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Drivetime
Incubating the car of the future: Innovation, talent & mobility in Ontario
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.
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8.5. From idea to impact: How innovation really gets to market
17:42||Season 2, Ep. 8.5In 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.
7.5. Dealers are ready to change - whether the industry is or not
14:49||Season 2, Ep. 7.5In 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. 7In 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. 6.5It’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. 6This 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 2In 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.
5.5. The micro-moments that make or break fleet loyalty
24:46||Season 2, Ep. 5.5In this week’s gear change episode, Jacqui is joined once again by Lloyd Stretton, Chief Technology Officer at ROI Automotive, to unpack the biggest takeaways from the main episode and to dive deeper into the ideas reshaping fleet sales. From the value of unifying disconnected data to the future of fleet‑retail connectivity, Lloyd brings sharp insight, real‑world experience and even a few personal stories. Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Drivetime on the road at AM Live – Part 3
47:40||Season 2In the third part of our on‑the‑road series from AM Live Birmingham, Jacqui continues speaking with some of the most forward‑thinking innovators, strategists and founders in the automotive retail space.From voice AI and customer experience, to buy‑now‑pay‑later for aftersales, to used‑car strategy, stock management and the reality of tech adoption on the showroom floor – this episode is packed with practical insight and big‑picture thinking.Guests in part 3 are:- Abdullah Baig - Founder & CEO of Pam AI- Marcus Gregory - CEO of Payment Assist- Stuart Leatherbarrow - Head of Strategy, Chorley Group- Andy White, FinityThis episode brings the top voices from one of the UK’s biggest automotive retail events directly toyour headphones.Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.