U.S. military looking at Michigan to mass-produce drones

U.S. military looking at Michigan to mass-produce drones

Author: Audacy September 1, 2026 Duration: 0:56
WWJ automotive analyst John McElroy says the U.S. military wants to mass produce drones at a lower cost, and they're considering whether Michigan might be the place to do it. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tune in to Automotive Insight for a direct line to the latest developments and behind-the-scenes forces shaping the car industry. Hosted by veteran automotive journalist John McElroy and brought to you by Audacy, this news-focused podcast cuts through the noise to deliver clear, authoritative analysis. Each episode feels like a candid conversation with an expert who has spent decades on the factory floor and in the boardrooms, translating complex business moves, technological shifts, and market trends into understandable insights. You’ll hear discussions on everything from electric vehicle adoption and supply chain challenges to the future of design and the economics driving major mergers. This isn't just about headlines; it's about understanding the 'why' behind them. For anyone with a professional interest in the automotive world or a deep passion for where it's headed, this podcast serves as an essential weekly briefing. McElroy's seasoned perspective provides context that turns current events into a coherent story, making each installment a valuable download for staying informed.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Automotive Insight
Podcast Episodes
A lot of talk about solid state batteries, but where are they? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02
WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports the solid state batteries will double the range of EVs and need only five minutes to recharge, but automakers haven't been able to manufacture them at scale. So they are rolling out…
Time to replace the cabin filter in your vehicle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03
WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports the wildfire smoke that lingered over Michigan earlier in July has put a new focus on the air filter for the passenger cabin in your vehicle.
The U.S. needs to rebuild the tool and die industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:56
WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports the U.S. automakers started offshoring tool and die work to China decades ago and now realize that was a mistake. John says it's a matter of national security.
A '64 Ford concept car predicted the tech of today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11
WWJ auto analyst John McElroy tells the story of a 1960s station wagon that did an amazing job of predicting the future technology in cars. (Photo: The 1964 Aurora station wagon was Ford's dream car of the future. Credit…
Dealerships in China lure shoppers with humanoid robots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05
As auto sales plummet in China, industry analyst John McElroy says one car dealer group is trying to get more shoppers in the door by selling humanoid robots. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Designing cars for disassembly could cut repair costs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02
WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports car companies, which are trying to make vehicles more affordable, can design their vehicles to be disassembled if they want to reduce repair costs.