Automotive State of the Union

Automotive State of the Union

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Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier don’t just read headlines, they make the most important connections across car dealerships, general retail, tech, and culture. The goal? To help automotive leaders think clearer and move faster in a world that refuses to slow down. Whether you’re running a rooftop, building a brand, or just trying to keep up with everything shifting in the business of selling cars, this is your regular stop for a shot of news, insight, and a little bit of chaos…always rooted in people-first thinking. From the showroom to Silicon Valley. From Wall Street to Main Street. Paul and Kyle connect the dots, keep it real, and make it make sense. Learn more at https://www.asotu.com

5 Minutes of Fresh Perspective

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How One Dealer Monetized Charging, BYD Battles Discounts, Google’s Nano Banana

How One Dealer Monetized Charging, BYD Battles Discounts, Google’s Nano Banana

Automotive State of the Union
September 2, 2025

Episode #1135: Friendly Chevy’s charging park is pulling in revenue and conquest sales, BYD takes a profit hit in China’s price war, and Google’s “Nano Banana” might just beat ChatGPT at the AI image game.

Can a free van turn an 8 year old into an engineer?

Can a free van turn an 8 year old into an engineer?

Automotive State of the Union
August 30, 2025

Today, Paul and Chris bring you a story about Jacob Miller, a high school senior living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Economist Jonathan Smoke Says The Market's Not Crashing—It’s Accelerating

Economist Jonathan Smoke Says The Market's Not Crashing—It’s Accelerating

Automotive State of the Union
August 29, 2025

Episode #1133: Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke joins Paul to talk tariffs, pent-up demand, and why Q3 might be best experienced with a little Abba.

Dealers Care About The Tech, Special Guest Shane Wilson of Connected Dealer Services

Dealers Care About The Tech, Special Guest Shane Wilson of Connected Dealer Services

Automotive State of the Union
August 28, 2025

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.

Strong August for Automotive Industry, NAMAD Day 1 Takeaways

Strong August for Automotive Industry, NAMAD Day 1 Takeaways

Automotive State of the Union
August 27, 2025

Episode #1131: Live from Day 2 at the NAMAD Annual Meeting with co-host Erroll Bomar III!

Robots Still Need People, Gen Z Buys IRL, Tax Credit Relief

Robots Still Need People, Gen Z Buys IRL, Tax Credit Relief

Automotive State of the Union
August 26, 2025

Episode #1130: As we gear up for our NAMAD coverage in LasVegas, Paul and guest co-host Ben Hadley are digging into the IRS's EV tax credit extension, how Gen Z balances screens with store shelves, and why Hyundai's futuristic plant still counts on the human touch to get the job done right.

AN All-Stars, Inventory Game-Changers, AI’s E-Comm Takeover

AN All-Stars, Inventory Game-Changers, AI’s E-Comm Takeover

Automotive State of the Union
August 25, 2025

Episode #1129: Today Steve Greenfield joins Paul again as we spotlight the 2025 Automotive News All-Stars, including a few friends of the show.

When a Minivan Becomes a Miracle

When a Minivan Becomes a Miracle

Automotive State of the Union
August 23, 2025

On this Saturday, Chris joins Paul and Nathan to talk about the frequency of a 5 Fri-Sat-Sun month and how auto dealers just keep on giving.

EU & US Work Out Trade Deal, EchoPark Boosts Sonic, Gen AI Retail Traffic

EU & US Work Out Trade Deal, EchoPark Boosts Sonic, Gen AI Retail Traffic

Automotive State of the Union
August 22, 2025

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.

Hertz Sells on Amazon, VinFast Expands Dealer Network, Atlas Robot Gets Handsy

Hertz Sells on Amazon, VinFast Expands Dealer Network, Atlas Robot Gets Handsy

Automotive State of the Union
August 21, 2025

Episode #1126: Today we’re joined by Steve Greenfield and talking about Hertz vehicles showing up on Amazon, VinFast’s new San Diego dealership kicking off a coast-to-coast franchise push, and how AI is helping Atlas become a surprisingly capable humanoid robot.

Affordability Is the Battlefield, Close Now or Cry Later, Target’s Intern CEO

Affordability Is the Battlefield, Close Now or Cry Later, Target’s Intern CEO

Automotive State of the Union
August 20, 2025

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.

Fixed Ops Golden Metrics, Inventory Levels Off, Robotaxi Roulette

Fixed Ops Golden Metrics, Inventory Levels Off, Robotaxi Roulette

Automotive State of the Union
August 19, 2025

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.

