to drop 12 percent this year to $25.4 billion. Plus, China is top-of-mind at the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas.

Hyundai and Kia post record January sales driven by hybrids and crossovers. Consumer Reports crowns nine hybrids in its top 10 vehicle rankings. Plus, Chrysler Brand CEO Chris Feuell talks about the minivan comeback, the refreshed Pacifica and why Chrysler is pivoting away from going all-electric.

Automotive News Retail Reporter Paige Hodder discusses the 2026 Dealer Outlook Survey and how dealers are navigating economic uncertainty heading into this week’s NADA Show in Las Vegas. Bosch pushes back profit targets after a painful 2025. Plus, Stellantis ends remote work flexibility with a return-to-office mandate.

In the second and final part of Automotive News Tech Reporter Molly Boigon’s interview with Stephanie Manning, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, they discuss the roadblocks to implementing impairment prevention technology, why automakers and regulators are stuck in a circular dependency, and MADD’s commitment to a federal mandate despite industry hesitation.

Automotive News' Larry P. Vellequette and Michael Martinez discuss Tesla ending Model S and Model X production for Optimus robots, Hyundai axing the Santa Cruz after one generation, and what to expect at next week's NADA Show in Las Vegas—from dealer sentiment trends to the biggest issues facing retailers in 2026.

Elon Musk is weighing a potential SpaceX-Tesla merger ahead of a planned public offering that could raise $50 billion. Minivans roar back with 20 percent U.S. sales growth as consumers trade down from pricier SUVs. Plus, Cox Automotive’s Jessica Stafford discusses why car buyer satisfaction hit a record 76 percent — driven by digital tools, connected buying processes and omni-channel experiences.

Tesla is ending production of its Model S and Model X to make room for a humanoid robot factory as the company shifts from being a carmaker to a “physical-AI provider.” Hyundai axes the Santa Cruz pickup after just one generation. Plus, Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel explains the eight reasons Japanese kei cars are “doomed to flop” in the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s push to bring them here.