Podcast appearances and mentions of kyle mountsier

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1360: Today we're throwing it back to ASOTU CON and revisiting a few of the quotes that had the biggest impact on the room. Plus, we break down Anthropic's confidential IPO filing and its meteoric rise past OpenAI in valuationWe might be biased, but we think ASOTU CON featured some of the best keynotes in the industry, and today we figured we'd throw it back to just a couple of weeks ago.Brian Benstock: “What you're looking for is right here in the mirror.”Patrick Abad: “Accountability without development is just disappointment with a deadline.”David Spisak: “How did your life differ from that of a rock?”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 #1359: Mitsubishi is jumping back into the pickup market with help from Nissan, a supplier strike threatens GM's truck production at a critical moment, and the internet-famous F-250 robins have finally left the nest, clearing the way for one very patient delivery.Show Notes with links:Mitsubishi is heading back into the U.S. pickup truck market for the first time in nearly two decades, teaming up with Nissan on a midsize truck while also reviving the iconic Pajero/Montero SUV.Mitsubishi will launch a U.S.-built midsize pickup sourced from Nissan, likely tied to the next-generation Frontier platform expected later this decade.The truck marks Mitsubishi's return to the segment after discontinuing the Raider pickup following the 2010 model year.The strategy is part of a three-step U.S. revival plan: expand off-road offerings, enter new segments through Nissan partnerships, and grow the dealer network with urban satellite stores.Mitsubishi is also reviving the Pajero (Montero) SUV this fall, building it on the Triton pickup platform and creating an entire family of Pajero-branded vehicles.“We will prioritize restoring profitability and work to turn the business around through brand strengthening and product strategies.” — Mitsubishi President Keisuke SugiuraA labor dispute at American Axle is putting pressure on one of GM's most important profit centers. Nearly 1,000 UAW workers have walked off the job, threatening the supply of axles used in Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, and Canyon pickups just as GM ramps up truck production.UAW members at American Axle's Three Rivers, Michigan plant began striking after contract talks broke down over wages and mandatory overtime.Workers say they are still living with wage cuts accepted during the 2008 financial crisis, with many production employees topping out around $22 per hour despite years of strong supplier profits.The plant produces critical axles for GM's full-size and midsize pickups, giving the strike potential to impact some of the automaker's most profitable vehicles.Timing is especially challenging for GM as it looks to capitalize on Ford's pickup production constraints and growing competition from Ram, whose truck sales are up 23% this year.“For 18 years, these members have built you an empire of profit, while getting treated like dirt.” — UAW President Shawn Fain.Remember the F-250 that became a federally protected bird sanctuary? The robins have officially left the nest, the truck can finally head to its new owner, and the dealership's unexpected wildlife story turned into an international feel-good headline.Lugnut, Axle, Diesel and Turbo officially flew away last week, ending a month-long delivery delay for the customer's F-250.What started as a quirky dealership story ended up earning coverage from The New York Times, People, The Guardian, Automotive News and even Ford's corporate media channels.Olathe Ford-Lincoln leaned into the moment, giving the birds names, posting updates, and turning a routine vehicle delivery into a viral community story.The customer, a construction company, never pressured the dealership and agreed to let nature take its course before taking delivery.“The new owners said they were in no hurry to get the truck and the robins could finish raising their family.” — Diane Johnson, Executive Director, Operation WildLife.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this last Saturday of the month, Chris joins Kyle and producer Nathan to talk about how Ken Garff Automotive Group is filling truck beds in all of their stores as a part of their "Drive Out Hunger" campaign.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 #1357: Honda rides hybrid momentum toward bigger market share, Ford gets an AI-fueled stock boost from repurposed EV batteries, and Target bets family-friendly upgrades will drive customer loyalty.Show Notes with links:Honda says it's aiming for more than 9% U.S. market share in 2026 and thinks 10% is within reach as hybrids continue to surge. With gas prices climbing and EV demand cooling, the company says its flexible production strategy is helping it stay ahead.Honda finished last year with 8.7% U.S. market share, hit 10% in April of this year and still expects to grow sales 4% this year to around 1.5 million vehicles.Hybrids made up nearly a third of Honda brand sales in Q1, and the company is ramping up production and marketing around Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Prelude hybrids.Despite tariff uncertainty, Honda says its North American manufacturing footprint protects it from major disruption with nearly 99% of vehicles built in-region.Honda says hybrids are now the sweet spot, expecting them to land in the “mid-to-low 30 percent range” of total sales this year as gas prices push more buyers away from pure ICE models.Ford stock is suddenly surging, not because of trucks, but because Wall Street is betting on Ford becoming an AI-era energy player. The company's new Ford Energy division plans to repurpose EV batteries into massive storage systems for data centers and utilities.Ford stock jumped 28% in two weeks after launching Ford Energy with a $2 billion investment aimed at powering AI data centers and utilities.The business will repurpose excess EV battery capacity into stationary storage systems, putting Ford into competition with Tesla and LG Energy Solutions.Investors are especially bullish on Ford's partnership with Chinese battery giant CATL, with one analyst valuing the new energy arm at up to $10 billion.Ford says it plans to deploy at least 20 gigawatt hours of battery storage annually, including a major supply agreement with energy company EDF starting in 2028.BNP Paribas analyst James Picariello summed up the shift saying: “It's hard to find another comparison on the OEM side of things with the exception of Tesla.”Target is betting that winning over busy families doesn't require flashy AI, it just requires cleaner bathrooms, smarter shopping carts, and fewer parenting headaches. The retailer says those small upgrades could create much bigger long-term customer loyalty.Target is investing $1 billion into customer experience upgrades, including 130+ store remodels focused on family-friendly improvements.New shopping carts feature larger cupholders, deeper child seats, and flat storage surfaces designed to make shopping easier for parents.The retailer says modernized bathrooms are a surprisingly important loyalty driver because “busy families” are now Target's core growth audience.Executives admitted Target lost focus in recent years and are now doubling down on creating “the most delightful experience in retail” for younger families.Gartner analyst Halle Stern said the smaller upgrades matter more than flashy tech: “The minor changes are making this huge difference.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1356: Today we unpack the million buyers who've quietly exited the new-car market, why off-lease inventory is finally rebounding (briefly), and how America's new “premium economy” is changing the way consumers spend, travel and shop.Show Notes with links:A million Americans have quietly exited the new-car market and the shrinking pool of buyers is raising long-term concerns for dealers and OEMs alike.Analysts say roughly one million prospective buyers have defected from the new-car market since 2020 as average transaction prices hover near $50,000 and financing costs remain stubbornly high.Pre-pandemic U.S. sales regularly topped 17 million vehicles annually. Now the industry is bracing for about 16 million sales this year with little confidence the old highs will return anytime soon.Instead of chasing volume with discounts, automakers are leaning into profitable trucks and SUVs. Selling fewer vehicles at higher margins has become an unexpectedly comfortable business model for Detroit.“I don't want to say automakers are OK with this level of sales, but they kind of are.” — Ivan Drury, Edmunds analystVolvo commercial chief Erik Severinson didn't mince words: “This is a real threat to the whole industry… people are not able to buy new cars.”The off-lease floodgates are finally reopening… kind of. Nearly 500,000 more lease returns are expected to hit the used-car market this year, but analysts say the glory days of leasing still aren't coming back anytime soon.Edmunds says off-lease volume is expected to jump nearly 26% year-over-year in 2026 with another 400,000 units expected in 2027 as the industry slowly recovers from the leasing collapse of the pandemic years.After 2027, off-lease inventory is expected to level off because leasing volumes never fully recovered after COVID-era shortages and rising prices.Leasing penetration peaked around 29% before COVID but cratered to just 18% in 2022 as inventory shortages and high prices crushed affordability. Even now, lease activity remains well below historic norms.Edmunds says the leasing slowdown is reshaping the used-car business because many mainstream vehicles no longer produce the steady stream of predictable off-lease inventory dealers once relied on.Ivan Drury: “Without a major shift in incentives toward leasing, we are likely to be stuck in this stifled state of leasing for the foreseeable future.”Forget the “K-shaped economy.” Some economists say America is now a “premium economy” where consumers can't afford houses or retirement, but they can afford upgraded flights, better groceries and premium experiences.More Americans are entering the upper-middle class, but home ownership and retirement still feel out of reach for many younger consumers.The upper-middle class has grown from 10% of families in 1979 to 31% in 2024, according to research from the American Enterprise Institute.Instead of buying homes, consumers are spending on smaller “premium” upgrades like travel, concerts and nicer retail experiences. Delta and United captured more than 90% of airline profits last year while Spirit struggled.Walmart has become a major winner by improving stores, delivery and curbside pickup, pulling shoppers away from lower-cost competitors like Dollar General.Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta predicts the economy could eventually shift from “K-shaped” to “C-shaped” as lower inflation and AI-driven productivity help consumer spending “converge” and be more balanced across income levels.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 #1355: Today we're talking about dealers feeling cautiously optimistic despite economic pressure, Volvo dodging a major U.S. regulatory headache tied to its China ownership, and OpenAI quietly building what could become a serious challenger to Google's ad business through conversational AI.Show Notes with links:Dealer optimism is creeping back up according to Cox Automotive's Q2 Dealer Sentiment Index, especially around used cars. But underneath the positivity? Plenty of concern around the economy, politics, and affordability.Dealers rated current market conditions at a “slightly favorable” 53, with optimism for the next three months jumping to 57.Customer traffic showed a meaningful rebound, climbing from a weak 34 in Q1 to 43 in Q2. Still not back to 2025 levels, but enough movement to suggest shoppers are slowly re-entering the market.Dealers gave the used car market a 62 rating — the strongest since 2022 — with several stores reporting record grosses and fast-moving pre-owned inventory.The biggest drag on business? The economy. 54% of dealers said economic conditions are holding them back, while 43% pointed to the political climate.One Toyota dealer summed it up perfectly: “Still a high demand, but economic uncertainty is making people wary.”Volvo shares jumped after the automaker secured approval to continue importing and selling vehicles in the U.S., easing fears that its Chinese ownership ties could create a major roadblock for future business stateside.Volvo stock climbed nearly 7% after the company announced it received “specific authorization” from U.S. regulators tied to China-connected vehicle restrictions, set to begin in model year 2027.The concern stemmed from Volvo's majority owner, Geely, which controls nearly 79% of the company and had investors worried about future bans under new national security rules.Instead of restrictions, Volvo says talks with U.S. officials around governance, technology, and data security led to an approval with no added conditions — something analysts say was better than expected.Volvo continues investing heavily in the U.S., including plans to build two additional models at its South Carolina plant by 2030.OpenAI's early advertising experiments are revealing something marketers are paying close attention to: ChatGPT can create buying intent during a conversation, not just respond to it. That could fundamentally change how digital ads work.Unlike Google Search ads built around keywords, ChatGPT ads are triggered by “conversational intent” — meaning the AI can infer what users may want even if they never search for it directly.Similarweb found that 46% of users who eventually saw an ad started the conversation with zero commercial intent. The chat itself gradually created the opportunity.Ads appear much later in conversations — sometimes 30 to 50 exchanges deep — making them feel more like recommendations than interruptions.OpenAI currently shows just one ad at a time inside chats, creating premium inventory that analysts estimate could command CPMs around $60 and CPCs near $12.Similarweb's Heral Amir: “OpenAI has a chance to take advertising to a very good place from user experience, but they can also mess it up completely.”