The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1055: Today we cover Stellantis' new CEO facing a storm of tariffs and dealer tensions, GM's surprising pivot back to big V-8s, and DeLorean's futuristic EV launch… that's more crypto maze than car.Show Notes with links:After a six-month search, Stellantis has named Antonio Filosa as its new CEO. With more than 25 years in the industry and leadership experience across Brazil, North America, and global roles, Filosa is stepping in as the company faces pressure on multiple fronts.Filosa starts as CEO on June 23, replacing Carlos Tavares after his December resignation.Currently COO for the Americas and global chief quality officer, he's credited with restoring confidence internally.Challenges include reversing a 10% Q1 shipment drop, regaining dealer trust, and addressing a potential $7.1B hit from Trump's proposed 25% tariffs.Filosa has reinstalled key leadership—bringing back Ram's Tim Kuniskis and U.S. sales head Jeff Kommor—to stabilize operations.“One of my first decisions has been to bring back talents that we lost in the past,” Filosa told reporters in January.The EV slowdown has prompted General Motors to double down on internal combustion, shelving a $300 million plan for EV motors at its Tonawanda, NY plant and instead committing a massive $888 million to next-gen V-8 engine production.The site will continue producing Gen 5 V-8s while ramping up for Gen 6 engines by 2027.New engines will feature performance-boosting and emission-cutting innovations.Investment includes machinery, tooling, and facility upgrades—the largest ever for a GM engine plant.New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the project will support 870 jobs at Tonawanda Propulsion, including 177 jobs deemed at risk“This investment shows the company's commitment to strengthening American manufacturing,” said CEO Mary Barra.The DeLorean Alpha5 EV promised a high-tech return to the future, but it's now stuck in development limbo, with no production timeline or pricing—and buyers are being asked to reserve with cryptocurrency and NFTs.Reservations require $2,500 in USDC crypto via a specialized Slush Wallet and purchase of an NFT.No refunds are offered—buyers can resell their spot in line to recoup funds.Fewer than 600 reservations have been made, with some resale spots priced up to $40,000.The Alpha5, if it arrives, will offer 300+ miles of range and sub-3-second 0-60 performance.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 #1054: We're kicking off Tuesday week with a look at surging used car sales and shrinking supply, BYD's aggressive EV price cuts in China, and a Waffle House partnership that brings hash browns and high-speed charging together in the South.Show Notes with links:Automotive News released its top Used Car retailers list showing that the stabilizing of the 2024 market led to some big gains. However, the current complexities and quickly shrinking market day supply is testing even the best players.Used-only dealers like CarMax, Carvana, and DriveTime saw strong 2024 growth as supply chains normalized, with Carvana up 33% year-over-year.Dealers are creatively sourcing inventory—prioritizing trade-ins and direct-from-customer purchases to avoid costly auctions.The current used vehicle supply stands at just a 43-day market supply, the lowest since 2021, with lower-price vehicles hardest to find.Tariff fears have driven consumers to buy quickly, pushing prices for the top 50 used models to an average of nearly $29,000“There isn't a lot of room for error anymore in the post-COVID used-car world,” said Bill Solko, dealer principal of Automotive Avenues.Meanwhile Cox Automotive's Jonathan Smoke warned, 2025 is going to be a roller coaster for this industry,” BYD just launched a fresh round of EV price cuts in China, triggering a market shake-up that's pummeling stocks and ramping pressure on rivals like Tesla.BYD slashed prices across several models, including a 20% cut on the sub-$10,000 Seagull hatchback now priced at an equivalent of $7,780The Chinese EV market is nearing 50% penetration — five times the U.S. rate — largely due to aggressive pricing strategies.EV maker stocks, including BYD, Li Auto, and Geely, fell sharply after the announcement, signaling investor anxiety.BYD's growing profit cushion from 2019–2024 gives it room to undercut less profitable competitors.“This new price war will put even more pressure on Tesla,” Electrek reported, especially as new players like Xiaomi ramp up.In a match made in Southern heaven, bp pulse and Waffle House are joining forces to bring 400kW ultrafast EV charging to your next roadside breakfast stop.Starting in 2026, Waffle House locations across Georgia, Texas, Florida, and beyond will host six-bay charging stations.The chargers will support both CCS and NACS connectors and deliver up to 200 miles of range in about 15 minutes.The 24/7 diner vibe adds much-needed comfort and reliability to the EV charging experience.This builds on bp pulse's growing U.S. network, which includes partnerships with Hertz and 8,000+ retail locations.“Charging up while fueling up on an All-Star Special will be convenient and fast,” said Waffle House Innovation Director David Repp.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 #1053: It's Memorial Day, the un-official start of summer and a favorite of grillmasters everywhere, so we invited our good friend and grillmaster, James Ganther, to give some grilling tips for tasty food, and remind us of why we celebrate in the first place.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.It's the Saturday after ASOTU CON and the energy is still buzzing. Nathan is joined by Chris Reeves and Ann-Marie Johnsons to talk about their favorite moments and the heart behind the event. Special guest Carol Marshall of ActivEngage brings her unique perspective on what it meant to be part of the unreasonable hospitality at ASOTU CON.Some of our favorite moments: community, hugs, the emotional impact of the car giveaway andthe charity auction raising $10,000 for Vehicles for Change.ActivEngage's culture of full-color service is highlighted through their all-human chat model and hospitality approach.Carol credits the book Be Amazing or Go Home for reigniting her team's proactive spirit after the COVID lull.“We tried to serve in full color, not black and white,” Carol says, capturing the essence of their contribution.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 #1051: We're diving into the Senate's move to block California's gas car ban, Google's new video AI that adds audio, and which brands — including top automakers — gained or lost consumer trust in the 2025 Axios/Harris reputation rankings.Show Notes with links:In a dramatic legislative twist, the U.S. Senate voted to block California's plan to ban gas-powered vehicles by 2035, undercutting a key Biden-era environmental policy and dealing a blow to a major state-led push for zero-emission standards.The Senate vote was 51-44 to rescind the EPA waiver allowing California stricter emissions rules.11 states following California's policy would be impacted, including NY and WA.Auto dealers and manufacturers lobbied hard for the repeal, citing feasibility concerns.The move defies Senate precedent and a legal ruling from the parliamentarian.“You can be against the ACC II EV mandates (we were) and believe that transportation is trending toward a range of electrified products like battery electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids (it is). That's what balance looks like. And balance is not only good for consumers, but essential for the U.S. auto industry to remain healthy and globally competitive,” said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.Axios and The Harris Poll just dropped their annual brand reputation rankings, and the message from consumers is loud and clear: keep prices fair, quality high, and don't exploit inflation. Brands that did well stuck to those basics.Nearly half of all corporate reputations declined this year, driven by frustration over high prices and perceived drops in quality.77% of Americans say companies are charging more for lower quality; 63% have stopped buying from a brand due to high costs, and 54% over declining product standards.The biggest winners? Companies focused on delivering consistent value.Top 10 most reputable brands: Trader Joe's, Patagonia, Microsoft, Toyota Motor Corporation, Costco, Samsung, Arizona Beverage Company, Nvidia, UPS, AppleAutomotive brands on the list: Toyota (#4, up 8), Honda (#13, down 6), General Motors (#44, down 4), Hyundai (#51, no change), Volkswagen (#53, up 16), Ford (#60, down 5), Tesla (#95, down 32 in the largest move of any company on the list).At its I/O 2025 developer conference, Google unveiled Veo 3 — the latest version of its AI video generator, now with the ability to create synchronized sound. That includes background noise, effects, and even simple dialogue to match the video it produces.The new model builds on Veo 2 with better visuals and now audio that aligns automatically with what's on screen.Google says it's the first step away from “silent” AI-generated video — a space that's getting crowded with startups and big names like OpenAI and AlibabJoin 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 #1050: A record number of U.S. consumers are skipping auto loans over rejection fears, EV history unfolded as BYD overtook Tesla in Europe and Google's I/O 2025 keynote was a full-court press on AI innovation.Show Notes with links:Consumer confidence in securing an auto loan is slipping fast. A recent survey by the New York Fed shows a record number of people aren't even applying—because they assume they'll be turned down. It's a new high in pessimism.34% of potential borrowers didn't apply for an auto loan in February due to fear of rejection—the highest since tracking began in 2014.Loan rejection rates hit 14%, a major jump from just 1.5% a year ago.Only 9.9% of consumers expect to apply for a loan in the next year, down from October's 11%.Just 63% believe they could handle a $2,000 emergency expense—also a record low.“The SCE Credit Access Survey points to an expected future tightening in credit conditions,” said the New York Fed.China's BYD outsells Tesla in Europe for first time, report says | ReutersIn a milestone moment for the European EV market, Chinese automaker BYD has outsold Tesla for the first time.BYD logged 7,231 BEV registrations in Europe in April, topping Tesla's 7,165—marking its first lead ever in the region.The Chinese brand only expanded beyond Norway and the Netherlands in late 2022 but is now gaining fast.Tesla faces pressure from a 13% Q1 sales dip, factory retools for the Model Y, and delayed rollouts of lower-cost trims.Chinese-made EV registrations jumped 59% year-over-year in April despite EU tariffs.“This is a watershed moment for Europe's car market,” said Felipe Munoz of market research firm JATO Analytics.Google's I/O 2025 keynote was packed with AI firepower. From shopping with chatbots to making movies with prompts, Google is putting generative AI front and center. Here's a quick recap of the announcements:Gemini's “AI Mode” is rolling out to all U.S. users, blending search, shopping, and smart summarization.Project Starline evolves into “Google Beam,” bringing 3D video chat to HP-branded hardware.New AI filmmaking app “Flow” uses Imagen, Veo, and Gemini to create 8-second video clips from prompts.Project Aura introduces Android XR smart glasses co-developed with Xreal and eyewear brands like Warby Parker.“We are shipping faster than ever,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai, highlighting the company's accelerated pace in AI development.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 #1049: Today we're diving into Toyota's bold software move with the redesigned RAV4 Hybrid, watching Tesla and Waymo duel for robotaxi dominance, and seeing how Home Depot is holding the line on prices as tariffs rattle retailShow Notes with links:Toyota's sixth-gen RAV4 Hybrid isn't just sleeker—it's smarter. As the first model to feature the all-new Arene operating system, the global bestseller is now a testbed for Toyota's software-first future.Arene is built by Woven by Toyota, the automaker's in-house software arm and made up of three core components: Arene SDK (to build apps and features), Arene Tools (to virtually test them), and Arene Data (to collect and use real-world driver feedback).In practice, that means Toyota can push OTA updates that improve safety systems like Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 based on global user data, often updating every few weeks or months, mirroring how smartphone OS updates roll out.The SDK powers the new voice agent and center display; the data system creates a feedback loop that improves regional performance by learning from users in 180 countries.