Podcast appearances and mentions of paul j daly

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1172: Stellantis bets big on American production with its largest investment ever, NADA makes history with a new vice chair, and three Nissan dealers take the scenic route to prove the CVT isn't the punchline anymore.Show Notes with links:Stellantis just dropped the biggest investment announcement in company history—$13 billion to bring more Jeep, Dodge, and Ram production back home.The plan adds 5,000 U.S. jobs and launches five new vehicles and a new four-cylinder engine by 2030.CEO Antonio Filosa says the goal is simple: grow in the U.S. after Jeep's recent sales slump.$600 million will reopen the Belvidere, Illinois, plant to build the Jeep Cherokee and Compass—moving both out of Mexico.A new range-extended EV and gas model are coming to Metro Detroit, adding another 900 jobs.“Success in America is not just good for Stellantis in the U.S.—it makes us stronger everywhere,” Filosa said.Sandy Fitzgerald Angello of Pohanka Automotive Group has been elected as the NADA vice chair for 2026, only the second woman ever to hold the role. She's expected to take the top spot in 2027.Angello brings 40+ years of experience and currently represents Maryland dealers on the NADA Board.She follows in the trailblazing footsteps of Annette Sykora, who broke the barrier back in 2007.“This position allows me to amplify the voice of dealers,” said Angello. “I look forward to supporting franchised dealers and the customers we serve.”Rob Cochran of #1 Cochran moves up to chair in 2026, continuing NADA's long tradition of planned succession.Both Cochran and Angello start their new roles at the 2026 NADA ShowThree Nissan dealers traded their desks for desert dust. The Tour Detour drops today on YouTube and it's equal parts road-trip chaos, friendship test, and CVT redemption story.Tim Pohanka, Chris Lenckosz, and Jason Cole bought three used Nissans for under $10K—each rocking a 100K-plus CVT—and drove 1,500 miles across salt flats, dunes, and mountain passes.The cars have names (because of course they do): The Duke, Luciano, and Emma.The goal? Show that Nissan's CVT can take more punishment than its memes would suggest.Joining us today is Tim Pohanka, VP and Executive Manager of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:35 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with vAuto2:55 Stellantis To Invest $13B In the US and Create 5000 Jobs4:38 Cochran To NADA Chair, Angello to Vice Chair5:44 Tim Pohanka Joins The Show6:05 Tim on Sandy Fitzgerald Angello7:05 The Tour Detour Debuts TodayJoin 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 #1171: Ford scrambles after a supplier fire halts SUV production, Rivian doubles down on AI instead of Apple CarPlay, and young people rediscover the joy of “hanging up”... literallyFord is pausing production for several key vehicles, including the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and F-150 Lightning, after a massive fire shut down operations at its main aluminum supplier, Novelis. Novelis' upstate New York facility is responsible for 40% of U.S. aluminum sheet supply, and the fire will keep it offline until early 2026.Ford will halt output at five plants, including the Kentucky Truck Plant, where the Expedition and Navigator are built.Ford pulled forward downtime originally scheduled for late 2025 to manage the shortage.F-150 and Super Duty production continue, but analysts say Ford could lose up to $1 billion in profits if supply tightens.“They're focusing all their energy on making sure all their F-150s get built,” said Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions.Rivian is betting its future on in-car AI, aiming to create a seamless, branded ecosystem that integrates your favorite apps, without handing the keys (or the data) over to Apple.CEO RJ Scaringe says the goal is to “hold the glue” between apps like Spotify, Google Maps, and Apple Music as AI becomes central to the in-car experience.Automakers fear platforms like Apple's CarPlay could harvest vehicle data and weaken brand identity.Rivian's approach mirrors moves by other automakers who want to control software updates and user interfaces directly.“Customers will appreciate a seamless digital experience... not needing to jump between CarPlay and what we create as a Rivian environment,” said Scaringe.Call it the “landline revival.” Gen Z and millennials are rebelling against endless screen time, choosing intentional connection and analog simplicity over constant notifications and algorithm-driven distraction.Over 40% of U.S. adults — and 62% under 30 — say they're on their phones almost constantly, according to Pew Research.Tiffany Ng, a NYC writer, chained her iPhone using a belt for a week, describing it as “reentering real life.”Others, like Catherine Goetze, are modernizing the landline — selling Bluetooth-connected rotary phones under her brand Physical Phones, generating $118K in pre-sales.“It's not realistic to throw your smartphone into a river,” Goetze said. “But you can regain some level of balance and intentionality.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:35 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar on How and When To Move Used Vehicles2:30 Q4 Strategy Sessions NEXT WEEK3:54 Ford Pauses Production Due To Aluminum Supplier Fire7:08 Why Rivian Isn't Integrating Apple CarplJoin 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 #1168: Today we're covering how top dealerships are building stronger workplace cultures, why subprime auto delinquencies are rising, and how Ferrari's first EV aims to keep its signature sound authentic.The Automotive News 2025 Best Dealerships To Work For study reveals what separates top employers from the rest — and it's more about people than paychecks.Winning dealerships excelled in communication, transparency, and trust — 88% of employees said they're “kept aware of the dealership's financial status” vs. just 65% at nonwinners.They lead with fairness: 92% of employees at top stores felt “paid fairly,” and were satisfied with their benefits, compared to 71% elsewhere.Flexible work options are gaining traction, with 48% of Best Dealerships offering four-day workweeks and 79% offering flexible hours.Health and wellness programs were a hallmark — 70% offered fitness reimbursements, and 75% trained managers to spot stress and burnout.“You build trust through being transparent,” said Tim Bergstrom, CEO of Bergstrom AutomotiveThe top dealership to work for in 2025 is Capitol Nissan Salem of the Capitol Auto Group, but we have some friends on the list including Mohawk Honda, 6 from the Rohrman Auto Group, 2 from the Matthews Auto Group and nearly 40 from Bergstrom AutomotiveThe U.S. auto market is showing signs of financial strain as more buyers fall behind on car payments. Rising prices, higher interest rates, and stagnant wages are hitting lower-income consumers hardest.Nearly 14% of new-car buyers now have credit scores below 650 — the highest share since 2016, according to J.D. Power.More than 6% of subprime auto loans are 60 or more days delinquent, a record high, Fitch Ratings reports.Roughly 1.7 million vehicles were repossessed last year — the most since 2009.Lender Tricolor Holdings filed for bankruptcy, underscoring the strain on borrowers with limited credit access.Ferrari's first EV, the Elettrica, won't fake the sound of a V8 — it's creating a new, authentic electric soundtrack. The brand's engineers designed a system that amplifies real motor vibrations to create a natural, emotionally engaging tone.Ferrari rejected synthetic engine noise and instead amplifies genuine drivetrain frequencies through a sensor on the rear axle.The sound activates only when the driver calls for torque, offering “dialogue between driver and car.”The system, developed in-house, works like an electric guitar — converting real vibrations into an audible, performance-linked tone.Ferrari hasn't yet revealed the sound to the public, though early testers reportedly praised it.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:35 New Auto Collabs Episode with Michael Kraut of ExpJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Car Guy Coffee Podcast: Coffee Break feat. Paul J Daly Welcome to the Car Guy Coffee Podcast. Kickstart your day the right way  and join us as we tap into the brightest minds and most passionate voices across the automotive world to bring you the education, motivation, and inspiration you need to thrive. From the showroom floor to the service lane, prepare to Upshift and Uplift your perspective.  In this episode we sit down with Paul J. Daly, CEO of ASOTU, to talk about the highly anticipated ASOTUCON event. Paul gives us a sneak peek into the exclusive swag and reveals details about the upcoming "More Than Cars" video series. The group discusses how to navigate industry challenges with a positive mindset, focusing on what's controllable like culture and sales processes. They also highlight some of the incredible speakers and the annual reconditioned car giveaway for a great cause. Plus, listeners can get a special discount on their tickets!