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 #1354: Today we talk about Mazda trying to define what the brand actually stands for, Ford battling yet another F-150 production headache while inventory stays tight, and Ferrari shocking enthusiasts with a futuristic $640k EV designed alongside former Apple design legend Jony Ive.Show Notes with links:Mazda's U.S. CEO says the brand's biggest challenge isn't product, pricing, or even tariffs—it's clarity. As Mazda pushes toward 500,000 annual U.S. sales, Tom Donnelly says dealers will play the starring role in making the brand more distinctive and desirable.Mazda has hovered around 400,000 U.S. sales for two years and believes stronger brand identity is the path to 500,000 units.Dealers were challenged to rethink customer experience with shorter processes, stronger relationships, and what Mazda calls a more “sticky” ownership experience.Donnelly emphasized affordability as a major opportunity, noting Mazda's average transaction price is around $39,000 compared to the industry average above $51,000.Tariffs, incentives, and shifting production have pressured profitability, but Mazda says strategic moves like shifting Mazda3 sedan production to Japan helped improve earnings.“If you walked out of this hotel and asked 10 people what Mazda stands for, you'd get 10 different answers. That is my keeps-me-up-at-night thing.” — Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda North American Operations.Ford finally started climbing out of its F-150 inventory hole after last year's aluminum supplier fire… and then a broken hood die shut the line down again. The pause may only last a few days, but when you're already 60,000 trucks behind, every hour matters.Ford paused F-150 production late last week after a hood die reportedly broke at a nearby stamping plant that forms the truck's aluminum hood panels.The Dearborn plant was expected to sit idle Thursday night through at least Saturday, with Memorial Day potentially stretching the shutdown to four days.With two 10-hour shifts running daily, the downtime could cost Ford roughly 2,500 trucks at a time when inventory is already down more than 40% year-over-year.Ford is reportedly considering “super Saturday” or “super Sunday” shifts to claw back lost production and keep dealers supplied heading into summer truck season.Ferrari officially pulled the cover off its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, and let's just say… the internet has thoughts. Designed with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, the $640,000 EV swaps engine roar for amplified sound and tradition for experimentation.The Ferrari Luce is the brand's first EV and first-ever five-seat Ferrari, using four electric motors to hit 0–60 in under 2.5 seconds with a top speed above 190 mph.Ferrari partnered with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive, creating a glass-heavy, ultra-minimal interior meant to feel more “analog” than tech gadget.Ferrari says range wasn't the priority, with the Luce targeting about 330 miles despite its massive battery pack.Online reactions were… spicy. Many enthusiasts blasted the design for straying too far from Ferrari tradition, while Ferrari shares dropped roughly 6% after the reveal.“As a car becomes electric, it doesn't mean that it needs to be a consumer electronics object.” — Ferrari Chairman John ElkannJoin 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 #1353: Memorial Day travelers are hitting the road in record numbers while automakers roll out massive incentives to move inventory.Show Notes with links:Memorial Day originated in the aftermath of the Civil War as "Decoration Day"—a time for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers—and later evolved into a federal holiday honoring all American military personnel who have died in service. An estimated 45 million Americans are packing up for Memorial Day weekend, and 87% of them are doing it the old-fashioned way: by car. Even with higher gas prices, travelers are choosing the road, the snacks, and the “are we there yet?” energy.AAA projects a record 45 million travelers will go 50+ miles from home, up 0.4% from last year.About 39.1 million people will travel by car, despite gas averaging $4.52 per gallon as of May 11.Air travel is also up slightly, with 3.66 million domestic flyers expected. Round-trip domestic tickets are averaging $800, down 6% year over year.Other transportation methods including buses, trains, and cruises are expected to grow 5.3%, helped by a strong Alaska cruise season.AAA Travel's Stacey Barber said, “Despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”New car shoppers heading into Memorial Day weekend are being greeted with something we haven't seen much of lately: serious incentives. From EVs to pickups to hydrogen sedans, automakers are tossing thousands on the hood to clear inventory and spark demand.Hyundai is offering $7,500 off the 2025 Ioniq 6, nearly 19% of the car's starting MSRP, as dealers work through leftover inventory.Chevy is putting up to $9,000 on the hood of the 2026 Silverado 1500, one of the biggest incentive percentages on the market at over 22%.Hyundai's new three-row Ioniq 9 EV gets a $10,000 incentive as the automaker looks to boost slower-than-expected sales.Toyota may win the “please just take it” award with a staggering $35,000 incentive on the hydrogen-powered Mirai, plus 0% financing for 72 months.The story behind many of these incentives? Rising inventories, slower EV demand, and OEMs trying to move leftover or underperforming models before summer heats up.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this Saturday, Chris joins Paul and Kyle to talk about the Vehicles for Change Car Giveaways from last week at ASOTU CON, and how he was able to spend time with the kids of the families who received the cars. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, and the impact that retail auto can have.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 #1351: Today we talk about the growing affordability squeeze facing car buyers, why dealerships are now negotiating with customers and ChatGPT at the same time, and the Kansas Ford dealer whose sold F-250 is temporarily protected by federal bird lawShow Notes with links:New-vehicle demand is holding strong, but affordability is still doing consumers no favors. Higher prices, rising monthly payments, and stretched loan terms continue shaping how buyers shop and finance in 2026.Cox Automotive says the average new-vehicle monthly payment climbed to $757 in April, while the average new-vehicle loan rate increased to 9.45%. Buyers now need 35.2 weeks of median income to afford the average new vehicle.JD Power projects May average monthly payments will trend even higher toward $810 as consumers continue battling affordability pressure.Buyers are leaning harder on longer loan terms, with 13.4% of loans now stretching to 84 months or longer.Negative equity is becoming a bigger issue too, with more than 30% of trade-ins carrying negative equity year over year.Despite all of that, demand remains strong. JD Power forecasts May retail sales will rise 6% year over year as incentives increase and interest rates slowly improve.AI is officially part of the showroom process. More shoppers are showing up armed with pricing advice from ChatGPT and Claude, pushing dealers to sharpen how they explain value beyond the numbers.A customer at Beaver Toyota of Cumming tried to renegotiate a Grand Highlander deal after consulting ChatGPT and Claude overnight.The dealership kept the deal alive by focusing on added value including a lifetime powertrain warranty, oil changes, and roadside assistance.Cox Automotive says 17% of new-car shoppers and 11% of used-car shoppers are already using AI tools during the buying process.Vincue executive Daniel Govaer is developing a white paper to help dealerships respond to AI-driven objections and pricing conversations.“I'm trying to get the word out that there is life in negotiating with AI. This is just another opportunity for us to adapt.” — Daniel GovaerOne Kansas Ford dealer sold an F-250 that can't be delivered yet because a robin built a nest on the truck, laid eggs, and now the whole thing is federally protected. Somewhere, a customer is financing both a pickup and a tiny wildlife preserve.Employees at Olathe Ford Lincoln discovered a robin's nest on the front passenger-side tire of a black F-250 back in early May.The eggs hatched on May 14, and under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the dealership legally cannot move the truck until the birds leave the nest.The dealership thanked the customer for being patient while the baby robins grow up and move out.Staff say they've become emotionally invested in the birds, joking that the dealership is slowly turning into an animal rescue.One employee told local news: “We found some cats in the cars before… and just today, someone came in to get their oil changed, and we lifted up the hood, and there was a mama possum with about seven baby possums.”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 #1350: Today we're talking about Stellantis betting big on affordable vehicles and platform consolidation, NADA helping dealers put families on the road through a new national partnership, and Bojangles turning EV charging into a side of biscuits with its new “charge-and-dine” concept.Stellantis is laying out its “FaSTLAne 2030” plan, and for dealers, the headline is simple: more affordable metal is coming. The automaker says North America will get nine vehicles under $40,000 by 2030, with two slipping under the $30,000 mark.Stellantis' five-year, $70B plan sends 70% of global investment toward Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Fiat and Pro One.In North America, Stellantis is targeting 25% revenue growth, 35% volume growth and 11 all-new vehicles.The company expects U.S. factory utilization to reach 80% by 2030, helped by increased domestic production.Globally, Stellantis plans to simplify 50% of its vehicles around three core platforms, including the new “STLA One” architecture designed to boost efficiency, lower costs and increase shared components across brands.CEO Antonio Filosa said, “FaSTLAne 2030 is the result of months of disciplined work across the company.”NADA and Vehicles for Change are teaming up nationally to help dealers put more families on the road to stability. The new partnership gives dealers a turnkey way to donate vehicles and support low-income families needing reliable transportation for work, childcare and daily life.NADA and Vehicles for Change will officially launch a national dealer partnership on May 27 in Pennsylvania.#1 Cochran Buick GMC will donate two vehicles to local families during the kickoff event as an example for dealers nationwide.The program includes a dealer “playbook” with step-by-step guidance for stores wanting to participate in their own communities.Vehicles for Change says it has already helped more than 8,200 families gain affordable transportation through its Keys to Independence program.NADA Chairman Rob Cochran said, “This event demonstrates the powerful impact dealers can have.”Bojangles is entering the EV charging game, turning fried chicken stops into charging stops. The chain just launched its first EV charging station in Savannah, Georgia, pitching a new “charge-and-dine” experience as it looks to expand chargers nationwide.The company partnered with XLR8 America and Energy and Environmental Design Services to bring level 2 and level 3 chargers to future locations.Bojangles says the goal is to transform charging downtime into a hospitality experience built around food, comfort and convenience.The company says its charging network is designed for more than 97% uptime as EV adoption continues to grow.CIO Richard Del Valle said, “This is about more than charging vehicles. It's about redefining the stop along the way.”“At XLR8 America, our philosophy is simple: charge where you park, not park where you charge,” XLR8 America CEO Frank O'Connor said. “Bojangles gets that. When a driver pulls in for a Bo-Berry Biscuit and the battery tops off while they dine, that's not a coincidence — that's the charge-and-dine experience made real.”