Share

cover art for  Making tech easy for our customers and their customers

Drivetime

Making tech easy for our customers and their customers

Season 1, Ep. 11

In this episode of Drivetime, we’re joined by self-confessed petrolhead Nick King, Insight Director at Autotrader, the UK’s largest online automotive marketplace.


From the future of electric vehicles to the lessons hidden in mystery shops, Nick shares a wealth of insight drawn from decades in the industry and AutoTrader’s vast pool of data.


We cover:

· Making EV adoption feel easy (and why that matters)

· The lasting ripple effect of the pandemic on used car sales

· Why the best technology always feels “obvious” in hindsight

· What mystery shops reveal about today’s retail experience

· The debate: how much detail should go into your vehicle listings?

· How Autotrader is optimising ads for AI-driven search

· The power of reframing the EV conversation for customers …and plenty more along the way.


Tune in for practical takeaways and forward-thinking ideas from one of the best in the business.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast that helps you navigate the fast-moving world of automotive innovation.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 9.5. EV myths, mandates and market reality

    11:26||Season 2, Ep. 9.5
    In this gear change episode of Drivetime, Jacqui is joined once again by Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, to cut through the noise around electrification and tackle the biggest misconceptions facing the UK automotive industry.Building on the main episode, this shorter conversation focuses on mythbusting the ZEV mandate, the real cost of delivery, and the risks of pushing faster than the market or infrastructure can realistically support.Mike sets out why EV growth figures don’t tell the full story, how incentives are masking underlying demand, and why getting the pace of change wrong could put UK manufacturing and regional communities at risk.Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
  • 9. Navigating electrification, policy and the future of UK automotive

    40:27||Season 2, Ep. 9
    In this episode of Drivetime, Jacqui is joined by Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), to unpack the biggest forces reshaping the UK automotive industry. Drawing on more than a decade at the helm of the SMMT, Mike shares a candid view on how OEMs, policymakers and retailers are navigating electrification, global trade pressures and shifting consumer confidence and why the transition to net zero is proving more complex than firstanticipated.From the realities of the ZEV mandate and charging infrastructure, to affordability, residual values and total cost of ownership, this conversation cuts through the headlines to explore what’s really happening on the ground and what needs to change next.Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
  • 8.5. From idea to impact: How innovation really gets to market

    17:42||Season 2, Ep. 8.5
    In this Gear Change episode of Drivetime, Jacqui reconnects with Mona Eghanian for a fast‑paced, myth‑busting conversation that cuts straight to the heart of automotive and mobility innovation. Building on the main episode, Mona breaks down how ideas actually move from early concept to real‑world deployment, why innovation can’t happen in isolation, and what people inside — and outside — the automotive industry often get wrong about “auto tech”. From regional innovation hubs and real‑world pilots, to AI‑driven mobility and emotionally intelligent vehicles, this episode offers practical insight into how innovation ecosystems really work — and how individuals and companies can get involved. Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.  
  • 8. Incubating the car of the future: Innovation, talent & mobility in Ontario

    46:43||Season 2, Ep. 8
    In this episode of Drivetime, Jacqui is joined by Mona Eghanian, Deputy Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (VIN), to unpack how the province is turning big ideas into commercially viable technologies – and why innovation doesn’t stop at the vehicle itself. Ontario has quietly become one of the most important places in the world for automotive and mobility innovation – and VIN is at the centre of it. From bridging the infamous “valley of death” between R&D and commercialisation, to creating real‑world testbeds across highways, borders and transit systems, Mona explains how VIN is helping startups, researchers and OEMs work together to build the car — and mobility system — of the future. This conversation spans EVs, AI, charging infrastructure, talent development, global partnerships and public transport, offering a rare look behind the scenes of a government‑backed innovation model that’s already delivering real economic impact. Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.  
  • 7.5. Dealers are ready to change - whether the industry is or not

    14:49||Season 2, Ep. 7.5
    In this week’s gear change episode, Jacqui is joined once again by Niel Hiscox, President of Universus Media and Clarify Group. Building on insights from the main episode, this shorter conversation distils the big takeaways, digs into industry myths, and explores what’s ahead for Canadian automotive retail. Niel is one of the most influential voices in the Canadian automotive landscape. Don’t miss the insights he shares in this conversation.Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
  • 7. Tariffs, tech & amp; turbulence: the truth about Canada’s auto future

    45:14||Season 2, Ep. 7
    In this episode of Drivetime, Jacqui sits down with Niel Hiscox, President of Universus Media and Clarify Group, and one of the most influential voices in the Canadian automotive landscape. Recorded in Toronto during a packed week for the industry, this conversation digs into the big forces shaping retail, technology, consumer behaviour, and the future of the North American market.Talking points include:. The road ahead – what Canadian retailers are telling us. AI in automotive retail – hype vs reality. The rapid surge of Chinese entrants. Political shifts and cross-border trade. Why auto shows are back and more influential than ever and more.If you're navigating tech transformation, preparing for new OEM entrants, or trying to understand the future of automotive retail in Canada and beyond, this conversation delivers clarity, insight and a healthy dose of realism.Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
  • 6.5. Taking the pain out of EV charging

    20:04||Season 2, Ep. 6.5
    It’s gear change time, as we welcome Phil Nunn back to the studio to unpack the real-world challenges and opportunities emerging as EVs accelerate into the mainstream. Phil is the founder of the EV‑installation software platform Jumptech.  From demystifying home charging to uncovering industry myths and exploring the future of energy innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights for retailers and EV‑curious drivers alike. Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.  
  • 6. Fixing the EV charging experience

    48:21||Season 2, Ep. 6
    This week on Drivetime, Jacqui sits down with Phil Nunn, founder and CEO of Jumptech, to unpackone of the biggest friction points in the electric vehicle transition: home charging.They discuss:- Why the home‑charger installation journey is still too complicated for consumers- How Jumptech scaled from 12 installers to thousands- How AI chatbots and microsites are making EV ownership feel less overwhelming- Why charging can make or break a retailer’s CSI score – and how Jumptech protects it- The emerging role of V2G (vehicle‑to‑grid) and how it could change home energy foreverAnd lots more.Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
  • Drivetime on the road at AM Live – Part 4

    39:01||Season 2
    In the fourth and final instalment of our bonus AM Live series, Jacqui brings you a packed line-up of innovators reshaping the automotive landscape. This episode features four fascinating conversations with businesses that support the automotive ecosystem behind the scenes, helping retailers, fleets and OEMs operate smarter, faster and more efficiently.Topics include parts intelligence and customer sentiment, to payments, inspections and AI-driven retail transformations.Guests in part four are:Tony Austin – Co-Founder of PartlyMatthew Patchett – Senior CX Strategist at ReputationDonal McGuinnes – CEO of PromptItay Erel – General Manager UVeye (Vehicle MRI Technology)Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.