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

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

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

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

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1115: Ford's ready for its “Model T moment,” the Cybertruck heads to military testing, and Rivian turns EV charging into a Hamptons-style retreat.Show Notes with links:Ford is gearing up for a major EV push with plans to build a new generation of affordable electric vehicles, kicking off a pivotal new chapter that CEO Jim Farley has dubbed the company's “Model T moment.”The EV line will include a midsize pickup, set to launch in 2027 from Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant.Batteries will be supplied by Ford's upcoming $3B LFP (lithium ion phosphate) battery plant in Marshall, MI, creating 1,700 jobs.The Marshall project has faced controversy, construction pauses, and political scrutiny due to its partnership with Chinese battery giant CATL, but will move forward after securing tax credits.It will be the first U.S. EV battery plant to use LFP chemistry at scale—offering lower costs and better sustainability than traditional NMC batteries, though with less power and range.“Model e continues to make targeted investments where we have breakthrough innovation (next gen EVs), and a distinct advantage (LFP batteries)” said CEO Jim Farley.Elon Musk once pitched the Tesla Cybertruck as a military-ready, apocalypse-proof beast. Now, the U.S. Air Force has plans for it—just not quite the way he envisioned.The Air Force Test Center is requesting two Cybertrucks as part of a 33-vehicle target fleet at White Sands Missile Range.A military doc suggests adversaries might use Cybertrucks, which “have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact.”The goal is to test precision-guided weapons against realistic, resilient targets.The government documents left a glowing review of the Cybertruck saying “Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [REDACTED] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck.”Charging your EV in the Hamptons just got a whole lot cozier. Rivian's new Southampton Charging Outpost swaps the gas station vibes for beachside boutique charm—and locals are noticing.The cedar-shingled lounge features six DC fast chargers, a kids' play area, 24/7 restrooms, and complimentary Hampton Coffee.From August 7–10, drivers can plug in for free, enjoy curated snacks, and even test drive a Rivian.Every mile charged is powered by renewable energy—solar and wind included.This marks Rivian's 121st Adventure Network site and 15th in the Northeast, reinforcing its strategy of building fewer but friendlier charging stops.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:37 Kyle is at Beaver Mazda today1:42 Announcements3:10 Ford's Next-Gen EVs Are Coming5:37 US Orders Cybertrucks for Target PracticeJoin 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 #1107: Today we dive into why used EVs — especially Teslas — are losing value fast, how a Cybertruck hung 6,600 pounds on a patch of glue, and what AI search's rise in impressions but drop in clicks means for auto dealers looking to stay visible.Show Notes with links:Electric vehicles are losing traction in the used market, according to iSeeCars. The latest study shows Tesla models topping the list of biggest price drops as demand cools and federal incentives near expiration.5 of the top 10 used vehicles with the largest price drops in June were EVs.Tesla Model S fell $8,768 (-15.8%), Model X dropped $9,544 (-15.5%), and Model Y slid $4,637 (-13.6%).Used EV prices fell 4.8% year-over-year, while used gas cars rose 5.2%.EV market share growth slowed to just 14.2%, down from 98% last year, even as supply increased.“For shoppers, used EVs offer about $1,200 less in value than a gasoline vehicle – and while you can love or hate how the market prices a vehicle, you can't argue with it,” said iSeeCars analyst Karl Brauer.The Tesla Cybertruck is back in headlines—this time literally hanging suspended by glue in a viral stunt. YouTuber JerryRigEverything put on a dramatic demo shining a light on Tesla's unusual but surprisingly strong repair method.A 6,600-pound Cybertruck was lifted mid-air using just a 2.5-inch patch of Fusor 2098 adhesive attaching it to a crane.That exact glue had been used in repairing the same truck when its tow hitch ripped out during a stress test.Fusor 2098 cures to about 3,190 psi tensile strength, and is OEM‑approved by Tesla and other manufacturers.Adhesive bonding, when paired with rivets, can distribute loads better and outperform welds in some impact scenarios.AI search is changing the game — not just how people ask questions, but how they see your brand. A new VaynerMedia study reveals that while impressions are climbing, actual clicks are falling off fast.AI search already makes up 7.6% of monetizable queries, expected to hit 25% by 2027.ChatGPT queries surged +180% in the past year, while Google's traditional traffic is slipping.“Zero‑click searches” are up, with site traffic down 6.7% year‑over‑year despite higher impression counts.Some takeaways:Move Fast and Test New AI Ad Formats Now: Early adopters of AI‑friendly strategies will capture outsized market share and will learn what works bestStrengthen Your Brand: A trusted, recognizable brand is more likely to be cited in AI answers, even if the click never happens.Optimize for AI discovery by creating content that's easy for LLMs to scan and quote — FAQs, concise answers, and video content.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier3:46 Used EV Prices Down 4.8% YoY7:24 Tesla Cybertruck Hung From Glue10:07 AI Search ExpeJoin 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 #1106: Today we're looking at a U.S.-EU trade deal that gives European automakers some relief, Toyota's ambitious product roadmap with EVs and freshened favorites, and why Sam Altman says your ChatGPT chats aren't nearly as private as you think.Show Notes with links:European automakers got a breather as the U.S. and EU struck a long-awaited trade deal, dialing back tariff threats that had been weighing on the industry.The U.S. will apply a 15% tariff on EU goods, easing pressure from the previously targeted 25%.Stocks of German automakers like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen initially surged on the news.Barclays analysts note the 15% rate is six times higher than pre-Trump levels.The EU may cut its 10% tariff on U.S. imports, benefiting BMW and Mercedes, which export U.S.-built models back to Europe.BMW and VW are also hoping for additional relief tied to U.S. investments.Barclays: “Logging in 15% tariffs as a run-rate will still represent a year-on-year headwind in 2026 versus 2025.”Toyota's next four years will be packed with new EVs, freshened best-sellers, and a surprising push to keep sedans relevant.The Highlander will go all-electric in 2025, following the new Grand Highlander.A three-row electric crossover (bZ5X) will launch from Kentucky late 2025.RAV4 redesign moves up to 2025 with new platform, safety, and infotainment upgrades.Toyota continues investing in sedans — Corolla freshens in 2025, Camry will be redesigned in 2028.A Compact Corolla-based pickup in development is set to rival Ford Maverick, expected in 2027.Akio Toyoda's GR Supra may end production in 2026, though emotions could keep it alive.Millions are sharing deeply personal issues with AI, but a surprising admission from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has lawyers — and plenty of everyday users — buzzing. He admitted last week that ChatGPT conversations don't carry the same confidentiality as talks with a lawyer, doctor, or therapist, raising big questions about privacy in the AI age.Altman: “We should have the same concept of privacy for your conversations with AI that we do with a therapist or whatever — and we haven't figured that out yet.”Legal experts warn that without privilege, user data could be subpoenaed if OpenAI stores it.OpenAI notes that with chat history off — especially on paid plans — data isn't saved or used for training.Enterprise-level ChatGPT offers encryption and compliance, but the free and Plus versions lack those safeguards.