Podcasts

Automotive State of the Union

Automotive State of the Union

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

See All Episodes
Auto Collabs

Auto Collabs

The walls are closing in on Franchised Retail Auto Dealers as the industry is moving at break-neck velocity toward a new way of doing business. The convergence of economic and social volatility, new entrants like Tesla and Carvana, and the new rules of retail are putting Auto Dealers in a crucible that will either destroy them or refine them. Auto Collabs brings you deep into real-talk conversations with the brightest operators and innovators in the Retail Auto Industry who believe the Dealer network is the single greatest way to serve the transportation needs of communities across the country. The only way Retail Auto Dealers and Industry Partners will survive is by committing to innovate together, so let’s get started. Welcome to Auto Collabs.

See All Episodes
ASOTU CON Sessions

ASOTU CON Sessions

Forget the Zoom calls. We did it all live and in person. Join hosts Kyle Mountsier, Michael Cirillo, Paul J. Daly and more as we just hit the record button for some quick and very candid conversations with some of the most amazing guests at ASOTU CON. You'll hear from the best operators, amazing stories from inside and outside of auto, and gain new perspectives. All of it is live. All of it is unfiltered, and all of it is for you. These are the ASOTU CON Sessions by Effectv // ASOTU CON Sessions is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com

See All Episodes
In The Dirt with ASOTU

In The Dirt with ASOTU

In this dynamic and impromptu podcast, the ASOTU street team brings you real-world, real-time interviews and intel while on location with Dealers and Industry Leaders across the U.S. Meet the Automotive movers and shakers you’ve seen on the screen and some you’ve never heard of before as we have candid conversations around some of the biggest challenges in automotive. When team ASOTU is on the ground, you’re right there with us.

See All Episodes
Amplify

Amplify

The emergence of electrification and new technology has consumers leaning into the car business with a level of curiosity and enthusiasm we haven’t seen in decades. That’s why it is essential that top automotive executives, dealers, and industry partners collaborate like never before. It’s time to make the most innovative voices in retail automotive, louder.

See All Episodes
The ASOTU Wheelhouse

The ASOTU Wheelhouse

The ASOTU Wheelhouse - Hosted By Daniel Govaer is an Around-The-Horn style discussion around the issues facing the automotive retail industry. Part fun, part sarcasm and a whole lot of expert opinions.

See All Episodes
The Dealer Playbook

The Dealer Playbook

The Dealer Playbook features expert interviews, tactical advice, and relevant insights that will skyrocket your growth in retail automotive.

See All Episodes
NADA Show Sessions by ASOTU

NADA Show Sessions by ASOTU

Live from the 2025 NADA Show in New Orleans, LA, the team at ASOTU | More Than Cars is heading from booth to booth, bringing you the conversations that matter. Whether its new innovations in tech, how auto dealers are strategizing, tips for hiring and retention, we'll uncover them in these quick episodes hosted by Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. More Than Cars is a media network trusted by thousands of retail auto dealers and industry partners who believe that thriving people are at the center of a thriving and profitable industry.

See All Episodes

All Episodes

Trump Meets Barra, Tesla Searches Plunge, Back To (Onsite) Work

Trump Meets Barra, Tesla Searches Plunge, Back To (Onsite) Work

Automotive State of the Union
March 14, 2025

As we wind down another week, we’re talking about the meeting between President Trump and GM CEO Mary Barra at the White House discussing American manufacturing. Plus, we look at February market insights from Cars Commerce and see how far the pendulum has swung away from remote work.

Service Satisfaction Strong, EPA Rolling Back Emissions Rules, Mr. Beast Chocolate Profitability

Service Satisfaction Strong, EPA Rolling Back Emissions Rules, Mr. Beast Chocolate Profitability

Automotive State of the Union
March 13, 2025

We’re only 10 episodes away from episode 1000 of this podcast, and today, we’re covering the JD Power 2025 US Customer Service Index Study. Plus, we’re looking at how the Trump administration is pushing back on emissions and fuel economy standards, and how Mr. Beast is profiting from something you might not expect.

Trump Pitches Teslas at White House, Ford <3 Superchargers, Southwest Ends Free Bags

Trump Pitches Teslas at White House, Ford <3 Superchargers, Southwest Ends Free Bags

Automotive State of the Union
March 12, 2025

Today, we’re talking about how the White House lawn became a Tesla dealership yesterday. Plus, we’re covering Ford’s investment into EV charging for its drivers and how Southwest is ending its longstanding free bag policy.

