The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1167: GM kills its creative EV tax credit plan while Ford plays coy, the Chevy Bolt returns faster and cheaper than ever, and three Nissan dealers take their high-mileage heroes on a 1,500-mile proving ground through the American West.General Motors has scrapped a short-lived plan that would have allowed dealers to keep offering a $7,500 federal EV lease credit after the subsidy expired on September 30. The move follows political pushback and dealer uncertainty around compliance.GM's plan involved having GM Financial buy EVs from dealer inventory, claim the federal credit, and pass the savings into leases through the end of 2024.GM had already begun funding incentives on about 20,000 EVs, with 5% down payments made on those vehicles prior to September 30.The program was meant to help dealers avoid being stuck with higher-priced EVs post-credit, but Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), a former dealer, objected to the move, calling it an overreach beyond the law's expiration. GM ended the plan shortly after.Ford rolled out a similar workaround ahead of the credit's expiration but has declined to confirm whether it plans to continue offering the lease incentives.At a “Bolt Block Party” at Universal Studios Hollywood, GM has officially reintroduced the Chevy Bolt, its beloved affordable EV.The new Bolt gains GM's Ultium 65kWh LFP battery for faster charging, improved range, and bidirectional home power support.Charging now jumps to 150kW (10–80% in 26 minutes) — triple the previous speed — with 255 miles of range and Tesla's NACS port for Supercharger access.The interior gets a bigger screen, refreshed materials and GM's SuperCruise driver assist with lane-changing “route following.”Pricing starts at just under $29K, making it the cheapest announced EV in the U.S., with production starting in early 2026.The only controversy? No more Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — GM is betting on its new in-house infotainment instead.Three Nissan dealers traded in their desks for desert dust, road-tripping 1,500 miles across the American West in three used Nissans — all over 100K miles and under $10K — to prove the brand's reliability and shake up customer perceptions.The “Tour Detour” YouTube series follows the group's off-road trek through salt flats, canyons, dunes, and mountain passes in two Muranos and a Juke.Dealers Tim Pohanka, Chris Lenckosz, and Jason Cole financed and drove the cars themselves, documenting every gritty mile.The goal: to challenge Nissan's reputation around “continuously variable transmissions” durability and show that even high-mileage models can take a beating.“We bought the cars ourselves and pushed them through the toughest roads in the West,” said Pohanka. “We wanted them to earn our trust — and our customeJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1166: Tesla's new “affordable” EVs aren't quite the bargain they seem, Ford's return-to-office mandate sparks employee backlash, and Mattel teams up with OpenAI's Sora 2 to reimagine how toys come to life.Show Notes with links:Tesla's newest “Standard” versions of the Model 3 and Model Y were meant to bring affordability back to the brand — but the math tells another story. Despite cutting prices, the value gap is slim and the features list is slimmer.The Model 3 starts at $36,990 and the Model Y at $39,990, both roughly $5,000 cheaper than premium trims.The missing features? Autosteer, rear seat heating, power mirrors, LED lightbar, and even a proper glass roof — now covered with a liner.Tesla removed $6,000–$8,000 worth of equipment, yet financed rates make monthly payments just $78 less than the higher-trim versions.When the $7,500 U.S. EV tax credit was still active, Tesla's premium trims actually cost less than these new “affordable” models — a Model Y Long Range, for example, effectively came in around $37,500 after incentives, versus $39,990 now with no credit.Analysts warn the cars may cannibalize existing sales without attracting new buyers under $30k.“It's basically a pricing lever, not a product catalyst,” said Shay Boloor of Futurum Equities, calling Tesla's move more smoke than spark.Ford's big push to bring employees back four days a week isn't going smoothly. After new attendance rules took effect in September, some workers say they were threatened with termination—even while following the policy.Ford ordered most white-collar staff to return four days a week starting Sept. 1, citing collaboration and growth goals.Automated emails warned some workers they could be fired for low badge-ins, even those meeting approved hybrid schedules.HR leaders admitted the system “caught up people doing the right things” and said future messaging would be revised.Employees cite burnout, overcrowded offices, and frustration over rigid schedules that make cross-time-zone work harder.Mattel is teaming up with OpenAI to test Sora 2, the latest AI video-generation tool that turns sketches into lifelike product visuals — and could reinvent how toys are designed and pitched.The partnership lets Mattel designers transform early sketches into video concepts in minutes using OpenAI's API.CEO Sam Altman said the goal is to “bring product ideas to life more quickly.”The collaboration marks one of the first real-world tests of Sora 2 since OpenAI's Developer Day showcase.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:03 ASOTU Edge Webinar TODAY2:14 Tesla Debuts "Standard" Model 3 and Model Y7:40 Ford Struggles with Return-To-Office Mandate10:58 MaJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1165: Today we're talking about dealerships hitting the 100-year mark and how they're still family-run, Lincoln Electric's new portable EV charger that brings dead batteries back to life, and ChatGPT's new integrations that let it control apps like Spotify, Zillow, and Canva right inside the chat.Reaching 100 years in business is rare. Reaching it in the dealership world—while staying family-owned—is exceptional. Automotive News featured five centenarian stores that prove that legacy and adaptability can thrive together.Huffines Auto Dealerships (TX) marks 101 years and four generations, founded on “a love of people.”Kings Ford (OH) has been selling Fords since 1915, with the Ring family training staff to “listen before selling.”McClinton Chevrolet (WV) began in 1919; now fourth-gen dealer Ginny Bowden calls it “an honor and a privilege” to continue her family's legacy.Porter Automotive Group (DE) celebrates 100 years of resilience, with five generations carrying the torch into the digital age while staying proudly independent amid consolidation.Theodore Robins Ford (CA), born from a bold move in 1923, still sells Fords “as long as they've been making them.”“If you care about people, put the customers and the employees at the forefront of your mission, it can work out.” — Sam HuffinesAnd even though they weren't featured in this article, we have to shout out the team at Carter Myers Automotive, who started selling cars out of their hardware store in 1902 and helped us coin the phrase, Love People More Than You Love CarsThe folks famous for fusing steel are now saving EVs from roadside shame. Welding company Lincoln Electric's new Velion 50kW DC Fast Charger is a portable “box of salvation” that can jolt a dead EV back to life — no outlet required.The Velion delivers 50kW of DC power directly into the battery, bypassing the inverter for quick, real-world charging.It's built for tow companies, utility fleets, and roadside crews who want to bring charge instead of tow hooks.OpenAI just gave ChatGPT a serious upgrade: it can now control other apps like Spotify, Zillow, and Canva without leaving the chat.The new integrations let users search for homes on Zillow, create marketing designs in Canva, or generate playlists in Spotify, all through simple prompts.Tools like Figma and Coursera can help visualize data or recommend learning content directly within the chat.Travel platforms Expedia and Booking.com can now handle trip planning, complete with live pricing and maps.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:03 Announcements: MoreThanCars.com and ASOTU Edge Webinar tomorrow!2:10 These 6 Dealerships Are Over 100 Year Old5:54 Lincoln Electric Releases Mobile EV Charger8:35 ChatGPT Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1164: Today we're talking America's EV charging boom just as electric sales cool, previewing Tesla's October tease for a cheaper Model Y, and diving headfirst into Sora 2.Show Notes with links:Just as EV sales start to sputter, America's charging network is finally finding its rhythm. After years of false starts and government delays, billions in private investment and public funding have sparked a nationwide buildout—making it easier than ever to find a fast charger, even if fewer drivers need one.EV sales are projected to drop 25% next quarter after the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit.The number of U.S. fast-charging ports has jumped 80% in two years to more than 60,000.Private companies and retailers like Walmart have poured over $9.5 billion into new charging sites since late 2023.“Charging deserts” are slowly disappearing, but reliability issues and software hiccups still frustrate some EV owners.“The charging industry is really maturing at a time when the rest of the EV industry is in this period of uncertainty,” said Nick Nigro, founder of Atlas Public Policy.Tesla is teasing an October 7 reveal, sparking investor excitement about what could be its long-awaited affordable EV. With slowing sales, an aging lineup, and the loss of federal tax credits, the Elon Musk-led automaker is hoping a lower-cost Model Y can recharge its momentum—and Wall Street's faith.Tesla released a nine-second teaser video on X showing illuminated headlights and the date “10/7.”The new vehicle is expected to be a lower-cost Model Y, roughly 20% cheaper to produce than the refreshed version.Tesla plans to scale production to 250,000 units annually in the U.S. by 2026.Analysts project deliveries could hit 1.85 million vehicles next year, with the new model driving growth.“Tesla has to prove it can stay exciting without the tax credit boost—and this new model may be its best shot,” one analyst said.OpenAI's new app Sora 2 has exploded to the top of the App Store, blurring the line between creation and chaos. Part TikTok, part AI video generator, and part deepfake machine, it's turning anyone with a phone into a filmmaker — and sending media pros into existential meltdown.Sora 2 is being called “ChatGPT for creativity,” letting users star in AI-generated short videos.The app quickly hit #1 in the U.S. App Store and follows Meta's competing “Vibes” AI video feed.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:45 Congrats to Nashville SC on winning the US Open Cup1:49 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Uber for Business3:04 US Fast Charger Number Grows to 60K6:11 Tesla Teases October 7 Reveal9:22 Sora 2 Climbs To #1 On theJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to share how the Jeff Wyler Auto Group gave away a car to a homeless veteran.The Jeff Wyler Automotive Family rolled out the red carpet for 34-year-old veteran Theron Bell, surprising him with a brand-new 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X Edition. Bell, who served in Afghanistan from 2011–2012 and lives with PTSD, had no reliable transportation before Friday.Chosen from five candidates, Bell was stunned: “I feel like I'm in Hollywood. I feel like I'm dreaming. Like it's The Price Is Right.”The Frontier came loaded — lifted wheels, roof racks, even a tent kit — plus three years of paid maintenance, one year of insurance, and a full year of fuel. The gift was co-sponsored by Kentucky Wounded Heroes, continuing a Wyler tradition that began two years ago when another veteran received a Toyota 4Runner.Bell's message back to veterans: “Never give up. If you don't quit, you'll make it.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1162: Tesla posts a surprise Q3 sales record, $1,000 car payments are becoming the new normal, Meta plans to use AI chats to make ad targeting more personal than ever.Show Notes with links:Tesla delivered a surprise Q3 record after a rocky first half of the year, beating Wall Street expectations with nearly half a million EVs sold. But with the federal EV tax credit now gone, the question is whether momentum can carry into Q4 and beyond.Tesla delivered 497,099 vehicles, topping estimates of 456,000 and reversing two quarters of declines.Model 3 and Y deliveries rose 9%, while other models dropped 30%.Tesla's energy business hit a record, nearly doubling storage deployments to 12.5 GWh.Rivian also posted a 32% bump, delivering 13,201 EVs in Q3.What used to be unthinkable is now routine: the $1,000-a-month car payment. Nearly one in six new-car buyers are signing up for four-figure notes, a trend driven by rising prices, interest rates, and longer terms — reshaping affordability conversations across the showroom floor.In 2015, only 2.4% of buyers paid $1,000+; that number hit 16.6% in JulySUVs (53%) and pickups (37%) dominate these deals; 5% of all $1,000+ buyers drove off in an F-150.Buyers today face average loans near $42K at 6.8% interest, compared to $28K at 3.9% a decade ago.Longer terms now stretch over 68 months on average, nearly a year longer than 2015.“There are some that are very shocked by the payment,” said Cody Anderson, GSM at Freedom Ford. “Their payment thought process is five years ago compared to now.”Meta is about to supercharge its ad business by tapping into conversations people have with its AI chatbot. Starting December 16, chats with Meta AI will help determine not just what ads users see, but what content fills their feeds across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.Meta AI chats will feed new ad-targeting signals, similar to posts, likes, and connections.Example: Talk about hiking → expect more hiking ads and related content.The company stresses sensitive topics (politics, religion, health, etc.) won't be used for targeting.Meta earned $46.5B in ad revenue last quarter, up 21% YoY.