“Software can be an added layer where we can evolve the car over time,” said Woven CTO John Absmeier. “We help your Toyota grow old with you.”Tesla and Waymo are tackling robotaxis from different angles—Tesla with bold camera-only tech, and Waymo with sensor-packed precision. But a real-world test in San Francisco handed one of them a clear win.Waymo's service, active since 2024, uses 29 cameras, 5 lidars, and 6 radars in Jaguar I-PACEs.Tesla's FSD Supervised software, tested in a Model 3, relies solely on eight external cameras—with its FSD Unsupervised version launching in Austin next month.On winding SF roads from Twin Peaks to Chase Center, both systems performed well—until Tesla's FSD ran a red light at a busy intersection.The Waymo delivered a confident, human-like ride, including a lane change that “seemed like it was just tired of waiting.”“It's got New York cab driver energy,” said tester Alistair Barr of Waymo's proactive driving style.As tariffs squeeze the retail sector, Home Depot is leaning into its U.S.-based supply chain and scale advantage to keep prices steady—even as competitors like Walmart warn of price hikes.Over half of Home Depot's inventory is sourced domestically, with imports on the decline.CFO Richard McPhail says no single foreign country will represent more than 10% of purchases within 12 months.Q1 2025 revenue rose 9.4% to $39.9B, with average transaction values ticking up slightly to $90.71.The company saw 394.8 million transactions, a 2.1% increase year-over-year.“We saw continued customer engagement across smaller projects,” said CEO Ted Decker.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 #1048: Today we're diving into Honda's EV strategy rethink and dealer drama in California, a mid-May dip in wholesale used vehicle prices, and the growing reality that side hustles aren't just extra—they're essential.Honda is pumping the brakes on its aggressive EV strategy, cutting EV R&D investment by 30% and slashing its 2030 EV sales forecast by more than 1 million vehicles. Instead, hybrids are back in the spotlight.Honda now expects just 700,000 to 750,000 EVs sold in 2030, down from 2 million.EV R&D cut from ¥10T ($69B) to ¥7T ($48B); with 13 next-gen hybrid models to debut starting 2027 with improved fuel economy and cost.“It has become increasingly clear that the environmental regulations... are becoming relaxed. I think the EV penetration period will be pushed back by about 5-6 years.” said CEO Toshihiro Mibe.Meanwhile, California's dealer association has issued a cease and desist letter to Sony Honda Mobility, challenging their direct-to-consumer sales strategy for the Afeela 1 EV.American Honda claims no role in Sony Honda Mobility's sales plans.Wholesale used-vehicle prices dipped in the first half of May, giving back some of April's unusually strong gains. The market shows signs of normalization, even as demand for used vehicles remains steady.The Manheim Index fell to 205.9, down 1.1% from April but still up 4.4% YoY.Three-year-old vehicles depreciated less than average, down just 0.6%.Luxury and SUV segments led YoY gains; compact cars were the only group to decline.EVs rose 2.0% YoY but saw a 2.0% drop vs April, steeper than non-EVs.“As the tariff situation evolves and the frenzy of buying activity for new vehicles calms down, we expect wholesale pricing trends to remain more normal through Q2,” said Cox Automotive's Jeremy Robb.Side hustles aren't just a way to save for that vacation anymore—they're becoming an economic necessity for many Americans. With living costs rising and economic uncertainty looming, millions are turning to extra work just to stay afloat.44% of Americans now report having a side hustle; 43% of them rely on it to pay for basic living expenses.Bankrate data shows 71% earn under $500/month, with only 9% making over $2,000.Top gigs include web design, video editing, ride-hailing, delivery driving, and even voiceover work.Some are using side gigs to build AI-proof income streams in trades, tutoring, or specialized services.NetCredit reports AI-based gigs on Fiverr average $44.50/day—low but growing fast.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 #1047: Kia's veteran apprenticeship program is creating certified techs and stronger stores, while “American-made” is a lot harder to accomplish than it sounds. Plus, OpenAI is taking on software engineering with a new update.Show Notes with links:Kia America's Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program is helping dealers find, train, and retain top-tier tech talent by giving veterans a fast path to certification—and the results are showing up in the service drive.Launched in 2023, the program combines mentorship, on-the-job training, and a 30-day certification bootcamp.Approved by the DOL and VA, it offers tax credits and GI Bill stipends to offset dealer costs.462 Kia dealerships have enrolled; 278 veterans—including 16 women—have been hired so far.Participating stores report higher appointment volume, productivity, and lower tech turnover.Speaking about program graduate Caleb Samsel, Anthony Catalanotto of Generation Auto Group said “He's a leader. He says the right things. He does the right things. He's always in his uniform. He's always working hard. If someone can't figure something out, he's right with them.”Despite political pressure and patriotic branding, building a truly American-made vehicle is still more fantasy than factory reality. Ford's latest Expedition highlights just how global even U.S.-assembled vehicles remain.The Expedition is assembled in Kentucky, but only 58% of its parts are North American, with key components like engines and semiconductors still coming from overseas.Automakers say sourcing 90% U.S. content could raise vehicle prices $10K–$20K, pricing out many buyers.Past vehicles reached 90%+ U.S./Canada content; today's tech and globalization make that rare.“We can move everything to the U.S., but if every Ford is $50,000, we're not going to win,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley.OpenAI is expanding its capabilities in one of AI's most competitive frontiers: software engineering. Its new Codex agent is designed to handle complex coding tasks autonomously and at scale.Codex performs tasks like writing code, fixing bugs, running tests, and reviewing codebases.Built on the new codex-1 model, optimized from OpenAI's o3 reasoning architecture.Available to ChatGPT Pro, Team, and Enterprise users during a research preview.Competitors like Anthropic's Sonnet models still lead developer adoption, but the field is evolving quickly.“It is a fundamentally new way of working,” said OpenAI VP of Engineering Srinivas Narayanan.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.We're live from Friday morning at ASOTU CON.Last night, we closed with a keynote that shared our stories of how we got into the industry, and encouraged the industry to go and be leaders in their stores and communities.THANK YOU to everyone who came up to us and shared your story, and shared your hope for the future.This industry is built different.See you Monday!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.Welcome to Day 2 at ASOTU CON!Paul, Kyle and Michael recap Day 1 and talk about some of the things they've overheard on the show floor and on stages.Day 2 is shaping up to be amazing! See you tomorrow!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.Paul, Kyle and Michael hit the Content Corner to record a quick show before ASOTU CON 2025 kicks off officially. Follow all the action on social media!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 #1043: We're coming to you live from ASOTU CON 25! Today we're diving into Volkswagen and Uber's plan to launch ID. Buzz robotaxis by 2026, TikTok's surprising power in driving car sales, and what it all means for the future of mobility and marketing. Show Notes with links:Volkswagen and Uber are teaming up to bring self-driving ID. Buzz microbuses to U.S. streets. Testing starts this year, with full-scale deployment in Los Angeles by 2026.The electric, retro-styled ID. Buzz will serve as the vehicle for Uber's upcoming autonomous ride-hail service.Human-supervised testing begins in 2025, with LA as the launch city and national rollout planned.VW's MOIA subsidiary will handle the autonomous tech and platform integration.The deal aligns with VW's push into urban mobility and Uber's interest in expanding robotaxi options.“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility,” said VW's Christian Senger.TikTok's latest whitepaper dives deep into how the platform influences car buying decisions, debunking the myth that it's just for dances and pranks. With affluent users and a cultural grip, TikTok is revving its engine as a legit force in automotive marketing.TikTok drives 9.4% of all digital-driven inquiries despite a smaller ad spend.Outperforms other digital channels with 90% higher ROI vs. online video and 12% better than other digital platforms.Full-funnel campaigns see 14% more inquiries and 62% better efficiency with longer, balanced spends.TikTok's cultural influence makes or breaks brand equity, especially post-sale.“A brand's failure to fulfill its promises in this post-purchase phase can hurt brand equity seven times more than a positive encounter can benefit 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.Today Paul is the last man standing in the studio as the entire crew is on their way to ASOTU CON 2025. He sets the stage of what to expect over the next week and tells you how to be a part of the event even if you can't be there this year. 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.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 #1040: Today we're diving into a transatlantic tariff feud shaking up the luxury auto sector, a multistate lawsuit over EV charging funds, and why VW's nostalgic ID. Buzz just got benched. A new U.S.–U.K. trade deal that dramatically lowers tariffs on British auto exports is saving jobs at Jaguar Land Rover—but not without blowback. American automakers say the agreement favors British imports over North American-made vehicles, threatening jobs and supply chains at home.British auto exports to the U.S. will now face a 10% tariff—down from 27.5%—for up to 100,000 vehicles annually.Jaguar Land Rover, with 32% of its global sales in the U.S., has resumed exports and praised the deal for bringing certainty to the sector.The American Automotive Policy Council, representing GM, Ford, and Stellantis, condemned the deal, saying it undercuts USMCA-compliant vehicles made in Mexico or Canada.“This hurts American automakers, suppliers, and auto workers,” the Council said, warning the U.K. terms could set a damaging precedent for future trade deals.U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the deal at a JLR plant, calling the tariff cut “hugely important to me,” while JLR CEO Adrian Mardell “warmly welcomed” the agreement.California and 16 other states are taking the Trump administration to court aiming to reinstate $5 billion intended for EV charger expansion across the U.S. The states say the funding is critical for innovation, climate goals, and job growth.The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration's February directive to halt $5 billion in EV charger construction authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.States argue the move undermines efforts to reduce emissions and meet rising demand for clean transportation.California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the decision as “another Trump gift to China,” saying it kills U.S. jobs and innovation.Volkswagen's nostalgia-fueled ID. Buzz is hitting a bump in the road. A pair of recalls—including one over a missing seatbelt in the back row—has sidelined sales of the electric van that was meant to channel the spirit of the 1960s.VW is recalling about 5,600 ID. Buzz EVs because U.S. regulators say its third-row bench is wide enough for three passengers—but has only two seatbelts.The fix? VW will install unpadded trim to reduce the perceived seat width and stay within safety rules.A second recall involves the emergency brake warning light, which shows amber instead of the federally required red.Dealers have been ordered not to sell any affected ID. Buzz units until the repairs are made.