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 #1349: Today we talk about Mitsubishi cutting weak dealers while betting on a product comeback, the growing FTC pressure pushing vendors toward all-in pricing transparency, and Pizza Hut discovering the hottest new trend in retail… 1990s nostalgia complete with red cups and Pac-Man.Mitsubishi is shrinking its dealer network while promising a future product comeback. The brand has cut underperforming stores, frustrated some retailers with low profits and aging products, but says a new EV and refreshed lineup could turn things around.Mitsubishi's U.S. dealer count has dropped 16% since 2019, falling from 355 stores to just under 300 today.CEO Mark Chaffin says the strategy is “quality over quantity,” replacing low-volume stores with higher-performing operators expected to sell 3-5x more vehicles.Dealers say profits are razor thin, with many relying on used cars to stay afloat while struggling with an aging lineup and heavy fleet sales.Mitsubishi is betting on its “Momentum 2030” plan, including a new electric crossover this fall and several electrified models through 2030.One frustrated dealer summed it up bluntly: “Eventually Mitsubishi may get there with the new product, but it's going to have to commit more to the U.S. if it wants to do well here.”As regulators tighten the screws on vehicle pricing transparency, vendors are racing to help dealers stay compliant. S&P Global Mobility and TrueCar both rolled out new tools designed to simplify fee disclosures, standardize pricing, and avoid FTC headaches before they become lawsuits.S&P Global Mobility launched “FeeSync,” a free industrywide tool that lets dealers update fees across vendors and marketplaces from one central hub.The push comes as the FTC continues sending warning letters to nearly 100 dealer groups over pricing and advertising practices.TrueCar updated its platform to display all-in pricing upfront, including dealer fees and add-ons, with expandable disclosures for shoppers.TrueCar CEO Scott Painter said the platform's goal is “a transactional price that is good for both the dealer and the car buyer upfront, without negotiation.”Pizza Hut is leaning hard into retro vibes, remodeling stores to look like peak-1990s dine-in restaurants complete with Pac-Man, stained-glass lamps, and those iconic red cups. Turns out millennials will absolutely drive three hours for a little childhood comfort food.Since 2019, Pizza Hut has converted 144 locations into “Pizza Hut Classics” with throwback décor and dine-in experiences.Some remodeled stores are now top performers, with customers traveling long distances just to relive the experience.The nostalgia push comes as Pizza Hut closes underperforming locations while rival Domino's continues expanding aggressively.Pizza Hut is also reviving its legendary “BOOK IT!” reading program, rewarding kids with pizza for summer reading goals.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 #1348: Today we cover Tesla raising Model Y prices for the first time in years, lenders diving deeper into subprime auto financing, and why automotive advertising is quietly losing market share.Show Notes with links:Tesla just bumped prices on several higher-trim Model Y variants for the first time in two years, signaling confidence that EV demand may be heating back up. Meanwhile, Wall Street is still trying to decide if the stock is charging ahead or stuck in traffic.Tesla raised prices by $1,000 on the Model Y Premium RWD and AWD trims, while the Performance trim climbed by $500.Entry-level Model Y versions remain unchanged, suggesting Tesla is protecting affordability while testing premium demand elasticity.Analysts point to rising gas prices and battery material costs as possible drivers behind the move.Despite the pricing confidence, TSLA stock slid over 4% Friday and dipped again Monday as investors weigh slowing momentum and new technical buy points.Auto lenders are diving deeper into subprime financing as affordability pressures push buyers back into the market and lenders get more aggressive chasing deals. The result? More approvals, higher payments, and longer loan terms.Subprime and deep subprime borrowers made up 15.4% of all auto loans and leases in Q4, the highest share since 2021.Average interest rates are eye-popping: 13.2% for subprime new-car loans and nearly 22% for deep subprime used-car loans.Dealers say lenders are “digging a little deeper” rather than dramatically lowering standards, helped by better data and digital document verification.Experian's Melinda Zabritski summed it up saying, “As affordability remains top of mind, both lenders and consumers are adapting.”For decades, automotive advertising practically was the ad industry. But now, shrinking OEM budgets, EV uncertainty, and Tesla-style marketing strategies are changing the game and auto's share of ad spend is slipping below a historic benchmark.Automotive advertising is projected to fall below 10% of total ad category spend for the first time ever tracked by Guideline.The category shrank roughly 7% in 2025, with spending pressure continuing into 2026.Analysts point to weaker EV momentum and automakers scaling back electric initiatives as major contributors.Newer brands are ditching traditional “big splash” campaigns in favor of leaner marketing approaches, following Tesla's no-advertising playbook.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 #1343: Today we discuss dealers trusting people more than AI when it comes to lead follow-up, Hyundai's big push to repair struggling service satisfaction, and a new lawsuit claiming Toyota buyers deserve part of a potential $9 billion tariff refund.Show Notes with links:Dealers still believe the human element wins the sale. A new Urban Science survey shows strong confidence in showroom sales teams, but much less trust in AI lead follow-up. The takeaway? Dealers want better process visibility before turning things over to automation.72% of dealers said they're highly confident in their sales teams' ability to convert leads, while 75% say they respond in under five minutes.Dealers still see weak spots: 38% cited lack of real-time insight into lost sales and 34% pointed to inconsistent follow-up.Consumers expect speed. Urban Science found 82% say follow-up matters, and 72% expect a response within 24 hours.AI still has a trust gap. Only 14% of dealers trust AI tools for lead follow-up compared to 57% who trust in-house sales teams.Urban Science's Eric Demont said dealers need “a clear understanding” of wins, losses and defection patterns to improve conversion rates.Hyundai is trying to fix one of its biggest weak spots: service satisfaction. After years of complaints about delays, parts shortages and overloaded service departments, the automaker is rolling out mobile service vans, technician recruiting and dealership efficiency programs to win customers back.Hyundai says poor service capacity and years of engine replacement recalls overwhelmed dealerships and dragged down customer satisfaction scores.The brand has added 4,000+ service bays nationwide, while dealers are extending hours and adding Saturday service to handle demand.Hyundai plans to launch a 150-van mobile service fleet by year's end to handle oil changes, brake jobs, software updates and other light repairs at homes or workplaces.The company is also recruiting more technicians, improving diagnostic training and coaching 185 dealerships on service efficiency and workflow gaps.Hyundai's Michel Poirier said the goal is climbing back up JD Power rankings by 2028, adding: “Service is the most important part of the business.”A California Toyota buyer is taking aim at tariff pricing, claiming customers helped foot the bill for billions in import costs — and should get paid back if Toyota ever receives tariff refunds. A proposed class action lawsuit claims Toyota passed tariff costs onto buyers through higher vehicle and parts prices.The filing covers buyers and lessees of qualifying Toyota vehicles purchased between February 2025 and February 2026.Toyota reportedly absorbed about $9 billion in tariff-related costs tied to Japan, Canada and Mexico operations.Toyota recently raised prices on several models, including a $1,600 increase for the 2026 Sequoia, while calling the changes part of a “regular review of the prices.”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.In the immediate aftermath of ASOTU CON 2026, Paul, Kyle and Michael break down what just happened in the last 3 days. From the Welcome Reception to the closing keynote of David Spisak, everything was truly centered on the theme of "The Year of the Human." It was a blast, and we'll be back next 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.It's day 2, or 3, depending on how you look at it! We're having an amazing time here in Hanover MD.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.Breakfast is going, the people are here and Paul, Kyle and Michael chat about their biggest takeaways from Day 0.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 #1339: We're Live from ASOTU CON and are talking about the steady profit machine powering dealerships as fixed ops revenues continue climbing for major dealer groups. We also cover mounting pressure to keep Chinese automakers out of the U.S. market and unpack a new AI report warning companies that speed and adaptability may matter more than perfection.Show Notes with links:Fixed ops continues to be the steady heartbeat of dealership profitability as the latest Automotive News rankings show major dealer groups growing service, parts, and body shop revenue even while the broader market normalizes.AutoNation held the top spot in service and parts revenue at $4.8 billion, up 4.8% year over year, while Lithia, Penske, and Group 1 all posted even stronger growth rates ranging from 8% to over 14%.Hendrick Automotive Group stood out with the highest average service and parts revenue per rooftop among the top five at nearly $24 million per dealership, proving fewer stores can still mean massive fixed ops performance.In body shop revenue, Asbury Automotive Group led the pack at $272 million, though several groups saw declining collision revenue as consolidation pressures and changing repair economics continue reshaping the market.Some of the biggest movers in service and parts rankings included Murgado Automotive Group, Young Automotive Group, and Nielsen Automotive Group, while Fitzgerald Auto Malls and Dobbs Automotive saw some of the steepest drops in body shop rankings.Masano Auto Group dealer principal John Masano summed up the industry sentiment saying, “I think the more that dealers look at this, they'll look at maybe concentrating on their core competency — which is sales and service and parts.”AI is compressing the timeline  between innovation and disruption. A new Tech Trends report argues that companies winning with AI aren't chasing shiny tools; they're solving real problems fast, with people at the center of the process.Leaders across industries say AI success starts with business outcomes, not hype. Broadcom's CIO warned companies can “invest in AI and receive no return” without a clear problem to solve.UiPath's CEO encouraged companies to stop living in endless pilot programs and instead “attack your biggest problem” for meaningful impact.Western Digital's CIO emphasized speed over perfection saying companies would rather “fail fast on small pilots than miss the wave entirely.”Walmart involved store associates directly in designing its scheduling app, cutting scheduling time from 90 minutes to 30 minutes and driving actual employee adoption.The report's biggest takeaway: organizations built for slow, sequential improvement may struggle against competitors operating in continuous AI learning loops.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, Michael, and Kyle talk about the anticipation for what's about to happen this week on site in Hanover, Maryland. They give their top three things to look forward to and to watch, and they also talk about what it will take for dealers and industry partners to have a successful week, whether they are at the event or not. It's still not too late to join us. Go to ASOTUCON.com to get tickets. If you can't join us, make sure you follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter so that you don't miss a thing. 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 on the show, Paul, Kyle and Chris give a sneak preview of an ASOTU CON Breakfast Session with Damon Lester on the importance of mental health in the auto industry.It's not too late to get tickets: https://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 #1337: GM looks to capitalize on Ford's pickup shortage, Tesla hits a major FSD milestone (without the autonomy leap), and Home Depot takes on the messy world of big-and-bulky delivery.Show Notes with links:GM is looking to stock up where it counts—full-size pickups—after missing early-year demand. With Ford still recovering from supply issues, GM sees a prime opportunity to gain ground in the most profitable segment on the lot.GM ended Q1 with 9% fewer pickups on dealer lots, citing factory downtime and strong prior sales.The plan: boost inventory over the next few quarters while staying cautious on overall demand.Ford's F-150 supply is down over 40% after a supplier fire, creating a short-term opening.Ram could also benefit, with stronger inventory and fewer production constraints.