“Interactions with AIs will be another signal we use to improve people's experience,” Meta said.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:35 The huge news out of More Than Cars2:48 Tesla Sets Delivery Record5:35 Nearly 17% of Car Payments are $10008:45 Meta Will Use AI Searches To Target Ads To UsersJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1161: Today we're talking about the end of the EV lease credit frenzy and how dealers and OEMs are adjusting. We'll also hit Hertz's big push into e-commerce with Tom Brady, and OpenAI's bold play to challenge TikTok with AI video.With the $7,500 EV lease credit gone, September's sales rush gave way to a new normal. Dealers say volume could dip at first, but manufacturers are adjusting incentives, production, and lease programs while retailers recalibrate inventory and ordering strategies.Ford CEO Jim Farley said he “wouldn't be surprised” if EV sales fall by half without the federal incentive.Like we covered a couple of days ago, GM and Ford are extending the lease credit through creative captive finance workarounds, while Hyundai is offering a $7,500 cash incentive on the 2025 Ioniq 5 and plans to cut 2026 model prices by up to $9,800.Dealer Andy Guelcher says “It was time for this to go away, and I think that [EVs] can stand on their own,” but he expects some near-term demand bumps.“Nobody wants to be in a position where we're stuck with a lot of inventory that's not moving,” said Dealer Ken Ganley.Hertz is going all-in on digital retail, launching a new e-commerce platform that lets customers browse, finance, and purchase used cars entirely online, positioning retail as its primary sales channel, according to CEO Gil West.The new HertzCarSales.com site has evolved from a catalog into a full-service e-commerce platform.The move builds on Hertz's August partnership with Amazon Autos, now covering all 45 Hertz Car Sales locations.Hertz has also expanded its Rent2Buy program to more than 100 cities, giving shoppers extended test drives before committing.A national campaign with Tom Brady debuts this week, promoting the simplicity of buying a Hertz vehicle.CEO Gil West called it “a major step forward in modernizing how we serve our customers.”OpenAI is betting AI-powered video can win the race for user attention, announcing Sora 2, a new social-media app for its AI video generator. Sora 2 lets users create HD video clips with audio from text prompts and upload themselves into AI-generated worlds.The TikTok competitor will include vertical feeds, algorithm-driven recommendations, and safeguards against endless doomscrolling.0:00 Looking back at the history of More Than Cars2:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier2:30 The Big More Than Cars Launch5:33 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Uber For Business6:22 How Dealers and OEMs are Responding To The End of the EV Tax Credit10:01 Hertz Goes All In On Digital Car Sales12:Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Today is a very special day as we are launching master plan phase II for the More Than Cars movement. I hope everyone can join us by going to morethancars.com. If you happen to get there after the launch, you will see what we've been up to and what is coming down the pike.Thank you, as always, for being a part of this community. We'll be back tomorrow with news, commentary, and more enthusiasm than your Golden Retriever. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1159: Today we dig into how Ford and GM are stretching the $7,500 EV lease credit, why used EVs are suddenly flying off lots, and how ChatGPT just became a digital storefront.With the federal $7,500 EV lease incentive ending today, GM and Ford are using a strategic workaround to extend the benefit for customers—and keep EV momentum alive—into Q4.To skirt the deadline, both automakers' finance arms (GM Financial and Ford Credit) are pre-acquiring qualifying EVs and making down payments to preserve the lease credit.GM dealers must sign up by Sept. 30; Ford required dealer opt-in by Sept. 26.Ford is sweetening the pot with a $1,000 bonus to dealers for every EV leased under the program by year's end.IRS guidance allows the credit to apply if a vehicle is “acquired” via written contract and payment—even if not delivered until later.The workaround applies to Cadillac, Chevy, GMC EVs for GM, and select Ford EVs like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.With new EV incentives vanishing and prices still sky-high, the used electric vehicle market is having a moment. Once thought of as a luxury-only experiment, used EVs are now affordable, available, and—surprisingly—desirable.Sales of used EVs jumped 34% through June and used EV prices have fallen to near parity with gas cars, averaging $34,700 as of August and One buyer snagged a 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT for $33K—a 40% drop from last year's new sticker price.Three-year lease returns from 2022's EV boom are flooding the market with modern, tech-packed vehicles, and used EVs have a 36 day supply, compared to 42 for ICE cars.In some cases, used EVs are cheaper than their gas-powered siblings—like a Toyota bZ4X undercutting a RAV4 by $6,600.OpenAI just upgraded ChatGPT from chatbot to checkout lane. With the launch of Instant Checkout, U.S. users can now buy products directly inside a conversation—starting with Etsy and soon expanding to over a million Shopify merchants.Users ask for recommendations (e.g., “running shoes under $100”), tap “Buy,” confirm details, and check out—all without leaving the chat.The feature is powered by the new Agentic Commerce Protocol, co-developed with Stripe, and built to make AI a native part of the shopping experience.Payments use encrypted “Shared Payment Tokens” via Stripe, keeping buyer credentials safe while allowing instant, single-item purchases. OpenAI earns a small cut from each transaction.Etsy shares jumped 16% and Shopify rose 6% following the launch, signaling big market enthusiasm.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Michael Cirillo0:31 Huge Launch Announcement Tomorrow at morethancars.com3:20 GM, Ford Financial Arms Acquire EVs To Capture Tax Credit6:35 Used EVs Reach Price Parity With Used IJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1158: EV sales spiked before the tax credit expired, but a slowdown looms. J.D. Power names the brands best at keeping loyal customers. And Apple quietly tests a Siri revamp while leaning on Google to stay in the AI race.Show Notes with links:U.S. auto sales stayed stronger than expected this summer, but analysts now warn the industry may face a softer fourth quarter as affordability challenges and waning incentives take hold.September SAAR reached 16.2M, boosted by a surge in EV purchases before the $7,500 credit expired.EVs made up over 12% of September retail sales, with Q3 EV share hitting a record 10%.GM, Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai continue to grow share, while Stellantis is on its ninth straight quarterly decline.Analysts expect full-year sales of 16.1M, slightly above 2024 but below the current pace.“The federal tax credit was a key catalyst for EV adoption, and its expiration marks a pivotal moment,” said Cox's Stephanie Valdez Streaty.Despite tariffs rattling the market, brand loyalty is holding strong for trusted automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Ford. J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study shows loyalty dipped slightly below 50% overall, but top brands are still keeping customers in the family.Average brand loyalty across all nameplates is 49%, down from 51% last year.Toyota leads mass market cars at 62%, with Honda close behind.Honda tops mass market SUVs at 62%, just ahead of Subaru.Ford trucks earn the highest loyalty in the entire study at 66.6%.Tyson Jominy of J.D. Power ““Brand loyalty matters to vehicle buyers because it's often associated with higher residual values, making vehicles from trusted brands a more financially sound choice over time.””Apple is testing a new internal chatbot, Veritas, to speed up Siri's long-delayed AI overhaul. While employees are using it to prototype smarter features, Apple looks increasingly likely to lean on Google's Gemini for consumer-facing AI.Veritas is being used to test Siri upgrades like searching personal data and editing photos.The tool functions like ChatGPT or Gemini, with conversational history and deeper follow-ups.Apple has delayed its Siri revamp multiple times, with Apple Intelligence drawing lukewarm reviews.For now, Veritas will remain internal — a move Bloomberg's Mark Gurman calls a mistake.Apple may outsource search AI to Google, signaling it's behind in the race to integrate AI.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:30 The More Than Cars Launch on October 1 - morethancars.com4:59 September Retail Auto Sales Strong7:54 JD Power Brand Loyalty SurJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this Saturday, Chris Reeves join Paul and Kyle to talk about the upcoming launch of the next phase of the More Than Cars movement.Chris shares the story of how Greenwood Chevrolet's team showed up. 180 employees joined Panerathon 2025, raising $3,145 for the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. Business Manager Tracy Briden led the charge, proving that when leadership buys in, the rest of the team follows. That kind of unity can't be manufactured—it's lived. And then Greenwood Chevy presented them with a $5000 check on top of that. It's a reminder that its about more than cars.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1156: Ford's Jim Farley warns America about jobs and trades in the AI era. Subaru reveals its first dealership redesign in nearly two decades. And the once-hyped “vibe coding” boom may already be running out of steam.Ford CEO Jim Farley says America's economy is at a crossroads. As AI threatens to eliminate millions of office jobs, he warns the U.S. is overlooking the “essential economy” of trades and manufacturing that keep the country running.Farley predicts up to 50% of white-collar jobs could vanish within a decade due to AI.Entry-level positions like clerical work and coding are especially at risk, shrinking career pathways for young professionals.By contrast, blue-collar fields face massive shortages—600,000 factory workers and nearly 500,000 construction workers are already needed.Farley highlights Germany's strong apprenticeship programs, saying the U.S. overemphasis on four-year degrees leaves trade careers underfunded and undervalued.“There's more than one way to the American Dream,” Farley said.Subaru is rolling out a new dealership design for the first time since 2007. Called the Connection Hub, the redesign mixes nature themes with high-tech touches, aiming to give customers an immersive brand experience.Exterior upgrades include a “grand, park-like pavilion” with star-shaped columns and a central walkway leading to inventory.Inside, “lifestyle vehicle vignettes” display cars in real-world scenarios, complete with accessories and digital storytelling.Outdoor areas will double as lounges, play spaces, or even dog parks to tie into Subaru's community-focused image.Dealers have voiced mixed reactions—90 retailers have said they're in, while others worry about costs amid slowing sales and rising interest rates.“This is more than a design update — it transforms our retailers' facilities into welcoming hubs,” said Subaru retail VP Tim Stallings.The vibe coding craze might be losing momentum. Barclays analysts say traffic to AI-powered app and site builders—once hyped as the future of no-code—has slumped hard after peaking earlier this year.Lovable, which hit $100M ARR in June, has seen visits fall 40%, Vercel's v0 plunged 64% and Bolt.new dropped 27%.Analysts warn many of these gains came from month-to-month subscribers, making revenue growth less durable than it looked during the hype cycle.Heavy “inference whale” users earlier strained business models, forcing startups to raise prices, which may have accelerated the slowdown.“The churn rate for everyone is really high,” said Bolt.new CEO Eric Simons. “You have to build a retentive business.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:37 The History of The Jacket Paul is Wearing Today2:01 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Uber for Business2:30 Jim Farley On AI's WJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1155: Overfuel calls out dealership websites for failing performance tests, RunSafe says cybersecurity is now a dealbreaker for buyers, and ChatGPT becomes a top traffic driver for retailers — while Amazon charts its own AI pathShow Notes with links:​​Overfuel's second annual study of top 50 dealer group websites reveals a major gap in digital performance. Despite increasing online shopper behavior, nearly every site failed to meet Google's Core Web Vitals — for the second year in a row.Just 0.4% of 1,910 dealership sites passed Google's Core Web Vitals on both mobile and desktop.That's barely up from 0.0% in 2024, when no sites passed both benchmarks.The majority of failures came from outdated tech, bloated page designs, and poor optimization.Jay Wolfe Honda was one of only seven that passed both tests, boosting organic traffic by 29%.