“It really took the wind out of my breJoin 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 #1039: Today we're talking about Carvana's record-setting quarter and bold new goal, Ford's strategic price hikes post-tariffs, and why Google's stock took a beating after an Apple exec dropped a courtroom AI bomb.Show Notes with links:Carvana has bounced back in a major way, setting a new quarterly record for used-vehicle sales and showcasing the company's transformation from high-growth chaos to sustainable profitability, even amid looming tariff concerns.Q1 retail sales hit 133,898 units, up 46% year over year—beating their prior record by 16,000 vehicles.Net income reached $373M; revenue surged 38% to $4.2B.Tariffs caused a temporary demand bump, but Carvana is now focused on adapting inventory to price-sensitive consumer behavior.Carvana aims to sell 3 million vehicles annually within 5–10 years, targeting a 13.5% adjusted EBITDA margin by fully utilizing its existing infrastructure like ADESA megasites and inspection centers.CEO Ernie Garcia emphasized flexibility: “We've got significant margin to work with… and significant cash balances.”As the auto industry adjusts to newly announced tariffs, Ford is selectively increasing prices on several 2025 models while shielding current dealer inventory.Starting May 2, 2025 Mavericks, Bronco Sports, and Mach-Es (all produced in Mexico) will see MSRP increases of $600–$2,000, depending on trim and features.Existing stock and vehicles already in transit will keep their original sticker prices.Earlier this week, Ford withdrew its 2025 outlook, citing $1.5B in expected tariff-related earnings impact.Ford is one of the first major automakers to publicly respond to the impact of the tariffs with pricing strategy.“We can't forecast what we can't see,” said one executive privatelyIn a courtroom twist, an Apple executive may have confirmed Google's worst fear—that AI is starting to eat into its search dominance.Eddy Cue, Apple's services chief, testified that Safari searches dipped in April for the first time ever, likely due to users turning to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.Cue expects Apple will eventually add AI search engines as user-selectable options in Safari.The revelation came during Google's antitrust trial, where Apple disclosed it receives over $20B annually to keep Google the default.Google stock fell more than 7% following Cue's testimony, wiping out tens of billions in market cap. They responded by saying “we continue to see overall query growth,” especially from Apple platforms.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 #1038: Today we're talking about the expected surge in auto dealership M&A activity, Hyundai's latest software update that simplifies EV charging across major networks, and Tanger's decision to launch its back-to-school campaign early in response to ongoing tariff concerns.Show Notes with links:Though Q1 saw a dip in dealership buy-sell activity, The Presidio Group sees the rest of 2025 heating up. With election season uncertainty in the rearview, dealers may be ready to get back to the negotiating table.Q1 had 82 transactions involving 106 dealerships, down from 90 deals and 175 stores last year.Election year uncertainty slowed activity, but momentum is now rebounding with Presidio saying the pipeline is “robust” and expecting strong summer/fall dealmaking.Presidio President George Karolis said that tariffs are adding complexity, especially around brand valuation and sourcing strategies. However, many dealers are already looking past tariffs, and there are more buyers than sellers in the current market.“Certainly, [tariffs have] come up. If anything, maybe we're buying a little bit of time just to see what happens over the next 90 days before we finalize some transactions,” said Sonic Automotive President Jeff Dyke.Hyundai EV drivers just got a serious charging upgrade. With tighter app integration and support for plug-and-charge at Tesla Superchargers, the Ioniq lineup is catching up to the Tesla standard in user experience.New software upgrades bring MyHyundai app support for Tesla, ChargePoint, EVGo, and Ionna.Plug-and-charge is now available on Ioniq 5, Ioniq 9, and future EVs—just plug in and go.App features include route planning, charger location, and direct in-app payments.Older Hyundai EVs can access Superchargers with an adapter; however the Kona EV is not yet supported.The upgrade aims to make EV charging “as easy as gassing up.”As tariffs loom large, outlet mall giant Tanger is speeding up its seasonal strategy. The company's early back-to-school campaign kicks off June 1, tapping into consumer concerns over rising prices and potential supply shortfalls.Tanger CEO Stephen Yalof says early shopping means better deals and availability.This year's campaign targets 10 million TangerClub members with urgent messaging and marks a pivot from last year's late-July start.Other retailers like Fashion Nova and Beis are also urging pre-tariff purchases.“If they can make decisions early and shop early, then they can take advantage of getting the products they want at the price they want,” said Yalof.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 #1037: Today we break down Ford's Q1 fallout as tariffs cast a $1.5B shadow, electrified vehicles surge to nearly 25% of new-car sales led by hybrids and non-Tesla EVs, and Waymo revs up its driverless ambitions with a new Arizona mega-factory and major city expansion plans.Show Notes with links:Ford is bracing for a bumpy ride in 2025 after revealing a steep Q1 net income drop and pulling its full-year earnings forecast. Mounting tariff costs and factory downtime from SUV redesigns weighed heavily on the automaker's performance, with more uncertainty ahead.Net income fell 65% to $471M.Ford expects 2025 tariffs to cut profits by $1.5B, despite $1B in planned offsets.CFO says Q1 tariffs cost $200M, mitigated partly by bonded carrier routes through Canada.Ford Pro earned $1.3B (down 56%); Model e lost $849M despite a 15% EV sales bump.CEO Jim Farley: “We are strengthening our underlying business with significantly better quality and our third straight quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs.”Electrified vehicles accounted for nearly one in four new-car sales in Q1 2025, as hybrids led the growth and Tesla's dominance continued to wane. Buyers are moving fast—whether driven by rebates, tariffs, or just better options.EV sales hit 750,698 in Q1, up 29.6% YoY, with total electrified market share reaching 24.4%.Hybrids surged 44.1%, capturing 13.3% of all new-car sales, thanks largely to Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, Lexus, and Kia—who together own 97% of the segment.Tesla's BEV share dipped to 44.2%, while non-Tesla BEVs jumped 47%.Florida EV sales rose 42.5%, while Texas surged 37.1%, outpacing growth in traditional EV strongholds.“A significant part of it is due to automakers tapping into what drivers want. The 2025 lineup offers 71 unique models (up from 54 in 2025) with improved specs and options for every lifestyle." said Recurrent's Liz Najman. Waymo is transitioning from test phase to mass production, expanding its ride-hailing footprint while anchoring its future with a high-capacity, AV-focused factory in Arizona.Waymo One now handles 250,000 weekly rides across Phoenix, LA, SF, and Austin with expansions into Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C. planned in 2026A 239,000-square-foot factory in Mesa, AZ will build thousands of autonomous Jaguars annually, in partnership with Magna.The facility will feature a fully automated line and produce vehicles with Waymo's latest sixth-gen Driver tech.“The Waymo Driver integration plant in Mesa is the epicenter of our future growth plans,” said Ryan McNamara, Waymo's VP of operations.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 #1036: Warren Buffett shocks investors with a surprise retirement announcement, Tesla sweetens the Model Y deal to boost lagging demand, and Harley's LiveWire hits a wall while the legacy brand keeps the engine running. Show Notes with links:After 60 years of leading Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett has stunned the business world by announcing he will retire as CEO at the end of 2025. Buffett, now 94, made the announcement unceremoniously after nearly five hours of Q&A, stunning a packed stadium into silence.He had not previously disclosed his exact plans—not even to most of the board or Greg Abel, his named successor, who was sitting beside him at the time.Abel has already been managing most of Berkshire's sprawling empire since 2018, excluding insurance, and is described as a “quick study” with deep operational knowledge and a more involved leadership style. Buffett will stay on as chairman. Investors and analysts widely agree: nobody can replicate Buffett's investing instincts or the brand equity he brings to the table. “[Abel] would make a huge mistake trying to be Warren Buffett, and he knows that,” said Fidelity's Will Danoff.Buffett will leave behind a company with 189 operating businesses, $264 billion in stocks, and $348 billion in cash—along with a trust-based leadership culture.Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, one of the group's largest units, continues to play a key role, contributing 65% of the company's retail revenue in 2022, with over 100 franchises in 10 states.Tesla is offering low-interest financing on the new Model Y, signaling that demand isn't quite where they hoped it would be.New U.S. buyers can now get 1.99% APR or $0 down—a first for the refreshed Model Y.It follows a $2,000 discount offered just last week to early buyers.Despite being Tesla's best-seller, inventory is building up and wait times are unusually short.Tesla blamed Q1's weak deliveries on the Model Y changeover, but signs point to broader demand challenges.In Europe and China, things are worse—0% financing is already being offered to move cars.Harley-Davidson's electric offshoot LiveWire is facing serious headwinds, with sales collapsing and losses piling up—raising real questions about the brand's future.LiveWire sold just 33 electric motorcycles in Q1, down 72% year-over-year—a staggering drop for a brand once aiming for 100,000 units annually by 2026.The brand earned only $3 million in revenue but posted a $20 million operating loss, meaning it lost about $606,000 per bike.Harley blames a “volatile macroeconomic environment” and consumer hesitation amid economic uncertainty.Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson's core business weathered the storm, pulling in $1.32 billion in Q1 revenue despite shJoin 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 that's getting closer and closer to ASOTU CON, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to discuss the upcoming 3(!) car giveaways at ASOTU CON this year.Want to be a part of the action? Join us: www.asotucon.com/ticketsJoin 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 #1034: Today we dive into a legal showdown brewing in California over Afeela's sales strategy, Rivian's new campaign powered by real owners, and Chipotle's massive burrito giveaway honoring teachers and nurses.Show Notes with links:Just after suing Scout Motors, California dealers are challenging Sony Honda Mobility's direct-to-consumer model, questioning its legality under state franchise law.The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) is investigating whether Afeela's direct online sales circumvent state laws designed to protect franchisees.CNCDA President Brian Maas says if SHM is deemed affiliated with Honda, it must legally use franchise dealers to sell vehicles.The group is also reviewing activity at SHM's pop-up showrooms, concerned they might function as illegal retail outlets.“Our concern would be alleviated if Sony-Honda decided to have franchise dealers,” said Maas.https://www.autonews.com/rivian/an-rivian-marketing-campaign-0501/Rivian is leaning into its loyal community with its first national campaign, turning fan stories into fun, feel-good ads.The “Real Rivian Adventures” campaign uses real owner stories to showcase Rivian's brand values.The first ad features a kid using an R1T's outlet to power a lemonade stand blender, styled as a spaghetti western.Created by Mojo Supermarket, the campaign is rolling out across streaming and social platforms.It comes ahead of Rivian's more affordable R2 crossover launch, expected in 2026 at around $45K.