Rivian’s Credits Crunch, Ex-Tesla Superchargers, CEO Confidence Rebounds

Rivian’s Credits Crunch, Ex-Tesla Superchargers, CEO Confidence Rebounds

Automotive State of the Union
August 18, 2025

Episode #1123: Today we cover Rivian’s fight over frozen EV credit revenue, ex-Tesla talent launching Hubber to fill urban charging gaps, and a sharp rebound in CEO confidence as recession fears cool but cost pressures remain.

The Man Behind Ford’s Revamp, Mitsubishi Gallery Store, ChatGPT 4o’s Comeback

The Man Behind Ford’s Revamp, Mitsubishi Gallery Store, ChatGPT 4o’s Comeback

Automotive State of the Union
August 15, 2025

Episode #1122: Ford’s Doug Field maps a Silicon Valley–style path to a $30K EV truck, Mitsubishi debuts a luxury-inspired “Gallery” store concept, and OpenAI brings GPT-4o back after users missed its supportive “yes man” tone.

EV Infrastructure Wins, Longest-Range Tesla, Drone That Won’t Quit

EV Infrastructure Wins, Longest-Range Tesla, Drone That Won’t Quit

Automotive State of the Union
August 14, 2025

Episode #1121: We cover the rapid growth in EV charging infrastructure even as EV sales plateau, Tesla’s China-only 500+ mile Model 3, and a solar-powered drone that just stayed airborne for 74 hours without a drop of fuel.

M&A Sugar High Ends, SDV Shifts, and the Quiet Cracking Crisis

M&A Sugar High Ends, SDV Shifts, and the Quiet Cracking Crisis

Automotive State of the Union
August 13, 2025

Episode #1120: Today we cover Presidio’s latest report showing dealership profitability gaining stable ground.

Ford’s Factory Revamp, GM Leans Into Autonomy, Teachers Using AI

Ford’s Factory Revamp, GM Leans Into Autonomy, Teachers Using AI

Automotive State of the Union
August 12, 2025

Episode #1119: Ford’s factory revamp signals a new EV era, GM doubles down on autonomy without the taxi business, and AI takes over lesson plans as teachers lean into technology’s potential.

Auto Loans Loosen, Jaguar Goes Luxe, Shoppers Can’t Resist the Aisle

Auto Loans Loosen, Jaguar Goes Luxe, Shoppers Can’t Resist the Aisle

Automotive State of the Union
August 11, 2025

Episode #1118: Auto loan approvals are climbing as vehicle demand heats up, Jaguar doubles down on its high-dollar EV future, and a new survey shows U.S.

Dealers Gear Up 7000 Backpacks for Students

Dealers Gear Up 7000 Backpacks for Students

Automotive State of the Union
August 9, 2025

On this second Saturday of month, Paul is joined by Chris and Nathan to share all the amazing things dealers are doing in communities across the nation.

CarOffer To Shut Down, Ford’s EV Affordability Plan, GPT-5 Is Here

CarOffer To Shut Down, Ford’s EV Affordability Plan, GPT-5 Is Here

Automotive State of the Union
August 8, 2025

Episode #1116: CarGurus shuts down CarOffer, trimming its wholesale tech reach.

Ford’s “Model T” Moment, Cybertruck Target Practice, Rivian’s Charging Retreat

Ford’s “Model T” Moment, Cybertruck Target Practice, Rivian’s Charging Retreat

Automotive State of the Union
August 7, 2025

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.

Fain Under Fire, Silverado Goes The Distance, Gen Z Job Struggles

Fain Under Fire, Silverado Goes The Distance, Gen Z Job Struggles

Automotive State of the Union
August 6, 2025

Episode #1114: Shawn Fain’s own union members want him out.

Amazon Sells Used Cars, Rivian Sues Ohio, Ikea Inside A Best Buy

Amazon Sells Used Cars, Rivian Sues Ohio, Ikea Inside A Best Buy

Automotive State of the Union
August 5, 2025

Episode #1113: Today we cover Amazon’s push into used car sales, Rivian’s legal battle to sell direct in Ohio, and Ikea’s first-ever retail partnership with Best Buy.

Carvana’s Wild Ride Continues, 25% of Loans Have Negative Equity, The Gen X Factor

Carvana’s Wild Ride Continues, 25% of Loans Have Negative Equity, The Gen X Factor

Automotive State of the Union
August 4, 2025

Episode #1112: Carvana’s stock hits jaw-dropping highs while negative equity haunts car buyers.

A Sasquatch, A Fire Department And A Mud Run

A Sasquatch, A Fire Department And A Mud Run

Automotive State of the Union
August 2, 2025

On this Saturday, we're highlighting a fun mud run/competitive mud run put on by the Rohrman Auto Group to benefit their local fire department.

Latest Tariff Roundup, Robotaxi With A Driver, Agentic Checkout

Latest Tariff Roundup, Robotaxi With A Driver, Agentic Checkout

Automotive State of the Union
August 1, 2025

Episode #1110: Today we cover Trump’s sweeping auto tariffs, Tesla’s not‑so‑autonomous “Robotaxi” rollout, and the rise of agentic checkout in online retail.