“Too many dealers are overspending on ads just to push traffic into broken experiences,” said Overfuel President Alex Griffis.Cybersecurity is now steering consumer decisions, with nearly 9 in 10 drivers saying it directly impacts whether they'll buy a connected vehicle. A new report from RunSafe Security shows rising concern — and confusion — about how safe today's tech-heavy cars really are.87% of drivers say cybersecurity influences their car-buying decision; 70% would buy an older car to avoid risk.Confidence is low: only 19% feel “very confident” their vehicle is secure.Infotainment systems are seen as the weak link, with OTA updates and AI features raising new concerns.83% of drivers want transparency into software supply chains, fearing third-party components.Andreas Biehl, Head of Mercedes-Benz Apps and MBUX: “We have the responsibility for user experience, but also to launch and run the whole product through comprehensive security and data-compliance processes.”ChatGPT is now driving meaningful traffic to major e-commerce players, signaling a shift in how consumers discover and shop for products online — and not everyone is playing along.In August, ChatGPT drove 20% of Walmart's referral traffic, 15% for Target, and over 20% for Etsy.OpenAI's own study says 2% of ChatGPT queries — about 50 million a day — involve shopping.Amazon blocked ChatGPT from crawling its listings, losing nearly 18% of its AI-driven traffic month-over-month.Amazon is betting on its own AI bot “Rufus” while retailers like Walmart are welcoming outside traffic.“This traffic will not be free in the future,” said analyst Juozas Kaziukėnas. “But for now, it's a gold rush.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier3:51 Dealership Websites Fair Google's Core Web Vitals6:44 87% of Car BuJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1154: Ford gets creative to close Q3 with a subprime rate push on F-150s. New Jersey locks in fair pay for techs doing recall work. And Chick-fil-A jumps into the specialty drink race with a fresh new concept.Show Notes with links:Ford is making a bold push to close Q3 strong by offering promotional interest rates to subprime borrowers—an unusual but calculated move that underscores growing affordability challenges in the new vehicle market.The deal, ending this month, allows buyers with credit scores below 620 to access the same low rates typically reserved for prime borrowers.Ford is targeting this incentive to move more F-150 pickups, which now range from $39K to nearly $80K.With average monthly payments nearing $750 and interest rates at 6.4%, the brand sees affordability as a top barrier to closing deals.Extended terms of 72–84 months are increasingly common, and Ford's finance arm says only 3–4% of its 2024 loans qualify as “higher risk.”“We wanted to provide the opportunity to those with credit ratings that may not be perfect,” a Ford spokesperson said. “This could help offset rising monthly payments.”New legislation in New Jersey is giving dealership service departments a major boost—ensuring fair pay for recall and warranty work while holding automakers more accountable.The “Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act” takes effect April 2026.Manufacturers must reimburse at retail labor rates, not discounted warranty rates.Automakers must also pay 1.5% monthly of book value for any “stop sale” or “do not drive” recall units sitting on lots.Illinois saw an annual $249M increase in warranty payouts after passing similar legislation.“This legislation represents a critical step forward… and ensures that automakers fairly compensate those who fix their mistakes,” said NJ CAR President Laura Perrotta.Chick-fil-A is entering the specialty drink wars with a new concept called Daybright, a standalone beverage-focused brand launching near Atlanta later this fall.Daybright will feature smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and specialty coffees—no chicken sandwiches here.Operated by Chick-fil-A's innovation arm, Red Wagon Ventures, the concept joins earlier spin-offs like Little Blue Menu and Pennycake.The new brand enters a booming beverage space already being chased by McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Wendy's.Competitors like 7 Brew and Dutch Bros have seen triple-digit growth as Gen Z flocks to drink-first concepts.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:07 Huge Launch Announcement at MoreThanCars.com2:20 ASOTU Edge Webinar TODAY at 2PM on Cost-Cutting3:10 Ford Offers Low Rates To Sub-Prime Buyers5:29 New Jersey MandJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1153: Carvana expands its dealership experiment in Dallas, Berkshire Hathaway closes the books on its massive BYD bet, and Amazon steps up its AI game with a chat assistant for advertisers.Show Notes with links:Carvana is making another big move into franchised new-car sales, and this time it's happening in Dallas. The company has agreed to acquire Park Cities Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram-Fiat, marking its second foray into the world of traditional dealerships.This is Carvana's second franchised dealership after buying Jerry Seiner CDJR in Casa Grande, Arizona, earlier this year.Wood Motor Co. owner Chip Johnson, who sold the Dallas store, said it was simply the right time to sell and Carvana's offer made sense for the future of the dealershipThe deal reflects Carvana's ongoing experiment in blending its digital-first model with the in-person dealership experience.A Carvana spokesperson said: “We are in the very early days of testing as a franchise dealer… and we look forward to continuing to learn as we focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.”Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway have officially cashed out of their wildly successful bet on Chinese EV maker BYD. After holding the stock for 17 years, Berkshire confirmed it no longer owns a single share.This is the end of a $230 million investment made in 2008 at Charlie Munger's urging, which grew to nearly $9 billion at its peak.BYD shares skyrocketed about 3,890% during Berkshire's ownership, making it one of the firm's most lucrative EV-related plays.Buffett hasn't given a detailed reason for the exit but has voiced concern about geopolitical risks tied to China and Taiwan.On BYD, Buffett told CNBC: “It's an extraordinary company run by an extraordinary person, but I think that we'll find things to do with the money that I'll feel better about.”Amazon is stepping deeper into AI for marketers, rolling out a conversational chat assistant designed to act as a “creative partner” for brands advertising on its platform.The tool lives inside Amazon's Creative Studio and is launching in beta at no cost to advertisers.This is Amazon's first conversational AI ad assistant, built to help with research, brainstorming, storyboarding, and producing display and video ads.The assistant uses Amazon's massive shopper data and Bedrock foundation models like Nova and Anthropic Claude to give marketers campaign-ready assets.It's being pitched as a way to level the playing field, especially for smaller brands without big agency budgets.Amazon's VP Jay Richman said: “This is about more than speed — it's about giving every advertiser and agency access to the kind of strategic, high-quality creative support that once only large brands could afford.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1152: Today we're talking Hyundai and GM's detailed game plan for their collab, Stellantis' new EV tech that sheds weight and adds power,, and why Americans are going bigger than ever on Halloween—even with higher prices haunting their budgets.Show Notes with links:Hyundai and GM's strategic collaboration will co-develop five vehicles aimed at growing their presence in the Americas while containing costs in a tightening market.The partnership kicks off in 2028 with an electric commercial van for North America and expands to include a compact crossover, sedan, and two pickups for Central and South America.Initial volumes are expected to hit 100,000 units, with a long-term goal of reaching 800,000 annual sales.Each company will “donate” specific models: Hyundai leads the electric van and compact vehicles, while GM heads development of midsize pickups.The duo will lean into shared logistics, propulsion systems, and battery supply chains to drive efficiency.“We are not going to mix everything to try to do a hybrid — that is not going to work. There is a donor and a receiver of a particular product.” said Hyundai CEO Jose Muñoz.Stellantis is rolling out its new Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS)—a breakthrough powertrain innovation that could redefine EV architecture by baking the charger and inverter directly into the battery pack.IBIS cuts vehicle weight by about 40 kg and frees 17 liters of space, boosting aerodynamics and interior design options.The system improves energy efficiency by up to 10%, slashes charging times by 15%, and delivers 15% more power with no added battery size.Developed in partnership with Saft, Sherpa Engineering, and others, IBIS simplifies servicing and enhances battery reuse for second-life applications.A fully functional prototype is now on the road in a Peugeot E-3008 riding on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform.Consumers may be bracing for price hikes, but that's not stopping them from going big on Halloween this year—with spending expected to hit a record $13.1 billion.Top categories: $4.3B on costumes, $4.2B on decorations, and $3.9B on candy.Per-person spend is also at an all-time high: $114.45, up nearly $11 from last year.79% of shoppers expect higher prices due to tariffs, yet 73% still plan to celebrate.Pets aren't left out—$860M will be spent dressing them up as pumpkins, hot dogs, and bumblebees.Top costumes? Kids are going with Spider-Man, princesses, and witches; adults favor witches, vampires, and pirates.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:00 Big Announcement on 10.011:25 Announcements2:02 Hyundai and GM To Launch 5 Co-Developed Vehicles5:25 Stellantis' New EV Tech Means Lighter Batteries and Faster Charging10:20 Halloween Spending To Hit $4Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to discuss fall vibes, plus how Shanehan Westphal and Herrin-Gear Infiniti hosted a car show and raised an incredible $29,280, all of which will go to Children's of Mississippi.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1150: Today we're looking at the story that led Lithia to become the powerhouse it is today, showing a sneak peek of an upcoming interview with Alex Lawrence and talking about Meta's latest tech.Show Notes with links:From one small Dodge store in Oregon to the largest dealership group in the U.S., the DeBoer family's journey with Lithia Motors is a case study in vision, timing, and relentless growth. Automotive News honored Sid and Bryan DeBoer with a Centennial Award for their lasting industry impact.Lithia's roots trace back to 1946, when Walt DeBoer opened a Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge dealership in Ashland, Ore.After Walt's sudden death in 1968, Sid DeBoer stepped in, rebuilt the business, and grew it into a five-store group by the 1990s.In 1996, Sid took Lithia public, fueling an aggressive acquisition strategy that reshaped the group into a national powerhouse.Bryan DeBoer became CEO in 2012, executing megadeals like DCH Auto Group and expanding into Canada, the U.K., finance, and fleet management.By 2024, Lithia operated 459 stores across three countries, generating $36.2B in revenue and selling more than 780,000 vehicles.Sid on Lithia's future: “We won't stop growing… We're trying to build a business that can survive even if the franchise system falls apart.”Yesterday, Kyle was able to swing by EV Auto in Brentwood to catch up with the one and only Alex Lawrence. After a sneak peek of everything the EV Auto team is planning for the store, including some secrets we can't share, he and Alex sat down to chat about what drives EV Auto and why they're committed to being the biggest seller of EVs in the world.Meta is pushing its wearable technology forward with the launch of new Ray-Ban Display Glasses. The glasses are designed to project information directly into the wearer's line of sight and could signal how everyday computing may evolve.The glasses include a small electronic display on the right lens that shows texts, maps, calls, and translations.Users control the glasses with a neural wristband that detects hand and finger gestures.The product will sell for at least $800 and requires a smartphone connection to operate.The glasses carry a six-hour battery life and weigh three times more than a standard pair of Ray-Bans.Early adoption is expected to come from specialized industries and tech enthusiasts rather than mainstream consumers.Mark Zuckerberg positioned the product within Meta's long-term strategy, stating: “This will be a defining year that determines if we're on a path towards many hundreds of millions, and eventually billions of AI glasses.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:45 Deboers Win Automotive News Centennial Award6:20 Interview with Alex Lawrence of EV Auto13:56 Meta Releases Ray-Ban DisplayJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1149: We're live outside of EV Auto in Brentwood. Today, we look at how automakers have relatively kept car prices normal despite rising tariffs. Plus, Waymo and Lyft are teaming up to bring autonomous rides to the streets of Music City.Automakers have kept price hikes at bay despite billions in tariff-related costs from the Trump-era trade war. But the pressure is building—and price increases may be just around the corner.Automakers like GM and Ford are absorbing up to $5 billion and $3 billion respectively in tariff-related costs.Despite this, MSRPs have remained relatively flat—up less than 1% between March and August, per Edmunds.Some costs are being quietly passed along via fees like delivery, which jumped 8.5% to $1,507.Analysts expect prices to gradually increase as tariffs stick, with focus shifting to more profitable models.Hyundai's Randy Parker: “Our priority remains ensuring that we're competitive through affordability.”Waymo has announced a new partnership with Lyft to launch a robotaxi service in Nashville, with public access planned for 2026. The collaboration reflects a growing trend in autonomous mobility partnerships.Testing of Waymo's all-electric, self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles begins in the coming months.Lyft will manage fleet services via its Flexdrive subsidiary, including maintenance and depot operations.Riders will first access vehicles through the Waymo app, with Lyft integration to follow.The deal mirrors Waymo's arrangement with Uber but gives users more choice in how to hail rides.