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:43 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with CarRx2:20 US Trade Deal With EU Is 15% Tariffs4:30 Toyota's 4 Year Roadmap7:42 ChatGPT Doesn't Provide Legal ConfidentialJoin 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 #1094: Today we celebrate the industry's next generation with Automotive News' 40 Under 40,  explore why used EVs are the hottest deal on the lot, and dig into Tesla's underwhelming Grok rollout.It's time to recognize the rising stars shaping the future of the retail automotive business. Automotive News has released its 14th annual “Retail 40 Under 40” list, spotlighting the next generation of dealership leadership.This year's honorees include GMs, dealer principals, CFOs, and department heads making real moves in their stores and communities.Dealerships represented range from large groups like Hendrick and Lithia to family-run independents.Standouts include Stephanie Frink, president of Hennessy Auto Cos., and Jake Sodikoff, dual-store dealer principal and president of Steven Nissan and Kia.The list highlights broad roles—from finance and marketing to fixed ops—showing leadership can come from any department.“These honorees are driving change, growth, and innovation in one of the most competitive industries in the world,” said Automotive News in its announcement.In a cooling EV market, used electric vehicles are emerging as the best deal on the lot—thanks to deep discounts and looming tax credit expirations.Used EV sales hit a record 100,000+ units in Q2, buoyed by steep price drops of nearly 32% in 2024.Buyers like Christopher Andrzejczak scored vehicles for less than half their original sticker prices.Used EVs depreciate faster than gas cars due to concerns about battery life and tech obsolescence.Demand is surging ahead of the $4,000 used EV tax credit's scheduled end in September.Eli Cook and his wife, preparing to move from Missouri to California, bought a used 2020 Tesla Model 3 for $15,000 in cash to avoid high Bay Area gas prices and missing out on the soon-to-expire tax credit. “It really seems like we're buying the dip for used EVs right now,” Cook said.Tesla's latest software update (2025.26) includes the long-awaited arrival of Grok, Elon Musk's AI chatbot. But before you get too excited…Grok currently doesn't do much inside the car.Grok is only available in U.S. vehicles with AMD infotainment chips—basically, Teslas made after mid-2021.It's in beta and can't issue voice commands or interact with vehicle systems yet.Right now, it's just like having Grok on your phone… but on your car's touchscreen.Other software tweaks include syncing ambient lighting to music, personalized audio presets, and enhanced Dashcam Viewer tools.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:10 Paul and Kyle are attending the 4th Annual Beaver Toyota and Mazda Golf Tournament2:20 The Automotive News 40 Under 40 List4:28 Used EVs are the Best Deal Right Now6:37 What Grok Currently Does In The Tesla AIJoin 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 #1092: We unpack how Rivian views legacy OEMs as “adversaries”, Elon's plan to put Grok in your Tesla, and why your next Starbucks smiley face might be powered by pressure, not personality.Show Notes with links:​​Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe came out swinging against recent federal policy changes that gut EV incentives. But while the industry might stall, Rivian could gain room to thrive as legacy players backpedal.Scaringe called the rollback of EV tax credits and subsidies “bad for the world, bad for the U.S.,” and a blow to U.S. tech leadership.Ironically, fewer incentives could benefit Rivian, opening space for it's R2 and R3 rollouts.Scaringe didn't blame Congress alone—he sees legacy automakers like GM and Toyota, and their lobbyists, as Rivian's “biggest adversaries” on everything from EV registration fees to direct sales bans.He accused them of resisting change to protect outdated business models: “It's reflective of their desire that this whole EV thing would just go away. [They can suddenly say], “fine, I just won't sell those EVs.”“The folks we spend the most energy fighting against in D.C. are actual car companies,” Scaringe said. “It's very telling.”Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla vehicles will get a native dose of his irreverent AI chatbot, Grok, starting next week “at the latest,” merging Tesla's in-car computing power with conversational AI.Grok 4, the latest model from Musk's AI startup xAI, was just released.Tesla vehicles will run a smaller version of Grok locally using their onboard computers.Musk previously teased Grok integration but had not set a firm timeline—until now.This comes amid backlash after Grok shared posts on X containing antisemitic content.“Tesla will probably have the most amount of true usable inference compute on Earth,” Musk posted on X.Those cheerful messages on your Starbucks cup might not be as heartfelt as they seem. A push for personalized notes is raising questions about authenticity and pressure on baristas.New CEO Brian Niccol wants to bring back cozy, in-store vibes by reversing mobile-heavy trends.Cup messages are now a “standard” meant to create human connection—but not all employees are thrilled.Baristas say it slows them down, especially during rush hours, and some report pressure from managers to comply.A few enjoy the creativity, but many feel it's another task disguised as joy.One Redditor shared, “I was told I'd get a final warning if I didn't write on cups.” Starbucks disputes this claim.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:01 What a sarcastic car might sound like1:55 Announcements2:20 Rivian CEO Goes After Legacy Automakers and US Tax Policies6:35 Tesla To Get Grok AI 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 #1091: Today we're covering how dealers are adapting to the end of EV tax credits, Tesla's push to bring robotaxis to the Bay Area, and the TSA's surprising move to let travelers keep their shoes on.Show Notes with links:With the federal EV tax credits ending September 30, dealers are shifting strategies to keep momentum in a market suddenly missing key incentives.Liza Borches of Carter Myers Automotive says, “We're planning marketing campaigns to help [customers] take advantage while they still can.”Joe Jackson, GSM at Bowman Chevrolet in Clarkston, Mich., said they are learning into leasing, “EVs are a lease-heavy vehicle; I expect the leasing to weather this a little bit better than the purchases,”EV Auto's Alex Lawrence thinks that “adoption [will] increase, but it's going to be a lumpy line.”Liza and CMA are confident about the future,, saying “We're committed to educating customers about all the other benefits. Our job is to be proactive, transparent and ready to help customers navigate this shift.”Tesla is aiming to bring its experimental robotaxi service to the San Francisco Bay Area within the next two months—pending regulatory approval.Elon Musk confirmed expansion plans on X, following a limited pilot in Austin, Texas.The Austin test fleet, with safety monitors onboard, is set to grow its service area this weekend, with an ultimate goal of 1,000 Robotaxis in several months.Tesla faces tight regulation in California, unlike the light-touch environment in Texas.Approval from the California DMV and CPUC is still needed to charge passengers for rides, although initial approvals were given in MarchA major travel headache is officially over: U.S. travelers no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security, thanks to new TSA technology and a successful pilot program.The change is effective immediately nationwide, per Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.Passengers ages 12 to 75 were previously required to remove shoes—a post-9/11 rule spurred by the 2001 “shoe bomber,” but a pilot program showed TSA's equipment could maintain safety standards without requiring shoe removal.“Most Americans will be very excited... it will be a much more streamlined process,” said Noem.TSA PreCheck still offers added perks like skipping laptop and toiletry removal.TSA is exploring more changes, including special lanes for families and service members, to simplify screenings further.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:45 Paul saw Halloween decor at Costco yesterday2:08 Announcements2:50 Dealers React To The End of the EV Tax Credit6:42 A look at Paul and Kyle's bookshelf7:30 Tesla Eyeing Robotaxi In San Fran9:43 TSA No Longer 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 #1090: Toyota leads with heart in Texas, Redwood supercharges old EV batteries for AI, and deepfake fraud hits a chilling milestone. Show Notes with links:Following catastrophic flooding, Toyota is stepping up big for its home state, pledging over $600,000 in aid to support the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and various on-the-ground recovery efforts.TMNA is joining forces with Toyota Financial Services, Gulf States Toyota, Southeast Toyota, and dealers nationwide.On top of the $600K, TMNA will match contributions up to $10,000 for eligible Toyota and Lexus dealers donating to flood relief charities and will double all U.S. team member contributions directed to disaster relief.Relief includes financial assistance, donation drives, and payment relief for impacted customers.