“The more inclusive and collaborative we can be… that really is true to who we are,” said VP of Marketing Denise Cherry.Chipotle is giving away 200,000 free burrito e-cards to recognize teachers and healthcare professionals during their national appreciation weeks.100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to receive free entrée e-cards.Participants must sign up and verify their employment through ID.me to qualify.The giveaway coincides with Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9) and National Nurses Week (May 6–12).Chipotle's Round-Up for Real Change campaign also supports related nonprofits through customer donations.“Teachers and healthcare professionals are such important members of the communities we serve,” said Chris Brandt, chief brand officerJoin 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 #1033: Today we're talking Hyundai and Kia's red-hot April sales streak, Ford's surprise retreat from a major software project, and why most consumers still aren't sold on AI or social shopping tools.Show Notes with links:U.S. shoppers are racing to dealerships to beat rising prices from new import tariffs, driving Hyundai and Kia to record April sales as both brands notch their seventh straight month of year-over-year gains.Hyundai U.S. sales jumped 19% in April, while Kia sales rose 14%.EVs and hybrids continue to shine: Hyundai up 25%, Kia up 21%.Industrywide sales were projected to rise as much as 15% in April, though momentum cooled as the month progressed.U.S. new-vehicle inventory dropped to 2.57M units (61-day supply) in mid-April, down from 2.69M (70 days) at the start of April and 2.8M (81 days) a year ago, per Cox Automotive.“Inventory levels have declined substantially over recent weeks, likely pushing vehicle prices higher. The outlook for new-auto sales from here is more troubling,” said Cox Automotive's Charles Chesbrough.Ford has canceled its highly anticipated FNV4 electrical architecture project, once billed as key to competing with EV pioneers like Tesla. The move underscores the uphill battle legacy automakers face in modernizing vehicle software.FNV4 aimed to unify software across gas and electric models, cutting costs and boosting update speed.The project was scrapped due to cost overruns and delays, after contributing to nearly $10B in software and EV losses over two years.CEO Jim Farley admitted Ford's current system relies on code from 150 suppliers—creating major barriers to quality and speed.Ford is shifting focus to a California-based skunkworks team developing affordable EVs and advanced software.“The only strategic advantage any company can have is speed,” said Caresoft Global's Terry Woychowski.New data shows a growing divide in how U.S. consumers view tech-driven shopping. KPMG's summer 2025 survey suggests widespread hesitation toward AI and social commerce—while Capgemini sees signs of rising adoption, especially among Gen Z.63% of consumers haven't used AI shopping tools and don't plan to, per KPMG; 56% say the same for social shopping.Shoppers say they prefer doing their own research and aren't swayed by online ads—especially when privacy and data usage are involved.In contrast, Capgemini reports nearly 60% of consumers now use generative AI in place of traditional search, and a third shop directly via social media.Gen Z bucks the trend: over half have made purchases via social platforms, and TikTok shoppers spent an average of $708 on the app last year.“The visual nature of fashion makes it a perfect fit for platforms like Instagram and TikTok,” said KPMG's Sam Ganga, urginJoin 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 #1032: Today we break down Trump's new tariff offsets for U.S. automakers, GM's massive recall of its flagship V-8, and a heartwarming $50K donation from West Herr's CEO to support local youth.Show Notes with links:President Trump is throwing automakers a bit of a lifeline on tariffs—but it's not a free ride. His new executive orders are easing some of the pressure, but only if manufacturers meet some very specific conditions.Automakers who build vehicles in the U.S. can apply for a special reimbursement starting April 3, 2025.That reimbursement is worth 3.75% of the MSRP for the first year, dropping to 2.5% in year two.To qualify for the full break, at least 85% of the vehicle's parts have to be made in the U.S. or in a country covered by the USMCA.If a vehicle hits 50% U.S. content, the company will only pay tariffs on the remaining 35% instead of the full 50%.Parts themselves are also capped—companies can get reimbursed for components making up to 15% of a vehicle's value in year one, and 10% in year two.Vehicles and parts must be assembled in the U.S. to qualify, and a new system for applying is expected within 30 days.At a Detroit rally yesterday, President Trump said, “They took in parts from all over the world. I don't want that. I want them to make their parts here. We gave them a little bit of time before we slaughter them if they don't do this.”In news that hits close to home, General Motors has issued a voluntary recall of 721,000 6.2-liter V-8 engines due to potential engine seizure, affecting pickups and large SUVs built from March 2021 through May 2024.The issue stems from rod bearing damage caused by sediment and crankshafts with improper dimensions and surface finish.Faulty components were supplied by American Axle & Manufacturing and Questum Macimex.Dealers face backlog challenges as each engine swap takes over 22 hours and requires full replacement engines.GM says inspections will begin first; engines that pass will receive 0W-40 oil, a new filter, cap, and owner's manual update.“The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team,” said spokesman Bill Grotz.We'll end the show with a bright spot: During the Depew-Lancaster Boys & Girls Club's Spring Fundraiser, West Herr President/CEO Scott Bieler made a surprise $50,000 donation through his family foundation.The gift honored Bethanne Hollis, West Herr's VP of Variable Ops and a club board member.The donation helps offset major funding losses for the club this year.Funds will directly support local youth programs and services.“We are so lucky to have both of these amazing individuals leading the way,” West Herr statJoin 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 #1031: Today we're talking about Trump's possible easing of auto tariffs ahead of a Michigan trip, GM's courtroom defense over driver data privacy, and why e-commerce might be losing its edge as shoppers crave more fun and surprise.As he prepares to visit Michigan for the 100-day mark of his second term, President Trump is signaling potential changes that could ease the auto industry's tariff burdens.The administration is considering adjustments to tariffs on imported auto parts and may exempt automakers from certain steel and aluminum duties.The policy shift, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, appears aimed at supporting domestic manufacturers and suppliers.Proposed changes would address the “stacking” of tariffs—where multiple levies apply to the same imported vehicle—by potentially eliminating overlapping duties.The potential relief follows a joint letter from major automakers, including GM and Toyota, urging the administration to reconsider.“This deal is a major victory for the president's trade policy,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, “by rewarding companies who manufacture domestically.”General Motors is facing a wave of lawsuits accusing the automaker of secretly collecting and selling drivers' behavioral data—claims GM is now trying to dismiss with a bold new legal argument.The lawsuits began in March 2024, alleging GM, OnStar, and data firms like LexisNexis shared driver behavior data without proper consent.GM discontinued its Smart Driver program in April 2024 and ended partnerships with LexisNexis and Verisk after public backlash.Now, GM argues the data collection didn't violate privacy because driving behavior on public roads isn't protected under privacy laws.“Driving data includes vehicle location, routes, braking events, and speed—all occurring on public thoroughfares,” GM said in its dismissal filing.“Roadways are public, and these behaviors are observed by all,” GM stated, citing precedent that public conduct doesn't carry a reasonable expectation of privacy.A new study from Criteo reveals that the digital checkout rush might be fading, with consumers craving the discovery and delight of in-store shopping.More than 75% of consumers say e-commerce is functional—but not fun—with 29% calling it a chore.Shoppers miss the thrill of the unexpected: 36% long for the “surprise finds” that often come in-store.A majority find online shopping overwhelming (78%) and lonely (79%), with only half describing it as enjoyable.While data privacy remains a concern, 43% of consumers are open to sharing data for a more tailored experience.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 #1030: Today we're talking about the real hurdles to moving auto production stateside, catching up with Carlos Ghosn's new life as a leadership coach (and fugitive), and Amazon's surprising new experiment that lets shoppers stray beyond its walls.Show Notes with links:A quarter of U.S. automotive assembly capacity sat unused at the end of 2024, suggesting opportunity amid the backdrop of President Trump's tariffs. However, shifting production to underutilized plants is far more complicated than it sounds.Toyota, BMW, and Honda used over 80% of their U.S. production capacity, leaving little room for more output.Automakers like Stellantis, GM, Ford, and Nissan have more idle capacity but face logistical and investment hurdles.Stellantis' Warren Truck Plant has just 17% utilization but can't quickly absorb new models without major investment, despite being able to build related pickups and SUVs.Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant could theoretically take on new models like the Mustang Mach-E, but even the fastest transition would still take six months to a year to execute.Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions said: "The rhetoric that moving assembly of vehicles into open spaces is easy and quick is not accurate."Five years after his dramatic escape from Japan, former Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn is living a quieter life in Lebanon — but remains an international fugitive still shadowed by legal battles.Ghosn lives in a disputed $20M mansion, running executive bootcamps for midlevel managers at a Lebanese university.Despite legal threats from France and Japan, Lebanon's refusal to extradite its citizens keeps him out of reach.He still denies all accusations, blaming Nissan insiders for orchestrating his downfall to block a deeper Renault-Nissan alliance.Ghosn remains bullish on globalization, calling recent tariff tensions “a joke” against broader interconnected trends.He criticized the post-split struggles of Nissan and Renault: “Nissan is begging for some financial help, and Renault is back to what it was before 1999 — a small European company.”In a surprising pivot from its traditional walled-garden strategy, Amazon is testing a program that lets customers shop directly from third-party brand websites — without leaving its app.Shoppers can either be redirected to brand sites or complete purchases through Amazon's “Buy for Me” checkout feature.Amazon handles payment transfer securely, while shipping, returns, and customer service stay with the brand.The move allows Amazon to collect deeper shopper data, enhancing ad targeting and product recommendations.Industry experts suggest Amazon is trading short-term sales for long-term insights and stronger ad business.Jason Goldberg of Publicis said: “The bigger share of a custoJoin 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 bring Daniel Govaer to the show with him to talk about how Leif Johnson in Texas brought together off-road truck owners - Raptors, Broncos and Rangers - to take part in an off-road rally to benefit Make-A-Wish.You can find out more and donate here: https://www.leifjohnsonford.com/raptor-rally.htmlJoin 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 #1028: Today we talk about VinFast ditching direct sales for a full franchise model, Slate launching a no-frills EV pickup that's shaking things up under $20K, and the growing movement toward skills-based hiring over college degrees.Show Notes with links:VinFast is officially out of the direct-to-consumer game in California, shifting gears to focus solely on franchised dealers across the U.S. The pivot comes as the Vietnamese EV maker wrestles with rising costs, sliding U.S. registrations, and mounting losses.VinFast is closing all 15 of its company-owned California showrooms in favor of a full franchise model.The brand currently has 38 dealer locations either open or on the way across 16 states.U.S. EV registrations dipped to just 367 in Jan–Feb 2025, an 18% year-over-year decline.The VF 8 accounted for 321 of those, while the three-row VF 9 saw just 46.The company posted a $3.18B net loss in 2024; despite revenue growth, operating costs surged.After months of mystery and speculation, Slate, the American EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has made its first big move—introducing an all-electric, highly customizable pickup that ditches luxury frills for practicality and affordability.Slate is taking a “clean slate” approach by skipping high-end trims and focusing on accessibility.It will be built in the U.S., comes with over 100 optional accessories, and starts below $20,000 after federal incentives.The flagship model is modular, converting from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV with optional flat-pack kit.The interior is stripped-down with HVAC knobs, crank windows and a universal phone mount—your OS, your way.Specs include a 52–84 kWh battery, 150 kW RWD motor, 8-second 0-60, and up to 240 miles range.Slate will sell directly to consumers with a $50 reservation; first deliveries are slated for Q4 2026.CEO Chris Barman says: “The definition of what's affordable is broken. Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry.”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 #1027: Lithia leans into affordability while breaking records despite tariffs. Carvana boosts its reconditioning game in Colorado. And Chipotle turns up the charm, teaching 3,800 teams to smile their way to better hospitality.Show Notes with links:While tariffs loom over the auto industry, Lithia Motors is leaning into its diversified strategy and breaking financial records. CEO Bryan DeBoer says the dealership giant is uniquely positioned to ride out the storm.Roughly 45% of Lithia's inventory isn't impacted by current tariffs, providing a significant buffer.The company posted a record $9.2 billion in Q1 revenue (up 7.2%) and $211.2 million in net income (up 28%).Lithia's emphasis on affordability, including older used vehicles, has strengthened its market position.With parts prices rising, DeBoer stressed the importance of matching pricing with competitors like Jiffy Lube and AutoZone, while offering both OEM and aftermarket parts.“With tariffs, we sit quite nicely,” said DeBoer, calling Lithia “probably the most diversified and least impacted” of the major retailers.Carvana is expanding its operational footprint in a big way, bringing inspection and reconditioning (IRC) services to its Colorado Springs ADESA auction site—marking its eighth national Megasite.The new Megasite in Fountain, CO spans 50 acres. It supports both retail recon and wholesale auction needs and will create 100 new jobs.With added IRC capacity, Carvana can offer more inventory and speed up delivery times for local buyers.This move enhances Carvana's recon and fulfillment network, bringing vehicles to market more efficiently.“This integration will bring a wider selection of vehicles with quick shipping times to local retail customers, and provide a more robust offering for local wholesale customers,” said Brian Boyd, SVP of Inventory.A customer study revealed Chipotle lacked friendliness and cleanliness, especially during peak hours so CEO Scott Boatwright has announced a new hospitality push including smiling staff, cleaner dining areas, and better on-site issue recovery.Every employee is now coached to greet customers with a smile at the tortilla station and end transactions with a heartfelt thank you, reinforcing a culture of warmth without slowing operations.Staff across all 3,800+ restaurants have been trained on “exceptional hospitality” standards.Despite a dip in transactions, Q1 sales were up 6.4% to $2.9 billion—driven by new locations.“The fact is, smiles down the line don't slow us down,” said Boatwright.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 #1026: California dealers are taking legal action against Scout Motors over its direct-sales model. Elon Musk plans to scale back his government role amid Tesla's slumping sales. And new code reveals OpenAI may soon integrate Shopify directly into ChatGPT, turning the AI into a full retail assistant.The California New Car Dealers Association is going to court over Scout Motors' retail strategy, saying the VW-owned startup is sidestepping franchise laws and undercutting the state's dealer network.Dealers claim Scout violates California Vehicle Code Section 11713.3, which bars automakers from bypassing franchised dealers if the brand is affiliated with an existing franchise network.A 2024 amendment clarifies that new EV brands under a legacy OEM must sell through franchised dealers if they share ownership.CNCDA argues that VW can't legally claim Scout is “independent” when it's wholly owned by Volkswagen AG.The association says VW dealers are being unfairly excluded from selling Scout's high-demand electric SUVs and pickups, and the lawsuit seeks over $35M in fines, plus a full sales halt and deposit freeze in California.“Illegal competition will harm not only dealers but also the communities and car buyers that they serve,” said CNCDA President Brian Maas.Elon Musk says he'll scale back his government work next month and refocus on Tesla, where sales are dropping, margins are thinning, and investors are restless.Musk says the “slog” of setting up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is mostly done, but still plans to spend 40% of his time on it.Tesla stock jumped 5.5% after Musk's remarks on an earnings call; shares are still down nearly 50% from their December peak.Tesla's Q1 revenue missed estimates at $19.34B, with auto revenue down 20% and net profit down 71%.Musk reiterated support for lower tariffs but acknowledged Tesla isn't immune to "macro demand for cars," noting that economic uncertainty leads consumers to "pause on doing a major capital purchase like a car."Tesla is on track for a mid-2025 launch of an affordable EV and a June debut of its Austin-based robotaxi fleet.OpenAI is setting the stage for ChatGPT to become a full-fledged shopping assistant, as new code hints at a direct integration with Shopify that could streamline the entire purchase journey—from query to checkout.Code found in ChatGPT's public web assets includes tags like “buy_now” and “shopify_checkout_url,” suggesting native shopping support.If confirmed, this would allow users to move from query to checkout in seconds—no affiliate links, just direct Shopify-powered transactions.OpenAI's move mirrors Microsoft's April launch of the Copilot Merchant Program, which embeds shopping directly into the AI experience.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 #1025: We cover Nissan's plan to hold vehicle prices through early June and increase U.S. production in response to tariffs. Plus we examine Tesla's strategic repositioning of the Cybertruck and how cybercriminals are creating a realistic-looking phishing campaign using Google's own tools.Show Notes with links:Nissan is staying steady on pricing through June 2 and looking to its underused U.S. factories to soften the blow of auto tariffs. The strategy focuses on affordability and domestic production leverage.Nissan has a 3-month supply of tariff-free vehicles and won't raise prices yet.The company plans to boost output at Smyrna, TN and Canton, MS plants, all of which operated at half their capacity in 2024.Rogue production will jump by 54% over the next year, adding 60,000 units, while price cuts of $1K on 2025 Rogue and Pathfinder aim to drive demand.Nissan is incentivizing retailers with its April and May dealer volume bonus program, which pays extra cash to stores that meet sales targets.“We count all the cars [toward the sales target], but we only pay on the U.S.-made cars because we want to give [them a] tailwind,” said Nissan Americas Chair Christian MeunierTesla is quietly shifting the Cybertruck's identity from status symbol to workhorse after early hype faded, trucks stockpiled, and political ties turned divisive. The new approach aims to resonate with a more traditional truck-buying audience.Cybertruck deliveries remain under 50,000; demand has sharply declined with sales dropping 50% in Q1.Tesla updated the product page with rugged, utilitarian imagery, aligning with Ford's F-150 ads.Sales teams report it's harder to sell the truck to actual truck buyers; its novelty isn't enough."They need to advertise durability. It needs to be used and abused, and all of the capabilities that make it a work truck need to be on full display," said Edmunds' Ivan Drury.Cybercriminals are exploiting Google's own “Sites” app to run a phishing campaign that convincingly mimics law enforcement subpoenas and bypasses email authentication safeguards.Emails appear from “no-reply@google.com” and claim law enforcement access to your account.Attackers use Google Sites to create convincing portals that evade DKIM checks.DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) authentication is passed since the emails originate from Google's own infrastructure.Google has acknowledged the issue and is deploying mitigations while encouraging 2FA and passkeys.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 #1025: Today we're talking about how the Top 100 used-car dealers are adapting to a tougher wholesale market, why Tesla is hitting pause on its most affordable Model Y plans yet and what Sam's Club is doing with checkout.Show Notes with links:The Automotive News Top 100 U.S. Used-Car Dealership Groups list is out—and the big takeaway isn't just who's up or down, but how they're adapting to survive. As competition at auctions grows fiercer, retailers are shifting hard into alternative sourcing strategies.Krause Auto Group posted the biggest leap on the list, jumping 25 spots to No. 67 with a 39% sales increase.Holman (up 24 spots), DARCARS (up 20), and Swickard Auto Group (up 17) also made significant moves, with strategies ranging from better internal competition to expanded certification and F&I offerings.Van Horn Automotive Group, based in Plymouth, Wis., cracked the Top 100 for the first time at No. 69. Roughly half of its monthly used purchases come from auctions; the rest are sourced through service lanes and direct outreach.“We've had to readapt... because it's just not that easy to go to the auction and get 100 cars,” said Brian Wieland, used-car director at Van Horn.Groups represented at ASOTU CON - 98 Holler-Classic, 87 CMA, 71 Russ Darrow, 67 Krause, 48 Rohrman, 28 RML Automotive, 21 Ourisman, 20 Walser, 16 HolmanTesla's long-anticipated push into affordable EV territory is hitting a speed bump. The automaker has delayed the launch of a stripped-down Model Y, codenamed E41, intended to bolster waning sales and broaden its customer base.Production of the lower-cost Model Y in the U.S. is now expected in late 2025 or early 2026, missing earlier targets for this year.Tesla plans to build 250,000 units of the model in the U.S. in 2026.The E41 is designed to cost 20% less to produce than the refreshed Model Y, which currently starts around $49,000.The delay underscores mounting pressure from aging models, increased global tariffs, and reputational challenges linked to Elon Musk's political activity.Sam's Club is betting on the future of checkout by putting it into customer's hands and phones. As part of a major remodel of all 600 locations, the retailer is ditching both traditional and self-checkout lanes in favor of a fully app-powered experience.Every store will adopt the Scan & Go app, eliminating traditional checkout entirely.AI tech will verify purchases, removing the need for receipt checks at exits.One-third of members already use the app, with usage up 50% over three years.Digitally engaged customers shop three times as frequently as those are are not, and spend three times as muchJoin 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 on the show, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins Kyle and Nathan to talk about their Easter plans, and then Chris talk about how Easterns Auto Group partnered with DC Peers, a volunteer-led social group for neurodiverse people and grew into a full-fledged nonprofit serving individuals from middle school through age 60.