“We're excited to partner with Lyft again to bring our Waymo Driver to more people,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo.Mental health is quickly becoming Gen Z's top priority, outpacing physical health and academics. Retailers are responding by centering campaigns around well-being, using purpose-driven strategies to build trust and authentically engage young consumers.PacSun's “Youth Report” found 42% of Gen Z consumers rank mental health as their top life priority.Lululemon's research showed 89% of those with “wellbeing burnout” cite loneliness, and many feel overwhelmed by mixed wellness advice.L.L.Bean and Mental Health America found 79% of respondents say outdoor time improves mental health.Dunnhumby data showed Gen Z prioritizes mental health more than any other generation.“We have a unique opportunity to engage...to help them prioritize mental health,” said American Eagle's Jennifer Foyle.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1148: Buyers rush to lock in EV tax credits, Toyota builds an app to hack your habits, and Walmart's HR chief taps AI for top talent. Legacy automakers saw a sharp EV registration bump in July as buyers rushed to lock in the $7,500 federal tax credit before it expires at the end of September. However, Tesla, Rivian, and VinFast didn't share in the win.EV registrations jumped 27% for legacy brands like Chevrolet and Honda, far outpacing the overall 6% EV market growth and pushing EV share to 8.9% of the light-vehicle market.Tesla saw a 13% YoY drop in registrations, while Rivian dipped 6% and VinFast slid 17%.Chevrolet more than doubled its EV registrations, while Volkswagen posted a 127% increaseHonda's Prologue EV offered nearly $13,000 per unit in incentives, helping it to a 102% rise, while Audi tripled its numbers thanks to strong Q4 e-tron performance.“The current surge in EV sales is being driven by product innovation, motivated dealers and an urgency ahead of the IRA tax credit phaseout,” said Cox Automotive's Stephanie Valdez Streaty.Toyota is getting creative about plug-in hybrid charging with a new app that uses behavioral science to make sure owners actually… plug in. It's dopamine-driven, gamified brain hacking in the name of better fuel economy.Toyota's ChargeMinder app uses over a dozen behavioral interventions to encourage charging, including personalized reminders and gamified streaks.It boosted U.S. user satisfaction by 16 percentage points and increased off-peak charging in Japan by 59%, though U.S. charging frequency only rose 10%.The app uses vehicle telematics and location data to deliver nudges and educational quizzes that make charging habits stick.Toyota says this low-cost strategy can rival expensive infrastructure or incentive programs in moving consumer behavior.Dr. Laura Libby, Manager, Carbon Neutrality, Human Centered AI, Toyota Research Institute: “Small, targeted interventions can have a large impact on people's decisions and actions.”While most associate AI in hiring with resume screening, Walmart's Chief People Officer Donna Morris is tapping tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to help identify potential candidates—especially for high-level internal or external leadership roles.Morris uses AI to ask targeted questions when kicking off key searches, saying the results often align closely with candidates already under consideration.Walmart has already piloted an AI Interview Coach and is launching a custom version of OpenAI's Certification Program through Walmart Academy.Morris also uses AI in daily life—from diagnosing her father's skin bruises to finding art replicas and restaurant recs—crediting it with making research faster and more accessible.“Now, the access to information is phenomenal,” she said. “I thinkJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1147: Today we're covering a first-of-its-kind Stellantis store acquisition backed by Ellenae Fairhurst's trust, a new AI tool that negotiates car deals for shoppers, and the latest U.S.-China framework over TikTokThe late Ellenae Fairhurst's legacy lives on as a Stellantis store in Virginia has new owners, in a new approach to dealership ownership.Fairhurst Automotive, backed by the Ellenae Fairhurst Entrepreneurial Trust, acquired and rebranded the South Richmond CDJR store.Ellenae Fairhurst was the first Black woman to own Infiniti and Lexus stores in the US and her trust, formed in 2024, funds and mentors first-time Black dealers with a path to majority ownership and wealth creation.New co-owners Ken Banks and Chris Justice navigated regulatory hurdles and surprise costs, including a $50,000 business license and $40,000 in IT upgrades.Adviser Stuart McCallum and the team at Biltmore Automotive guided the operators through everything from DMS installation to state licensing.“They took two people who knew nothing about ownership… and just walked us through it,” said co-owner Chris Justice.Many customers dread negotiating a car price, so CarEdge thinks AI should do it for you. The startup's new “AI Negotiator” lets customers pay $40 to have an AI agent haggle with dealers on their behalf.CarEdge launched its AI Negotiator app in July; over 2,000 customers have already paid to try it.Users set a target price, and the AI contacts dealers directly via email and text — without revealing it's not a human.The system tracks 150+ data points per interaction, building a database of doc fees and add-ons nationwide.Founder Zach Shefska says dealers and OEMs are already taking notice, calling CarEdge “the tip of the spear.”“There's still going to be people that walk up to the dealership [to negotiate], but there's a percentage of sales that can happen without the incumbent cost infrastructure, and everyone can win. That's what I'm passionate about,” Shefska said.The U.S. and China have struck a framework deal over TikTok's ownership, potentially shifting control from ByteDance to a U.S. company.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the framework during trade talks in Madrid; Trump and Xi are expected to discuss final details Friday.The deal addresses U.S. demands for local control of user data and oversight of TikTok's proprietary algorithm.China insists it won't compromise on principles or allow “politicization” of technology and trade.Broader issues remain unresolved, including fentanyl chemical exports, sanctions on Chinese firms, and new U.S. export controls.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1146: Automotive News's 100th anniversary Congress celebrated industry icons and looked towards the future, Elon Musk bets big on Tesla, shoppers get overwhelmed by too many choices (sound familiar?)Show Notes with links:At its 100th anniversary Congress, Automotive News celebrated legacy while tackling the industry's most pressing challenges—from EV adoption to geopolitical threats.Centennial Awards went to GM's Mary Barra and Hyundai's Euisun Chung for transformational leadership.Chung addressed the ICE worker raid, signaling cross-government cooperation: “I hope we can make together a better system for that.”Barra emphasized EV commitment despite headwinds: “From an EV perspective, that is still our North Star.”Industry insiders warned of China's dominance—EV share grew from 6% to 50% in five years, while foreign brands lost half their market share.Asbury CEO David Hult called fixed ops the “backbone” of the dealership, with aging vehicles and tech shifts fueling long-term growth saying he's “really bullish on the next six to 10 years.”Tesla stock surged after CEO Elon Musk disclosed a nearly $1B stock buy, calming investor nerves amid political distractions and sagging EV demand.Musk bought 2.57M shares on Friday, spending between $372 and $396 each.Tesla shares jumped over 8% in premarket trading Monday, continuing a late-week rally.Despite a 2% year-to-date dip, the stock is on pace for its third straight daily gain.Investor concerns had grown over Musk's political focus and waning EV demand.Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm pushed back: “Elon is back front and center at the company.”A new survey reveals grocery shoppers are overwhelmed by too many choices—and many now treat food labels like vehicle window stickers.36% of Americans report “aisle anxiety,” triggered by too many options and crowded stores.Shoppers spend an average of 4 minutes per item, with 71% trying to be more intentional.Retailers like Trader Joe's and Aldi combat “choice paralysis” by limiting SKUs per category.Certifications matter: 40% research products for health, ethics, and sustainability—but many confuse terms like “natural” and “organic.”“When consumers see a trusted certification, it's like a shortcut to feeling good about their decision,” said Jamie Horst, Traditional Medicinals' Chief Purpose Officer.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier2:45 Announcements: Upcoming Webinar3:17 Automotive New 100th Anniversary Congress6:12 Elon Musk Buys $1B of Tesla Stock8:39 36% Of Americans Have "Aisle Anxiety"Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this Saturday, Chris joins Paul and Kyle to talk about the power of remembrance and how Carla Cosenzi and TommyCar Auto Group are connecting people in a meaninful way through the 17th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament.Founded in memory of Tom Cosenzi, the event supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the incredible work of Dr. Wen and his team.Golfers, sponsors, and volunteers showed up in full force to continue the mission of giving back.Carla Cosenzi on LinkedIn said “Dad, I hope you are proud of what has been built in your name… Together, we are making a difference.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1144: Dealers face rising cyber threats, Chevy launches big EV incentives, and the Goodyear Blimp marks 100 years over Detroit.Show Notes with links:Proton Dealership IT's Cybersecurity 2025 report shows auto retailers are still being hit hard by organized cyberattacks. Activity remains 150–250% higher than before mid-2024's massive outage, with new tactics targeting dealership websites, employees, and customer data.December 2024 saw a 110% year-over-year increase in dealership cyberattacks.A March 2025 supply chain breach slipped malware into dealership website photos.Criminals time attacks around holidays and off-hours, boosting ransom success.Stolen passwords and remote access put payroll, banking, and OEM systems at risk.Proton urges dealers to enforce MFA, deploy Managed Detection & Response, and train staff against phishing.“Attacks are targeting dealerships every single day. How well those dealerships are protected makes a difference,” Proton warns.Chevrolet is going all-in on affordability this month with new incentives across its Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs—just in time before the federal EV tax credit dries up.The Equinox EV, dubbed “America's most affordable 315+ mile range EV,” now leases for as low as $249/month.Chevy is offering up to $3,000 in customer cash on the Equinox and up to $4,000 on the Silverado EV.Costco members can save an additional $1,250 on top of existing offers.Financing deals include 0% APR for 60 months or the $7,500 tax credit applied at the point of sale.Senior Vice President and President, North America, Duncan Aldred: “We will almost certainly see a smaller EV market for a while, and we won't overproduce. Still, we believe GM can continue to grow EV market share.”​​If you spotted the Goodyear Blimp flying over Detroit this week, it wasn't covering a touchdown or home run—it was celebrating a milestone.The Goodyear Blimp “Wingfoot One” was in town for the 2025 Automotive News Congress in Detroit.Goodyear and Automotive News are both celebrating their 100th anniversaries this year.Rides were offered to Congress attendees from Willow Run Airport on Sept. 10. And on Sept. 11, the blimp soared over the city in honor of the industry event.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1143: Today, we pause and reflect on the state of the union, in light of September 11th and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.This industry is about More Than Cars, and its our job to carry that light and that hope forward in how we serve our employees, customers and our communities.​​US EV sales hit another milestone in August pushing EVs to a record 9.9% share of new car sales. With tax credits ending this month, Q3 is on pace to be the strongest EV quarter in US history.August EV sales hit 146,332, up from 9.1% share in July, while theverage EV price: $57,245 — up 3.1% from July, flat year-over-year.Incentives averaged $9,000 per vehicle, equal to 16% of ATP.Tesla's market share fell to 38%, its lowest ever, as rivals surged.Cox analyst Stephanie Valdez Streaty: “The one constant in the automotive business is that fresh product sells well. The market is now flooded with all-new, fresh EVs from mainstream competitors – consumers have more choice than ever.”Ford is taking center stage in late-night TV as Jimmy Fallon tapes The Tonight Show in Detroit for the first time ever.The Detroit Opera House, built in 1922, will host Fallon's one-night show on September 15.Ford is in its fifth year partnering with Fallon and NBC.Fallon previously test-drove a Mustang GT with Jim Farley and filmed skits promoting the F-150 Lightning.Ford-backed segments have included everything from a parody music video to puppies predicting the Kentucky Derby.