“When disasters like this occur, it's important to help our neighbors and communities in their time of need,” said TMNA CEO Ted Ogawa.Redwood Materials, led by former Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, is giving EV batteries a second life—this time fueling the AI revolution with renewable power.In the Nevada desert, Redwood built a 12 MW/63 MWh microgrid from 792 repurposed EV battery packs from automakers like Toyota, GM, and VW, which is enough to power 4,000 homes continuously for about 5 hours.The system powers an AI data center using only a 33-acre solar array—no grid connection, no permits, no backup generators.With AI data centers projected to consume 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028, second-life batteries are gaining traction as scalable, fast-to-deploy storage.Redwood expects to deliver over 5 GWh of repurposed storage capacity in the next 12 months.“You can deploy this very fast,” said Straubel. “We'll absolutely see much larger deployments of this.”(Since they are powering an ai data center…speaking of ai)A new wave of AI voice cloning fraud has hit an alarming milestone: impersonating a U.S. Secretary of State. The attack duped global leaders—and required just seconds of audio.In June 2025, a cloned voice of Marco Rubio was used to contact five officials via Signal.Victims included a U.S. governor, a member of Congress, and three foreign ministers.FBI warnings have cited a surge in AI-driven impersonation scams since April.Past heists include $243K from a UK energy firm and $35M from a UAE bank.Deepfake losses could hit $40B by 2027. Humans detect fake voices only half the time.“It's not a matter of if, but when,” security experts warn.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:22 Announcements3:05 Toyota Donates $600K To Texas Relief Efforts6:40 Redwood Materials Recycled EV Batteries Powers AI Data Centers11:26 MarcJoin 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 #1089: The federal EV tax credit countdown is officially on—and startups like Slate are feeling the pressure. Toyota's new “K-flex” line is redefining manufacturing versatility in Georgetown, while Amazon kicks off a four-day Prime Day aimed at cautious consumers and stocked-up sellers.Show Notes with links:The countdown has started. EV tax credits vanish after September 30, 2025, slamming the brakes on what was once a key driver of electric vehicle adoption. Dealers are already seeing signs of a demand surge—and the next 84 days could be chaos.Buyers are rushing to act before the deadline, with analysts predicting a sharp uptick in showroom traffic.Barclays expects a pre-deadline demand spike as shoppers try to capture incentives before they disappear, and dealer inventories of qualifying models may dry up quickly.Researchers Elaine Buckberg and Cassandra Cole estimate a 6-point drop in EV share by 2030 as a resultSlate's highly anticipated sub-$20K electric truck, backed by over 100,000 reservations, has quietly had its price bumped to the "mid-twenties" after losing eligibility for the now-defunct EV tax credit.Check out our panel from ASOTU CON on this topicIn a corner of Georgetown, Kentucky, Toyota is quietly completing one of the boldest manufacturing upgrades in recent memory. A decade in the making, “K-flex” is turning a 40-year-old assembly line into the most flexible—and possibly most advanced—Toyota line in the world.The $1.8 billion Line 1 overhaul allows for hybrid, plug-in, and full EVs to be built alongside ICE vehicles on the same line.Automation is everywhere: car-size autonomous skillets, part-delivering robots, and robotic glass installers fill the plant floor.Amazon's Prime Day has evolved into a four-day price frenzy—just in time to collide with fresh tariff concerns, shifting consumer priorities, and more cautious spending behavior. Retailers are leaning in hard, but shoppers aren't splurging quite like they used to.Prime Day now runs from July 8 (today) to July 11, with deals dropping as often as every 5 minutes and new perks aimed at Gen Z shoppers.Adobe predicts $23.8B in U.S. online sales this week—up 28% from last year—but analysts warn of front-loaded demand and early fatigue.Retailers like Walmart and Target are running competing promotions with sharper, more selective discounts.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:45 Nathan doesn't have an Amazon Prime account2:15 ASOTU Edge Webinar tomorrow with Uber For Business3:05 New Episode of Auto Collabs with Thuy Adomitis of Mia4:40 EV Tax Credits Go Away in 84 Days, AnJoin 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 #1083: We're talking tough trade talk from Trump, Jim Farley's fiery pitch for industrial self-reliance, and the viral ChatGPT graduation moment that's sparking serious debates—and wild experiments—in education.Show Notes with links:At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ford CEO Jim Farley called for bold action to rebuild U.S. industrial strength, warning that the country's economic security—and even its defense—depends on making essential products at home.Farley backs modest tariffs to help U.S. automakers compete with countries that heavily subsidize manufacturing.He also emphasized blue-collar job growth, urging more focus on skilled trades over white-collar positions.Farley shared about recent three week stoppages at Ford plants caused by a shortage of rare-earth magnets sourced from China, critical to systems like seats and windshield wipers.Farley used the example to push for “industrial independence,” saying supply chain reliance on China is a strategic risk.“What, is Google going to make the tanks?” Farley asked. “We've talked about energy independence, now we need industrial independence.”In a blunt Fox News interview, President Donald Trump threatened to scrap ongoing trade negotiations with Japan, proposing to impose hefty auto tariffs by simply mailing out unilateral notices.Trump said he may skip further negotiations and assign tariffs directly, calling out Japan's auto exports.“Dear Mr. Japan, here's the story,” he quipped, proposing the 25% tariff on imported Japanese cars remain.Japan has pushed hard to eliminate the auto tariff but has gained little ground in ongoing talks.UCLA student Andre Mai went viral for “flexing” his use of ChatGPT at graduation, but it spotlit the deep confusion around AI in education—just as new, radical models like Alpha School are reshaping what school can even look like.UCLA grad Andre Mai used ChatGPT with his professor's approval, but reactions revealed how fractured AI policy is in schools.Teachers are stuck between enabling learning and policing AI use, often without reliable tools or consistent rules.90% of college students tried ChatGPT within two months of launch; now, 1 in 4 teens use it regularly.Meanwhile, Alpha School in Austin is pioneering a bold approach: AI tutors handle core subjects in just 2 hours a day.Students spend the rest of the day on real-world skills like financial literacy, survival training, and entrepreneurship.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier2:13 All Episodes of ASOTU CON Sessions are live now3:05 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Uber for Business3:28 Jim Farley Argues For Industrial Independence6:10 Trump Considers Ending Japan Trade Talks8:04 The Changes AI is Bringing to the ClassroomJoin 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/

Paul J Daly shares a story about a group called "Vehicles for Change"  and how they inspired him!Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

