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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ford Ahead of Schedule, Consumer’s Show Up for Auto Show, MSRP for Charity

Ford Ahead of Schedule, Consumer’s Show Up for Auto Show, MSRP for Charity

Automotive State of the Union
April 20, 2022

It’s National Cold Brew Day and we’re going to need the caffeine as we talk about the F150 launch schedule surprise, consumer demand showing up in force at the New York Auto Show and one Dealer’s positive deployment of MSRP.

Tim Cook and Linebackers, BMW Trolls Tesla, Maskless Flights to Tampa?

Tim Cook and Linebackers, BMW Trolls Tesla, Maskless Flights to Tampa?

Automotive State of the Union
April 19, 2022

On today’s show we preview our upcoming live event in Tampa on May 9th, The ASOTU Family Reunion : Remix. We also talk about Apples likely NFL deal, how BMW plans on retaking its luxury segment title, and could this be the end of masked flights?

 Identical Invoice and MSRP Pricing, Honda Extends CPO, Airlines Brace For Impact of Summer

Identical Invoice and MSRP Pricing, Honda Extends CPO, Airlines Brace For Impact of Summer

Automotive State of the Union
April 18, 2022

Monday doesn’t disappoint with fresh ideas and challenges to kick off the new week. Today we’re talking about the future of MSRP and the Dealer’s role in new car sales, Honda making moves in the CPO space, and consumer indicators in air travel are a sign of the times regarding employment. It’s a good day to make some trouble. 

Customer Experience From Chipoltle to Baseball, A Streaming First, Ditching the Old Indicators for Nimble Insights

Customer Experience From Chipoltle to Baseball, A Streaming First, Ditching the Old Indicators for Nimble Insights

Automotive State of the Union
April 15, 2022

This Monday Morning we’re making TROUBLE by calibrating the Consumer Experience dial with real-world, real-time evidence. To quote the heroine Dorothy,“We aren’t in Kansas anymore.” We talk about a Rochester Chipotle rep, new rules for baseball, an Academy Award first, and a word from some friends at JD Power about how we should be treating the indicators we’ve been using.

Launching Lightning, Honda’s 30 EVs by 2030, Elon’s Twitter Offer

Launching Lightning, Honda’s 30 EVs by 2030, Elon’s Twitter Offer

Automotive State of the Union
April 14, 2022

Thursday is electric as we cover the much anticipated launch of the Ford Lightning Pickup and Honda’s bold ambitions to launch 30 EVs by 2030. We also talk about Elon’s “best and final” offer to buy Twitter. All of it. 

Carmax Sales Swing, Asking the Real EV Questions, Keeping It Moving

Carmax Sales Swing, Asking the Real EV Questions, Keeping It Moving

Automotive State of the Union
April 13, 2022

This Wednesday we dig into the Carmax Q4 shareholder report…and there is a lot to unpack. We also ask some real questions about EV rollouts and talk through how to prepare to respond. Everything is in a state of motion and we’re going to do what we can to ensure the ASOTU community is a step ahead. 

Toyota Just In Time, Elon Deletes Twitter, and Flying Motorcycles

Toyota Just In Time, Elon Deletes Twitter, and Flying Motorcycles

Automotive State of the Union
April 12, 2022

We got a few recommendations for our newest podcast idea and are hunting for more! Today we talk about the future of flying vehicles, the influence of a ‘car guy,’ and Toyota recognizing the need for balanced inventory strategies. Did we mention we hit 10k podcast downloads yesterday!?!?

Events Season is Here, We Need a Show Name & Dealers Partnering w/ Athletes

Events Season is Here, We Need a Show Name & Dealers Partnering w/ Athletes

Automotive State of the Union
April 11, 2022

Welcome to the first week of what we are dubbing “events season.” Ok, maybe someone else called it that first. However, we can’t wait to see you soon at one or multiple of them. We also are doing some R&D on a new show and would love your help to curate the name of it. Launching into Monday like djsmokeysmoke (Jonathan Smoke) on a Spotify playlist!