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1142: Stellantis and GM double down on Canadian production with third-shift revivals. U.S.–South Korea trade tensions threaten key EV investments after a Hyundai-linked ICE raid. Plus, Kyle and Steve share takeaways from the NCM Digital Success Workshop.Show Notes with links:It's a good day for Canadian auto workers as both Stellantis and General Motors announce plans to extend or reinstate third shifts at major plants, signaling stronger-than-expected demand and effective union pressure.Stellantis' Windsor Assembly Plant will return to a three-shift schedule in Q1 2026.The move follows a commitment made in 2023 Unifor negotiations, aiming to meet increased demand for Chrysler minivans and Dodge Chargers.Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart calls it an “encouraging step” for members and the community.Meanwhile, GM's Oshawa plant will retain its third shift until January 30, 2026, delaying previously announced layoffs.A spokesperson said the move was in response to short-term ”production needs" for light-duty pickups.Unifor President Lana Payne sees the shift extensions as “a sign of life for a critical industry” under threat from U.S. tariffs: “Fighting back matters.”A $350B investment deal between the U.S. and South Korea is under pressure following a high-profile ICE raid and growing concerns about how the fund will be structured—potentially jeopardizing future incentives for Korean automakers.The ICE raid at a Hyundai-linked battery plant in Georgia sparked outrage in South Korea, prompting emergency diplomatic talks.The $350B fund, originally pitched to mirror a U.S.-Japan deal, is now in dispute over whether it includes direct investments or just loan guarantees.South Korea insists it needs different terms due to the greater impact such capital would have on its economy.A key auto trade component—lower tariffs on Korean-made vehicles—is still pending, and may be delayed if talks break down.Kim Yong-beom, South Korea's director of national policy said that while the auto tariffs are important, they're not worth rushing the fund to completion, either.0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Steve Greenfield0:50 Announcements1:35 Stellantis, GM Increase Canada Shifts3:33 South Korea Trade Deal In Jeopardy5:47 NCM Client and Friends Digital Success Workshop RecapJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1141: Tesla drops a philosophy-heavy master plan that barely mentions EVs. Palmer Luckey becomes the first to fly the Jetson One eVTOL. And McKinsey pushes back on AI job fears with a boost in entry-level hiring.Tesla's “Master Plan Part IV” is here, and it might just be the most philosophical of the bunch. With barely a mention of actual cars, the company appears to be pivoting hard toward artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and an ambitious goal they call “sustainable abundance.”The document positions Tesla as a leader in building tools that "bring AI into the physical world."The original "Master Plans" outlined clear goals: launch EVs, scale production, and push solar. Fewer than 200 words of Part IV reference Tesla's current or future products, with humanoid robot Optimus taking center stage.The plan leans heavily into themes like "Growth is infinite" and "Innovation removes constraints" instead of product roadmaps.Electric vehicles are only mentioned in the context of the past; the future is autonomy, labor automation, and AI computing.Musk has said Tesla's humanoid robots will account for “~80% of Tesla's long-term value.”Tech founder Palmer Luckey just became the first customer to take delivery of the Jetson One — a personal electric aircraft that doesn't even require a pilot's license. And yes, he took it for a spin.The Oculus and Anduril founder lifted off in Carlsbad, CA after just 50 minutes of training.Jetson One is a $128,000 single-seat eVTOL with 20-minute flight time and 63 mph top speed.Luckey's flight kicks off Jetson's official global rollout; 2025 and 2026 models are already sold out.Jetson's CTO says their goal is to “move ground-based transportation up to the air.”At a time when many fear AI will make junior roles obsolete, McKinsey is leaning in the opposite direction. The firm announced it plans to grow North American hiring by 12% in 2026, with a focus on entry-level talent — especially those fluent in emerging tech.McKinsey currently employs 5,000–7,000 non-partners in North America and could grow that number by up to 20% in five years.North America chair Eric Kutcher values younger workers' fluency in tech: “The 20-year-old econ major… is way more in tune.”Kutcher emphasized that while AI may improve efficiency, it frees up teams to pursue growth initiatives — not layoffs.Many CEOs aren't excited by cost-cutting; they're eager to redirect resources toward new opportunities, he noted.“What we will work on will still require the same level of intellect… doing the things that you can't do with machines,” said Kutcher.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1140: Today we're talking about Toyota's big ethanol play in Fukushima and California lawmakers slamming the brakes on “Leno's Law” for classic cars. Plus, Paul's back with some unexpected retail takeaways from his vacation travels.Show Notes with links:Toyota and a coalition of Japanese automakers are doing something symbolic and strategic — turning the former Fukushima no-go zone into a proving ground for next-gen biofuels.A Toyota-led consortium is piloting ethanol biofuel production in Okuma, the town devastated by the 2011 nuclear disaster.They're cultivating high-cellulose sorghum, which outperforms corn in poor soil and doesn't compete with food crops.This is part of Japan's “multipathway” strategy — pushing hybrids, synthetic fuels, and biofuels alongside EVs.The group, which includes Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Eneos, opened a $33M plant in November to convert the sorghum to E10 fuel.“We want this movement to spread beyond Japan to the world,” said Toyota CTO Hiroki Nakajima while touring the fields in a straw hat.Jay Leno's push to exempt classic car owners from smog checks in California has officially stalled. Despite passing the Senate and Leno's personal testimony, the bill was quietly killed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.Senate Bill 712, dubbed “Leno's Law,” would have exempted pre-1981 cars with historic plates from smog checks.The Assembly's Appropriations Committee killed the bill without explanation, alongside 70 others on its “suspense file.”Leno argued classic car smog checks are outdated, expensive, and hard to perform with modern equipment.Environmental groups and air quality regulators opposed the bill, citing cost and pollution concerns.“Sadly, today California said ‘no' to helping preserve these rolling pieces of history,” said sponsor Sen. Shannon Grove.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.The first weekend of September! Head Writer Chris Reeves joins Kyle Mountsier to discuss how the auto industry ramps up its community contributions in the fall towards the end of the year.We love hearing how dealers are giving back, and today we get to highlight how Gettel Automotive Group has donated $70,000 to support food banks in the communities we serve across Florida and Georgia.This contribution will help families in:

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1138: Mary Barra and her GM peers are selling big while Tesla bets even bigger on Elon. A new U.S.–Japan trade deal lowers tariffs and boosts investment in auto-related sectors. And Apple, OpenAI, and Walmart are teaming up to define what AI literacy looks like for the next generation of workers.As Tesla courts Elon Musk with a potential $1 trillion payday, General Motors' leadership is making moves of a very different kind. The spotlight is now on Mary Barra and what her stock sales might signal.GM CEO Mary Barra sold over 40% of her holdings in late August, unloading more than $21 million in a single day — part of nearly $58 million in sales over the past six months.She's not alone: Chief Accounting Officer Christopher Hatto and Executive VP Rory Harvey also sold sizable chunks of stock in recent months with no purchases to offset them.Meanwhile, Tesla is dangling a $1 trillion comp plan to keep Elon Musk locked in, tied to targets like an $8.5 trillion valuation and robotaxi expansion.Musk would see his Tesla stake climb back to 25% if the plan succeeds — a move he's called essential to staying committed.After months of back-and-forth, the U.S. has officially lowered tariffs on Japanese auto imports, giving Japan's automakers a long-awaited reprieve—and setting the stage for billions in investment.President Trump signed an executive order implementing 15% tariffs on Japanese autos, down from 27.5%, effective within a week.The order also prevents “stacked” tariffs on goods like beef and guarantees no levies on airplanes or parts.Toyota, which projected a $10B profit hit from previous tariffs, praised the clarity of the deal. About 80% of Toyota vehicles sold in the U.S. are built in North America.“Finally,” posted Japan's chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, after ten U.S. trips to seal the deal.While Apple eyes Google's AI muscle to upgrade Siri, OpenAI is putting boots on the ground to make sure American workers—and businesses—aren't left behind in the AI revolution.Apple is testing Google's Gemini model to power AI search summaries in a new Siri feature called “World Knowledge Answers.”The upgraded Siri aims to challenge AI-powered search platforms by blending web results with summaries, visuals, and points of interest—possibly debuting in iOS 26.4 next spring.Meanwhile, OpenAI is rolling out AI certifications and a new jobs platform in partnership with Walmart, John Deere, and others to certify 10 million Americans by 2030.The goal? Help Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1137: VinFast leans into a dealer-driven strategy while VW puts the brakes on ID.4 production despite rock-bottom lease pricing. Meanwhile, Porsche unveils a slick wireless charger for its next-gen Cayenne EV.Show Notes with links:Despite reporting a larger Q2 loss, Vietnamese EV maker VinFast is still betting on a traditional dealership model to accelerate growth and cut costs. The shift marks a major pivot from its direct-to-consumer roots.Q2 net loss hit $812M, up 15% from Q1, as VinFast ramps global marketing and R&D.Revenue rose 91.6% YoY to $663M, with vehicle deliveries jumping 172% to 35,837 units.Founder Pham Nhat Vuong pledged $1.5B to support expansion and R&D as the company moves away from company-owned showrooms to a lighter, franchised dealership model.“We stick to our goal this year and are flexible with our market approach amid (the) changing global situation,” said Chairperson Thuy Le.Despite offering the most affordable EV lease in the U.S., Volkswagen is pausing ID.4 production in Chattanooga as consumer demand continues to drop.Production will stop in late October, affecting 160 workers who will be furloughed with 80% pay and full benefits.ID.4 sales dropped 65% in Q2, down to 1,992 units, compared to 5,665 in the same quarter last year.Loss of federal EV tax credit and increased competition from Hyundai and GM have hurt demand.Volkswagen has dropped lease pricing to $129/month, but discounts haven't reversed the trend.A company spokesperson called the pause a “market-driven decision” with no set restart date.Forget cables—Porsche's new wireless charging pad for the upcoming Cayenne EV brings smartphone-style convenience to your driveway, with high-tech safety features and surprisingly strong performance.The 11-kW wireless charger pad delivers overnight charging speeds, matching typical Level 2 plug-in options.The system activates automatically when a compatible vehicle parks over the pad, eliminating the need to plug in.Pad is air-cooled; vehicle-mounted plate is liquid-cooled and must be pre-wired at the factory.Built-in radar pauses charging if it detects pets or metal objects, adding a layer of safety to home charging.U.S. pricing is still pending, but the full system—including vehicle integration—is expected to cost around $9,500 based on European estimates.0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo0:52 The ebbs and flows of mainstream news1:54 Announcements2:54 Vinfast Announces $812M Q2 Loss5:46 VW To Pause US ID.4 Production9:12 Porsche To Offer Wireless ChargingJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1136: An IRS update that could save EV buyers thousands, how Cadillac is quietly staging a luxury comeback and the deeper impact of AI on software development—and whether vibe-coding is helping or hollowing out the craft.The IRS has provided a much-needed clarification that gives EV buyers a path to still claim the federal tax credit—even if their vehicle hasn't been delivered by the September 30th deadline.Buyers who sign a binding purchase agreement and make a payment by September 30, 2025, can still claim the $7,500 (new) or $4,000 (used) EV tax credit.This clarification resolves confusion around the “placed in service” language, which had been interpreted to mean vehicles had to be delivered before the deadline.Deliveries can now happen after the deadline as long as paperwork and payment are completed beforehand.Dealers must provide a “time of sale report” within three days of vehicle delivery to support the buyer's claim.The clarification comes as EV demand has surged this summer, with analysts crediting savvy shoppers aiming to lock in the credit before its sunset.Cadillac's electric vehicle momentum is giving the brand a shot at reclaiming its former glory in the luxury segment—this time with plugs instead of prestige grilles.Cadillac's U.S. sales have risen for 12 straight quarters, with EVs making up about a third of sales in the past two months.That figure far outpaces both the broader industry (6–8%) and even the luxury segment (14%) for EV market share.Most EV buyers are trading in vehicles from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes—brands that have long outshined Cadillac.Even Tesla is losing 1 in 10 trade-ins to the American luxury brand.