We are joined by Paul J. Daly and Kyle Mountsier, who are spilling ALL of the tea about ASOTU Con 2025 and why YOU should join them Tuesday, May 13th in Baltimore!What sets ASOTU Con apart from other industry events?What does it mean to "Love People More Than You Love Cars"?How do they feel economic changes in the US will affect the industry?Get Tickets: https://www.asotucon.com/tickets Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Paul J. Daly talks about the events that led him to begin what would eventually become ASOTU.Global Dealer Solutions has a network of high-performance providers offering proven products and services. We are committed to prioritizing dealers by delivering the most effective tools in the industry. Let's grow together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.https://www.gdsdealers.com/?utm_source=wtf&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2025BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HERE www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts: www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host, Russell B. Hill and Charity Dunning, Co-Host and Chief Marketing Officer of FixedOPS Marketing, as we discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in WTF?!#podcast #automotive #fixedoperations

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1017: Today we talk Polestar's bold Tesla takedown with a $20K lease play, Jeff Bezos' stealthy new EV startup with big aspirations, and GM's pause on BrightDrop van production despite rock-bottom pricing.Show Notes with links:A secretive EV startup based in Michigan is gaining attention fast. Funded by Jeff Bezos and stocked with talent from Ford, GM, Harley-Davidson, and Stellantis, Slate Auto is taking a bold swing at building a $25,000 electric pickup.Founded in 2022 via Re:Build Manufacturing, Slate has already raised over $100 million and closed a Series B round.The company is targeting late 2026 production near Indianapolis, building a minimalist two-seat pickup truck.Slate's strategy flips the usual EV script—start affordable and scale with accessories, not luxury trims.Its product roadmap includes personalization, merchandise, and “Slate University” for customer-led upgrades.“We built it. You make it,” is the company's trademarked mission to empower buyers with customization.Polestar is going big to lure Tesla owners, offering a jaw-dropping $20,000 incentive for drivers to lease the new Polestar 3 luxury EV crossover—an offer good through the end of March.The deal includes a $15,000 “Clean Vehicle Incentive” plus a $5,000 “Conquest Bonus” for current Tesla owners.The offer applies only to leased 2025 Polestar 3s; delivery must be taken from existing inventory before March 31.The Polestar 3 is sleek, spacious, and built in South Carolina with top-tier tech and sustainable materials.Performance specs include up to 517 hp, a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, and up to 350 miles of range.The Polestar offer says: “The Polestar 3 offers more comfort, tech, and style than the aging Model Y,”GM is hitting the brakes on production of its all-electric BrightDrop van at its Ontario facility due to soft demand—despite deep discounts and compelling incentives that still make it a standout EV deal.Production at CAMI Assembly will pause April 14 and remain idle until October 2025 for retooling.The move affects nearly 500 workers and drops the plant to a single shift post-relaunch.Only 274 BrightDrop vans were sold in Q1 2025—a modest 7% increase year-over-year.The announcement follows market jitters caused by Trump's tariff threats and broader EV hesitations.“It's a crushing blow to hundreds of working families in Ingersoll,” said Unifor President Lana Payne.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Today, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to deliver hot takes on chicken, Thanksgiving and traditions, then pivots to talk about the Subaru Share The Love campaign and how Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru Corporate raised a grand total of $205K for a local children's hospital just through car sales.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1015: Today we're diving into how global tensions are reshaping Tesla's China strategy, why car buyers rushed showrooms ahead of auto tariffs, and why Harvard says better mentoring might be the secret to fixing retail's revolving door of turnover.Show Notes with links:Tesla has stopped taking orders for its U.S.-made Model S sedans and Model X crossovers in China as trade tensions between the U.S. and China flare up once again.China will increase tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% on April 12, including autos.Tesla's Model S and X are built in Fremont, California, making them directly affected.The option to order these models disappeared from Tesla's China site in early April.Tesla's Shanghai factory, which makes the Model 3 and Y, isn't affected by the new tariffs.Model S and X made up fewer than 2,000 of Tesla's 661,000+ Chinese sales last year.A spike in new car sales last month wasn't just spring fever. According to Cloud Theory, auto shoppers raced to dealerships in March to beat looming tariffs.March saw 1.31 million new vehicles sold — a 38% jump from February.Cloud Theory attributes 153,000 of those sales to fear of impending price hikes from tariffs.Average marketed prices rose $1,123 from late February through March with SUVs, full-size pickups, and heavy duty trucks seeing the most increase — thanks to V8 engines sourced from Canada.Discounts and incentives dropped by $432 in March as OEMs braced for higher costs.“While this led to very strong results in the short term… the longer-term effects will likely be highly detrimental,” said Cloud Theory's Rick Wainschel.A new Harvard study says the key to lowering retail's notoriously high turnover may be simpler than we think: invest in frontline workers' career growth and mentorship.Researchers found that most low-wage workers actually want to keep their jobs to avoid disruption in their lives — especially once they're comfortable with their coworkers.Over 60% said they'd stay with their employer if they saw a real path to advance, but with many supervisors overseeing up to 20 employees, personalized feedback and coaching are rare.Employees often fear asking for promotions or raises, worried it might cost them their jobs.A related McKinsey study also showed career development was the top reason non-managers wanted to leave. Their advice? Empower managers — because their impact cascades throughout the whole organization.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1014: Today, we're covering President Trump's pause on reciprocal tariffs leaves auto imports still facing steep duties, while a record number of buyers turn to 84-month loans to afford today's rising prices.Show Notes with links:The auto industry is still squarely in the tariff crosshairs, even as President Trump backs off his broader reciprocal tariff plan. While a new 10% base tariff replaces most of the global duties, the 25% tariff on vehicles—and key materials like steel and aluminum—remains firmly in place.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed auto, steel, and aluminum duties are sector-specific and still active.Despite ongoing auto tariffs, markets surged on the pause news—Tesla jumped 22.7%, GM rose 7.7%, and Ford gained 9.3%.Industry leaders are pushing for relief with MichAuto's Glenn Stevens Jr. advocating for protecting the international supply chain, calling the fragmentation “harmful” to competitiveness.President Trump said he would consider exempting specific companies from tariffs, saying “We're going to take a look at that.”More new-vehicle buyers are turning to 84-month loans than ever before, highlighting just how financially stretched today's car shoppers remain.According to Edmunds, 20% of Q1 new-vehicle loans were for 84 months, up from 16% in 2024 and 13% in 2019.The average amount financed also jumped to over $41K compared to $32K in Q1 2019.On the used side, 12% of loans ran 84 months, more than double the 5.3% seen in 2019, with an average of $28K financed.Dealer Michael Cummings of I-10 Toyota: “I really, really don't like going 84 months... it's not healthy for the customers in the long run. It's not healthy for us dealers in the long run.”A new report from Retail TouchPoints, citing Forrester's 2024 U.S. CX Index, reveals that customer service is at its worst level since 2016. Despite access to advanced tech, only 3% of brands are truly customer-focused — and shoppers are losing patience.70% of customers say it's hard to find in-store help; 83% of associates say their jobs are too complex.Shoppers prioritize speed over flair—19% say quick item location drives return visits.Brands like Tractor Supply and Dick's use “store mode” apps to show real-time inventory and item locations.GenAI is gaining traction: 84% of customer service managers plan to deploy AI agents in 2025, up from 42% in 2023.“With greater customer experiences comes greater responsibility,” says CI&T's Melissa Minkow.