Ford’s Profits Hit by Tariffs, Commercial EVs Still Growing, CheatGPT

Ford’s Profits Hit by Tariffs, Commercial EVs Still Growing, CheatGPT

Automotive State of the Union
July 31, 2025

Episode #1109: Today we’re digging into Ford’s $3B tariff troubles, why commercial EV fleets are booming even as consumer demand cools, and how OpenAI’s new “Study Mode” could change the way students learn (without just handing out the answers).

How Dealers Are Deploying AI Today, Tariffs Can’t Stop Toyota

How Dealers Are Deploying AI Today, Tariffs Can’t Stop Toyota

Automotive State of the Union
July 30, 2025

Episode #1108: Today we’re joined by Ben Hadley to talk about Toyota’s exports to the US rising in June, and get Ben’s thoughts on AI use by dealers and tech partners.

Used EV Prices Slide, Cybertruck Sticks, Search Goes Zero‑Click

Used EV Prices Slide, Cybertruck Sticks, Search Goes Zero‑Click

Automotive State of the Union
July 29, 2025

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.

EU Gets 15% Tariffs, Toyota’s EV Roadmap, AI Privacy Privilege

EU Gets 15% Tariffs, Toyota’s EV Roadmap, AI Privacy Privilege

Automotive State of the Union
July 28, 2025

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.

Two Steinway Pianos Stuffed Full of Money

Two Steinway Pianos Stuffed Full of Money

Automotive State of the Union
July 26, 2025

Episode #1105: Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to share the who, what, where, why and how of auto dealers giving back to their communities.

EV Service Woes, Honda Sells Service, Walmart Nixes Search Bars

EV Service Woes, Honda Sells Service, Walmart Nixes Search Bars

Automotive State of the Union
July 25, 2025

Episode #1104: EV service frustrations rise as electric sales grow, Honda steps into the insurance game, and Walmart unveils Sparky—its bold AI move to replace the search bar.

Start-Stop Stopping, Tesla In The Rough, Southwest Seat Selection

Start-Stop Stopping, Tesla In The Rough, Southwest Seat Selection

Automotive State of the Union
July 24, 2025

Episode #1103: Today we’re talking about backlash against stop-start tech, Tesla’s rocky second quarter and robotaxi dreams, and Southwest’s historic shift to assigned seating.

Auction Reinvention, Trade Tension, and AI Pricing for Flights

Auction Reinvention, Trade Tension, and AI Pricing for Flights

Automotive State of the Union
July 23, 2025

Episode #1102: Today, we're unpacking the Detroit 3's tariff turmoil with Japan, exploring how "Auction 2.0" is reshaping used-car sourcing, and tracking Delta's AI-driven pricing turbulence as Senators demand answers.

AI Layoff Deception, GM’s Earnings Dip & Truck Refresh, California Tech Apprenticeships

AI Layoff Deception, GM’s Earnings Dip & Truck Refresh, California Tech Apprenticeships

Automotive State of the Union
July 22, 2025

Episode #1101: Today we talk about how AI is quietly reshaping the workforce under the guise of “restructuring.” GM reports a profit dip but revs up electrified truck updates to meet shifting demands.

Q2 Auto Profits Surge, China Gets EV Bronco, Tesla Goes Retro

Q2 Auto Profits Surge, China Gets EV Bronco, Tesla Goes Retro

Automotive State of the Union
July 21, 2025

Episode #1100: Franchised dealerships saw a 22% profit surge in Q2, led by strong gains in import and domestic brands.

Love Doesn’t Stop With The Car

Love Doesn’t Stop With The Car

Automotive State of the Union
July 19, 2025

Episode #1099: It’s Saturday, which means Chris Reeves is back in the studio with another story that brings all the feels.

Rivian’s Southern Roots, Ford’s Hero Reward, ChatGPT Gets a Job

Rivian’s Southern Roots, Ford’s Hero Reward, ChatGPT Gets a Job

Automotive State of the Union
July 18, 2025

Episode #1098: Rivian is laying foundations in Georgia with a new East Coast HQ and massive EV factory.

Franchise Law “Holy War?”,  Stellantis Scraps Hydrogen, Popular Pop-Ups

Franchise Law “Holy War?”, Stellantis Scraps Hydrogen, Popular Pop-Ups

Automotive State of the Union
July 17, 2025

Episode #1097: In today’s episode, we dig into why the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and NADA are in disagreement on state franchise laws, Stellantis’ quiet hydrogen retreat, and why pop-up shops are punching above their weight in modern retail strategy.