“They're now beyond where we expect the industry to be five years from now,” said J.D. Power's Tyson Jominy. “Success today does not necessarily mean success tomorrow.”As AI-assisted vibe coding tools proliferate, developers are grappling with what gets gained—and lost—when code becomes more suggestion than craftsmanship.AI tools now help with everything from debugging to database encryption to entire app scaffolding.While helpful, these tools can also produce bloated, disjointed code without strong editorial guidance.Critics worry that fluency in core principles is eroding, replaced by reliance on “good enough” automation.“It may be the easiest time in history to be a coder,” the author writes, “but it's perhaps harder than ever to grow into a software engineer.”0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo1:15 What Kyle and Michael would do with a 2-day work week2:42 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with vAuto on Sept 103:22 EVs Delivered Post-Sept 30 Can Still Receive Tax Credit5:59 Cadillac Sales Grow For 12 Straight Quarters8:25 Vibe Coding Making Coding Easier, But Not GoodJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1135: Friendly Chevy's charging park is pulling in revenue and conquest sales, BYD takes a profit hit in China's price war, and Google's “Nano Banana” might just beat ChatGPT at the AI image game.Show Notes with links:Back in 2021, Friendly Chevrolet's Mark Eddins saw a gap in the EV experience—and filled it. With GM rolling out EV standards, he went all-in on a unique charging park open to all EV brands. Today, EVHQ is paying off in brand loyalty, new customers, and revenue.EVHQ opened March 2023 near downtown Dallas with eight 120-kW fast chargers under a canopy, staffed 24/7.It offers a lounge-style experience: movie room, Corvette Cafe, Wi-Fi, play area, dog park—even roadside charging.All EV brands are welcome; a free membership gets 20% off retail charging, and an app is launching soon.Revenue hit $300K in 2024 and is on pace for $400K this year, with over 10,000 users and 1,200 monthly sessions.EV sales at the store more than doubled in 2025 so far.“I wanted to be one of those guys that had something nobody else had,” Eddins said. “It is beyond my wildest dreams, quite frankly.”Even as BYD pushes aggressively into overseas markets, the Chinese EV giant is taking heat at home. A brutal domestic price war cut deep into profits last quarter, despite record sales and growing international presence.BYD's Q2 net profit dropped 30% year-over-year to $891M, even as revenue rose 14%.The company blames “excessive marketing” and fierce price-cutting across China's EV space.Retail prices in China have fallen 19% over two years, triggering concern from regulators.First-half revenue still jumped 23%, with record new energy vehicle sales.In Europe, BYD's July registrations hit 13,000+—up 225% year-over-year.A new challenger has entered the AI image arena. Google's “Nano Banana” image generator—recently added to Gemini—might just be the first serious rival to ChatGPT's viral image dominance. And it's got some surprising strengths.Nano Banana delivers sharper realism, faster generation, and better character consistency.It keeps visual details intact across prompts, and it's images often look more natural and less AI-generated.Gemini's model also handles real photo uploads better—especially when combining images or changing backgrounds."If you want something that's very quick and gets the job done in the most realistic way possible… Gemini's Nano Banana is the clear winner," wrote one reviewer.0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Ben Hadley1:03 Announcements1:46 Friendly Chevy's EVHQ Charging Station6:00 BYD Q2 Profit Drops 30%10:04 Google's Nano Banana OutperformsJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Today, Paul and Chris bring you a story about Jacob Miller, a high school senior living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Jacob has big plans for being only eight years old and he just got a life-changing boost from our friends at West Herr Automotive: a wheelchair-accessible van that's opening the road to his future in engineering.Read the story here. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1133: Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke joins Paul to talk tariffs, pent-up demand, and why Q3 might be best experienced with a little Abba. It's a data-rich conversation with serious implications for dealers navigating policy shifts, EV adoption, and consumer behavior.ASOTU's coverage of the 45th Annual NAMAD Annual Meeting is brought to you by Connected Dealer Services.Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, offers a deep dive into today's economic headwinds and consumer sentiment:Tariffs Echo the 1930s: Jonathan compares today's tariffs to policies that sparked the Great Depression, but says their current impact is more of a "roller coaster" than a collapse.Stabilization Surprises: Despite the policy shakeups, consumer spending has rebounded this summer. July auto sales were stronger than expected and August showed continued momentum.7 Million Buyers Still Waiting: Pent-up demand remains real. First-party data from AutoTrader, KBB, and dealer websites shows strong shopping interest, even among buyers still hunting for affordable payments.Best Time in 4 Years to Buy (If You Have Credit): Incentives, leasing deals, and EV discounts make this a prime moment for well-qualified buyers—especially for electrified vehicles.EV Adoption Is Not Slowing Down: July marked the highest market share ever for EVs in the U.S. at 9.1%. EVs are now priced lower than ICE vehicles, and the replacement cycle is kicking in.Electrification Is Inevitable: Jonathan predicts most multi-car households will have at least one EV. He drives a PHEV himself and sees plug-ins as an optimal choice for daily commutes.China May Be the Wildcard: Smoke believes Chinese EVs entering the U.S. market is a matter of when, not if—and that it may be the key to returning to a consistent 17M SAAR.Bonus Track: For Q3, Jonathan's playlist is inspired by ABBA's Gold—think "Money, Money, Money" meets “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” as a soundtrack to the Big Beautiful Bill (BBBBA).Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1132: As we kick off the last day of the NAMAD Annual Meeting, Paul J Daly and Erroll Bomar III reflect on how they've been witnessing dealers lean in on technology in order to stay ahead. Then they're joined by Shane Wilson, CEO of Connected Dealer Services who reminds us that the tech is a great starting point, but it needs to be fed by good data.ASOTU's coverage of the 45th Annual NAMAD Annual Meeting is brought to you by Connected Dealer Services.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1131: Live from Day 2 at the NAMAD Annual Meeting with co-host Erroll Bomar III! We recap our biggest takeaways from the first day of amazing conversations and content, plus look at the record $56.4B that consumers will spend on new vehicles in August.ASOTU's coverage is brought to you by Connected Dealer Services.Show Notes with links:Automotive retail is posting a strong for August, driven by expiring EV incentives and a calendar twist that included Labor Day. Consumers are projected to spend a record $54.6B on new vehicles, as electrified models reached peak share.Total new-vehicle sales projected at 1.48M, up 8.2% YoY; SAAR at 16.1M.EV retail share hits record 12.0%, up from 9.5% last year, driven by incentive pull-forward.Incentive spending restrained at 6.2% of MSRP amid tariff pressure.Average transaction price reaches $44,750; consumer spend hits August record.“The results are unquestionably inflated by shoppers accelerating their electric vehicle purchases to take advantage of Federal EV credits.” – Thomas King, J.D. PowerJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1130: As we gear up for our NAMAD coverage in LasVegas, Paul and guest co-host Ben Hadley are digging into the IRS's EV tax credit extension, how Gen Z balances screens with store shelves, and why Hyundai's futuristic plant still counts on the human touch to get the job done right.The IRS is giving EV buyers a little breathing room to secure the full $7,500 federal tax credit, shifting expectations just before a hard deadline set for the end of September.Previously, buyers had to take delivery of a new EV by September 30 to qualify for the $7,500 tax credit.The IRS now says a binding written contract and deposit by that date will secure the credit, even if delivery comes later.This update helps ease the Q3 rush from buyers and dealers scrambling to meet the original deadline.Automakers may now try to lock in future EV reservations as binding sales, but that could be risky for buyers.IRS: “Taxpayer will be entitled to claim the credit… even if the vehicle is placed in service after September 30, 2025.”Hyundai's new $5.5 billion Georgia plant is a showcase of robotic innovation—but even with 750 robots on the floor, it's the human touch that ensures each EV rolls out with quality and care.The Ellabell plant features a 2-to-1 human-to-robot ratio—far lower than the 7-to-1 U.S. industry average.Robots handle welding and material movement, while humans manage quality control and complex assembly.CEO José Muñoz says the goal is not to replace humans, but to “maximize human potential.”Hyundai has pledged to hire 8,500 workers by 2031 as part of a $2 billion state incentive deal.“It makes them feel a little safer than just relying on some machine,” said track team leader Chico Murphy.Gen Z may live online, but when it comes to shopping, the path to purchase often ends in-store. A new YouGov study shows this digital-native generation still values the physical retail experience.69% of Gen Z starts their buying journey online, but over half still browse in stores.Discovery is mixed: 50% hear about new products through personal connections, 46% find them while shopping in-store.29% of Gen Z spot items online but buy them in-store, while 21% do the reverse.Social media remains crucial—64% of Gen Z use it to discover products versus 44% of older adults.“Retailers can't afford to pick a side: Omnichannel is where the action is.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1129: Today Steve Greenfield joins Paul again as we spotlight the 2025 Automotive News All-Stars, including a few friends of the show. We also talk about some industry icons' new digs. And a new survey shows just how deep Gen AI has made it into your customers' shopping habits.This year's 2025 Automotive News All-Stars spotlight not only industry excellence but also creative vision, resilience, and innovation across every corner of automotive. From digital stardom to strategic investment and relentless dealership growth, here are three stories that stood out — with a few personal shoutouts we just had to include.Grace Kerber and Ben Bushen went from a whiteboard in upstate New York to GM headquarters thanks to their viral mockumentary series "The Dealership." The duo's humor, heart, and authenticity earned them a national audience — and a new role for Grace at GM.Bill Cariss keeps Holman Growth Ventures in the fast lane, securing a minority stake in FM Capital's $240M fund to scale automotive and mobility tech investments. “We are still going to do direct investments...but they are not going to be near the size of the funds that we will own with partners,” he said.Teddy Morse has taken Ed Morse Automotive from 12 stores to over 50 with cowboy boots, Harley-Davidsons, and a deeply personal leadership style. “You can lose the fact that there's a romantic side to this business,” Morse said. “To what we do to help people get their first car; to help people get their dream car.”Whether it's Grace's storytelling, Bill's venture savvy, or Teddy's boots-on-the-ground heart, these All-Stars prove that auto leadership is anything but average.A new player in the inventory sourcing space is making waves as sellmyride brings on a stacked roster of industry veterans. Unlike traditional lead-gen platforms, sellmyride is focused on helping dealers consistently source inventory from private sellers — a move designed to keep vehicles in local markets and out of national players' hands.Chip Perry, founding CEO of Autotrader and former TrueCar chief, has joined sellmyride as chairman, calling it the best dealer-to-public acquisition tool he's seen in 25 years.Steve Greenfield's Automotive Ventures is backing the company as part of a broader raise to support U.S. expansion.Robbie Bezdek, a Cox and iHeartMedia alum, brings marketplace and media expertise to help dealers acquire 50+ units per month from the public.The platform is designed to be “always on,” dealership-branded, and built for consistent private-party sourcing rather than ad hoc lead chasing.