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 #1023:  From tariff talk taking over the New York Auto Show to Toyota rethinking RAV4 production, and LiveWire's electric leap into law enforcement—we've got you covered.Show Notes with links:Automakers came to New York looking to celebrate new vehicles, but found themselves answering the same old questions—about tariffs. Despite flashy debuts and high-octane reveals, the weight of trade policy loomed over every conversation.Subaru U.S. chief Jeff Walters debuted the all-new Outback, only to field immediate questions about tariffs instead of the vehicle.Nissan embraced the tension with a tongue-in-cheek window decal reading “FREE from new tariffs” on its U.S.-built models.They also revealed plans to build 80% of U.S. inventory domestically, up from 50%, citing flexibility amid tariff volatility.Tariffs dominated nearly every conference panel, with one moderator finally pausing and saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, the bar is open.” It was 10 a.m.Our friend John Bozzella of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation called for more time and flexibility, warning that rushed tariff policy could mean “increased prices and a slowing of sales.” “The key is time for adjustment,” Bozzella said. “This is a massive industry.”Toyota is reevaluating its production strategy for the next-gen RAV4, exploring a shift to U.S. manufacturing as a hedge against 25% import tariffs and currency swings.Toyota sold over 475,000 RAV4s in the U.S. last year—its most popular model, making up 20% of its U.S. volume.Originally planned for export from Japan and Canada, U.S. production in Kentucky is now under serious consideration.The shift would help meet expected demand and mitigate tariff-related costs, with potential U.S. output beginning in 2027.While plans aren't final, Toyota noted it “continually studied ways to improve its manufacturing” but declined to confirm speculation.LiveWire, the electric spin-off from Harley-Davidson, is getting into the public service game with a new line of police-spec electric motorcycles.The new fleet includes emergency lighting, sirens, and reinforced mounts, tailored for urban patrol, motorcades, and event security.Benefits include low maintenance, silent operation, and instant torque—ideal for quick maneuvering through tight city traffic.Custom ride modes, regenerative braking, and one-handed operation aim to reduce officer fatigue and improve shift efficiency.Police departments can choose from a suite of configurations, reinforcing the model's flexibility in law enforcement roles.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 #1021: We hit the ground at the NY Auto Forum to catch up with the voices shaping the retail auto landscape, featuring interviews with Mike Stanton, John Bozzella, Stewart Stropp, Tom Castriota, Alan Haig and Bernie Moreno. From EV and tariff turbulence to actionable insights and dealer valuations, this episode is packed with takeaways from the industry's front lines. Thanks to Liftkit for making it all happen.Tariff Talk & EV TargetsTariffs could cause pandemic-level supply shocks; NADA urges policymakers to consider job risk and affordability.EV mandates like NY and CA's 35% target by 2026 are “mathematically impossible” under current conditions, per John Bozzella, President of Alliance for Automotive Innovation.Dealers should monitor, not panic; manufacturers want more time to respond to sudden policy shifts.Tom Castriota, Chairman of NADA echoes the need for consistent messaging: “We're monitoring, not making knee-jerk moves.”Data-Driven Service & TrustJD Power's Stewart Stropp shared how combining data sets with AI can help dealers act on real-time insights.Platforms that merge call center, OEM surveys, and social content are improving customer retention.Tools like photo/video MPI drive measurable profit gains—up to 40% higher RO totals.People First, Politics LaterSenator Bernie Moreno encourages dealers to double down on people and operations: used cars, finance, service.Calls on dealers to engage with state reps: “Don't make me the last auto dealer in the Senate.”Blunt on EV policy: “Make cars consumers want, not what politicians want.”Valuation Steady Amid UncertaintyDespite tariff concerns, Alan Haig says dealer buy/sell activity is strong with values beating expectations.Toyota and Lexus remain top targets; Kia and Mazda are rising stars.“Private buyers still see a 20-year horizon,” Haig notes.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 #1020: We're breaking down retail sales insights for March (not just auto) driven by pre-tariff buying sprees as we dive into data from Cars Commerce's latest Q1 report. We also talk about a household brand that helps people build things, diving into helping them be more engaged gamers. Show Notes with links:Market data is in for March and it was the 6th highest March for new car sales since 1976 largely driven by pre-tariff buying. Our friends at Cars Commerce is making these insights available for free in their Q1 Industry Insights ReportMarch sales grew 11% YoY, pushing the Q1 average up 4.8% YoY despite January and February being up only 1%Average new-car prices hold steady at ~$49,000 for the last 18 months which is holding at 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels.Trade-in values are expected to rise in the coming months, fueled by anticipated increases in new-car prices driven by tariffs.$30-$49K cars are now the fastest growing segment as tariffs threaten sub-$30K Inventory89% of sub-30k vehicles are made outside the USOnly the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and the soon to be discontinued Chevy Malibu are made in the USTesla and non-Tesla EV search intensity is trending toward parity for the first time as Tesla searches dropped 11% YoYRetail sales made a strong rebound in March, rising 1.4% from February to $734.9 billion, with automotive leading the pack. But inflation fears and consumer sentiment paint a more complex picture for future spending.Retail sales jumped 4.6% year over year, with a sharp March rebound after February's weak 0.2% gain.Auto and parts dealers led the way, up 5.3%, tightening new and used vehicle inventories.Inflation dropped for the first time since May 2020, but tariffs threaten future price hikes.Consumer sentiment fell 11% in April to 50.8, the fourth straight monthly decline.“The consumer is not feeling great given the confusion of policy announcements from Washington,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.Lowe's is embedding itself directly into the sports gaming world through EA Sports titles as the home improvement giant targets younger, gaming-savvy audiences where they already spend time.Lowe's branding will appear in games like Madden, College Football 26, and EA Sports FC.A “Stadium Pulse” feature will showcase Lowe's during intense in-game moments.Players can earn in-game perks tied to MyLowe's Rewards in future Ultimate Team challenges.eMarketer found that interstitial ads, or full-screen advertisements displayed during natural breaks in a user's experience — such as between levels in a game — are often skipped by gamers, but opt-in video ads “that offer an incentive to click, like an in-game reward, can succeed, but it depends on how valuable the reward 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 #1019: On a special edition of the Automotive State of the Union, Paul and Kyle are joined by Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, the first and only auto dealer in the senate.Senator Moreno had just finished presenting on the stage at the NY Auto Forum and spoke about how dealers can help their teams through troubling times, how they can get more involved in their local communities and what the future looks like for EVs.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.Paul, Kyle, Michael, and Nathan woke up at 4am so they could be in NYC by breakfast to begin the day of coverage at the JD Power Auto Forum in Manhattan. They'll be talking to industry experts and Dealers about the current Dealer response to tariffs, inventory, and people strategy. Show Notes with links:Auto Forum preview: Mike Cottone (Pres. Volvo), Randy Parker (CEO N.A. Hyundai/Genesis), Sen. Bernie Moreno, John Bozzella, Tom DollPresident Trump is considering exemptions to steep auto part tariffs to ease the transition for carmakers shifting supply chains back to the U.S. This could offer short-term relief for manufacturers—and markets took notice.Trump may delay tariffs on some imported auto parts.Automakers say immediate tariffs would trigger layoffs and price hikes.Shares of Ford, GM, and Stellantis rallied after Trump's comments.The 25% vehicle tariff and upcoming parts tariffs are part of his American manufacturing push.“They need a little bit of time, because they're going to make them here,” Trump said.Insurance premiums for Teslas are rising nearly three times faster than the rest of the market, fueled by high repair costs and increased vandalism. Despite Tesla's efforts, the financial hit is landing squarely on owners' wallets.Tesla insurance premiums jumped 22–29% across key models.The Model Y saw the steepest rise—nearly 3x the national average.Vandalism and expensive repairs are the main culprits.Tesla's own body shops haven't yet eased premium hikes.Average 2025 insurance cost for a Model 3: $4,364 per year.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 #1017: Today we talk Polestar's bold Tesla takedown with a $20K lease play, Jeff Bezos' stealthy new EV startup with big aspirations, and GM's pause on BrightDrop van production despite rock-bottom pricing.Show Notes with links:A secretive EV startup based in Michigan is gaining attention fast. Funded by Jeff Bezos and stocked with talent from Ford, GM, Harley-Davidson, and Stellantis, Slate Auto is taking a bold swing at building a $25,000 electric pickup.Founded in 2022 via Re:Build Manufacturing, Slate has already raised over $100 million and closed a Series B round.The company is targeting late 2026 production near Indianapolis, building a minimalist two-seat pickup truck.Slate's strategy flips the usual EV script—start affordable and scale with accessories, not luxury trims.Its product roadmap includes personalization, merchandise, and “Slate University” for customer-led upgrades.“We built it. You make it,” is the company's trademarked mission to empower buyers with customization.Polestar is going big to lure Tesla owners, offering a jaw-dropping $20,000 incentive for drivers to lease the new Polestar 3 luxury EV crossover—an offer good through the end of March.The deal includes a $15,000 “Clean Vehicle Incentive” plus a $5,000 “Conquest Bonus” for current Tesla owners.The offer applies only to leased 2025 Polestar 3s; delivery must be taken from existing inventory before March 31.The Polestar 3 is sleek, spacious, and built in South Carolina with top-tier tech and sustainable materials.Performance specs include up to 517 hp, a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, and up to 350 miles of range.The Polestar offer says: “The Polestar 3 offers more comfort, tech, and style than the aging Model Y,”GM is hitting the brakes on production of its all-electric BrightDrop van at its Ontario facility due to soft demand—despite deep discounts and compelling incentives that still make it a standout EV deal.Production at CAMI Assembly will pause April 14 and remain idle until October 2025 for retooling.The move affects nearly 500 workers and drops the plant to a single shift post-relaunch.Only 274 BrightDrop vans were sold in Q1 2025—a modest 7% increase year-over-year.The announcement follows market jitters caused by Trump's tariff threats and broader EV hesitations.“It's a crushing blow to hundreds of working families in Ingersoll,” said Unifor President Lana Payne.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to deliver hot takes on chicken, Thanksgiving and traditions, then pivots to talk about the Subaru Share The Love campaign and how Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru Corporate raised a grand total of $205K for a local children's hospital just through car sales.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1015: Today we're diving into how global tensions are reshaping Tesla's China strategy, why car buyers rushed showrooms ahead of auto tariffs, and why Harvard says better mentoring might be the secret to fixing retail's revolving door of turnover.Show Notes with links:Tesla has stopped taking orders for its U.S.