GM’s Gas-Powered Comeback, 112-Year-Old Dealership Sold, AI Eyes Wall Street

GM’s Gas-Powered Comeback, 112-Year-Old Dealership Sold, AI Eyes Wall Street

Automotive State of the Union
July 16, 2025

Episode #1096: We cover GM’s shift away from EVs at Orion, the end of a 112-year family legacy at Ohio’s oldest Ford dealership, and how new AI tools are challenging the finance industry’s most iconic software.

Volvo’s Tariff Hit, Nissan’s EV Switch, Ford’s Generous Heart

Volvo’s Tariff Hit, Nissan’s EV Switch, Ford’s Generous Heart

Automotive State of the Union
July 15, 2025

Episode #1095: Volvo takes a $1.2B charge as EV costs and tariffs bite.

40 Under 40, Used EV Ramp Up, Tesla’s Grok Doesn’t Do Much Yet

40 Under 40, Used EV Ramp Up, Tesla’s Grok Doesn’t Do Much Yet

Automotive State of the Union
July 14, 2025

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.

Because They Deserve More Than A Patch of Grass

Because They Deserve More Than A Patch of Grass

Automotive State of the Union
July 12, 2025

Episode #1093: We know that everyone here is actually to listen to Chris Reeves on this Saturday morning.

Scaringe vs The System, Teslas Get Grok, Starbucks Forced Kindness

Scaringe vs The System, Teslas Get Grok, Starbucks Forced Kindness

Automotive State of the Union
July 11, 2025

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.

Dealers React To End of EV Tax Credits, Bay Area Robotaxis, Keep Your Shoes On

Dealers React To End of EV Tax Credits, Bay Area Robotaxis, Keep Your Shoes On

Automotive State of the Union
July 10, 2025

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.

Toyota Helps Out In Texas, EV Battery Reboot, Government Deepfakes

Toyota Helps Out In Texas, EV Battery Reboot, Government Deepfakes

Automotive State of the Union
July 9, 2025

Episode #1090: Toyota leads with heart in Texas, Redwood supercharges old EV batteries for AI, and deepfake fraud hits a chilling milestone.

EV Credit Countdown, Toyota Goes Flex, Prime Day Plus 4

EV Credit Countdown, Toyota Goes Flex, Prime Day Plus 4

Automotive State of the Union
July 8, 2025

Episode #1089: The federal EV tax credit countdown is officially on—and startups like Slate are feeling the pressure.

Musk Gets Political, China’s EV Bloodbath, Helicopter Goodbye

Musk Gets Political, China’s EV Bloodbath, Helicopter Goodbye

Automotive State of the Union
July 7, 2025

Episode #1088: We’re kicking off the week with Elon Musk mixing politics and business, a brutal forecast for China’s crowded EV market, and one unforgettable funeral send-off in Detroit.

Q2 Sales Up (With an Asterix), Carfax Best Place To Work, Chuck E. Cheese Grows Up

Q2 Sales Up (With an Asterix), Carfax Best Place To Work, Chuck E. Cheese Grows Up

Automotive State of the Union
July 3, 2025

Episode #1086: Today we unpack Q2’s early sales surge and late slip, celebrate CARFAX’s workplace wins, and wonder about Chuck E.

Senate Passes Budget, Hyundai Hot Streak, Cloudflare Block AI Scrapers

Senate Passes Budget, Hyundai Hot Streak, Cloudflare Block AI Scrapers

Automotive State of the Union
July 2, 2025

Episode #1085: Today we’re diving into a high-stakes Senate budget bill that could end EV credits early, Hyundai’s record-breaking U.S.

No EV Tax Credits This Fall?, Rare Earth Workarounds, Small Biz Gets Scammed

No EV Tax Credits This Fall?, Rare Earth Workarounds, Small Biz Gets Scammed

Automotive State of the Union
July 1, 2025

Episode #1084: Today we unpack the Senate’s plan to fast-track the end of EV tax credits, the global rush to secure rare earth magnet supply, and how small business owners are battling a new wave of AI-powered scams.

Farley Talks Production, Trump Targets Japanese OEMs, AI Shakes Up Schools

Farley Talks Production, Trump Targets Japanese OEMs, AI Shakes Up Schools

Automotive State of the Union
June 30, 2025

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.

12,805 Pounds of Purpose with Carter Myers Automotive

12,805 Pounds of Purpose with Carter Myers Automotive

Automotive State of the Union
June 28, 2025

Chris Reeves join Kyle this morning to recap the travel week that Kyle and Paul had, and then to share about how Liza Borches and the Carter Myers Automotive group brought in 12,805 lbs of food in their Cans and Cans Drive.