“GM should pick up a lot of share in Q2,” said Morningstar analyst David Whiston.Tesla just crossed 10 billion miles on its Full Self-Driving system—a milestone Elon Musk once tied to achieving unsupervised autonomy. But despite the headline, drivers still need to keep their hands on the wheel… and eyes on everything.Musk previously suggested that milestone could unlock “safe unsupervised” driving.The reality check is that FSD remains a Level 2 system requiring constant driver attention.Liability still sits with the driver—not Tesla—unlike fully autonomous competitors like Waymo.The gap between milestone and reality highlights ongoing questions around autonomy timelines.Home Depot is tackling one of retail's toughest challenges: delivering big, bulky items faster—and with visibility. While small packages have gotten slick, lumber and concrete are a different beast entirely.Home Depot is rolling out real-time tracking for large deliveries, targeting a long-standing “blind spot.”Over 55% of SKUs now qualify for same- or next-day delivery, tripling since 2022.The company is investing in specialized distribution centers for bulky goods like lumber and concrete.Most big-item deliveries (about 90%) are still handled by third-party logistics providers.“The final-mile bulky goods delivery network is… the most complex,” said NHDA's William Lecos.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 #1336: Chinese automakers quietly prep a Canadian invasion, dealers ramp up ad spend amid tariff uncertainty, and even the Cozy Coupe gets an EV twistShow Notes with links:Chinese automakers are laying the groundwork to enter Canada, with hiring, vehicle sightings, and dealer conversations signaling real momentum. With a new 49K EV import quota opening this year, brands like BYD, Geely, and Chery are positioning early for market entry.Geely's Zeekr brand is already hiring senior leadership in Toronto, signaling active plans for sales, service, and dealer network development.Chery is testing vehicles in Toronto and courting Canadian dealers, even flying some to the Beijing Auto Show to build early relationships.BYD is moving fastest on retail, aiming to open as many as 20 stores this year through local partnerships.Despite the activity, no official quota allocations have been issued yet, and sales likely won't begin until late this year.Rising tariffs and shifting inventory levels are putting dealer marketing back in the spotlight. As uncertainty creeps into pricing and supply, dealers are leaning harder into advertising to guide consumers.Dealers spent $9.22B on advertising last year, up 4% and nearing pre-pandemic levels as the market stabilizes.Digital dominates, capturing 73% of ad budgets, with third-party listings, search, and social leading the chargeDealers spent an average of $705 per new vehicle sold on advertising, still well above pre-pandemic levels despite a slight year-over-year dip.Third-party listing sites alone captured over 20% of total ad spend, making them the single largest channel in dealer marketing budgets.“The future of the U.S. auto industry is murky… effects are difficult to quantify,” said NADA Chief Economist Patrick Manzi.Even the toy aisle isn't immune to the EV transition. Little Tikes is giving its iconic Cozy Coupe a plug-in twist, introducing a playful charging station that mirrors the real-world shift from gas pumps to electrons.Little Tikes launched a $33 “Cozy E-Charging Station” accessory for its classic Cozy Coupe, aimed at kids ages 18 months to 5 years.The plug fits right into the existing fuel door, signaling how seamlessly EVs are replacing gas—even in pretend play.The Cozy Coupe itself still runs Flintstones-style, powered by kids' feet—not batteries.The toy has sold up to 500,000 units annually at its peak, making it one of the most recognizable “vehicles” in America.At $65 for the car, it may be the cheapest “EV” on the market, even if range is limited to the living room.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 #1335: Inventory tightens as hybrids fly off lots, Hertz leans into retail with an eBay storefront, and Delta redraws the snack map—cutting service on shorter flights while upgrading longer ones.Show Notes with links:New-vehicle inventory tightened heading into May, with hybrid demand doing its best “hot ticket on the lot” impression. Catalyst IQ says overall supply dipped month over month, while hybrids and EVs hit record demand and supplies of those models shrank.U.S. light-vehicle inventory fell to 2.85 million, down 2.7% from April but still up 1.2% year over year.Industrywide days' supply dropped to 76 days, down from 80 in April.Hybrids are moving fastest, averaging 59 days on lots, compared with 75 for gas vehicles and 114 for EVs.Small and midsize sedans remain tightest by segment, while half-ton pickups have thinned, partly due to F-150 shortages tied to the Novelis fire.Toyota Motor North America's reported days' supply stayed flat month over month.Hertz Car Sales is doubling down on retail, expanding its reach with a new digital storefront on eBay as it shifts away from wholesale channels. The move puts its near-new inventory in front of millions of online shoppers.Hertz Car Sales launched an eBay storefront with 8,000+ certified vehicles available nationwide.The initiative is part of its strategy to make retail its primary sales channel, rather than wholesale.Vehicles are typically one year old or newer, priced below new, and sourced from its rental fleet.The company continues building an omnichannel approach across its site, Amazon Autos, and Rent2Buy.“It gives us access to millions of in-market shoppers… and supports a scalable retail model,” said EVP Chris Berg.Delta is trimming its onboard snack game, tightening service on shorter flights while boosting it on longer ones. Starting May 19, the airline will shift to a distance-based approach that could mean fewer Biscoff cookies—or more, depending on your route.Complimentary snacks and drinks will only be served on flights over 350 miles for Main and Comfort passengers.Over 450 shorter flights (under 349 miles) will lose current express service offerings.Some mid-range flights actually get an upgrade, moving from limited to full service.Delta says the change is about creating a “more consistent experience” across its network.First-class service remains unchanged across all flight lengths.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 #1334: Dealers face workforce cuts as Group 1 trims costs, Ford's secret EV project reveals how it plans to hit a $30K price point, and Harley-Davidson shifts back to entry-level bikes to drive volume, boost dealer profits, and reconnect with new riders.Group 1 Automotive has reduced its U.S. workforce by nearly 700 employees in April as leadership responded to a slower retail market and leaned further into technology to improve efficiency.Executives said the company cut about 5% of its U.S. workforce across dealerships and corporate roles to reduce costs.CFO Daniel McHenry said the cuts will save about $35 million annually, while vendor reductions add another $15 million in savings.CEO Daryl Kenningham said leadership reviewed “costs by store and market and business unit” and assigned new staffing targets accordingly.Leadership said the company protected service technicians and retained roles tied to training, development, and retention initiatives.Kenningham: “We feel like we have enough technology overlay that's going to compensate for those lower productivity salespeople that we might have separated with,”We've talked about Ford's low-cost EV project before, but now we're getting a clearer look at how they plan to actually make money on a $30K electric truck.A Wall Street Journal article is detailing how the Ford program led by Silicon valley engineers is focused on stripping costs out of EVs.Ford insiders said the “techie outsiders” and legacy engineers initially struggled with “misunderstandings and distrust,” as fast-moving, risk-tolerant Silicon Valley approaches clashed with Ford's more cautious, process-heavy culture.The development team cut parts, simplified wiring, and redesigned assembly using large castings and modular builds to reduce labor and complexity.Engineering lead Alan Clarke said, “We can look at it as, ‘The Chinese are really far ahead and it's really scary that they're coming.' But, get off your ass and do something about it.”Harley-Davidson is pivoting hard toward affordability, bringing back the Sportster and launching lower-cost models as it tries to reverse years of declining sales and reconnect with a broader rider base.Harley leadership is returning to entry-level bikes after years focused on high-priced touring models that boosted margins but hurt unit sales.CEO Artie Starrs said the revived Sportster will start around $10,000, while a new Sprint model is expected near $6,000 to drive volume.The strategy aims to grow dealer profitability, with plans to double profits this year and quadruple them by 2029.Harley is also pushing more showroom traffic by requiring online merchandise purchases to be picked up at dealerships.CEO Artie Starrs said, “Our riders want it, which means our dealers want it, which is why we're so passionatJoin 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 #1333: Used-car consolidation accelerates as the biggest dealer groups tighten their grip, Ford opens up employee pricing to drive volume, and Audible tests a bold physical retail concept. It's all about scale, strategy, and finding new ways to connect with today's customer.Show Notes with links:Automotive News dropped its 2026 Top 100 used dealer group ranking, and the big headline is scale: the top 100 retailed 3.45 million used vehicles in 2025, up 1.4%, while the top 10 alone moved 52% of the total. Big stores got bigger, and the used-car chessboard got sharper. Lithia stayed on top with 435,070 used units, followed by AutoNation at 269,558, Group 1 at 234,906, Penske at 226,301, and Sonic at 171,838.Group 1 had a monster year, jumping from 209,687 to 234,906 used units, while Hudson Automotive cracked the top 10 with 72,044 units after a big gain from 2024.The list also shows plenty of movement below the giants, with new names including DriveChoice, Price Family Dealerships, Sam Pack, Bob Moore, Young Automotive, Bayway, ZT, Hiley, and American Motors Group.Takeaway for dealers: used-car scale is still a weapon, but so is execution. The groups climbing fastest are proving inventory discipline, acquisition strategy, and turn speed still matter more than just rooftop count.Ford is opening up employee pricing to the public on most 2025 and 2026 models, leaning into affordability concerns while trying to keep volume strong. The move comes as competition tightens and buyers remain cautious on big purchases.Ford extends employee pricing broadly to attract cost-conscious buyers sitting on the sidelines.The strategy aims to boost showroom traffic and maintain plant utilization in a competitive market.Q1 2026 results show solid footing with $43B revenue and $2.5B net income, helped by a $1.3B tariff refund.The big question: will increased volume offset thinner margins or create a discounting habit?Audible is stepping into the physical world with a limited-time NYC pop-up designed to bring audio storytelling to life. The 6,000-square-foot “Story House” blends retail, community, and immersive tech into a new kind of media experience.Audible opened a three-story listening lounge in Manhattan, running through May 31.Features include Dolby Atmos rooms, live events, and interactive “story tiles” for browsing content.The space blends digital and physical, letting users sample, stream, and engage with content on-site.Community-driven programming includes creator panels, fan events, and themed experiences.James Finn, Audible's global head of brand and content marketing:“What does a bookstore look like without any books? A place where audio storytelling comes alive.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On today's show, Chris joins Paul and Kyle to talk about our ASOTU CON charity partner Vehicles for Change and the amazing impact that they have because of partnering with dealers.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 #1331: Lawmakers push to block Chinese autos amid affordability and security concerns, Rivian reshapes its Georgia plant strategy while betting big on the R2, and California moves to hold autonomous vehicles accountable with new enforcement rules.Show Notes with links:A bipartisan push led by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) aims to shut the door on Chinese vehicles and parts entering the U.S., citing national security concerns as affordability pressures rise for consumers.The proposed bill would ban Chinese-made vehicles, parts, and software from entering the U.S. market.Moreno and Slotkin want to expand existing rules and “seal” the entire automotive supply chain from foreign adversaries.The effort comes ahead of a planned Trump-Xi meeting and growing political pressure to act.Support from UAW and GM highlights industry concern over competition and data security risks.“People are really, really pressed right now… people are looking for cheaper cars… but as leaders, we have a responsibility to say, ‘Look, this is a driving surveillance package, it's like TikTok on wheels,”” Slotkin said.Rivian is trimming its Georgia factory ambitions but accelerating its timeline. A smaller federal loan means reduced capacity, but earlier access to funds could help fast-track production of its highly anticipated, more affordable R2 lineup.Rivian cut planned capacity from 400,000 to 300,000 vehicles annually as its federal loan shrinks to $4.5B.The upside: funds will be available sooner, allowing a single-phase build instead of two stages.The plant, opening in 2028, will produce the R2 and future models aimed at broader affordability.Rivian's Q1 showed progress with losses narrowing 23% and deliveries up 20% year-over-year.