New Nissan CEO, Carmax Chaos, China Teaches Elementary AI

New Nissan CEO, Carmax Chaos, China Teaches Elementary AI

Automotive State of the Union
March 11, 2025

Today, struggling OEM Nissan has announced that current CEO Makoto Uchida will be replaced by Ivan Espinosa, their latest attempt to jumpstart a turnaround. Plus, chaos at a Carmax dealership as a customer rammed their vehicle into the building and China is making AI education mandatory, even for elementary school children.

Rooftop Count and Throughput Up, Quick Supercharger Repair, Starlink on Flights

Rooftop Count and Throughput Up, Quick Supercharger Repair, Starlink on Flights

Automotive State of the Union
March 10, 2025

We’ve got good news this Monday as the latest numbers show that dealership count and throughput are up, with stores averaging 511 new cars sold per year. Plus, we cover a quick turnaround for a vandalized Tesla charger and how United is upping its Wi-Fi game with Starlink internet.

NADA Goes After VW and Scout, EV Charging Not Cheaper Than Gas?, Shake Shack Value Meal

NADA Goes After VW and Scout, EV Charging Not Cheaper Than Gas?, Shake Shack Value Meal

Automotive State of the Union
March 7, 2025

As we wind down another week, we’re talking about how NADA and Mike Stanton are winding up their opposition of Scout Motors direct-to-consumer plans. Plus, we’re looking at a report that says that EV charging isn’t such a cost-effective alternative to gas, and how Shake Shack is introducing its first ever value meal.

Auto Industry Gets Tariff Exemption, Best Resale Value Cars, Google AI Search Mode

Auto Industry Gets Tariff Exemption, Best Resale Value Cars, Google AI Search Mode

Automotive State of the Union
March 6, 2025

The auto industry breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as it was announced that they will be exempt from the 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods. Plus, we’re looking at the cars that hold their value the best, and Google’s push towards AI search.

Big 3 Exempt From Tariffs?, “The Trump Effect”, Paul and Kyle In The Wild

Big 3 Exempt From Tariffs?, “The Trump Effect”, Paul and Kyle In The Wild

Automotive State of the Union
March 5, 2025

Today, we’re bringing you the latest information on how tariffs could affect the auto industry, including the Commerce Secretary hinting that President Trump could exempt the auto industry. Plus, we’re covering how Honda is bringing Civic production back to Indiana, and Paul and Kyle’s wild adventures this weekend.

Tariffs In Effect, Tesla Tops Depreciation List, Google Pushes AI Workforce

Tariffs In Effect, Tesla Tops Depreciation List, Google Pushes AI Workforce

Automotive State of the Union
March 4, 2025

Today is our fearless leader Paul J Daly’s birthday! So we gave him the morning off and tapped guest host Ben Hadley. 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.

Remembering The Alpha Dawg, Carvana Goes Franchise, Paul Buys An EV

Remembering The Alpha Dawg, Carvana Goes Franchise, Paul Buys An EV

Automotive State of the Union
March 3, 2025

As we greet the first full week of March, we’re live from Charlotte, North Carolina with good friend Todd Caputo. Today, we pause and remember titan sales trainer Jim Ziegler, who helped thousands of dealerships during his 48 years in the industry. Plus, we cover Carvana’s acquisition of a CJDR store in Arizona and what it might mean in the future.

More Tariffs Incoming, Ford Ditches Regional EV Centers, ChatGPT 4.5

More Tariffs Incoming, Ford Ditches Regional EV Centers, ChatGPT 4.5

Automotive State of the Union
February 28, 2025

It’s the last day of the month, and we’ve got the one and only Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures hopping in as a co-host! Today, we’re talking about President Trump saying that the Mexican and Canadian tariffs are back on and more tariffs are coming for Chinese imports. Plus, Ford is closing regionals centers for stocking and distributing EVs and OpenAI has released its latest model, ChatGPT 4.5.

Moreno’s Auto Manufacturing Bill, GM’s Stock Buy Backs, Vegas PD’s Cybertrucks

Moreno’s Auto Manufacturing Bill, GM’s Stock Buy Backs, Vegas PD’s Cybertrucks

Automotive State of the Union
February 27, 2025

As the month nears its close, we’re talking about Senator Bernie Moreno going to bat for the auto industry with a new bill. Plus, GM is raising its stock dividends while doing a new buy back and the Las Vegas PD debuts a fleet of Cybertrucks given to them by an anonymous donor.

Tesla Takedown, Group 1 Grows, VDub Charges Forward

Tesla Takedown, Group 1 Grows, VDub Charges Forward

Automotive State of the Union
February 26, 2025

Today, Paul and Kyle are coming to you live on location from Paul’s office! We’re talking about how Group 1 grew in 2024 through $1.3B in acquisitions, a new face on the top 5 best-selling EVs and how grassroots is trying to take Tesla down.