“Why shouldn't our clients capture those cars?” Perry said. “That's what we hope, that's what we dream about and that's what we're inspired to do.”A new survey from Omnisend shows just how deeply generative AI has embedded itself in e-commerce habits. Over half of American online shoppers now turnJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this Saturday, Chris joins Paul and Nathan to talk about the frequency of a 5 Fri-Sat-Sun month and how auto dealers just keep on giving.Mohawk Honda did more than hand over a key. They donated a brand-new 2025 Honda Odyssey to Double H Ranch and packed it with purpose.Double H is where kids with serious illnesses go to be campers, not patients. Think bonfires, cabins, belly laughs, and freedom in the fresh air.With this new Odyssey, more families can get to those moments. More gear gets hauled. More smiles get delivered.That van will carry more than people. It will carry memories.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1127: We're diving into major tariff relief for EU carmakers, Sonic Automotive's EchoPark outpacing expectations, and how generative AI is rewriting the rules for online retail traffic. Show Notes with links:The automotive industry is watching closely as the U.S. and EU hammer out a framework deal that could bring massive tariff relief for European automaker. The fine print could mean big savings and new market access.The EU and U.S. announced a new trade framework aiming to reduce U.S. auto tariffs from 27.5% to 15%.Relief would be retroactive to August 1 if the EU introduces enabling legislation this month.In exchange, the EU pledged to cut tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and increase access for American agricultural products.The deal may expand to include mutual recognition of auto safety standards and influence future U.S. agreements with Japan and South Korea.EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic emphasized urgency: “It is the European Commission's firm intention to make proposals by the end of this month.”Sonic Automotive just dropped its Q2 2025 earnings, and while a hefty impairment charge dented the bottom line, EchoPark's performance made sure the story stayed bullish.Total revenue reached a record $3.7B, up 6% YoY.Despite a $172.4M impairment charge, adjusted EPS surged 49% to $2.19, beating expectations.EchoPark led the charge with $62.1M in gross profit (+22%) and a 679% increase in adjusted segment income.Segment income rose from $3.9M to $11.7M — a 200% leap.“EchoPark is just on fire,” said Sonic President Jeff Dyke.Adobe reports a massive 4,700% YoY increase in U.S. retail site traffic driven by generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini — a clear signal that AI is transforming the online shopping journey.Traffic from gen-AI sources has grown monthly since the 2024 holiday season.90% of users trust gen-AI recommendations; bounce rates are down 27%.Visits from AI referrals are 10% more engaged, with 32% longer durations.The conversion gap between AI and non-AI traffic has shrunk from 49% in January to 23% in July.“It's allowing a very optimized, urgent, efficient journey,” said Adobe's Vivek Pandya.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:35 Next week, Paul and Erroll Bomar III will be at NAMAD next week2:38 EU-US Finalizing New Trade Deal4:35 EchoPark Boosts Sonic's Q2 Earnings6:52 4700% Increase In Retail Traffic From GenAI SitesJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1126: Today we're joined by Steve Greenfield and talking about Hertz vehicles showing up on Amazon, VinFast's new San Diego dealership kicking off a coast-to-coast franchise push, and how AI is helping Atlas become a surprisingly capable humanoid robot.Hertz has partnered with Amazon to list its used vehicles on the retail giant's platform, giving customers a new way to shop for former rentals online. The move builds on the roughly one-third of Hertz's vehicle sales that already go directly to consumers.Shoppers can now browse and buy Hertz vehicles on Amazon, then pick them up in Dallas, Houston, L.A., or Seattle—with plans to expand to 45 U.S. locations.Retail sales, add $1,000–$1,500 in value per vehicle for Hertz compared to wholesale channels.Hertz is also expanding its “try before you buy” program to 100 cities and enhancing digital sales through platforms like Carvana and Autotrader.“It is really important as well that we get more net out of what we're selling,” said Hertz CEO Gil West.VinFast's U.S. dealership network is taking shape with the grand opening of its first California franchise location in San Diego.The new store, operated by Sunroad Automotive Group, offers sales, service, and test drives of the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs.The automaker plans to replace all 15 of its former company-owned California stores and now operates nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states, with the company “recognizing the distinct advantages of this distribution channel” to maximize business efficiency.California remains a key focus for the brand, which calls the state a “top priority” for EV growth.The new location includes full support for warranty, repair, and maintenance using genuine VinFast parts.“This event marks a pivotal moment in our strategy,” said Mike Nolte, VinFast's U.S. VP of Sales and Marketing.Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute are working to make humanoid robots useful in real life by teaching them complex, adaptable behaviors through massive AI models.Many of us are familiar with Boston Dynamics, but Toyota Research Institute (TRI), a Toyota subsidiary, focuses on human-centered AI innovations in automated driving, energy, and materials to improve the human condition.The Atlas robot is being trained with Large Behavior Models (LBMs) to handle complex, long tasks using proprioception (a robot's internal sense of position and movement), vision, and language prompts.These AI-driven policies allow Atlas to walk, crouch, grasp, and manipulate objects with surprising dexterity—even reacting intelligently when things go wrong.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1125: Today, we're talking affordability trends, lead follow-up gaps, and a CEO who worked his way from intern to the top at Target.At the halfway mark of 2025, the Dave Cantin Group Market Outlook Report shows the U.S. retail auto market is a mix of high prices, resilient demand, and major structural shifts. Despite headwinds, smart dealers are still in the driver's seat.Affordability is the top issue, with 52.1% of buyers carrying negative equity and 84-month loans now nearly 20% of all new financing.Consumers are sticking with their preferred segment but trading down in size and trim; value-focused models from brands like Buick and Mazda are gaining traction.40% of U.S. consumers say they'd buy a Chinese-made vehicle if it was 10% cheaper than other cars sold in the US, and 75% of dealers expect Chinese OEMs on U.S. lots within 12 months.As OEMs take multi-billion-dollar tariff hits, dealers are thriving on a flexible playbook—parts, service, F&I, and used cars—with 61% of dealers expecting record revenue growth this year.“U.S. dealers are proving once again how resilient they are and how sophisticated their customer-focused business models have become,” Dave Cantin Group CEO Dave Cantin said.Think the lead is dead after Day 3? Think again. A new Foureyes report analyzing over 8 million leads shows a 30-day close rate of just 16.2%, revealing how fast opportunities fall off — and where smart dealers can still win.73% of sales happen in the first 3 days, but 1 in 4 still close after that. Close rates drop from 12.4% to 2.3% on days 4–7.Follow-up efforts also plunge after Day 3 — a “coincidence” that's costing dealers real money.Used vehicles close faster than new, but new car deals stretch further into the 30-day window.Internet leads close slower but still produce late-month wins; leads created in the last week of the month have a 17.3% close rate.Target is making headlines as it promotes a true company insider to the top job. Michael Fiddelke, who started in 2003, will become CEO on February 1 — a move that reflects deep institutional knowledge but is sparking debate about the need for outside perspective.Fiddelke joined Target as an intern and worked his way up through roles in merchandising, finance, operations, and HR.He most recently served as COO and previously as CFO, giving him a broad view of the company's levers.He'll succeed Brian Cornell, CEO since 2014, who will step into the executive chair role.“To be clear, we have work to do to reach our full potential,” Fiddelke said.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:52 2025 Halftime Report on Dealer Reputation Webinar Later Today1:31 New Auto Collabs episode with Technician Curtis Gardner1:54 DCG Report Shows Affordability and ChJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1124: Today we break down the latest Fixed Ops Golden Metrics, showing where service departments are winning and where there's room to grow. We also look at how dealer inventory has returned to pre-tariff “normal” levels, and why Atlantans are playing cancellation games just to ride in a Waymo robotaxi.The Fixed Ops Golden Metrics 2025 report from Reynolds and Reynolds highlights how service departments are stacking up in hours, labor rates, and RO profits—plus the big gains from technician efficiency tools.Dealers are grouped two ways—by urban classification (Major Urban, Metro, Community, Rural) and by 5 volume classes based on monthly customer-pay ROs: Class 1: 1,200.High-volume Class 5 stores topped 3,000 hrs/month. Major Urban averaged 1,613 hrs/month vs. Rural at 490. Major Urban led profit per RO at $414, Rural just $225. Class 1 averaged $400, dropping to $243 in Class 5.Using recommendation software added +0.5 hrs/RO, +$18 ELR, and +$62 profit/RO—worth $9K more profit/month for a 150-RO store.After months of tariff shocks and supply swings, dealer lots look familiar again. The average automaker now has a 73-day supply of new cars — right on the industry's long-term target.Lots once ran as high as 89 days of supply during early tariff panic.Inventories plunged to 66 days when 25% tariffs first hit but have since recovered.Despite costs, prices rose just 1.5% YoY as automakers and dealers absorbed tariffs.Some brands buck the trend: Toyota/Lexus are tight with just over a month of supply, while Ram and Land Rover sit on four months' worth.Waymo has expanded beyond its California and Arizona roots, bringing robotaxis to Atlanta. But there's a catch: you can only hail one through Uber, and it's not guaranteed.Riders can select “Prefer Waymo” in the Uber app, but often get matched with human drivers.Some Atlantans cancel ride after ride—one reporting 20 cancellations on average—just to snag a Waymo.Waymo has only dozens of vehicles in the city now, with plans to grow to hundreds in coming years.Riders can improve their odds by staying inside the 65-square-mile service zone, avoiding highways, and riding outside peak times.As one rider put it, “The fact that it's so challenging to get has turned it into a game.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:08 We'll be at the NAMAD Annual Meeting next week1:45 Webinar on Dealer Reputation Tomorrow2:26 Fixed Ops Golden Metrics from Reynolds and ReynoldsJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1123: Today we cover Rivian's fight over frozen EV credit revenue, ex-Tesla talent launching Hubber to fill urban charging gaps, and a sharp rebound in CEO confidence as recession fears cool but cost pressures remain.Show Notes with links:Rivian says the Trump administration's rollback of fuel economy penalties is choking off $100 million in revenue from regulatory credits—a revenue stream EV makers have depended on for years. The fight shows how quickly policy changes can shake up automaker economics.EV makers like Rivian, Lucid, and Tesla sell CAFE credits to legacy brands that struggle with gas-mileage targets.NHTSA froze compliance letters after the rollback, leaving credit deals in limbo.Rivian already negotiated deals it now can't close; Tesla projects a $1.1B hit to expected revenue.GM and Ford, frequent buyers of these credits, could save billions thanks to looser rules.Rivian said credits made up 6.5% of its revenue this year, while Lucid noted they represent a “significant share” of theirs.From the chaos of Elon Musk firing Tesla's entire Supercharger team, a new EV charging startup has emerged. Hubber, founded by ex-Tesla talent, is focused on solving one of the industry's biggest bottlenecks: fast charging for urban taxis and delivery fleets.Former Tesla leads Harry Fox, Connor Selwood, and Hugh Leckie rolled out 100 Supercharger sites before launching Hubber.The company targets urban “charging deserts,” converting warehouses and gas stations into high-throughput hubs.Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles charge up to 5x more often than consumer cars, making access critical.Hubber secured £60M (~$81M) in funding, with its first site opening this week in South London.“We're addressing one of the most urgent constraints in the energy transition: the shortage of fast, reliable charging in major cities,” Hubber states.CEO confidence is staging a rebound. After a brutal second quarter, execs are signaling less panic about recession and a more stable outlook for their industries, though concerns about labor, wages, and costs remain front and center.The confidence index rose to 49 in Q3, up from 34 in Q2.Recession fears fell sharply: 36% expect one in the next 12–18 months, compared to 83% last quarter.Job outlook flipped, with 34% of CEOs planning cuts vs. 27% planning to hire — the first net negative since 2020.Most CEOs still plan to raise wages 3%+ in the next year, even as they freeze capital spending.Cost pressure is highest from suppliers (71%), materials (64%), and tech (63%), pushing many to boost productivity through automation and upskilling.