Jake Neher is a longtime radio/audio journalist, producer and host. He leads Automotive News’ audio storytelling and podcasting operations. Before coming to Automotive News, Jake spent the previous 12 years in the world of public radio. A lifelong Michigander, Jake has also spent time reporting in Arctic Alaska, New York City, and at the Michigan state Capitol in Lansing. Most recently, he served as senior editor for WDET’s Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson as well as as co-creator and co-host of WDET’s popular state politics podcast MichMash. When he’s not digging into an audio project, you can find him digging in his vegetable garden. Ironically, Superman ice cream is his kryptonite.

Latest from Jake Neher

GM design chief Michael Simcoe interview; Trump unlikely to stop charging expansion

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.

Suppliers skipping CES; Gartner’s Mike Ramsey on Cruise

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

Weekend Drive: Why dealers are the most optimistic since 2022

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.

VW offers wage increases in Chattanooga; Protective Asset Protection’s Rick Kurtz

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.

Mazda’s Tom Donnelly interview; GM pulls plug on Cruise robotaxis

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 is abandoning its effort to develop Cruise robotaxis. Plus, Hyundai picks a new North America CEO.

Nissan brings back Christian Meunier; Erin Kerrigan talks M&A market

Nissan veteran and former Jeep CEO Christian Meunier is expected to take over the top job at the automaker’s Americas business. Amazon expands its car shopping platform across 48 U.S. cities. Plus, dealership mergers and acquisitions expert Erin Kerrigan joins the show to talk about the state of the buy-sell market in 2024.

Tim Kuniskis returns to Stellantis to lead Ram; AV policy under Trump

Stellantis brings in a familiar name to lead Ram. BYD is on track to beat Ford and Honda in global sales this year. Plus, mobility consultant Selika Josiah Talbott and Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Justine Johnson discuss what the incoming Trump administration could mean for autonomous vehicle policies.

Weekend Drive: How one supplier in N.C. weathered Helene

Automotive News’ Georgia Hall visited a Linamar plant in North Carolina after the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene this year. She talks about what she saw and what it has meant for the company and its workers.

Tesla pivots to leasing; TransUnion’s Satyan Merchant

Tesla gets aggressive with leasing to reinvigorate U.S. sales. Volkswagen workers stage extended strikes. Plus, TransUnion’s Satyan Merchant joins the show to talk about auto lending trends in the third quarter.

Tekion CEO Jay Vijayan interview; Infiniti stores combine with Nissan

Tekion CEO Jay Vijayan talks about the digital retail company’s busy year and its partnership with Hyundai. Infiniti lets some U.S. retailers combine with Nissan. Plus, Subaru once again tops Consumer Reports’ brand ranking.

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