“R2 provides the opportunity to expand the Rivian brand to millions of drivers,” said CEO RJ Scaringe.California is putting autonomous vehicles on notice, literally. Starting July 1, AV companies can be cited for traffic violations committed by their driverless cars, marking a major shift in how regulators handle robotaxi behavior and public safety.Law enforcement can now issue “notices of AV noncompliance” for violations like running red lights or ignoring school buses.The move follows years of viral mishaps and ongoing investigations into systems like Tesla's Full Self-Driving.AV companies must respond to first responders within 30 seconds and comply with emergency geofencing to avoid active scenes.New rules also open the door for testing heavy-duty autonomous trucks and set training requirements for remote operators.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 #1330: Carvana keeps its growth streak alive with record sales and profits, automakers book billions in tariff refunds (on paper), and AI is forcing retail media to evolve from impressions to real, measurable outcomes.Carvana is back in the fast lane, posting another record-breaking quarter with massive sales growth and strong profits. The online retailer continues to scale, signaling confidence in its long-term used car dominance.Carvana sold 187,393 vehicles in Q1 2026, up 40% year-over-year and marking its sixth straight quarter of 40%+ growth.Revenue jumped to $6.43B with net income hitting $405M, beating analyst expectations across the board.The company is expanding capacity, integrating ADESA sites, and building toward 1.5M annual unit capability—with room to reach 3M.Carvana expects continued growth in Q2, assuming stable market conditions and momentum holds.“We are continuing to hit records… and scale a business of Carvana's complexity at high speed,” said CEO Ernie Garcia.Automakers are seeing a short-term earnings lift from expected U.S. tariff refunds—but the cash isn't in hand yet, and the optics could get tricky. As billions in reimbursements loom, companies are balancing accounting wins with political uncertainty.Ford, GM, Mercedes, and Stellantis booked roughly $2.3B in expected tariff refunds, boosting Q1 profits on paper.Ford alone expects $1.3B back, GM about $500M, tied to overturned tariffs under IEEPA.Automakers stress the cash hasn't arrived yet—so it's not counted as free cash flow.The refund process could take months, adding uncertainty to already complex financial planning.The overturned IEEPA tariffs are just one piece—automakers still face ongoing import taxes on steel, aluminum, and vehicles and parts from Mexico, Canada, and beyond.As AI agents begin browsing, buying, and acting on behalf of users, Cloudflare says the internet isn't fully prepared. A new push for “agent readiness” could reshape how businesses structure sites, data, and digital experiences.Cloudflare warns most websites are built for humans—not AI agents that search, decide, and transact automatically.“Agent readiness” means structuring sites so AI can easily access, interpret, and act on information.This includes better APIs, structured data, and permissions for what agents can or can't do.Businesses may need to rethink UX entirely—designing for machines as much as for people.“The web is being rebuilt for agents,” Cloudflare suggests, signaling a major shift in how digital commerce will operate.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 #1329: Lawmakers push to block Chinese vehicles as they sit just miles from the U.S. border. Meanwhile, those same brands are gaining attention from American drivers. Plus, a new “most trusted companies” list shows how perception is shaping retail and automotive players alike.Show Notes with links:A growing group of U.S. lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to keep Chinese automakers out of the American market entirely, even as consumer interest rises and some leaders float U.S.-based production.More than 70 House Democrats are pushing to maintain a full ban on Chinese vehicles entering the U.S. market.The current restrictions stem from 2025 rules citing national security concerns, especially around data collection from connected vehicles.Despite high tariffs and bans, consumer curiosity about Chinese EVs is increasing, especially with the Beijing Auto Show currently happeningThe debate gets complicated as Trump made comments in January welcoming Chinese automakers building plants and jobs on U.S. soil.“We must not cede the American auto industry to a strategic competitor intent on global dominance,” lawmakers said.Chinese automakers may be locked out of the U.S., but just five miles from the Texas border, they're gaining traction with low prices and high-tech features. Chinese brands like BYD, Geely, and Great Wall are thriving in Mexico with EVs, hybrids, and gas vehicles priced well below U.S. offerings.Dealerships near El Paso are attracting attention from American shoppers, with some buyers and drivers already bringing vehicles into the U.S. under legal exceptions.One driver regularly commutes into Texas in a Chinese plug-in hybrid.Executives warn the pricing pressure is real, with some saying competing at Chinese price points would mean losing money.“If they were allowed to be sold in the United States…they would destroy the American car market,” said a Geely salesman,A new ranking of America's most trustworthy companies is out, based on a survey of 25,000 consumers, with retail brands dominating the list and sparking debate about how trust is measured and which companies truly earn it.Newsweek's 2026 list ranks retailers like Chewy, Costco, Amazon, and Home Depot among the most trusted companies in the U.S.The rankings are based on consumer perceptions of trust across industries, with retail heavily represented at the top.The report emphasizes that trust is increasingly tied to transparency, reliability, and handling of customer data.Some critics argue the list favors large corporations and question whether trust can truly be measured through surveys.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/

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Daly, co-founder of ASOTU (alongside Kyle Mountsier), and let me just say… this conversation is fun, real and relevant. We're talking about what the best operators are actually doing right now… And spoiler alert… it's not chasing shiny AI tools or buying the next "magic solution." It's people. It's culture. It's leadership that actually develops other leaders. Because here's the reality… our industry is losing billions to turnover every year, and the stores that are winning? They are obsessing over their people, giving them ownership, building real career paths, and creating environments where teams actually want to stay and grow. And that's exactly what makes ASOTU CON 2026 (May 12–14 in Maryland) different. https://www.asotucon.com This isn't a sit-and-listen conference. This is where ideas get challenged. Where failures get shared (yes… out loud). Where operators, innovators, and leaders actually collaborate. The theme? Year of the Human. Because while everyone's shouting "AI, AI, AI…" The real question is… who's leading the people behind it? If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready for something that actually pushes your thinking, your leadership, and your business forward… You might want to be in that room. Check out our sponsors! LotLinx.com is a VIN Management Platform that enables precision automotive retailing via /AI/ technologies that improves dealership profitability. Matador.ai, AI That Fully Automates Sales & Service Conversations For Dealerships.ZukiTalk.com helps service advisors by making clear, consistent MPI calls that educate customers and increase approvals. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |  https://apple.co/38lmHM1  https://spoti.fi/3uQ2nd1 | Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 954-873-8029 | edealersolutions.com | Meet me! bit.ly/3J7011t  |  Loyalty-Based Selling Strategies on CBT News | https://bit.ly/3JlcXAx

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1328: We're joined by guest host Steve Greenfield to talk about Ford's CEO sounding the alarm on a make-or-break moment for legacy automakers, while China's ultra-affordable EVs show just how intense—and fast—the global competition has become.Show Notes with links:See Steve's keynote from last year's ASOTU CON hereLegacy automakers are staring down a perfect storm as EVs, software, and Chinese competition reshape the industry. Ford CEO Jim Farley says this could be a defining survival moment—one that feels a lot like the 1920s all over again.Farley calls today a “fitness test” as EVs, software-defined vehicles, and emissions targets collide all at once.Chinese automakers have leapfrogged legacy OEMs in EV tech, speed to market, and cost—sometimes building cars twice as fast.Ford admits early EV efforts missed the mark on cost and design, losing money despite strong consumer interest.Dealers remain a strategic advantage as global competitors lack distribution networks built over decades.“If we don't put our chips on the right number… Ford could maybe not exist.” — Jim FarleyAt the Beijing Auto Show, one thing is clear: China's EV market isn't just competitive—it's brutally cheap. With dozens of models under $25K, the pricing gap versus the U.S. is becoming impossible to ignore.The average new car in the U.S. tops $51K, while China offers 200+ EVs under $25K—and some under $12K.Models like the Wuling MiniEV start around $6,500, prioritizing affordability over size and speed.BYD is dominating the segment, selling hundreds of thousands of sub-$12K EVs with surprising tech and range.Even entry-level Chinese EVs now include features like lidar, fast charging, and 300+ mile range (China standard).“When you get in [these vehicles], you don't feel like you are in a small car.” — Analyst Felipe MuñozJoin 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 #1327: Dealers lose service share to quick lubes, EVs prove stronger range retention, and Chinese vehicles gain global credibility at the Beijing Auto Show.Dealership service lanes are losing ground as quick lube shops quietly gain share in 2025. New data shows fewer transactions and shrinking revenue for dealers, with pricing strategy emerging as the key battleground in keeping service customers loyal.The study analyzes credit and debit transactions across all service channels including dealerships, independents, quick lubes, and tire chains.Overall service transaction dollars fell 8.3 percent, but dealers declined faster at 11 percent.Dealership service transactions dropped 13 percent year over year, the steepest decline among all segments tracked.Quick lube shops gained market share while raising prices more slowly than dealerships, attracting cost-conscious customers.Even with free OEM-paid maintenance, dealers are struggling to retain customers in the critical first two years of ownership.“The quick lubes are what everybody should be worried about,” said Ducker Carlisle's Nate Chenenko.Electric vehicle range isn't fading the way many buyers fear. New data from over a billion miles of driving shows modern EVs are holding onto their range far better than expected, thanks to both improving battery tech and smarter software.Recurrent data shows EVs retain about 97% of range after three years and 95% after five years of ownership.The study is based on real-world driving data, factoring in climate, usage, and battery age, not just EPA estimates.About 68% of 2023 model-year EVs are still exceeding their original EPA range today.Automakers are offsetting degradation with OTA updates and built-in battery buffers that unlock over time.At the Beijing Auto Show, American YouTuber Ethan Robertson of Wheelsboy is giving global audiences a firsthand look at Chinese EVs, helping shift perception from “cheap copycats” to serious innovation leaders.Robertson led international visitors through the Beijing Auto Show, showcasing China's latest EVs and tech-forward designs.Perception has shifted dramatically, with Chinese brands now recognized for advances in batteries, software, and charging.Attendees highlighted futuristic interiors and features, calling the vehicles a “new generation” of driving experience.Competitive pricing remains a major disruptor, with fully loaded EVs around $30,000 undercutting U.S. options.“Our comment section is full of people saying, ‘I can't believe the government won't allow them to sell this car in my country,'” said Robertson.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On this last Saturday of the month, we're talking about how the Sames Auto Group donated $10 for every test drive to their local children's hospital. They have a goal of 2000 test drives on the month and we'll check back into see how they're doing. 