-made Model S sedans and Model X crossovers in China as trade tensions between the U.S. and China flare up once again.China will increase tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% on April 12, including autos.Tesla's Model S and X are built in Fremont, California, making them directly affected.The option to order these models disappeared from Tesla's China site in early April.Tesla's Shanghai factory, which makes the Model 3 and Y, isn't affected by the new tariffs.Model S and X made up fewer than 2,000 of Tesla's 661,000+ Chinese sales last year.A spike in new car sales last month wasn't just spring fever. According to Cloud Theory, auto shoppers raced to dealerships in March to beat looming tariffs.March saw 1.31 million new vehicles sold — a 38% jump from February.Cloud Theory attributes 153,000 of those sales to fear of impending price hikes from tariffs.Average marketed prices rose $1,123 from late February through March with SUVs, full-size pickups, and heavy duty trucks seeing the most increase — thanks to V8 engines sourced from Canada.Discounts and incentives dropped by $432 in March as OEMs braced for higher costs.“While this led to very strong results in the short term… the longer-term effects will likely be highly detrimental,” said Cloud Theory's Rick Wainschel.A new Harvard study says the key to lowering retail's notoriously high turnover may be simpler than we think: invest in frontline workers' career growth and mentorship.Researchers found that most low-wage workers actually want to keep their jobs to avoid disruption in their lives — especially once they're comfortable with their coworkers.Over 60% said they'd stay with their employer if they saw a real path to advance, but with many supervisors overseeing up to 20 employees, personalized feedback and coaching are rare.Employees often fear asking for promotions or raises, worried it might cost them their jobs.A related McKinsey study also showed career development was the top reason non-managers wanted to leave. Their advice? Empower managers — because their impact cascades throughout the whole organization.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1014: Today, we're covering President Trump's pause on reciprocal tariffs leaves auto imports still facing steep duties, while a record number of buyers turn to 84-month loans to afford today's rising prices.Show Notes with links:The auto industry is still squarely in the tariff crosshairs, even as President Trump backs off his broader reciprocal tariff plan. While a new 10% base tariff replaces most of the global duties, the 25% tariff on vehicles—and key materials like steel and aluminum—remains firmly in place.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed auto, steel, and aluminum duties are sector-specific and still active.Despite ongoing auto tariffs, markets surged on the pause news—Tesla jumped 22.7%, GM rose 7.7%, and Ford gained 9.3%.Industry leaders are pushing for relief with MichAuto's Glenn Stevens Jr. advocating for protecting the international supply chain, calling the fragmentation “harmful” to competitiveness.President Trump said he would consider exempting specific companies from tariffs, saying “We're going to take a look at that.”More new-vehicle buyers are turning to 84-month loans than ever before, highlighting just how financially stretched today's car shoppers remain.According to Edmunds, 20% of Q1 new-vehicle loans were for 84 months, up from 16% in 2024 and 13% in 2019.The average amount financed also jumped to over $41K compared to $32K in Q1 2019.On the used side, 12% of loans ran 84 months, more than double the 5.3% seen in 2019, with an average of $28K financed.Dealer Michael Cummings of I-10 Toyota: “I really, really don't like going 84 months... it's not healthy for the customers in the long run. It's not healthy for us dealers in the long run.”A new report from Retail TouchPoints, citing Forrester's 2024 U.S. CX Index, reveals that customer service is at its worst level since 2016. Despite access to advanced tech, only 3% of brands are truly customer-focused — and shoppers are losing patience.70% of customers say it's hard to find in-store help; 83% of associates say their jobs are too complex.Shoppers prioritize speed over flair—19% say quick item location drives return visits.Brands like Tractor Supply and Dick's use “store mode” apps to show real-time inventory and item locations.GenAI is gaining traction: 84% of customer service managers plan to deploy AI agents in 2025, up from 42% in 2023.“With greater customer experiences comes greater responsibility,” says CI&T's Melissa Minkow.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1013: We cover the impact of upcoming tariffs on auto repair and insurance costs, seasonal shifts in EV range, and a new Pew survey revealing a major divide between AI experts and public opinion.Show Notes with links:Auto repair bills are on the verge of a sharp climb, and the clock is ticking. A 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, recently enacted by President Trump, officially takes effect May 3 — and it could add hundreds to even routine repair jobs.Roughly 44% of OEM parts are imported, many from Taiwan and other countries not exempt under USMCA, according to Cox Automotive.Experts say a standard brake job could jump $150–$200 per axle as parts hit with tariffs filter into the supply chain.Many shops have just 4-6 weeks of parts inventory and dealerships like LaFontaine Auto are proactively contacting customers who previously declined service to lock in current prices before the May 3 deadline.Insurance premiums may increase later in 2025 as claims costs go up, though experts say stolen vehicle rates and personal injury remain the bigger drivers.“Go get it done today because we could be having some different conversations in a couple of weeks,” said Skyler Chadwick, director of product consulting at Cox Automotive.If you're planning a road trip in an electric vehicle, do it in July or August. A new report from Vaisala Xweather shows those are the best months for EV range across the U.S., with average distances peaking at 267 miles.From June to September 2024, average EV range topped 250 miles in all 48 contiguous states and D.C.In contrast, January 2025 saw every state fall below the 250-mile median, with North Dakota at the bottom with 171 miles.Factors like air density, cabin heating, wind, and snow contribute to winter range dips.A sweeping new Pew survey highlights a major disconnect between AI experts and the general public. While most experts see AI as a personal and societal benefit, the average American is more worried than excited — and trust is in short supply.76% of AI experts believe AI will benefit them personally, while just 24% of the public feels the same.Only 11% of Americans are more excited than concerned about daily AI use; 51% are more concerned than excited.Both groups agree: the government can't be trusted to regulate AI effectively.83% of Americans say AI won't make them more productive, and 94% say it won't make them happier.I asked ChatGPT what it thought of this article: “The gap between how experts and everyday people view AI isn't just about knowledge — it's about experience. I can process data and generate insights, but I don't live in a world where AI decisions impact my job, privacy, or sense of agency. That's why human perspectives, especially diverJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1012: Today we're talking about Lithia Motors' internal challenge to boost service growth, FM Capital's $240M bet on auto tech startups—with strong dealer backing, and the mounting issues facing Tesla's Cybertruck.Show Notes with links:Facing underperformance in its service and parts growth, Lithia Motors is turning inward, challenging its frontline teams to raise the bar and reclaim momentum in a key revenue area.Lithia's Q4 same-store service and parts revenue grew 3.4%, falling short of peers like Sonic (10%) and Penske (6.2%).CEO Bryan DeBoer emphasized it's not a technician shortage, but a “mindset issue” among service advisers and managers.The company is expanding its Partners Group program to include department managers, offering stock incentives tied to higher performance standards.COO Adam Chamberlain sees aftersales as a major 2025 growth driver, but warns current operations sacrifice customer pay for warranty work.DeBoer: “There's been way too soft of management and lip service... Sixty to 90 days is our new mantra,”Venture firm FM Capital has closed its fourth fund at $240 million, aiming to fuel retail and mobility tech across the auto industry—with major backing from dealership groups.The fund surpassed its $200M target despite a tough venture capital environment.Investments will target AI, fleet tech, autonomy, connectivity, and energy transition.125 investors participated, including 56 dealership groups representing over 1,100 stores. Holman and Cox Automotive returned as key backers in this round.Chase Fraser, Managing Partner of FM Capital: “Dealerships really respect entrepreneurs because they are entrepreneurs themselves. They want to get involved. They want to mentor some of these entrepreneurs. They want to test their products. They want to give them feedback because who knows better than the user?”Tesla's Cybertruck is facing a brand-new problem—its maker doesn't want it back. Owners looking to trade in their trucks are getting turned away, exposing deeper trouble for the high-profile pickup.Tesla is reportedly refusing to accept Cybertrucks as trade-ins, citing resale struggles and declining demand.The company has a backlog of nearly 2,400 unsold units worth $200M, with used values down 55% year-over-year.Some frustrated owners are resorting to Lemon Laws just to offload the vehicle.Other dealers are low-balling owners or avoiding Cybertrucks altogether due to market instability.A Cybertruck recall this year revealed that only 46K of the vehicles have been delivered so far.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1011: Today we're breaking down the early fallout from sweeping auto tariffs, Toyota's recalibrated EV strategy, and why Gen Z is ghosting credit cards.Show Notes with links:The 25% tariff on imported vehicles is forcing swift and varied responses from automakers, with some pulling back and others ramping up U.S. operations. The early shakeup shows just how disruptive the new trade landscape could become.Stellantis paused production at Canadian and Mexican plants and laid off 1,000 U.S. workers.Infiniti halted U.S.-bound production of the QX50 and QX55 “until further notice.”VW stopped rail shipments from Mexico; Audi is holding vehicles at U.S. ports post-tariff. JLR is temporarily pausing US shipments.GM is boosting pickup production in Indiana, and Mercedes may shift another model to Alabama.Ferrari and Ineos raised prices up to 11%, while Ford and Stellantis launched deep discounts to keep buyers interested.“Consumers will feel financial pain faster than they will see new jobs,” warned S&P Global's Stephanie Brinley.Once criticized for lagging in the EV race, Toyota is charting a new path with more in-house models and global production—but with tempered expectations. The automaker is still prioritizing flexibility as it balances EV growth with its hybrid-heavy portfolio.The Japanese manufacturer aims to launch 15 internally developed EVs by 2027, including several Lexus models.New production sites in the U.S., Thailand, and Argentina are planned to hedge tariff risks and improve delivery timelines.The target is 1 million EVs per year by 2027—down from earlier projections of 1.5 million by 2026.In 2024, Toyota sold just under 140,000 EVs, less than 2% of its global volume of over 10 million vehicles.A new survey reveals Gen Z's growing distrust of credit cards, with many opting for debit, cash, and peer-to-peer options instead. High APRs, confusing terms, and debt fears are driving a generational payment shift that could reshape future retail habits.68% of Gen Z say credit card bills cause stress; 51% say cards give them the “ick.”Debit (68%) and cash (67%) top Gen Z's preferred payment methods—only 35% use credit cards, with 82% of respondents overall saying credit cards are “financially dangerous.”57% of Gen Z admit they don't fully understand card terms, and 53% have been surprised by interest charges.“It doesn't make sense to pay 20%, 25% or 30% in interest just to earn a few percentage points in cash back,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior analyst.