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

Jul 14, 2026

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 next

This 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.