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 #1325: Cox Automotive makes a major AI acquisition, April sales show resilient demand under affordability pressure, and developers everywhere are racing to keep up with AI.Show Notes with links:Cox Automotive is doubling down on AI with its planned acquisition of Fullpath, signaling a major shift toward fully connected, data-driven retail. The move aims to help dealers turn fragmented data into smarter marketing and more personalized customer experiences.Fullpath specializes in stitching together years of CRM and DMS data into a single customer profile.The platform enables always-on, AI-driven campaigns with attribution from click to purchase.Cox plans to integrate this with assets like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book shopper data.For dealers, this means less manual marketing and more automated, high-precision engagement.“Fullpath gives dealers the AI and data infrastructure they need to compete.” – Steve Rowley, Cox AutomotiveNew vehicle sales are holding steady—but the story underneath is all about pressure. April's forecast from JD Power shows demand staying resilient even as affordability challenges mount, with rising payments, growing negative equity, and increased incentives reshaping how dealers move metal.April new vehicle sales are projected at 1.36M units, down 7.3% year-over-year—but last year's numbers were inflated by tariff-driven pull-ahead demand.Average monthly payments hit a record $812, driven by declining trade-in equity and higher negative equity rates.Incentives are climbing again, averaging $3,141 per vehicle, with EV incentives still topping $10K per unit.Leasing is on the rise, now at 23.2%, as more customers return to the market after the pandemic gap.“Affordability continues to constrain the vehicle sales pace…” – Thomas King, JD PowerDevelopers are now spending hours each week learning new AI skills, turning upskilling into a required part of staying relevant in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.Many engineers are spending 5–20+ hours per week learning AI tools, courses, and concepts to keep up.AI is reshaping roles, with traditional engineering work shifting toward AI implementation and integration.The pressure is clear: adapt quickly or risk falling behind in the job market.Even tech leaders are dedicating significant time to experimenting with AI tools to stay ahead.“In order to keep up with everything that's coming out right now, you have to have no job.” – Jason Grad, CEO, MassiveJoin 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 #1324: Rising gas prices are pushing renters toward EVs, negative equity hits near-record highs, and JPMorgan's AI tracking shows how fast workplace expectations are shifting.Show Notes with links:Rising gas prices tied to Middle East conflict are nudging rental customers toward EVs, giving the segment a short-term demand boost—even as broader U.S. EV sales remain soft.Hertz saw EV rental requests jump nearly 25% month-over-month, with strongest demand on the West Coast where gas prices hit hardest.Turo reported an 11% booking increase in late March, with a 47% spike the day gas topped $4/gallon.Fuel prices have surged over 30% since late February due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions impacting global oil flow.While new EV sales are down 25% YoY, used EV prices and rental demand are climbing as consumers seek short-term savings.John Coles of ACV Auctions said, “We have seen EVs get a second lease on life due to the sustained pressure at the pump.”Negative equity is making a serious comeback, with Edmunds reporting more car buyers rolling bigger chunks of debt into new loans—tightening affordability and reshaping the trade-in cycle across the industry.Nearly 31% of trade-ins in Q1 2026 carried negative equity, approaching record highs as used vehicle values normalize.The average amount owed hit $7,183—up 42% from five years ago—showing how much debt is being carried forward.Longer loan terms are a key driver, with over 90% of these deals stretching to at least 72 months.More buyers are deeply underwater, with 26% rolling over $10K+ into their next loan, pushing monthly payments to record levels.Edmunds said, “Many consumers who rolled debt into their last purchase are now finding there is no easy exit.”JPMorgan is turning up the heat on AI adoption, tracking how often engineers use tools like Copilot and ranking them internally—raising concerns about performance pressure and workplace surveillance.The bank is pushing its 65,000 tech employees to show “meaningful improvement” in code output using AI tools.Internal dashboards rank engineers by AI usage, with categories like “non,” “light,” and “heavy” users visible across teams.Some employees worry they'll be labeled underperformers if their AI usage doesn't increase, despite unclear metrics.The tracking reflects a broader trend as companies try to prove ROI on massive AI investments.One developer said, “I thought this AI tool was supposed to make our lives easier, but it really seems to have stepped up how much we're expected to do.”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 #1323: Carvana keeps buying rooftops while Stellantis slows consolidation. GM delays its next-gen EV trucks amid weak demand, and Sony-Honda scale back Afeela.Show Notes with links:Carvana just scooped up its seventh CDJR store, planting its first franchised flag in Ohio. The online disruptor continues its push into traditional retail—while Stellantis quietly pumps the brakes.Carvana acquired Avon Lake CDJR near Cleveland, strengthening its hybrid model, pairing physical rooftops with its online sales and distribution network.Stellantis recently limited buyers to one CDJR store per year, signaling a push to slow consolidation and maintain dealer network balance.Analysts say these stores double as regional logistics hubs, keeping delivery distances within that 300–400 mile sweet spot.“Nobody wants to sell a Lexus store…with Stellantis, there's a ready supply.” said analyst Jeff Lick of Stephens Inc.GM is hitting pause on the future of its electric truck lineup, shelving plans for a next-gen refresh and signaling a sharper pivot back to gas-powered pickups as EV demand—and profitability—continue to lag.GM has indefinitely delayed its planned 2028 refresh of full-size EV trucks and SUVs, including Silverado EV and Escalade IQ.The move follows $7.6B in EV-related charges and a sharp drop in sales after federal incentives disappeared.Current EV truck volumes remain low, while GM is adding production capacity for gas-powered heavy-duty pickups.Factory Zero, once the centerpiece of GM's EV strategy, has seen layoffs, shutdowns, and reduced shifts amid weak demand.“EVs remain the end game for GM,” the company said, despite the pause in next-generation planning.Sony and Honda are scaling back their joint venture after deciding the current setup couldn't deliver competitive products anytime soon.Sony Honda Mobility is reducing operations after scrapping plans for its Afeela EV lineup.Employees will be reassigned back to Sony and Honda as the JV winds down activity.The companies cited challenges bringing products to market under the current structure.Even as EV plans fade, the partners say they'll continue focusing on software and user experience innovation.“It would be difficult…to bring products and services aligned with the JV's purpose to market,” the companies said.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 #1322: The FTC wants dealers to report rule-breakers, Tesla turns Cybertrucks into grid assets with a simpler V2G play, and Apple announces a historic CEO transitionShow Notes with links:The FTC is now asking dealers to help police each other on advertising. In a recent NAD webinar, regulators emphasized reporting bad actors and clarified key pricing rules, especially around doc fees and how total vehicle price must be presented.The FTC is encouraging dealers to report competitors who violate ad rules, aiming to level the playing field.Complaints can be submitted directly or through NADA, signaling a more collaborative enforcement approach.Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection clarified that doc fees must be included in the advertised total price—not added later in the deal.Total vehicle price must be displayed more prominently than MSRP in ads across all channels.“[It's important that] the consumer understands what it is that they're going to be paying to get the car out the door,” said Christopher Mufarrige.The Cybertruck is officially now a grid asset. Tesla and PG&E just approved it for vehicle-to-grid use in California, and the bigger story isn't just capability—it's a simpler, cheaper path that could finally make energy-sharing scalable.Unlike Ford and GM setups, Tesla uses an AC-based system—avoiding $6K–$10K DC charger installs.Lower hardware complexity could remove a major barrier for homeowners to join grid programs.Owners opt in to send energy back during peak demand—and get paid for it.With 123 kWh onboard, each Cybertruck adds ~9x the storage of a typical home battery.“Electric vehicles can do more than move people — they can help power homes,” said PG&E's Jason Glickman.One of the most influential CEOs in modern business is stepping aside. Apple announced that Tim Cook will transition to executive chairman this fall, handing the CEO role to longtime insider John Ternus—marking the first major leadership shift since the Steve Jobs era.John Ternus, Apple's hardware engineering chief, will become CEO on September 1, 2026.Cook will stay on as executive chairman, focusing in part on global policy and regulatory relationships.The move caps a long-planned succession, not a sudden shakeup—Apple signaling stability.Ternus brings a product-first background, having led hardware during Apple's silicon and device expansion era.“He is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future,” said Tim Cook.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 #1321: Sedans eye a comeback as affordability bites, tax refunds rise but don't fully convert to sales, and a $2K stripped Tesla proves EV durability in the wildest way possible.Show Notes with links:https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/automakers/an-general-motors-sedan-strategy-0419/#After years of getting crowded out by crossovers, sedans are quietly making a return. Rising prices, shifting regulations, and a hunger for something different have automakers reconsidering the segment many left for dead.Automakers like GM, Stellantis, and Infiniti are exploring new sedan entries, some targeting sub-$30K price points to win back budget-conscious buyers.Sedans are gaining traction again, with Camry, Accord, and K5 posting double-digit sales increases while some crossovers lose share.With average vehicle prices over $50K, sedans offer a more affordable alternative and fill an underserved gap in the market.Design fatigue is real—executives say SUVs are getting “boring,” while sedans offer more room for style and brand differentiation.“There's opportunity for sedans to nibble into utility vehicles,” said S&P's Stephanie Brinley.https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/https-news-dealershipguy-com-p-first-tax-season-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-ends-refunds-up-11The first tax season under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” brought bigger refunds—but not a clean win for dealers. Higher cash in pockets met higher costs at the pump and on loans, creating a mixed bag on showroom floors.Average refunds jumped 11% to $3,462, with total payouts up 14.5%, boosted by new deductions, credits, and no tax on tips or overtime.Dealers saw uneven results—some stores surged, others lagged—as gas prices topped $4 and interest rates stayed elevated.Used market demand leaned toward “near-new” value buys, as shoppers stretched dollars against $50K new-vehicle pricing.Subprime activity ticked up, but down payments shrank, signaling affordability pressure despite larger refunds.“If the war ends…we could see a monster Q4 in '26,” said Potamkin CEO Cole Potamkin.https://electrek.co/2026/04/18/youtuber-buys-stripped-tesla-model-3-go-kart-2000-212-miles-range/YouTuber, Remmy Evans, bought a completely stripped Tesla Model 3 for $2,000—and drove it like a go-kart. Somehow, the battery and motors didn't get the memo.The car had no body panels, windshield, or seatbelts—just the core EV components—and still showed 212 miles of range.Despite 78 error codes and missing safety systems, it was driven on public roads, drifted, off-roaded, and even jumped.Charging proved tricky, with hacked adapters and slow Level 2 charging due to software limitations.Tesla's software may eventually restrict functionality as it detects missing components, highlighting challenges for rebuilders.The big takeaway: EV drivetrains are incredibly durable—even when everything else is gone.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.There's nothing better than Saturday morning, especially because Kyle and Paul get to sit down with Chris Reeves and talk about some of the amazing things happening across their industry today. We talk about how retail automotive's largest auto group, Lithia, is still able to get hyper local with their service to the community. More Details Here. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1322: Dealers brace for long-awaited FTC answers, Ford walks a tightrope with China partnerships, and automakers could be heading back to wartime production. Show Notes with links:https://nada.zoom.us/webinar/register/9017738594625/WN_PU_CgJt2Rx-fOlCP7hJ6yw#/registrationAfter a frustrating first attempt, NADA is back with the FTC for a do-over webinar addressing the 97 warning letters sent to dealers. This time, expectations are high—and so is the pressure to finally deliver clarity.The initial webinar drew 4,000+ attendees but ended abruptly when the FTC declined to answer questions—leaving dealers needing guidance.Dealers are still seeking clarity on key issues like advertising practices, including whether doc fees must be included in vehicle pricing.NADA escalated concerns directly to FTC leadership, prompting a second session with new representation from the Bureau of Consumer Protection.Senator Bernie Moreno emphasized alignment on transparency goals but stressed the need for clear, actionable rules.NADA President Mike Stanton didn't hold back: “A complete waste of everybody's time… We were told that we would get our questions answered.”https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ford-will-partner-more-with-chinese-automakers-overseas-66cc23c9?mod=autos_news_article_pos2Ford CEO Jim Farley is threading a strategic needle—warning about China's growing dominance while simultaneously expanding partnerships overseas. The message is clear: compete where you can, collaborate where you must.Farley says Chinese automakers are leading in tech, cost, and speed—forcing global competitors to rethink strategy.Ford plans to deepen partnerships with Chinese companies outside the U.S. to stay competitive in international markets.At home, Ford is pushing for protections, warning that unchecked Chinese imports could “devastate” U.S. manufacturing and jobs.The company is accelerating its own EV manufacturing overhaul to better compete on affordability and scale.Farley didn't mince words: “You don't become fit like the rest of the Chinese… you aren't going to be around much longer.”https://www.jalopnik.com/2149778/pentagon-wants-automakers-build-fewer-cars-more-weapons/As global conflicts strain U.S. supply chains, the Pentagon is turning to an unexpected ally—automakers. Early talks suggest OEMs may once again be asked to shift from building cars to supporting national defense.Defense officials have approached leaders like GM's Mary Barra and Ford's Jim Farley about ramping up weapons production capacity.Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have rapidly depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles, accelerating urgency.The strategy echoes WWII-era manufacturing pivots, with automakers potentially backstopping traditional defense contractors.Automakers were asked how quickly they could shift production—and what barriers exist in contracts and bidding processes.A Pentagon official emphasized the mission: expanding capacity to ensure warfighters maintain a “decisive advantage.”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 #1321: Dealers double down on price transparency training, a new autonomy “Big Three” takes shape with Waymo, Tesla, and Uber, and AI boosts worker productivity but struggles to move the needle at the organizational level.At the Ethical Finance and Insurance Managers Conference in Las Vegas, industry leaders made it clear: the FTC's warning letters are just the trigger and the real focus is on how dealers adapt operations and training to meet rising expectations.Speakers from compliance, F&I, and training organizations emphasized that execution—not awareness—is the biggest risk for dealerships right now.Leaders like Shannon Robertson (AFIP) and Tony Dupaquier (iA American Warranty Group) highlighted that regulators are watching closely, pushing dealers to tighten processes.The message: pricing consistency must be trained, reinforced, and monitored across sales, F&I, and even social media activity.Experts stressed that today's buyers shop online for months, making pricing accuracy critical before they ever walk in.“Do we train employees that the price they quote has to match that online price?” Robertson saidA new mobility power trio is emerging, but its not Detroit's legacy OEMs. Waymo, Tesla, and Uber are moving autonomy from testing to real-world deployment, the race is shifting from building tech to scaling full-blown transportation networks.Robotaxis and autonomous trucks are already operating in multiple U.S. cities but the next battleground is scale—charging hubs, maintenance depots, and fleet optimization will separate winners from the rest.Waymo leads in deployment with 500,000 weekly rides, while Uber brings unmatched ride-matching infrastructure and partnerships.Tesla's edge lies in massive real-world driving data and its Supercharger network, though full autonomy still requires supervision.“Waymo is probably less than a year from becoming a verb,” said autonomy expert Grayson Brulte.AI is making employees more productive—but companies aren't seeing the payoff at scale. New data from Gallup shows a growing gap between individual efficiency gains and real organizational transformation, with leadership and engagement emerging as the missing links.65% of workers say AI improves their productivity, yet only 12% feel it's truly transforming how their organization operates.Leaders echo the disconnect—89% report no measurable productivity gains from AI so far, despite heavy adoption.Manager involvement is the difference-maker, with employees far more likely to see value when leaders actively support AI use.Many organizations are falling short—less than one-third of employees say their managers are actively backing AI adoption.AI fears are rising too, with 23% of workers in 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 #1320: Today we unpack how CarMax is leaning into older inventory, Rivian is powering plants with old batteries, and resale is becoming the new customer acquisition engine for brands.Show Notes with links:CarMax is leaning into lower-priced, higher-mileage inventory and looser credit to tackle affordability—but Wall Street isn't buying it yet. Despite solid earnings, shares slid as investors question the cost and timeline of the turnaround.CarMax stock dropped 14% after earnings, even with results meeting expectations.The company is pausing share buybacks to preserve cash for a turnaround strategy.CarMax is increasing its mix of older, higher-mileage “value” vehicles to meet affordability demand, now ~35% of inventory.Its finance arm is working with stretched buyers, noting most customers outside top-tier credit are struggling with payments.“This year we have absolutely increased our sales of older cars to meet the customer where they want to be met on affordability,” said CFO Enrique Mayor-Mora.Rivian is tapping into its own retired EV batteries to power its Illinois plant, partnering with Redwood Materials in a move that cuts energy costs and grid reliance—while hinting at a bigger long-term infrastructure play.Once completed, the factory will draw power from 100+ reused EV batteries in a footprint the size of a small parking lot.The setup will reduce reliance on the power grid, especially during peak demand hours.The system is expected to deliver 10 MWh of energy, roughly equal to 1,000 home battery units.Rivian sees potential to expand battery reuse across facilities, with more projects likely as it scales production.“There's hopefully a lot more… and there's going to be a lot of batteries we'll have access to,” said CEO RJ Scaringe.The global resale market is surging as affordability pressures push consumers toward secondhand goods—creating a powerful new customer acquisition channel for brands.The global resale market is projected to hit $317B by 2027, up from $256B in 2025.84% of resale shoppers use secondhand platforms to discover new brands.58% of shoppers who first buy a brand secondhand go on to purchase new items from that brand.“This is an interesting way for higher-price-point brands to acquire new customers,” said McKinsey's Colleen Baum.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 #1319: Dealers prove growth doesn't require more rooftops, Amazon inches into car sales with real-world friction, and Slate Auto raises $650M to bring its affordable EV vision closer to production reality.Show Notes with links:Forget “grow or die”—2025 proved you can win without adding rooftops. Many Top 150 groups drove serious gains through operational discipline, not acquisitions, signaling a shift toward smarter, not just bigger, dealership strategies.52 groups grew new-vehicle sales with zero footprint change, pointing to stronger same-store execution.High performers leaned into used-car ops, inventory availability, and internal GM development.Great Lakes Auto Group climbed 19 spots to #88, boosting volume 28% while holding steady at nine stores.Late-year acquisitions (Q4 closings) meant organic performance—not M&A—drove most gains.“We think that scale helps… but I don't think it's absolutely necessary,” said Hudson Automotive (#11) CEO David Hudson.Amazon is upping its new-car retail platform, and yes, you can now buy a Corvette there. What started with Hyundai has expanded to include multiple brands, bringing digital-native shopping into a $1.3T dealership market.Amazon Autos now features Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Chevrolet, and Jeep in 130+ cities.Customers can browse, price, finance, and start paperwork online, reducing time in-store—not replacing it.Dealers pay to list inventory, gaining high-intent traffic from Amazon's massive audience.Early friction like inventory sync issues and incomplete deal structures highlights the complexity of auto transactions.“Customers have a level of comfort with Amazon… but it's definitely just in the starting phase,” said dealer Matthew Phillips.Slate Auto just locked in $650M in Series C funding, keeping its low-cost EV truck plans on track—and putting a spotlight on its next big milestone: production.The funding supports next-stage development and production ramp at its Indiana facility.Slate just crossed the 160K reservation mark and still targets late 2026 deliveries, with preorders expected to open in June.The truck will start at a mid-$20K starting price, using a stripped-down base model with modular add-ons that let customers upgrade into things like a 5-seat SUV or fastback configuration.The company plans to invest $400M in its plant, creating 2,000+ jobs.“We will deliver Slate Trucks at nearly half the cost of the average new vehicle—as promised,” said President Chris Barman.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 #1318: Penske climbs the dealer ranks as consolidation continues, Tesla sends off Model S/X with a pricey Signature Series, and $4 gas is pushing consumers online.Automotive News' 2026 Top 150 Dealer ranking saw some notable movement as acquisitions and stronger same-store sales reshaped the leaderboard.Penske Automotive moved to No. 2, bumping AutoNation to No. 3, while Lithia holds the top spot yet again.Penske's growth was fueled in part by high-volume California and Texas store acquisitions now fully counted in 2025 results.The Top 150 sold 4.14M vehicles, increasing their share of total U.S. sales to 27%.Despite selling more cars, the Top 150 owns fewer rooftops overall—continued consolidation in action.81 groups moved up overall and 23 gained double-digit spots.Public retailers increased their share of Top 150 sales to 34.3%, highlighting their growing influence.14 currently represented at ASOTU CON: Lithia, Holman, Ourisman, LaFontaine, DARCARS, Walser, McGovern, Zeigler,  RML Automotive, American Motors Group, CMA, Huffines, Casa, Preston Auto Group.Tesla is closing the chapter on its flagship sedans and SUVs with an ultra-exclusive, invite-only “Signature Series” run. With just 350 units and premium pricing, it's a nostalgic—and pricey—farewell to the brand's roots.Tesla will build just 350 units (250 Model S, 100 Model X), available only via invite to select owners.Exclusive Garnet Red paint, gold badging, and numbered interiors highlight the collector-focused design.The pricing reflects rarity, with the Model X Signature hitting $159K—about a $30K premium.These models will mark the end of Model S/X production as Tesla shifts factory capacity toward Optimus robots.Elon Musk previously called it an “honorable discharge,” closing a chapter that started in 2012.Rising gas prices are pushing more shoppers to skip store trips altogether. A sharp spike in online spending suggests convenience—and avoiding the pump—is becoming a bigger factor in buying decisions.Online spending jumped 20% in March, far above typical monthly gains, as gas prices topped $4.Orders rose 12% and average order value increased 8%, showing bigger and more frequent purchases.In-store shoppers are consolidating trips, making fewer visits but spending more per trip.83% of consumers cite gas as a top cost concern, with many shifting to online to avoid driving.“When gas crosses a psychological price threshold, the math changes,” said Omnisend's Marty Bauer.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, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to talk about how the Haselwood Auto Group has already raised over $80,000 for their local YMCA through their April campaign, and it's only April 11th!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 #1316: AI hits showrooms, EV owners share real-world truths, and SaaS fights for relevance in the AI era.A South Korean startup is pushing AI-powered showroom kiosks into U.S. dealerships, promising efficiency and cost savings. But despite growing AI adoption, experts say American buyers still want a human connection—especially when making one of life's biggest purchases.Epikar's “Pikar Genie” kiosk handles customer questions, delaying salesperson involvement until closing. The pitch: lower labor costs and a modern buying experience.Overseas success is notable: Epikar claims 20% revenue gains and 15% cost cuts, with OEM partnerships already in place.U.S. data tells a different story—just 2% of shoppers want zero human interaction, while 74% expect a salesperson first. Trust still drives the showroom.