Diapers With Crypto, 500k Cars From A Single Factory, Trucker Salary Bump

Diapers With Crypto, 500k Cars From A Single Factory, Trucker Salary Bump

Automotive State of the Union
April 8, 2022

We’re troublemaking our way into Friday with stories orbiting the Retail Automotive ecosystem. Starting with an easier way to use crypto for regular purchases, moving on to the opening of the GigaFactory in Austin, TX, and rounding the corner to talk about Wal Mart’s new wage for high-demand truck drivers. Guess what, if you are in Retail Automotive (or retail in general) these stories apply to YOU.

Crypto-Bull, A Dark Horse In the Website Race, Toyota Takes Cues From Tesla

Crypto-Bull, A Dark Horse In the Website Race, Toyota Takes Cues From Tesla

Automotive State of the Union
April 7, 2022

We’re talking tech from across the spectrum today from finance, to websites, to autonomy. From Miami’s new crypto-symbolism, to a secret Dealer website project revealed, as well as a new play by Toyota regarding autonomous vehicles…we ain’t in Kansas anymore, Toto. 

The Top 150 Dealer List, Honda/GM Partner on EVs, Top 5 Gen Z Brands, and Creative vs. Volume Content

The Top 150 Dealer List, Honda/GM Partner on EVs, Top 5 Gen Z Brands, and Creative vs. Volume Content

Automotive State of the Union
April 6, 2022

Today we take a look at the latest Top 150 Dealer List published by Automotive News as well as Honda and GM’s Announced Partnership to develop affordable EV technology. We also dig into the top 5 Gen Z brands and talk about why we think they are at the top. We’ll also try to answer the question; “Which is more important; high quality creative or volume content:”

Twitter Full of Characters, Auto Intel Reporting, Satellite Internet Heats Up

Twitter Full of Characters, Auto Intel Reporting, Satellite Internet Heats Up

Automotive State of the Union
April 5, 2022

Tuesdays are for Troublemakers. This Tuesday is no exception as we talk about the implications of a car-guy being the largest shareholder in Twitter. We also dive into Steve Greefields April Auto Intel Report and talk about the breaking news of Amazon’s entry into the satellite ISP space (pun intended).

The Grammy’s Get Serious, LIFO On The Ropes, Lithia Looks For #1

The Grammy’s Get Serious, LIFO On The Ropes, Lithia Looks For #1

Automotive State of the Union
April 4, 2022

Welcome to Monday, Troublemakers! Today we talk about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Grammy Appearance last night, a potential light at the end of the LIFO tunnel thanks to a Michigan Congressman, and a potential new seat atop the Automotive News Top 150 list. So grab some coffee and your sales reports, because it’s a good morning to make some TROUBLE.

Ben-stocks, Negative For Positivity, and Crossfitters Pressing Fuel Prices

Ben-stocks, Negative For Positivity, and Crossfitters Pressing Fuel Prices

Automotive State of the Union
April 1, 2022

Today’s episode cover some shocking news from the Negative test results for David Long, A New Automotive-inspired crypto currency, and harvesting human energy to replace internal combustion.

Keeping It Movin’, No Excuses, Started From The Bottom

Keeping It Movin’, No Excuses, Started From The Bottom

Automotive State of the Union
March 31, 2022

Today’s show title may or may not include the summaries of our three main topics as song titles from the Troublemaker Swagger Playlist on Spotify. We’re talking about Toyota outpacing February production projections, Tesla’s plan to secure nickel supplies, and business students skipping Wall St for crypto. 

 Brand Loyalty Bumped, Sales slumped, and A Balanced NFL Postseason

Brand Loyalty Bumped, Sales slumped, and A Balanced NFL Postseason

Automotive State of the Union
March 30, 2022

Wellllcome to Wednesday. Today we’re talking about what happens to brand loyalty when supplies are tight. Hint: It doesn’t go up. We also cover the most recent sales numbers for Q1 and some changes in the NFL that fans and teams are looking forward to

Pass the Chips, Former Disney CEO Makes Meta Moves, CarDealership Guy

Pass the Chips, Former Disney CEO Makes Meta Moves, CarDealership Guy

Automotive State of the Union
March 29, 2022

It’s a good (maybe great) day to make some trouble this fine Tuesday morning as we talk about moves to make the US more chip-friendly, the former Disney CEO who is betting big on metaverse swag (can you make us a flat-brim hat?), and the anonymous twitter account allegedly run by a dealership operator that is Trouble-with-a-capital-T.