Sunk Cars Costs $560M, EV Auto Pushes Back, Bye Bye Blue Screen of Death

Sunk Cars Costs $560M, EV Auto Pushes Back, Bye Bye Blue Screen of Death

Automotive State of the Union
June 27, 2025

Episode #1081: Today’s episode sounds the alarm on EV shipping risks after a $560M shipwreck, dives into the dealer-driven defense of EV tax credits with Alex Lawrence at the helm, and bids farewell to Microsoft’s iconic Blue Screen of Death.

Penske Wins Centennial Award, States Win Charging Funds, AI Wins Copyright Suits

Penske Wins Centennial Award, States Win Charging Funds, AI Wins Copyright Suits

Automotive State of the Union
June 26, 2025

Episode #1080: Today we’re talking about winners - how Roger Penske was honored with the Automotive News Centennial Award, how 14 states have won back $5B in EV charging funs and how Meta and Anthropic both won copyright lawsuits.

AI Blackmail, Hertz Scans for Scrapes, and Wholesale Prices Chill

AI Blackmail, Hertz Scans for Scrapes, and Wholesale Prices Chill

Automotive State of the Union
June 25, 2025

Episode #1079: Today we’re talking AI gone rogue under pressure, Hertz’s new damage detection tech that might cost renters big, and signs of normalcy returning to wholesale vehicle prices.

Nissan CEO Feels the Heat, EV Factory Tours Booming, Cheating with AI at Work

Nissan CEO Feels the Heat, EV Factory Tours Booming, Cheating with AI at Work

Automotive State of the Union
June 24, 2025

Episode #1078: Today we’re talking stormy shareholder meetings at Nissan, the EV factory tours drawing crowds in China, and the Gen Z men getting caught outsourcing their work to AI.

How Stellantis is (Not) Changing, Tesla Robotaxis Go Live, AI Changing Speech

How Stellantis is (Not) Changing, Tesla Robotaxis Go Live, AI Changing Speech

Automotive State of the Union
June 23, 2025

Episode #1077: Today we’re talking about Stellantis’ cautious leadership shuffle, Tesla’s Robotaxi rollout with safety monitors in the passenger seat, and how AI is quietly shaping the way we talk—even if we don’t realize it.

In A World On Fire, Light a Flame of Empowerment

In A World On Fire, Light a Flame of Empowerment

Automotive State of the Union
June 21, 2025

Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to talk about how sourcing stories is like sitting by a river with little sailboats going down it. Then they talk about how Shelly Hux from Herrin-Gear Automotive Group wrote in to share how she's been empowered to make a difference in her community and how more dealers can do that at their stories.

Carmax Crushes Q1, When EV Tax Credits Will Go Away, Honda Takes on Rockets

Carmax Crushes Q1, When EV Tax Credits Will Go Away, Honda Takes on Rockets

Automotive State of the Union
June 20, 2025

Episode #1075: Today we’re talking CarMax’s record-setting quarter, Congress clashing over EV tax credits, and Honda’s surprising success in rocket science. Yep, you read that right—Honda landed a rocket.

One Year Later, Waymo Takes on NYC, Digital Humans Sell More

One Year Later, Waymo Takes on NYC, Digital Humans Sell More

Automotive State of the Union
June 19, 2025

Episode #1074: We’re diving into CDK’s post-attack transformation, Waymo’s bold NYC ambitions, and China’s booming AI-driven live commerce, where digital humans are outselling their creators.

Actually American-Made, Tesla Pauses Production, Crypto Goes to Congress

Actually American-Made, Tesla Pauses Production, Crypto Goes to Congress

Automotive State of the Union
June 18, 2025

Episode #1073: Six EVs crack the top 10 of Cars.com's American-Made Index, Tesla pauses Cybertruck and Model Y production, and the U.S. Senate gives crypto a win with new stablecoin regulations, clearing the path for mainstream adoption.

Ferrari Feels EV Slowdown, LAZ Parking Adds 50K Chargers, TikTok AI Influencers

Ferrari Feels EV Slowdown, LAZ Parking Adds 50K Chargers, TikTok AI Influencers

Automotive State of the Union
June 17, 2025

Episode #1072: Ferrari eases off the EV pedal, LAZ Parking launches a game-changing 50,000-charger rollout, and TikTok’s AI influencers threaten to upend the creator economy.

Top 100 Service and Parts, EV Registrations Fall In April, Consumer Sentiment Up

Top 100 Service and Parts, EV Registrations Fall In April, Consumer Sentiment Up

Automotive State of the Union
June 16, 2025

Episode #1071: In today’s episode, we unpack April’s surprising EV registration drop, spotlight top dealership strategies driving service and parts growth, and break down a fresh consumer sentiment boost that still comes with caution.