“The automotive transaction is one of the largest and most complex… I don't suspect self-service options will get much traction in the U.S.,” said Steve Greenfield.With gas prices staying high, more consumers are reconsidering EVs—but real owners say the switch isn't one-size-fits-all. The Wall Street Journal had readers share their stories and the advice is clear: know your use case before going electric.Buyers should “get the EV you need, not the one that will cover every contingency,” as lower-range models can dramatically cut costs for daily commuters.Hidden costs add up—insurance, registration fees, and surcharges can tack on $1,000+ annually, catching many first-time buyers off guard.Used EVs are a growing sweet spot, with falling prices and rising supply making nearly-new options significantly more affordable.Home charging is a game changer. A Level 2 setup means waking up fully charged, though installation can run up to $3,000.“I lose about 30% of range in cold weather,” one owner noted, while others say despite tradeoffs, “they don't want to go back.”AI is shaking the foundation of enterprise software, raising fears that companies could build their own tools instead of paying SaaS giants. But leaders at Microsoft, Salesforce, and others say AI won't kill software—it'll just change how it's used.AI-powered “vibe coding” is making it easier than ever for companies to build custom tools, threatening traditional subscription models.Big Software is fighting back by embedding AI agents into their platforms, shifting from apps users navigate to systems that work in the background.Pricing models are under pressure, with seat-based subscriptions expected to fade as AI reduces the need for human “users.”Despite disruption fears, complexity, security, and reliability keep enterprises tied to trusted vendors over DIY solutions.“Is software dead?… It's different. It's definitely not dead,” said OpenAI CEJoin 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 #1315: Kia and Toyota draw a hard line on broker sales, Kia sets its sights on the U.S. pickup market with electrified trucks, and Scout's timeline keeps slipping—pushing its EV ambitions years behind schedule.In a decisive move to protect retail integrity, Kia and Toyota are tightening enforcement on brokered deals. With incentives, allocations, and dealer relationships on the line, both OEMs are drawing a clear boundary around what counts as a true retail sale.Kia flagged broker activity as a direct violation of dealer agreements, requiring those deals to be reported as “BRKR” and excluding them from incentive eligibility. Misreporting could trigger chargebacks.Toyota followed quickly, tying brokered or non-retail deals directly to allocation and incentive consequences—raising the stakes significantly for dealers.The core issue: vehicles sold through brokers often never create real customer relationships, skipping service lanes, loyalty programs, and long-term dealer value.Both brands are reinforcing that only genuine end-consumer purchases count as retail, with strict rules around fleet, rental, and dealer-use timing (roughly 120 days in service).Kia is officially eyeing the U.S. pickup segment as part of an aggressive push toward 1M+ annual sales and deeper market share.Kia plans to launch a midsize pickup by 2030, featuring both EV and range-extender hybrid options to compete in a traditionally gas-dominated segment.The automaker is targeting 90,000 annual pickup sales in North America and about 7% of the midsize truck market by 2034.The truck is expected to offer strong towing, off-road capability, and interior space—going head-to-head with Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, and Rivian R1T.The move supports Kia's broader goal of 1.02M U.S. sales and 6.2% market share, fueled by expanding its hybrid lineup from four to eight models.“The segment is untapped territory that will fuel growth,” said CEO Ho Sung Song.Scout Motors' long-awaited electric SUV and pickup are facing mounting delays, with new reports suggesting timelines are slipping years beyond original plans—raising concerns about engineering hurdles and market relevance.Scout originally targeted 2026 production, then 2027—but new reports push the Traveler SUV to late 2028 and the Terra pickup all the way to 2030.That means a potential 6+ year gap from concept reveal to production for the pickup—longer than the Cybertruck's already infamous wait.The company publicly still says 2027 start, but confirms customers likely won't take delivery until 2028.Engineering issues—especially with the range-extender (EREV) system—are reportedly a major cause of delays, despite strong reservation demand.A Scout spokesperson confirmed, “We expect cuJoin 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 #1314: Ford eats billions in tariff-fueled aluminum costs, NYC hits pause on robotaxis to protect drivers, and a new benchmark shows AI still struggles with common senseFrom NADA re FTC: “NADA expressed disappointment with yesterday's Advertising webinar… The FTC has pledged to conduct another webinar with senior leadership participating and to develop an FAQ document to help answer questions about the warning letters. Details are being worked out.” Ford's aluminum squeeze is getting expensive fast, as a key U.S. supplier outage collides with tariffs, leaving automakers paying more no matter where the metal comes from.Fires at Novelis' New York plant, the largest U.S. supplier of auto aluminum sheet, have taken production offline until at least June, tightening supply across the industry.Ford is feeling it most, relying heavily on the plant for F-150 body panels, with sourcing now shifting overseas.Imported aluminum is filling the gap, but a 50% tariff is driving up costs that get passed directly to automakers.Ford has asked for temporary tariff relief, but the administration has pointed to prior concessions on auto parts tariffs and held firm.Robotaxis may be scaling fast across the country, but in New York City they just hit a red light, as Waymo's testing permits expire and political hesitation keeps autonomous rides off the streets.Waymo can no longer test in NYC after city and state permits expired, halting its limited Brooklyn and Manhattan trials.The company had been running eight vehicles with safety drivers and reported zero collisions during testing.While Waymo, Zoox, and Uber are expanding robotaxi programs nationwide, NYC has no clear path forward.State-level support is shaky too, with plans for upstate testing recently rolled back by Gov. Hochul.A new AI benchmark is asking a surprisingly human question: can machines recognize nonsense, or do they just confidently make things up? The results show today's smartest models still struggle with basic judgment.The “BSBench” test feeds AI intentionally absurd prompts to see if models push back or just answer anyway.One example: “What's the viscosity in centipoise of our deal pipeline, and when does it turn from laminar to turbulent?”Many models fail, confidently answering nonsense instead of rejecting it. Google's Gemini only caught the issue less than half the time.“Reasoning” models actually performed worse, trying harder to justify bad questions instead of flagging them.Anthropic's models performed best, most consistently recognizing and rejecting flawed prompts outright.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 #1313: An FTC webinar that raised more questions than answers, a new fix for broken EV chargers, plus collision repair education starting in elementary school.The much anticipated webinar hosted by NADA to, which included an FTC representative, left thousands of dealers and industry partners frustrated and provided no additional clarification on advertising rules.According to a recap email sent out by industry compliance company, ComplyAuto:The FTC's stated goal is to "level the playing field" for dealers who are already advertising correctly.The FTC refused to answer NADA's questions. FTC official Helen Clark declined to respond, offering nothing beyond what was already in the warning letters, but stated the questions will be considered.NADA raised key issues that went unanswered: whether federal law preempts state doc fee laws (those that allow or require exclusion), whether MSRP can still be advertised, whether a less prominent conditional price is permissible, and liability for third-party lead provider websites.NADA pushed back, noting consent decrees go above and beyond the law and bind only the settling party.Bottom line: nothing new was provided. All open questions remain unanswered.Everged is taking aim at one of EV adoption's biggest headaches: broken public chargers. Its new Zero Cost Swap Program replaces outdated or non-working units with fully managed, modern equipment, giving site hosts a way to fix reliability issues without upfront costs.The program targets aging or unsupported chargers that often get stranded when providers exit the market.Everged covers removal, installation, and activation of new Level 2 or DC fast chargers.Ongoing support includes 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and real-time diagnostics to maximize uptime.Many swaps can reuse existing electrical infrastructure, speeding deployment and avoiding new permits.Everged President James Dion said, “We are so confident in our technology stack that…we all win: our site hosts, EV drivers, and Everged.”Collision repair education is starting earlier than ever, like elementary school early. Instructor Jerry Weston Jr. is teaching kids as young as five basic tools and hands-on skills, tackling a surprising problem: many students lack even the most fundamental mechanical knowledge.After-school programs are reaching students ages 5 to 13, introducing tools and repair concepts years before high school.Weston says he now has to teach basics like how to properly use a screwdriver, showing a sharp decline in foundational skills.Early exposure helps kids discover interests through hands-on tasks like dent removal, polishing, and painting.Programs are using engaging tech like VR paint simulators to make learning safe, fun, and accessible for younger students.Weston: “The more exposure they get, the stronger the future of the industry will be.”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 #1312: Lawmakers push to block Chinese EVs, TruVideo trains the next-gen tech to sell service with video, and stop-start tech may be on its way out as drivers—and regulators—hit the brakes.Three Democratic senators are urging President Trump to block Chinese automakers from building in the U.S. or importing via North America. With tariffs already high, the debate is shifting from competition to national security.Senator Tammi Baldwin, Elissa Slotkin, and Chuck Schumer warn Chinese OEMs setting up U.S. plants could create an “insurmountable” advantage over domestic automakers.Republican Senator Bernie Moreno plans legislation to fully seal the market—blocking Chinese vehicles, software, and partnerships entirely.Pressure is building across the industry and Capitol Hill to keep Chinese automakers out ahead of a potential Trump–Xi meeting.Biden-era 2025 rules effectively banned Chinese passenger vehicles over data security concerns, with strong industry backing, and current tariffs are around 100%, but consumer interest is rising.“Inviting China's automakers…would trigger a national security crisis that could never be reversed,” the senators wrote.Turning wrenches isn't enough anymore. Today's top techs also need to communicate, and TruVideo is stepping in to help, offering its AI-powered video platform to trade schools for free to help students master customer-facing skills before they hit the service lane.The focus: teaching students how to clearly explain repairs through video—boosting trust, approvals, and CSI.Inspection videos are proven to increase revenue and transparency in service departments, but as Liza Borches shared last week at the NY Auto Forum, only 26% of customers are receiving video MPIs at franchise dealerships.CEO Joe Shaker, a former dealer himself, says the platform gives instructors a structured way to grade student videos—evaluating clarity, how the vehicle is presented, and how well recommendations are explained for customer understanding.“You can see the improvement from one assignment to the next, and that gives us a concrete way to measure communication. By introducing these tools to students, we're helping shape the habits that will define the next generation of service professionals.”Auto stop-start tech was built to save fuel—but it's been driving customers crazy for years. Now, policy changes and consumer frustration may finally be putting the feature on the chopping block.Stop-start systems shut off engines at stops to improve fuel economy—but many drivers say it feels jerky and unnatural.Adoption surged from under 1% in 2012 to about 58% of new gas vehicles by 2024, driven by federal incentives.The Trump administration recently moved to eliminate the regulatory credits that fueled its growth, signJoin 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/