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1013: We cover the impact of upcoming tariffs on auto repair and insurance costs, seasonal shifts in EV range, and a new Pew survey revealing a major divide between AI experts and public opinion.Show Notes with links:Auto repair bills are on the verge of a sharp climb, and the clock is ticking. A 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, recently enacted by President Trump, officially takes effect May 3 — and it could add hundreds to even routine repair jobs.Roughly 44% of OEM parts are imported, many from Taiwan and other countries not exempt under USMCA, according to Cox Automotive.Experts say a standard brake job could jump $150–$200 per axle as parts hit with tariffs filter into the supply chain.Many shops have just 4-6 weeks of parts inventory and dealerships like LaFontaine Auto are proactively contacting customers who previously declined service to lock in current prices before the May 3 deadline.Insurance premiums may increase later in 2025 as claims costs go up, though experts say stolen vehicle rates and personal injury remain the bigger drivers.“Go get it done today because we could be having some different conversations in a couple of weeks,” said Skyler Chadwick, director of product consulting at Cox Automotive.If you're planning a road trip in an electric vehicle, do it in July or August. A new report from Vaisala Xweather shows those are the best months for EV range across the U.S., with average distances peaking at 267 miles.From June to September 2024, average EV range topped 250 miles in all 48 contiguous states and D.C.In contrast, January 2025 saw every state fall below the 250-mile median, with North Dakota at the bottom with 171 miles.Factors like air density, cabin heating, wind, and snow contribute to winter range dips.A sweeping new Pew survey highlights a major disconnect between AI experts and the general public. While most experts see AI as a personal and societal benefit, the average American is more worried than excited — and trust is in short supply.76% of AI experts believe AI will benefit them personally, while just 24% of the public feels the same.Only 11% of Americans are more excited than concerned about daily AI use; 51% are more concerned than excited.Both groups agree: the government can't be trusted to regulate AI effectively.83% of Americans say AI won't make them more productive, and 94% say it won't make them happier.I asked ChatGPT what it thought of this article: “The gap between how experts and everyday people view AI isn't just about knowledge — it's about experience. I can process data and generate insights, but I don't live in a world where AI decisions impact my job, privacy, or sense of agency. That's why human perspectives, especially diverJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1012: Today we're talking about Lithia Motors' internal challenge to boost service growth, FM Capital's $240M bet on auto tech startups—with strong dealer backing, and the mounting issues facing Tesla's Cybertruck.Show Notes with links:Facing underperformance in its service and parts growth, Lithia Motors is turning inward, challenging its frontline teams to raise the bar and reclaim momentum in a key revenue area.Lithia's Q4 same-store service and parts revenue grew 3.4%, falling short of peers like Sonic (10%) and Penske (6.2%).CEO Bryan DeBoer emphasized it's not a technician shortage, but a “mindset issue” among service advisers and managers.The company is expanding its Partners Group program to include department managers, offering stock incentives tied to higher performance standards.COO Adam Chamberlain sees aftersales as a major 2025 growth driver, but warns current operations sacrifice customer pay for warranty work.DeBoer: “There's been way too soft of management and lip service... Sixty to 90 days is our new mantra,”Venture firm FM Capital has closed its fourth fund at $240 million, aiming to fuel retail and mobility tech across the auto industry—with major backing from dealership groups.The fund surpassed its $200M target despite a tough venture capital environment.Investments will target AI, fleet tech, autonomy, connectivity, and energy transition.125 investors participated, including 56 dealership groups representing over 1,100 stores. Holman and Cox Automotive returned as key backers in this round.Chase Fraser, Managing Partner of FM Capital: “Dealerships really respect entrepreneurs because they are entrepreneurs themselves. They want to get involved. They want to mentor some of these entrepreneurs. They want to test their products. They want to give them feedback because who knows better than the user?”Tesla's Cybertruck is facing a brand-new problem—its maker doesn't want it back. Owners looking to trade in their trucks are getting turned away, exposing deeper trouble for the high-profile pickup.Tesla is reportedly refusing to accept Cybertrucks as trade-ins, citing resale struggles and declining demand.The company has a backlog of nearly 2,400 unsold units worth $200M, with used values down 55% year-over-year.Some frustrated owners are resorting to Lemon Laws just to offload the vehicle.Other dealers are low-balling owners or avoiding Cybertrucks altogether due to market instability.A Cybertruck recall this year revealed that only 46K of the vehicles have been delivered so far.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1011: Today we're breaking down the early fallout from sweeping auto tariffs, Toyota's recalibrated EV strategy, and why Gen Z is ghosting credit cards.Show Notes with links:The 25% tariff on imported vehicles is forcing swift and varied responses from automakers, with some pulling back and others ramping up U.S. operations. The early shakeup shows just how disruptive the new trade landscape could become.Stellantis paused production at Canadian and Mexican plants and laid off 1,000 U.S. workers.Infiniti halted U.S.-bound production of the QX50 and QX55 “until further notice.”VW stopped rail shipments from Mexico; Audi is holding vehicles at U.S. ports post-tariff. JLR is temporarily pausing US shipments.GM is boosting pickup production in Indiana, and Mercedes may shift another model to Alabama.Ferrari and Ineos raised prices up to 11%, while Ford and Stellantis launched deep discounts to keep buyers interested.“Consumers will feel financial pain faster than they will see new jobs,” warned S&P Global's Stephanie Brinley.Once criticized for lagging in the EV race, Toyota is charting a new path with more in-house models and global production—but with tempered expectations. The automaker is still prioritizing flexibility as it balances EV growth with its hybrid-heavy portfolio.The Japanese manufacturer aims to launch 15 internally developed EVs by 2027, including several Lexus models.New production sites in the U.S., Thailand, and Argentina are planned to hedge tariff risks and improve delivery timelines.The target is 1 million EVs per year by 2027—down from earlier projections of 1.5 million by 2026.In 2024, Toyota sold just under 140,000 EVs, less than 2% of its global volume of over 10 million vehicles.A new survey reveals Gen Z's growing distrust of credit cards, with many opting for debit, cash, and peer-to-peer options instead. High APRs, confusing terms, and debt fears are driving a generational payment shift that could reshape future retail habits.68% of Gen Z say credit card bills cause stress; 51% say cards give them the “ick.”Debit (68%) and cash (67%) top Gen Z's preferred payment methods—only 35% use credit cards, with 82% of respondents overall saying credit cards are “financially dangerous.”57% of Gen Z admit they don't fully understand card terms, and 53% have been surprised by interest charges.“It doesn't make sense to pay 20%, 25% or 30% in interest just to earn a few percentage points in cash back,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior analyst.