Raptor Rally Makes Wishes Come True

Raptor Rally Makes Wishes Come True

Automotive State of the Union
June 14, 2025

Today on the show, we've got Daniel Govaer joining Paul, Kyle and Chris to recap the Raptor Rally that he helped host. Together with Leif Johnson Ford and Rally Ready Ranch, they brought the high-performance Ford Raptor community together to benefit Central Texas Make-A-Wish.

Auto Tariffs To Go Up?, Gen Z Shops With Google, Veo 3 Makes Cheap Ads

Auto Tariffs To Go Up?, Gen Z Shops With Google, Veo 3 Makes Cheap Ads

Automotive State of the Union
June 13, 2025

Episode #1069: Trump eyes higher auto tariffs and axes California’s EV rules, Google quietly gains ground with Gen Z shoppers, and an AI-generated NBA Finals ad shows how fast, cheap, and creative the future of advertising can be.

Goodbye EV Tax Credit, Toyoda Sticking Around, Hello Handyman Mr. Beast

Goodbye EV Tax Credit, Toyoda Sticking Around, Hello Handyman Mr. Beast

Automotive State of the Union
June 12, 2025

Episode #1068: Congress considers sweeping reforms to EV and emissions incentives, while Toyota tightens its corporate family ties with a bold $33B buyout—cementing Akio Toyoda's hold at the top. Plus, Lowe’s gets into the creator game with Mr. Beast and other social stars.

Trump Says China Deal Is Done, Tesla Robotaxi To Launch on June 22, Major Carplay Update

Trump Says China Deal Is Done, Tesla Robotaxi To Launch on June 22, Major Carplay Update

Automotive State of the Union
June 11, 2025

Episode #1067: We’re covering how President Trump announced that China will provide rare earth minerals in a new trade deal. Plus Tesla’s push toward a robotaxi launch in Austin and what it means for the future of autonomy and Apple brings a major refresh to CarPlay in iOS26.

May Incentives Up, Lucid’s US Battery Supply Chain, Meta Targets Gen X

May Incentives Up, Lucid’s US Battery Supply Chain, Meta Targets Gen X

Automotive State of the Union
June 10, 2025

Episode #1066: Today we’re looking at the May economic data from Cox Automotive, how Lucid is reducing its dependence on foreign battery materials and how Meta has increased its ad revenue without increasing volume through targeting.

Rivian Builds Platform for VW, Waymos on Fire, Back to School in Summer

Rivian Builds Platform for VW, Waymos on Fire, Back to School in Summer

Automotive State of the Union
June 9, 2025

Episode #1065: Today we’re breaking down Rivian’s big win with VW, a wild scene in LA as Waymo vehicles go up in flames, and how back-to-school shopping is creeping into summer.

How Charles Ingles has influenced the Auto Industry.

How Charles Ingles has influenced the Auto Industry.

Automotive State of the Union
June 7, 2025

Paul, Kyle, and Chris realize their shared aspiration identity...Charles Ingles from Little House on the Prairie. They laugh about how ironically he is a representation of what it is to steward your community.

Are Trump Musk Broke Up, V8 Redemption, AI on Your Lock Screen

Are Trump Musk Broke Up, V8 Redemption, AI on Your Lock Screen

Automotive State of the Union
June 6, 2025

Today we’re talking about political fireworks as Trump and Musk’s bromance blows up, Ram’s surprising V8 comeback after admitting they “screwed up,” and Samsung phones getting a dose of AI-powered fashion ads, right on your lock screen.

Greenfield Gives Paul First Detroit Pizza, Amazon Rivian Robot Delivery

Greenfield Gives Paul First Detroit Pizza, Amazon Rivian Robot Delivery

Automotive State of the Union
June 5, 2025

Episode #1062: In a first on this show, Paul does a live food review of Buddy’s Pizza, provided by Steve Greenfield. Plus, we talk about how Amazon is preparing to have humanoid robots jump into the last mile of package delivery.

Rare Earth Squeeze in EU, Costco Leans In, Consumers Chill On Tariffs

Rare Earth Squeeze in EU, Costco Leans In, Consumers Chill On Tariffs

Automotive State of the Union
June 4, 2025

Episode #1061: China’s rare earth restrictions are causing real pain for Europe’s automakers, Costco’s gas game and checkout tech are stepping up, and American shoppers are oddly calm about rising tariffs—at least for now.

Steve Greenfield’s Biggest Worry,  Applegreen > Tesla, Meta’s AI Ads

Steve Greenfield’s Biggest Worry, Applegreen > Tesla, Meta’s AI Ads

Automotive State of the Union
June 3, 2025

Episode #1060: Steve Greenfield sounds the alarm on rising repair and insurance costs, Tesla loses its charger deal on the New Jersey Turnpike, and Meta doubles down on AI-generated advertising—even as trust from brands wavers.