Customer Experience From Chipoltle to Baseball, A Streaming First, Ditching the Old Indicators for Nimble Insights

Customer Experience From Chipoltle to Baseball, A Streaming First, Ditching the Old Indicators for Nimble Insights

Automotive State of the Union
March 28, 2022

This Monday Morning we’re making TROUBLE by calibrating the Consumer Experience dial with real-world, real-time evidence. To quote the heroine Dorothy,“We aren’t in Kansas anymore.” We talk about a Rochester Chipotle rep, new rules for baseball, an Academy Award first, and a word from some friends at JD Power about how we should be treating the indicators we’ve been using.

The Return of Honest Instagram?, Seizing Auto Manufacturing, Teen Hackers, and Remoooooote Work

The Return of Honest Instagram?, Seizing Auto Manufacturing, Teen Hackers, and Remoooooote Work

Automotive State of the Union
March 25, 2022

On this beautiful Friday Morning we’re leaning into the human element as we talk about how your teams are using social media (and how you can too), Russian Auto Plants potentially being seized, and the teenage talent you’re likely overlooking. We also get into the gains and losses of remote work culture.

Pent Up Demand, Tesla Party Permit Getting Punked, Meta Execs Far From Home

Pent Up Demand, Tesla Party Permit Getting Punked, Meta Execs Far From Home

Automotive State of the Union
March 24, 2022

Today we talk about the potential effects of all the pent up demand that may be building and what that may mean for the next year or so. We also talk about a community pushing back against a Tesla grand opening party. We’ll also take a look at the extreme remote work happening among Meta Execs.

A Dealership Was a Zoo, Crowd Sourced Markup Tracker, Grit From Ukraine Workers

A Dealership Was a Zoo, Crowd Sourced Markup Tracker, Grit From Ukraine Workers

Automotive State of the Union
March 23, 2022

It’s a great day to make some trouble as we cover some stories from the retail front door all the way across the world to wiring harness production in the Ukraine. From turning a showroom into a zoo, to consumers creating their own way to track dealership markups, all the way to Ukraine workers boosting wiring harness production, we’ve got trouble brewing…in good ways.

Still A Seller’s Market, German EV Race, Will SXSW Ever Really Return?

Still A Seller’s Market, German EV Race, Will SXSW Ever Really Return?

Automotive State of the Union
March 22, 2022

Today we ask the question, “With the dealership selling frenzy that happened in 2021, is it possible for 2022 to beat it?” We also talk about the Giga-opening in Berlin and what it means for the EV race in Europe, as well as the closing of this years SXSW festival and whether or not it will ever return to its former glory.

Metaverse Madness w/Brian Kramer, New(er) EV Price Hikes, Banks Pushing Back

Metaverse Madness w/Brian Kramer, New(er) EV Price Hikes, Banks Pushing Back

Automotive State of the Union
March 21, 2022

This Monday we are waking up to a world where you can buy and sell a real life vehicle in the metaverse. Our very own Brian Kramer lets the team who executed the first transaction and we’re going to get into it. We also talk about some new EV price hikes as well as offer a little education on Banking and Defi…it’s not as boring or irrelevant as you might think.

March Madness Money, Mortgage Rates Climb, Netflix Sharing Party Over

March Madness Money, Mortgage Rates Climb, Netflix Sharing Party Over

Automotive State of the Union
March 18, 2022

We wake up on a Friday morning expecting that our good friend Brian Kramer is poised and ready to complete a vehicle transaction in the metaverse! Tons to talk about around the world of news, including some resilient workers in the Ukraine keeping automotive rolling.

Feeling Lucky or Unlucky, HSBC and Retail Auto in the Metaverse, Consumers Pushing Back on Pricing

Feeling Lucky or Unlucky, HSBC and Retail Auto in the Metaverse, Consumers Pushing Back on Pricing

Automotive State of the Union
March 17, 2022

On this St. Patrick’s Day there are plenty of folks feeling both lucky and unlucky. Today we talk about the big ASOTU announcement at NADA, the first Retail Auto transaction in the Metaverse, big banking enters the sandbox, and ask the question “Are consumers reaching their limits with inflation?”.