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1010: Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to not talk about tariiffs. Instead, we talk about stage names and the impact that dealers are making in their communities.What started as a press release a year ago is now a tangible symbol of community investment. The Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence is officially open, offering Villa Maria College students a place to connect, learn, and succeed.Bieler's West Herr leadership mindset helped drive the project from vision to reality.The new center reflects a commitment to education and the broader Buffalo community.Behind-the-scenes collaboration and daily effort made it happen.It's a reminder that the skills we use in retail—planning, teamwork, and follow-through—can transform lives outside the showroom.Join hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1009: Today we sit with COO of Matthews Auto Group Vincent Salvagni to discuss the question on every Dealer's mind; What should I be doing with my inventory level? As consumers rush to beat tariffs, Dealers are worried about overpaying for replacement inventory and getting stuck holding the bag when things normalize. We also talk about Nissan delaying production cuts at its Smyrna, TN plant and Carvana's approach to the tariff headwinds. Show Notes with links:Nissan's plans to cut a production shift at its Smyrna, TN plant have been reversed thanks to new U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles. The automaker is prioritizing domestic output to avoid hefty import duties.Nissan initially planned to end a shift at Smyrna as part of a 9,000-job global cut.Keeping U.S. production high avoids tariffs on Japanese-made Rogues, which made up over a third of 2024 U.S. Rogue sales.Workers had already been offered buyouts; Nissan hasn't confirmed how many accepted.“It could mean saving jobs or it could be hiring people,” said a Nissan spokesperson.Carvana is stepping into the tariff era with confidence, positioning itself to capture increased used-car demand as new vehicle prices rise. After turbulent years marked by overestimation and investor skepticism, the company has streamlined operations and could now benefit from changing consumer habits.New 25% tariffs on imported vehicles may steer price-conscious buyers to the used market.Analysts expect an initial bump in used-car sales, especially from buyers priced out of new models.Carvana has reined in costs, insourced inspections, and restructured debt, improving operational health.Despite holding $5.6B in debt, the company is now generating enough cash to begin self-financing.“We're in a much stronger position than we were 3–4 years ago,” said CFO Mark JenkinsJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1008: Cars Commerce drops a no-nonsense playbook for dealers while Ford rolls out employee pricing for all as tariffs loom large. Meanwhile, Tesla's Q1 delivery miss raises red flags far beyond a Model Y changeover. Show Notes with links:In a sweeping trade policy shift, Donald Trump announced a baseline 10% tariff on all imports; plus an additional 10–50% "reciprocal" tariff targets 60 nations with major U.S. trade deficits.Auto imports already under last week's 25% tariff won't face increases and Mexico and Canada are exempt—if goods comply with the 2020 USMCA terms.Brian Kramer of Cars Commerce released a Tariff Playbook to help dealers navigate the changes. Here's some of the highlights:Consumers are rushing to buy and scrutinizing where vehicles are built—use the Cars.com American-Made Index to guide inventory and messaging.EVs could see a short-term slump; hybrids and full-size trucks may surge. Align your lot accordingly.Six actionable strategies: reduce auction dependency, boost service-lane sourcing, go data-driven, ditch 45-day-old metrics, market American-made units, and build an offense-focused plan.“You won't lose profit because the market adjusted. You will lose profit because your process didn't,”Ford is throwing open the gates to its employee discount program, offering deep savings to all customers through June 2 as a preemptive strike against rising costs from newly announced import tariffs.The “From America, For America” campaign unlocks A Plan pricing—typically below dealer invoice—on most Ford and Lincoln models, with high-performance Raptors, new Expeditions, Super Duty trucks, and Lincoln Navigators being excluded.Discounts stack with other deals, including extended free EV charger installation now running through June 30.The announcement came just hours after President Trump enacted 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, which could significantly increase consumer prices.Ford's imported models include the Maverick, Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach-E (from Mexico), and Lincoln Nautilus (from China). “It's a way to give back to the communities that have supported us for generations,” said Rob Kaffl, Ford's U.S. sales director, adding the move brings “certainty to an uncertain situation.”Tesla's Q1 2025 delivery numbers are in—and they've landed with a thud. The EV giant delivered 336,681 vehicles, missing expectations by up to 55,000 units and raising tough questions about demand.Deliveries fell 13% year-over-year and a sharp 32% from Q4 2024.Tesla cited Model Y factory changeovers as a factor, but analysts see deeper demand issues—especially in the U.S.Model 3 sales in Europe dropped 30% in early 2025, despite not facing supply issues.“The ramp of the New Model Y contiJoin hosts Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier pressed record for the very first time. Now, 1,274 days later, they're recording the 1000th episode of the Automotive Troublemaker.Today we've got special guests, a look back, a look forward, and a HUGE announcement at the end.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Today is our fearless leader Paul J Daly's birthday! So we gave him the morning off and tapped in producer Nathan Southwick. We're talking all about the new Canada and Mexico tariffs that put pressure on the automotive supply chains, plus the top depreciating cars and how Google is pushing to achieve artificial general intelligence.Show Notes with links:The U.S. has enacted 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, throwing the highly integrated North American production network into turmoil.The tariffs, effective today, March 4, apply to all imports except Canadian energy products, which face a lower 10% duty. Canada and Mexico both responded with their own tariffs.Industry experts predict vehicle prices could rise between $4,000 and $10,000, with Ford CEO Jim Farley cautioning that prolonged tariffs could "blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we have never seen."Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association said that there is potential for U.S. and Canadian auto production to revert to "2020 pandemic-level idling and temporary layoffs within the week.”Key auto models at risk include the Toyota RAV4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer, and the Honda Civic and CR-V, while European automakers with manufacturing in Mexico, including Volkswagen, Stellantis, and BMW, saw their stocks drop sharplyThe STOXX Europe 600 Automobiles and Parts index fell 3.8% and Continental AG, a major supplier, saw an 8.4% drop in shares.Used Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles saw the steepest depreciation of any cars in 2024, according to Fast Company's analysis of CarGurus data.Model Y prices dropped 25.5%, while Model 3 prices fell 25% from January 2024 to January 2025.Comparatively, the Nissan Maxima only dropped 5.2%, and the Ford Mustang declined 5%.Full Top 10: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Land Rover Range Rover, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Chevrolet Express Cargo, Ford Transit Connect, RAM ProMaster, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Ford Expedition, all with over 19% depreciationGoogle co-founder Sergey Brin is back and pushing Google DeepMind (GDM) teams to accelerate their progress toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). In a newly released memo, Brin outlines the urgency and expectations for Google's AI teams.Brin emphasizes the need for 60-hour work weeks, daily office attendance, and faster execution by prioritizing simple solutions, code efficiency, and small-scale experiments for faster iteration.He calls for a shift away from “nanny products” and urges teams to “trust our users” more.Brin, who has no formal role at Google beyond a board seat, stepped in over the head of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, signaling the urgency of the AGI race."I think we have all the ingredients to wHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

We got him! The first episode of our live from NADA series features Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Greg and Paul discuss: -The process of planning ASOTU CON 2025 -Season 1 of More Than Cars on Amazon Prime and Tubi -More Than Cars season 2 -Adding Michael Cirillo's "The Dealer Playbook" to ASOTU's media network