Sluggish Q1 Buy-Sell, Waymo’s World, Boomerang Hires

Sluggish Q1 Buy-Sell, Waymo’s World, Boomerang Hires

Automotive State of the Union
June 2, 2025

Episode #1059: Today we’re talking about the strength of dealership valuations despite sluggish buy-sells, Waymo's exponential takeover of the robotaxi race, and why your old boss might be your next one.

Auditing Trashcans with Baxter Subaru

Auditing Trashcans with Baxter Subaru

Automotive State of the Union
May 31, 2025

Episode 1058: It's the last day of the month and today Kyle is joined by Head Writer Chris Reeves to talk about how Baxter Subaru of Omaha, Nebraska reduced its trash output from 96 yards a week to 8. They’re now recycling over 90% of their waste.

Nissan Faces $5B in Debt, Illegal Tariffs?, GM #1 EV Seller in Canada

Nissan Faces $5B in Debt, Illegal Tariffs?, GM #1 EV Seller in Canada

Automotive State of the Union
May 30, 2025

Episode #1057: Nissan eyes a fire sale to survive, Trump’s tariff plan hits legal trouble, and GM claims Canada’s EV crown from Tesla—at least for now.

Musk Exits DOGE, EREV Excitement, Amazon Shopping Voice Assistant

Musk Exits DOGE, EREV Excitement, Amazon Shopping Voice Assistant

Automotive State of the Union
May 29, 2025

Episode #1056: Today we’re talking about Elon Musk’s dramatic exit from government, the rising appeal of extended-range EVs as a hybrid-EV mashup, and how Amazon wants to talk you into your next purchase—literally—with AI-generated audio highlights.

Meet Stellantis’ New CEO, GM Bets Big On V8s, BitCoin to the Future

Meet Stellantis’ New CEO, GM Bets Big On V8s, BitCoin to the Future

Automotive State of the Union
May 28, 2025

Episode #1055: Today we cover Stellantis’ new CEO facing a storm of tariffs and dealer tensions, GM’s surprising pivot back to big V-8s, and DeLorean’s futuristic EV launch… that’s more crypto maze than car.

Smothered, Covered Charging, BYD Bombshell, Used Car Climb

Smothered, Covered Charging, BYD Bombshell, Used Car Climb

Automotive State of the Union
May 27, 2025

Episode #1054: We’re kicking off Tuesday week with a look at surging used car sales and shrinking supply, BYD’s aggressive EV price cuts in China, and a Waffle House partnership that brings hash browns and high-speed charging together in the South.

Memorial Day Grilling Tips with James Ganther

Memorial Day Grilling Tips with James Ganther

Automotive State of the Union
May 26, 2025

Episode #1053: It’s Memorial Day, the un-official start of summer and a favorite of grillmasters everywhere, so we invited our good friend and grillmaster, James Ganther, to give some grilling tips for tasty food, and remind us of why we celebrate in the first place.

Full Color Hospitality with Carol Marshall and ActivEngage

Full Color Hospitality with Carol Marshall and ActivEngage

Automotive State of the Union
May 24, 2025

It's the Saturday after ASOTU CON and the energy is still buzzing. Nathan is joined by Chris Reeves and Ann-Marie Johnsons to talk about their favorite moments and the heart behind the event. Special guest Carol Marshall of ActivEngage brings her unique perspective on what it meant to be part of the unreasonable hospitality at ASOTU CON.

Senate Blocks CA EV Rules, Reputation Rankings, AI Video With Sound

Senate Blocks CA EV Rules, Reputation Rankings, AI Video With Sound

Automotive State of the Union
May 23, 2025

Episode #1051: We’re diving into the Senate’s move to block California’s gas car ban, Google’s new video AI that adds audio, and which brands — including top automakers — gained or lost consumer trust in the 2025 Axios/Harris reputation rankings.

Loan Rejections Soar, BYD Outsells Tesla, Google's AI Everything

Loan Rejections Soar, BYD Outsells Tesla, Google's AI Everything

Automotive State of the Union
May 22, 2025

Episode #1050: A record number of U.S. consumers are skipping auto loans over rejection fears, EV history unfolded as BYD overtook Tesla in Europe and Google’s I/O 2025 keynote was a full-court press on AI innovation.

New Toyota OS in RAV4, Tesla v Waymo, Home Depot Supply Chain

New Toyota OS in RAV4, Tesla v Waymo, Home Depot Supply Chain

Automotive State of the Union
May 21, 2025

Episode #1049: Today we’re diving into Toyota’s bold software move with the redesigned RAV4 Hybrid, watching Tesla and Waymo duel for robotaxi dominance, and seeing how Home Depot is holding the line on prices as tariffs rattle retail

Honda’s EV Backtrack, Wholesale Prices Dip, Essential Side Hustles

Honda’s EV Backtrack, Wholesale Prices Dip, Essential Side Hustles

Automotive State of the Union
May 20, 2025

Episode #1048: Today we’re diving into Honda’s EV strategy rethink and dealer drama in California, a mid-May dip in wholesale used vehicle prices, and the growing reality that side hustles aren’t just extra—they’re essential.