“CEO confidence recovered… but fell short of signaling a return to optimism,” said Stephanie Guichard, senior eJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1122: Ford's Doug Field maps a Silicon Valley–style path to a $30K EV truck, Mitsubishi debuts a luxury-inspired “Gallery” store concept, and OpenAI brings GPT-4o back after users missed its supportive “yes man” tone.Meet the man behind Ford's push for affordable EVs: Doug Field, Ford's EV chief, is channeling his inner Elon Musk by leaning on hardcore engineering, radical manufacturing changes, and first-principles thinking.Field's career spans some of the most ambitious mobility projects of the last 20 years—Segway, Tesla's Model 3, and Apple's secretive car program.Applying “first principles thinking,” he's cutting battery size, body weight, and part count by 20% while keeping Mustang-like acceleration.“Physics isn't proprietary,” Field noted when asked about similarities to Tesla's approach. “The best part is no part.”He admits shifting a century-old company isn't easy: “Doing something new at an established company requires overcoming inertia… I came in with slightly unrealistic expectations of how quickly [things could be changed], but that's an industry thing, not just a Ford thing.”Mitsubishi Motors will open its first U.S. “Gallery” dealership in Antioch, Tenn., by Q1 2026, blending luxury-style retail with mass-market appeal as part of its Momentum 2030 growth plan.Located in the Century Farms mixed-use development, the store will be designed for browsing, with a no-pressure, open-format showroom more common in luxury brands.Instead of a traditional lot packed with vehicles, the Gallery will store inventory off-site at its partner dealer—City Auto Mitsubishi—and bring in vehicles as customers progress toward a purchase.Trained brand specialists from the partner dealer will walk shoppers from discovery through final paperwork, focusing on experience rather than volume.CEO Mark Chaffin says Mitsubishi is “underrepresented” in the U.S., aiming to grow from one-third to over half of new-car markets by 2030.“The Gallery dealership program is key to introducing customers to our vehicles in a welcoming, surprise-and-delight way,” Chaffin said.Responding to user backlash over GPT-5's cooler tone, OpenAI has reinstated the beloved GPT-4o model for Plus subscribers, promising to make GPT-5 warmer over time. CEO Sam Altman says many missed GPT-4o's overly-agreeable “yes man” style — for some, it was the only real encouragement they'd ever received.GPT-4o's style, removed earlier this year, was criticized as “too sycophant-y,” gushing over mundane prompts with “absolutely brilliant” and similar praise.Altman says some users found it life-changing: “Please can I have it back? I've never had anyone in my life be supportive of me.”He warns even small tone tweaks can impact billions of chatJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1121: We cover the rapid growth in EV charging infrastructure even as EV sales plateau, Tesla's China-only 500+ mile Model 3, and a solar-powered drone that just stayed airborne for 74 hours without a drop of fuel.Show Notes with links:EV sales brace for slump, but charging networks surge ahead with automaker supportDespite challenges in EV sales, the U.S. fast-charging network is rapidly expanding and may actually meet infrastructure goals—whether or not EV adoption keeps pace.The U.S. hit nearly 60,000 fast-charging ports in Q2 and is on track for 19% growth in 2025.Private investment, not government aid, is fueling most of this growth as NEVI funds stall, with new players like Ionna and Mercedes-Benz expanding fastTesla dominates with 54% market share; Electrify America and ChargePoint trail at under 8%.“There will be more choice, more infrastructure and, hopefully, better experiences for EV drivers,” said Loren McDonald, chief analyst at Paren.This comes as U.S. EV registrations rose 4.6% in June, but EV market share slipped to 8.6%—down from 8.8% last year—signaling a stagnant market.Tesla's registrations dropped 6%, while GM surged with Chevrolet up 152% and Cadillac up 87%, showing shifting momentum among major players.Tesla has quietly introduced its longest-range Model 3 to date, the "Model 3 Plus," capable of up to 515 miles—but only for the Chinese market, for now.The 830 km (CLTC-rated) Model 3 Plus uses a more powerful 225 kW motor and LG-supplied lithium-ion batteries.It achieves long range with just a 78.4 kWh battery thanks to efficiency gains, not just capacity.Tesla aims to compete directly with high-range local EVs like the Xiaomi SU7 and is expected to launch the model in China by September with a price just under $38K.“This effectively shatters the 700 km psychological ceiling,” said Shanghai-based analyst Li Wei.Aviation startup Skydweller Aero just pulled off a wild feat: flying a solar-powered drone for 74 hours straight—twice—without touching down or using a drop of fuel.The drone has a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747 and runs solely on solar power and batteries.Its 17,000 solar cells power flight by day and charge 1,400 pounds of onboard batteries to keep flying at night.Recent Navy tests suggest big military potential in anti-piracy, smuggling patrols, and backup GPS missions.Skydweller also has commercial ambitions, including remote internet delivery and environmental monitoring.“There's a lot of money to be made in something that never touches the ground,” the company noted.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1120: Today we cover Presidio's latest report showing dealership profitability gaining stable ground. We look at how automakers are shifting from solo efforts to shared platforms in the race for software-defined vehicles. We close with a growing workforce trend as quiet cracking challenges employee wellbeing and productivity.Show Notes with links:Presidio Says the Sugar High's Over, But the Game's Still Strong as the latest Presidio Group report shows that after a volatile couple of years, dealers are finally catching their breath. With stable margins, strong profitability, and M&A picking back up, it's no longer about surviving—it's about playing to win.New-vehicle margins ticked up in Q2 for the first time since 2022, signaling rare pricing stability.Used cars, F&I, and fixed ops are carrying the profit torch, with public group net income up 17.7%.M&A activity matched last year's pace, with 208 transactions in the first half of 2025.72% of dealers expect profits to hold or grow—fueling strategic investments instead of survival tacticsAs the software-defined vehicle era pushes forward, automakers are realizing that trying to own the whole tech stack isn't just hard, it's inefficient. Instead, they're cutting internal software efforts, embracing open-source collaboration, and betting on smarter, shared development models.Ford ended its FNV4 architecture program, VW cut 1,600 Cariad staff, and others have scaled back internal software teams.Despite sounding like a retreat, these moves signal maturity, OEMs are focusing on what matters and outsourcing the rest.Partnerships are growing fast: Foxconn and Elektrobit, BMW and Bosch via Eclipse Foundation, Rivian and VW, all working on shared SDV platforms.Analysts say open-source platforms are now essential to SDV progress. Toyota, Hyundai, GM, and others are already building around Linux-based ecosystemsMove over, quiet quitting. The latest workplace challenge is “quiet cracking,” where employees keep showing up, but they're checked out, stressed, and silently struggling. And in today's uncertain job market, many feel stuck without better options.Quiet cracking is marked by disengagement and burnout, even if employees aren't actively underperforming.Workers are staying in roles due to fear of layoffs or poor hiring prospects, not because they're thriving.Signs include subtle performance dips, increased absenteeism, and Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1119: Ford's factory revamp signals a new EV era, GM doubles down on autonomy without the taxi business, and AI takes over lesson plans as teachers lean into technology's potential.Show Notes with links:Ford will invest $2B to transform its Louisville, KY plant into a high-efficiency hub for an affordable, tech-packed electric pickup—aiming to rival low-cost Chinese EVs when it launches in 2027.The new process cuts parts count by 20% with large single-piece aluminum castings.Parallel assembly lines replace traditional conveyors, boosting efficiency by 15%.Lighter, shorter wiring harnesses save weight and simplify assembly.Ergonomic workstations improve build quality while reducing labor strain.“This is a bold and difficult undertaking to compete with the best in the world,” said Doug Field, Ford's Chief EV & Digital Systems Officer.From Cliff Banks on LinkedIn “One tiny fact -- that is big news, in our opinion -- that came out of Ford's second earnings call: Ford reduced the per-vehicle loss on its EVs from $44k to $22k last quarter. Keep that up, and its Model E division will be profitable much faster than expected.”After shutting down its Cruise robotaxi unit, GM is reigniting its autonomous ambitions—this time targeting personal-use driverless cars instead of fleet services.The new program starts with hands-free, eyes-free driving while a human is in the vehicle, progressing toward fully driverless capability.Sterling Anderson, former Tesla Autopilot chief is building a team by hiring new talent and inviting former Cruise employees back.GM is deploying lidar-equipped, human-driven test vehicles to log data and train simulation models that guide development.On GM's Q2 earnings call, CEO Mary Barra named autonomous tech, expanding the domestic supply chain, and battery innovation as “our clear priorities.”Three years after ChatGPT's public debut, many K-12 educators are moving from banning generative AI to using it as a tool for critical thinking, creativity, and tailored instruction.About 60% of teachers now use AI for lesson planning, grading, and parent communication, saving an average of 5.9 hours weekly.Early bans led students to hide AI use; now some districts are forming committees to guide ethical adoption.Teachers also use AI for individualized lessons, translation, accessibility, and real-world project design.Concerns remain about bias, privacy, and over-reliance, but advocates say benefits outweigh risks when guardrails are in place.“Educators are starting to realize that AI isn't going away—and that it's better to teach their students how to use it, rather than leave them to their own devices,” said a Drexel University professor.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1118: Auto loan approvals are climbing as vehicle demand heats up, Jaguar doubles down on its high-dollar EV future, and a new survey shows U.S. shoppers are still splurging on impulse buys.Show Notes with links:New data shows consumers may finally be catching a break in the auto loan market. Approvals are up, interest in buying is growing, and middle-income shoppers are more willing to make sacrifices to keep their vehicles.The New York Fed says auto loan rejection rates dropped sharply in Q2 2025 to 6.7%, down from a painful 19% last year.14% sought a loan in the past year, and more expect to apply in the coming months.Santander's latest survey shows 55% of middle-income consumers plan to buy a vehicle in the next 12 months, the highest reading in two years.Tariff fears are real: 18% of respondents sped up a big purchase in Q2 because of price uncertainty, with 41% of those buying a vehicle.Santander says this is the first time in eight quarters that buyers outnumber those delaying a purchase — a sign pent-up demand could finally be turning into sales.Jaguar is set on an electric, ultra-luxury future. Despite some loud critics, the brand is preparing a bespoke EV platform and three six-figure models designed to take on the industry's elite.Incoming JLR CEO PB Balaji says the brand's EV strategy is locked in, with positive early feedback from customers.Production of all current Jaguars except the F-Pace ended last year as the company stockpiled inventory.First new model — the GT — is a sleek, 600-hp electric sedan with about 425 miles of range and a $150K price tag, expected late next year as a 2027 model.A large, three-row electric crossover will follow in late 2027 or early 2028.The third entry is rumored to be a large, ultra-luxury electric sedan aimed at Rolls-Royce and Bentley buyers, due around 2030.While many Americans say they're trying to rein in discretionary spending, a new survey shows the vast majority still made at least one unplanned purchase last month.Optimum Retailing survey finds 72% of Americans made an unplanned in-store discretionary purchase in the past month.While 34% plan to cut back in the next six months, sales events (55%), eye-catching displays (45%), and immediate availability (26%) make spending hard to resist.Only 5% said in-store shopping no longer feels “worth it.”Many shoppers are sticking to a budget by cutting dining/takeout (48%), clothing/accessories (44%), and electronics/gadgets (37%).“Consumers today are cautious, but not unengaged… The moment and experience must both feel correct,” said Sam Vise, CEO of Optimum Retailing.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this second Saturday of month, Paul is joined by Chris and Nathan to share all the amazing things dealers are doing in communities across the nation.This back-to-school season, Toyota-Lexus-Minority Owner Dealers Associatoin partnered with Toyota, The Salvation Army, and Walmart to distribute over 16,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, 6,900 of them through dealerships. As Robert Hatchett put it, this is about investing in students and uplifting communities.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/