Shoot us a Text.We're rolling into the big conversations at the 2025 Public Policy Day, where industry leaders and lawmakers shape the future of auto. Plus, CVS is testing a new app feature to unlock products, and Tesla inches toward unsupervised self-driving—though Elon says don't get too excited just yet. Show Notes with links:The press stage is set at ready to go at the 2025 Public Policy Day hosted by WANADA. The 2025 Public Policy Day at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show on January 30 features key industry leaders and policymakers. The day kicks off with a networking lunch, followed by opening remarks from John O'Donnell and a keynote discussion with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Devon Haynie (U.S. News & World Report).Highlights include vehicle reveals from Stellantis (Dodge Charger Daytona, Jeep Wagoneer S) and Nissan (2025 Murano), plus an Aston Martin Vanquish presentation by Bouch Siaf. A fireside chat features Todd Inman (NTSB) and Dave Shepardson (Reuters), while Alex Kwanten presents the Best Cars for the Money Awards.Industry roundtables cover consumer insights (featuring Thomas Castriota, Paul J Daly) and tax/trade policy (Jennifer Safavian, Cody Lusk, Bill Long). The event closes with Michael Cottone (Volvo) and John Bozzella (Alliance for Automotive Innovation).The day concludes with an exclusive Sneak Peek Reception of the Auto Show, presented by Events DC.Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla has initiated "unsupervised self-driving" at its Fremont factory. However, this development is currently limited to vehicles autonomously navigating within the factory premises.Tesla released a video showing cars driving themselves from the production line to loading docks without human intervention.This internal application covers a 1.2-mile route on private factory roads at low speeds.Musk has previously set ambitious timelines for unsupervised self-driving, including a driverless cross-country trip by 2018, which have not been met.The current implementation is a step forward but remains far from the full autonomous driving capabilities promised to consumers.Musk's latest projection targets unsupervised self-driving in California and Texas by the second quarter of 2025.CVS is piloting a new feature in its app that allows customers to unlock anti-theft cabinets themselves, aiming to enhance the shopping experience.The feature is currently being tested in three New York City stores.To use it, customers must be logged into the CVS app, connected to the store's Wi-Fi, and have Bluetooth enabled.This initiative addresses customer frustration with locked cabinets, which, while deterring theft, often inconvenience shoppers.CVS plans to expand the test to 10 to 15 additional stores, including locations on the West Coast."People really, really dislike locked cabinets," said Tilak Mandadi, executive vice president at CVS Health.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Purpose, Gratitude, and Security with Paul J DalyIn this episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim sits down with Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of Congruent and Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Paul shares his journey from service advisor to building a thriving reconditioning business and then founding Congruent.Tim and Paul discuss the role of identity in leadership, overcoming insecurities, and how fostering purpose helps teams thrive. They emphasize the importance of gratitude, recognizing employees, and making hard decisions for long-term success.Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical leadership lessons.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.[00:00 – 01:04] IntroductionTim Cox opens the episode, introducing the show's focus on leadership in the automotive industry. We're introduced to guest Paul J Daly.[01:05 – 04:09] IcebreakerPaul and Tim joke around with a funny anecdote about having a personal bedtime message recorded by David Spisak.[04:10 – 08:08] Paul's Early DaysPaul shares how he got started in the automotive industry from growing up in South Philadelphia to starting as a service advisor in Oswego, NY.[08:09 – 10:49] Founding a Reconditioning BusinessPaul explains how he transitioned from his service advisor role to starting his own reconditioning business, growing to serve 50,000-60,000 vehicles annually across the Northeast.[10:50 – 11:47] Building CongruentAfter selling his reconditioning company, Paul focused on Congruent, a marketing agency incubated from his previous work.[11:48 – 17:16] Power's Double Edge SwordPaul reflects on good and poor examples of power in leadership, arguing that leadership's intent is to produce thriving in and through other people.[17:17 – 24:32] A Leader's Sense of SelfTim and Paul discuss how leadership impacts the automotive industry where Paul emphasizes the connection between identity, effective leadership, and celebrating wins.[24:33 – 28:37] Making Hard Decisions to ThrivePaul reflect on challenges in leadership, including making hard decisions for the future good of their teams, even if the team is uncomfortable.[28:38 – 34:12] Gratitude in EverythingTim and Paul reflect on the importance of thriving through others and being grateful. Paul shares advice: Start and end each day and end each day with gratitude by saying, “Thank you.”[34:13 – 35:59] Reflecting on Legacy and InfluenceTim shares personal stories, including receiving support from the automotive community at his mother's funeral, which leads Paul and Tim to discuss how genuine leadership leaves a lasting impact through meaningful interactions.[36:00 – 37:19] Tim's Challenge to ListenersTim challenges listeners to treat everyone as if they are more important than themselves, fostering a culture of respect and care.[37:20 – 37:49] Closing RemarksTim thanks Paul for joining and encourages listeners to follow the podcast, leaving them with the takeaway: "No one is smarter than everyone—let's get better together."

Send us a Text Message.Susanna Cunningham's automotive journey is all about harmonizing passion with precision.In this episode of Auto Collabs, Susanna Cunningham, the Regional Group Manager at automotiveMastermind, shares her fascinating journey from missing choir practice to becoming a data-driven force in the automotive industry. Susanna talks about how her love for cars started at a young age and evolved into a full-fledged career, emphasizing the importance of data and people in driving success. With nearly two decades of experience, she dives into the pivotal moments that shaped her path and how she now leverages data to help dealerships thrive.Understanding customer demographics is an often-overlooked key to dealership success, and Susanna Cunningham knows it firsthand. In the interview, she highlighted how aligning inventory with the right market can make or break a dealership. Take the example of a Toyota store stocked with high-end Tundras and Sequoias in an area where the median income just doesn't support those price tags—those vehicles sit unsold, eating into profits. But by digging into local census data, Susanna helped the dealership realize they needed to shift their focus to more affordable options or target wealthier zip codes with strategic marketing campaigns. This simple yet powerful adjustment not only moves inventory faster but also builds stronger connections with the community by offering what customers actually need and can afford. It's this kind of smart, data-driven approach that turns inventory from a costly challenge into a valuable asset.Timestamped Takeaways:0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo05:00 - Susanna's first encounter with the auto industry at just 15, buying a car at an auction before she even had a license.09:00 - The surprising power of a portfolio analysis and how it can reveal where dealers might be losing money.12:04 - The inspiring origin story of automotiveMastermind, starting with a U-Haul and a dream at their first NADA convention.17:44 - Practical insights on leveraging census data to align inventory with the right market demographics.20:49 - The importance of mentorship in the auto industry and how Susanna helps dealership staff reach their full potential.Susanna Cunningham is the Regional Group Manager at automotiveMastermind⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! https://www.asotu.com ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.

Shoot us a Text.Today, head writer Chris Reeves hosts the show and is joined by Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and head of production Nathan Southwick to talk about what it takes to get to 800 episodes of a show and share some of their favorite memories.If you like the show, share it with a friend!Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email