Michael Cirillo on the Toronto Auto Show, EV Charger Cyberattacks, Apple’s $500B Investment

Michael Cirillo on the Toronto Auto Show, EV Charger Cyberattacks, Apple’s $500B Investment

Automotive State of the Union
February 25, 2025

Today we’ve got guest host Michael Cirillo of the Dealer Playbook talking about his experiences at the Toronto Auto Show. Plus, we talk about a new report showing EV charger cyberattacks are on the rise and how Apple is investing $500B in AI with a specific focus in Detroit.

Buy-Sell Market Outlook, Ford Welcomes New Media, In-N-Out Employee Satisfaction

Buy-Sell Market Outlook, Ford Welcomes New Media, In-N-Out Employee Satisfaction

Automotive State of the Union
February 24, 2025

On this last week of the month, we’re looking at the state of the automotive M&A market and what dealers can expect for the rest of the year. Plus, we cover how Ford is adopting a new media and press strategy, and look at how In-N-Out cracked the top 10 of Best Large Employers.

Making M&A About More Than The Acquisition with Dave Cantin

Making M&A About More Than The Acquisition with Dave Cantin

Auto Collabs
January 29, 2025

Mergers and acquisitions in auto aren’t just about buying stores—they’re about building legacies, and Dave Cantin is leading the charge.

How To Prove To Customers That You Actually Care with Ted Rubin of ActivEngage

How To Prove To Customers That You Actually Care with Ted Rubin of ActivEngage

Auto Collabs
January 20, 2025

AI is a powerful tool, but the human element is still the key ingredient in great customer experiences.

What to Expect At NADA 2025 - with Chris Reeves!

What to Expect At NADA 2025 - with Chris Reeves!

Automotive State of the Union
January 18, 2025

It's the last weekend before the 2025 NADA Show and so we're looking ahead to next week. Head Writer Chris Reeves gives us the rundown on what to expect, what to look for and what to avoid.

 Banning Russian Car Hardware, Google “Empathetic” Auto AI, Target Slashes Production Timelines

Banning Russian Car Hardware, Google “Empathetic” Auto AI, Target Slashes Production Timelines

Automotive State of the Union
January 14, 2025

9 days to NADA and you can feel the anticipation around the social media halls. Today, we’re talking about how the US Commerce Department is banning Chinese and Russian car hardware and software, Google’s new automotive AI agent debuting in the Mercedes CLA and Target changing production timelines to match social media trends.

Wildfires, Customer Satisfaction, and A Sideline Reader

Wildfires, Customer Satisfaction, and A Sideline Reader

Automotive State of the Union
January 13, 2025

California wildfires have forced dealership closures, but communities are coming together to support first responders. Meanwhile, new-vehicle buyer satisfaction reached a record high in 2024, driven by seamless digital tools and efficient processes. During the first round of the NFL playoffs, A.J. Brown’s viral sideline book moment offers a glimpse into a high performer’s mindset and resilience.

Avoid the Digital Retailing Trap with Bobby Gaudreau of Activator

Avoid the Digital Retailing Trap with Bobby Gaudreau of Activator

Auto Collabs
January 13, 2025

Endurance and innovation go hand in hand, whether you're running races or reshaping automotive data strategies.

A Seattle City Names Auto Dealer Jim Colon As Businessman of the Year

A Seattle City Names Auto Dealer Jim Colon As Businessman of the Year

Automotive State of the Union
January 11, 2025

Paul, Kyle, and Chris settle the argument about how long you can wish someone "Happy New Year" before they talk about an entire business community honoring, Jim Colon, Owner of Marysville Toyota as their best and brightest of 2024. 

Detroit Glitz, Used Car Shifts, and Starbucks Gets a Makeover

Detroit Glitz, Used Car Shifts, and Starbucks Gets a Makeover

Automotive State of the Union
January 10, 2025

Today we’re talking about the legendary stunts of the Detroit Auto Show, the stabilization of used car prices after pandemic volatility, and Starbucks shutting down stores for a barista reboot under its new CEO.

CES Wrap-Up with Steve Greenfield, Solving Snowy Self-Driving, Mach-E Outsells Mustang

CES Wrap-Up with Steve Greenfield, Solving Snowy Self-Driving, Mach-E Outsells Mustang

Automotive State of the Union
January 9, 2025

As the 2025 CES Show winds down, we have some final thoughts from correspondent Steve Greenfield. Plus we look at Goodyear’s solution for autonomous vehicles in snowy climates and talk about the Mach-E overtaking the traditional Mustang in sales.

Solving the "Coming Soon" Problem with Colby Joyner of Liftkit.io

Solving the "Coming Soon" Problem with Colby Joyner of Liftkit.io

Auto Collabs
January 9, 2025

When innovation meets obsession you get: data-driven inventory strategies and… lawn care AI?"