Canada's automotive industry has been in decline for twenty-five years, and the first argument in this conversation is that the name itself is part of the problem.

Canada does not own a car company. It holds about ten percent of North American auto sales, gets told what to build and when, and sits in what researchers describe as the peripheral tier, caught between countries that own the patents and countries that offer cheaper labour.

The lesson from the eighties is still available. Canada once partnered with Japan when Japan led the industry. China holds that position now, and the patent gap makes the case clearly.

Topics: Canada automotive industry, Canadian auto workers, China patents, automotive future, CUSMA

GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld | Driving

Originally aired on 2026-05-25

Canada's automotive industry has been in decline for twenty-five years, and the first argument in this conversation is that the name itself is part of the problem.
Canada does not own a car company. It holds about ten percent of North American auto sales, gets told what to build and when, and sits in what researchers describe as the peripheral tier, caught between countries that own the patents and countries that offer cheaper labour.
The lesson from the eighties is still available. Canada once partnered with Japan when Japan led the industry. China holds that position now, and the patent gap makes the case clearly.
Topics: Canada automotive industry, Canadian auto workers, China patents, automotive future, CUSMA
GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld |<a href="http://driving.ca"> Driving</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-25

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.