Kia’s Veteran Tech Program, Not So “American-Made”, Vibe Codex-ing

Kia’s Veteran Tech Program, Not So “American-Made”, Vibe Codex-ing

Automotive State of the Union
May 19, 2025

Episode #1047: Kia’s veteran apprenticeship program is creating certified techs and stronger stores, while “American-made” is a lot harder to accomplish than it sounds. Plus, OpenAI is taking on software engineering with a new update.

Friday Morning Feelings Post-ASOTU CON

Friday Morning Feelings Post-ASOTU CON

Automotive State of the Union
May 16, 2025

We're live from Friday morning at ASOTU CON.

ASOTU CON Day 1 Takeaways

ASOTU CON Day 1 Takeaways

Automotive State of the Union
May 15, 2025

Welcome to Day 2 at ASOTU CON!

Day 1 From ASOTU CON

Day 1 From ASOTU CON

Automotive State of the Union
May 14, 2025

Paul, Kyle and Michael hit the Content Corner to record a quick show before ASOTU CON 2025 kicks off officially. Follow all the action on social media!

LIVE from ASOTU CON 25, VW Uber Tag Team, TikTok Selling Cars

LIVE from ASOTU CON 25, VW Uber Tag Team, TikTok Selling Cars

Automotive State of the Union
May 13, 2025

Episode #1043: We’re coming to you live from ASOTU CON 25! Today we’re diving into Volkswagen and Uber’s plan to launch ID. Buzz robotaxis by 2026, TikTok’s surprising power in driving car sales, and what it all means for the future of mobility and marketing.

Where Did the ASOTU Crew go?

Where Did the ASOTU Crew go?

Automotive State of the Union
May 12, 2025

Today Paul is the last man standing in the studio as the entire crew is on their way to ASOTU CON 2025. He sets the stage of what to expect over the next week and tells you how to be a part of the event even if you can't be there this year.

What Innovative Dealers Were Up to Last Week

What Innovative Dealers Were Up to Last Week

Automotive State of the Union
May 10, 2025

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.

US-UK Trade Deal Announced, CA Sues Over Charger Funding, ID. Buzz Backseat Too Big

US-UK Trade Deal Announced, CA Sues Over Charger Funding, ID. Buzz Backseat Too Big

Automotive State of the Union
May 9, 2025

Episode #1040: Today we’re diving into a transatlantic tariff feud shaking up the luxury auto sector, a multistate lawsuit over EV charging funds, and why VW’s nostalgic ID. Buzz just got benched.

Carvana’s Record Quarter, Ford Raises Prices, AI Search Over Google

Carvana’s Record Quarter, Ford Raises Prices, AI Search Over Google

Automotive State of the Union
May 8, 2025

Episode #1039: Today we’re talking about Carvana's record-setting quarter and bold new goal, Ford’s strategic price hikes post-tariffs, and why Google’s stock took a beating after an Apple exec dropped a courtroom AI bomb.

M&A Activity To Increase, Hyundai Simplifies Charging, Back-To-School Tariff Sale

M&A Activity To Increase, Hyundai Simplifies Charging, Back-To-School Tariff Sale

Automotive State of the Union
May 7, 2025

Episode #1038: Today we’re talking about the expected surge in auto dealership M&A activity, Hyundai’s latest software update that simplifies EV charging across major networks, and Tanger’s decision to launch its back-to-school campaign early in response to ongoing tariff concerns.

Ford Slashes Guidance, EVs Grow In Q1, Waymo Plans For Expansion

Ford Slashes Guidance, EVs Grow In Q1, Waymo Plans For Expansion

Automotive State of the Union
May 6, 2025

Episode #1037: Today we break down Ford’s Q1 fallout as tariffs cast a $1.5B shadow, electrified vehicles surge to nearly 25% of new-car sales led by hybrids and non-Tesla EVs, and Waymo revs up its driverless ambitions with a new Arizona mega-factory and major city expansion plans.

Warren Buffett Surprise Retirement, Tesla and LiveWire Struggles in Q1

Warren Buffett Surprise Retirement, Tesla and LiveWire Struggles in Q1

Automotive State of the Union
May 5, 2025

Episode #1036: Warren Buffett shocks investors with a surprise retirement announcement, Tesla sweetens the Model Y deal to boost lagging demand, and Harley’s LiveWire hits a wall while the legacy brand keeps the engine running.