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1010: Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to not talk about tariiffs. Instead, we talk about stage names and the impact that dealers are making in their communities.What started as a press release a year ago is now a tangible symbol of community investment. The Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence is officially open, offering Villa Maria College students a place to connect, learn, and succeed.Bieler's West Herr leadership mindset helped drive the project from vision to reality.The new center reflects a commitment to education and the broader Buffalo community.Behind-the-scenes collaboration and daily effort made it happen.It's a reminder that the skills we use in retail—planning, teamwork, and follow-through—can transform lives outside the showroom.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1009: Today we sit with COO of Matthews Auto Group Vincent Salvagni to discuss the question on every Dealer's mind; What should I be doing with my inventory level? As consumers rush to beat tariffs, Dealers are worried about overpaying for replacement inventory and getting stuck holding the bag when things normalize. We also talk about Nissan delaying production cuts at its Smyrna, TN plant and Carvana's approach to the tariff headwinds. Show Notes with links:Nissan's plans to cut a production shift at its Smyrna, TN plant have been reversed thanks to new U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles. The automaker is prioritizing domestic output to avoid hefty import duties.Nissan initially planned to end a shift at Smyrna as part of a 9,000-job global cut.Keeping U.S. production high avoids tariffs on Japanese-made Rogues, which made up over a third of 2024 U.S. Rogue sales.Workers had already been offered buyouts; Nissan hasn't confirmed how many accepted.“It could mean saving jobs or it could be hiring people,” said a Nissan spokesperson.Carvana is stepping into the tariff era with confidence, positioning itself to capture increased used-car demand as new vehicle prices rise. After turbulent years marked by overestimation and investor skepticism, the company has streamlined operations and could now benefit from changing consumer habits.New 25% tariffs on imported vehicles may steer price-conscious buyers to the used market.Analysts expect an initial bump in used-car sales, especially from buyers priced out of new models.Carvana has reined in costs, insourced inspections, and restructured debt, improving operational health.Despite holding $5.6B in debt, the company is now generating enough cash to begin self-financing.“We're in a much stronger position than we were 3–4 years ago,” said CFO Mark JenkinsJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1008: Cars Commerce drops a no-nonsense playbook for dealers while Ford rolls out employee pricing for all as tariffs loom large. Meanwhile, Tesla's Q1 delivery miss raises red flags far beyond a Model Y changeover. Show Notes with links:In a sweeping trade policy shift, Donald Trump announced a baseline 10% tariff on all imports; plus an additional 10–50% "reciprocal" tariff targets 60 nations with major U.S. trade deficits.Auto imports already under last week's 25% tariff won't face increases and Mexico and Canada are exempt—if goods comply with the 2020 USMCA terms.Brian Kramer of Cars Commerce released a Tariff Playbook to help dealers navigate the changes. Here's some of the highlights:Consumers are rushing to buy and scrutinizing where vehicles are built—use the Cars.com American-Made Index to guide inventory and messaging.EVs could see a short-term slump; hybrids and full-size trucks may surge. Align your lot accordingly.Six actionable strategies: reduce auction dependency, boost service-lane sourcing, go data-driven, ditch 45-day-old metrics, market American-made units, and build an offense-focused plan.“You won't lose profit because the market adjusted. You will lose profit because your process didn't,”Ford is throwing open the gates to its employee discount program, offering deep savings to all customers through June 2 as a preemptive strike against rising costs from newly announced import tariffs.The “From America, For America” campaign unlocks A Plan pricing—typically below dealer invoice—on most Ford and Lincoln models, with high-performance Raptors, new Expeditions, Super Duty trucks, and Lincoln Navigators being excluded.Discounts stack with other deals, including extended free EV charger installation now running through June 30.The announcement came just hours after President Trump enacted 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, which could significantly increase consumer prices.Ford's imported models include the Maverick, Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach-E (from Mexico), and Lincoln Nautilus (from China). “It's a way to give back to the communities that have supported us for generations,” said Rob Kaffl, Ford's U.S. sales director, adding the move brings “certainty to an uncertain situation.”Tesla's Q1 2025 delivery numbers are in—and they've landed with a thud. The EV giant delivered 336,681 vehicles, missing expectations by up to 55,000 units and raising tough questions about demand.Deliveries fell 13% year-over-year and a sharp 32% from Q4 2024.Tesla cited Model Y factory changeovers as a factor, but analysts see deeper demand issues—especially in the U.S.Model 3 sales in Europe dropped 30% in early 2025, despite not facing supply issues.“The ramp of the New Model Y contiJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier 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 #1007: Consumers hit showrooms ahead of tariff hikes, juicing March sales and making record months and Q1s. Dealers like Rhett Ricart and Zac Kinch fielded a flood of buyers with questions and Amazon dropped Nova Act—an AI agent that shops, browses, and books like a pro.Spurred by tariff fear, consumers flooded showrooms in late March, giving the U.S. auto market a surge just in time for Q1 closings. The urgency sparked record performances for brands and sent retail sales soaring.Ford was up 19%, with Hyundai (+15%) and Kia (+25%) posting their best ever March and Q1. GM posted a 17% Q1 jump, with Buick leading at +39%.Inventory shortages, especially in hybrids, are expected in Q2 as a result of early Q1 pull-forwards.The average March retail price hit $44,849, up $637 YoY.Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai and Genesis North America: “It's probably the best weekend that I've seen since Cash for Clunkers… Lots of people rushed in this weekend, especially, to try and beat the tariffs.”The looming reality of sweeping import tariffs sent ripple effects through the auto retail landscape over the weekend, as dealers fielded a surge of questions and customer visits. While many came to buy, others came simply to understand what's coming.Dealers are racing to educate consumers: inventory levels ticked up as brands rushed vehicles into the U.S. before the deadline.The Trump administration's 25% import tariff is set to hit over 7 million vehicles starting April 3.Automakers are taking a mixed approach to pricing ahead of the tariffs—some, like BMW, are temporarily holding prices steady on imported models, while others are reducing incentives despite rising inventory, anticipating that tariffs will naturally drive prices higher. Rhett Ricart, CEO, Ricart Automotive Group said “One out of four of the people who called in were talking about tariffs—‘Does this car have a tariff on it? A Hyundai? A Kia? A Nissan?' That's what they wanted to know about.”Zac Kinch, GM, Bob Rohrman Toyota said “This is gonna be, ‘Learn and fly by the seat of our pants'... I think the auto industry is going to have to figure it out.”Amazon is diving deeper into AI with Nova Act, a semi-autonomous agent designed to operate both online and in the real world. With capabilities like browsing, shopping, and task execution, Nova Act is aiming to be your new digital helper.Nova Act can complete tasks like finding rentals, placing orders, or filling out forms.Nova Act SDK lets developers build bots for hotel bookings, food orders, and more.It comes in text-generation tiers (Micro, Lite, Pro) and supports image (Canvas) and video (Reel) creation.“Nova.amazon.com puts the power of Amazon's frontier intelligence into the hands of every developer,” said Rohit Prasad, SVP of Amazon AGI.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, sHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1006: We're joined by Brian Kramer, EVP of Cars Commerce to talk about the upcoming auto tariffs and how Tesla's market share is declining. Plus, as the deadline to sell TikTok nears, some surprising potential buyers have emerged.Show Notes with links:As auto tariffs are set to go into effect (and potentially stick this time) on April 3, automakers have sent representatives to Washington to lobby directly with the Trump administration, arguing that tariffs on parts will drive up costs by billions of dollars.Meanwhile OEMs are warning dealers that vehicle pricing could change, with Hyundai telling its dealers “current vehicle pricing is not guaranteed and may be subject to change for units wholesaled after April 2.”Here to talk tariffs and how dealers should be approaching the next weeks and month is our good friend Brian Kramer, EVP of Cars Commerce and GM of Accutrade.With an April 5 deadline looming, ByteDance must sell TikTok's U.S. segment or face a full ban. President Trump is optimistic that a deal is on the horizon.The app, with 170M U.S. users, was deemed a national security risk over data-sharing concerns and was originally set to be shut down on January 19.A wide range of potential buyers includes Blackstone, Perplexity, MrBeast, and Project Liberty.Project Liberty claims it has $20B in investor commitments for a deal and made an offer ahead of the January deadline.“There's tremendous interest in TikTok,” said President Trump.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1005: The biggest dealership groups continue their march toward market dominance while Toyota's hybrid boom is pushing suppliers to the limit. Meanwhile, Gen Z graduates face a tough reality as government hiring freezes throw career plans into chaos.Show Notes with links:The biggest names in auto retail continued their dominance in 2024, with the top 150 dealership groups expanding their footprint and market share. Growth, acquisitions, and shifting strategies defined the rankings, showing how consolidation is shaping the future of the industry.The top 150 groups sold over 4 million new vehicles in 2024, up 7.2% from the previous year, and now own 26.6% of all U.S. franchised dealerships, up from just 13.9% in 2011.Holman made the biggest leap, climbing 17 spots to No. 15 after acquiring Leith Automotive Group.Some of our other friends on the list: 140-DeMontrond, 134-Casa, 83-Sam Pack Auto Group, 80-Carter Myers Automotive, 70-DGDG, 60-Rohrman, 58-Bergstrom, 43–Ciocca, 32-Walser, 16-Ourisman“The top 10 reported owning 10.5% of U.S. dealerships, continuing the trend of industry consolidation,” said Mary Raetz, director of the Automotive News Research & Data Center.Toyota's hybrid strategy is paying off—maybe too well. Soaring global demand for its gasoline-electric hybrids has outpaced supply, leaving customers facing long wait times and suppliers scrambling to keep up.Wait times for Toyota hybrids range from 60 days in Europe to nine months in India.Parts shortages, including key components from suppliers like Aisin and Denso, are causing production bottlenecks.Toyota is ramping up output, including a $14B battery plant in North Carolina set to ship batteries in April.Global hybrid sales nearly tripled over five years, hitting 16.1 million in 2024.The surging demand has led to soaring dealership valuations in the US. According to Mercer Capital, Toyota dealerships in metro markets, particularly in Florida, can command valuation multiples as high as 10 times earnings in today's market.​​The class of 2025 is stepping into a tough job market, with tech downturns, federal hiring freezes, and economic uncertainty making it harder than ever for new grads to secure stable careers. Many are rethinking their career plans as public sector opportunities shrink.Government job applications nearly doubled in 2023, but hiring freezes have now put many positions on hold.Some federal job offers have been rescinded, and funding-dependent industries like nonprofits and universities are also feeling the squeeze.Economic shifts, including tariff concerns, have made companies hesitant to expand hiring.Many students are prioritizing stability over passion, with some opting for private-sector jobs over public service roles."The job market just seems super unstable in almost any field," said Tulane sophomore Katie Schwartz,Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email