The Global Auto Industry Has Entered a New Era - VW, Rivian & USMCA | At The Wheel #24

For decades, Volkswagen was the world’s automotive powerhouse.Today, it’s closing factories, cutting jobs, losing market share in China, and fighting for relevance in the world’s largest automotive market.In Episode 24 of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le unpack one of the biggest strategic shifts facing the global auto industry—and why Volkswagen’s restructuring is about much more than one company.In this episode:🇨🇳 Why Volkswagen’s dominance in China unraveled* How BYD, Geely and China’s domestic champions changed the market* Why Audi, Porsche and the Volkswagen brand all face unprecedented pressure* How software and intelligent driving accelerated China’s advantage🏭 Volkswagen’s “Day of Reckoning”* Factory closures* Job cuts* Massive restructuring* Why this moment has been years in the making🇺🇸 USMCA Enters Uncharted Territory* Why North America’s trade framework is suddenly uncertain* Canada’s role in attracting Chinese investment* What it means for automakers, suppliers and future manufacturing⚡ Polestar’s Exit & The China Question* Why Polestar is effectively leaving the U.S.* Why Volvo remains* How Chinese automakers may eventually navigate U.S. restrictions🚙 Rivian, Slate & America’s EV Future* Is Rivian finally turning a corner?* Can Slate deliver a $25,000 EV?* Why affordability—not technology—may determine who wins nextThis episode isn’t simply about Volkswagen.It’s about the beginning of a new competitive landscape where software, batteries, AI, geopolitics and manufacturing are reshaping the global automotive industry.🔎 SEO Keywords* Volkswagen restructuring* Volkswagen China* China EV market* BYD* Geely* Porsche China* Audi China* Volkswagen layoffs* USMCA review* North American auto industry* Rivian stock* Slate Auto* Chinese automakers* future of mobility* automotive geopolitics* EV competition* China automotive* automotive supply chain* Detroit automotive* At The Wheel podcast⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome Back01:23 Volkswagen’s Day of Reckoning05:10 How China Changed Volkswagen Forever11:30 Why BYD & Geely Took Market Share17:15 Porsche’s China Collapse22:40 Volkswagen’s Software Problem28:45 USMCA Enters Uncertainty35:10 Canada, China & North American Manufacturing41:25 Why Polestar Is Leaving the U.S.47:30 Rivian’s Improved Outlook52:45 Slate Auto’s $25,000 EV Gamble58:30 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co