Automotive State of the Union

Episode #1007: Consumers hit showrooms ahead of tariff hikes, juicing March sales and making record months and Q1s. Dealers like Rhett Ricart and Zac Kinch fielded a flood of buyers with questions and Amazon dropped Nova Act—an AI agent that shops, browses, and books like a pro.

Episode #1006: We’re joined by Brian Kramer, EVP of Cars Commerce to talk about the upcoming auto tariffs and how Tesla’s market share is declining. Plus, as the deadline to sell TikTok nears, some surprising potential buyers have emerged.

Episode #1005: The biggest dealership groups continue their march toward market dominance while Toyota’s hybrid boom is pushing suppliers to the limit. Meanwhile, Gen Z graduates face a tough reality as government hiring freezes throw career plans into chaos.

Episode #1003: Dealers and analysts react to President Trump’s tariff order, as the administration considers a tax deduction for auto loan interest paid. Plus, Fisker Oceans have found new life as a rideshare fleet in NYC.

Episode #1002: Today's show dives into Trump’s game-changing 25% auto tariff and what it means for car prices, Hyundai’s massive new EV plant in Georgia and OpenAI’s latest AI breakthrough in image and text generation.

Episode #1001: Nissan reveals a bold new roadmap, slashing vehicle development times and expanding its EV lineup. Meanwhile, California now boasts more EV chargers than gas nozzles and AI is taking orders at drive-thrus—will customers embrace the speed or miss the human touch?

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.

With 1 more day until Episode 1000, Kyle is on his way to Syracuse and Paul is joined by Todd Caputo. Today, we dive into a quick cybersecurity response that saved hundreds of stores from a malware attack, Ford’s $18M legal loss over a dealership sale, and the effect the current administration could have on EV adoption.

Happy Friday! Today, we’re covering how Elon rallied Tesla employees during a surprise all hands meeting last night. Plus, auto auctions have their best year since 2020 and consumers prefer AI-generated responses to reviews over those written by humans.

Happy Thursday, Troublemakers! Today we’re talking about Amazon dipping its toe in the used car market, GM is going all-in on AI with Nvidia, and new data reveals surprising trends about who’s actually shopping on Amazon. 

Today in our little walk around the automotive landscape, Tesla takes a big step toward launching its robotaxi service in California, while BYD shakes up the EV world with game-changing 5-minute charging tech. Plus, a viral tweet sparks a $1M hackathon overnight—because the internet moves fast.

Today, we’re talking about how used car prices are on the rise—unless you’re driving a Tesla, where values are plummeting at three times the market rate. Plus, two NASA astronauts return home after an unexpected nine-month stay in space.

We’re under 2 months away from the auto industry accelerator, ASOTU CON! You can get your tickets now at asotucon.com. Today we’re talking about how tech giant Foxconn is getting ready to reveal new EV partnerships and speculate on who those could be. Plus, we cover affordability easing and In N Out’s servant leadership mentality.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

As all the announcements from CES roll in, we’ve got Steve Greenfield back again to break it all down. We cover the details of Sony Honda Mobility’s Afeela, plus talk about how Uber and Lyft are moving towards autonomy and how 25% of cars sold in 2025 will be EV.

This Tuesday morning, we’ve got ASOTU Correspondent Steve Greenfield bringing us all the updates from CES. Plus, it's that time of year where returns dominate the retail landscape.

It’s CES week, meaning all the announcements and concepts, so we’ve got you covered on what to pay attention to. Plus we talk about how monthly payments are continuing to rise and how some AI accounts created by Meta are sparking controversy.

Welcome to the first weekend of 2025! Today, Nathan and Chris talk about their New Year's Resolutions and then share some of the amazing things that auto dealers did to close out 2024.

Today, we break down the Hindenburg Research report that allegedly exposes Carvana’s shady business practices. Plus, we cover Tesla’s first annual drop in deliveries and talk about the return of cursive logos.

The first show of a new year, and with it, we’ve got predictions, predictions, predictions! Plus, we celebrate the arrival of the newest generation, Gen Beta!

The end of the year is finally here, and so we’re looking back, covering the top 10 best-selling vehicles of 2024. Plus, we talk about a unique $0 down and $0 monthly payment Fiat lease as well as reflect on some of our most memorable moments.

The clock is about to run out on 2024, but that doesn’t stop the grind of the retail auto industry! Today we’re covering the latest awkwardness from the potential Honda-Nissan merger, how California dealers are threatening to sue Scout over their DTC plans, and over-priced fast food.

Year-End Insights: Steve Greenfield shares what to watch for in the New Year!

Post-Christmas boost: Zac Kinch and Austin Conroy share tactical tips, TikTok success, and sales inspiration from our Year-End Extravaganza!

Christmas Eve: More Than Cars panel, Season 2 sneak peek, and surprise announcements!

Christmas week is officially here, but before we get to presents, we speculate on the future of Honda and Nissan, plus take a closer look at Tesla’s record market cap.

It's the last weekend before Christmas, so we discuss Christmas traditions around the ASOTU halls with writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada.

With just 2 weekends left in the year, we’re excited to share that the automotive industry is set up for an excellent finish to 2024. Meanwhile, Ford is ramping down its F-150 Lightning production until the new year to meet demand.

Our 4th Annual Year End Extravaganza is at 1PM today! But before we get there, we’ve got to talk about how Foxconn is still trying to buy Nissan, how a new CA law will require way more charging infrastructure and ChatGPT’s phone hotline.

Remain calm, there is only 1 week until Christmas. Today we’re talking about a potential merger between Nissan and Honda, how Chevy’s EV Equinox apparently doesn’t make enough noise and how the FTC is cracking down on junk hotel fees.

8 days to Christmas, and we’re covering how Biden’s plans to add highway charging infrastructure will continue under President Trump. Plus, we look at GM’s latest subscription add-on and ask if it will work, and examine a company that claims it has stopped hiring because AI can do all the work.

With barely 2 weeks left in the year, we’re covering the extreme measures Tesla is taking to sell Cybertrucks. Plus, we look at the EVs with the longest range and explore how brick and mortar experiences are booming.

Today we talk about not only what the industry is doing, but why the industry is doing it.

12 days until Christmas, and today we’ve got Todd Caputo joining the show to discuss the Tekion lawsuit against CDK, how to make the most out of the last 2 weeks and GPT’s latest update that gives it vision.

With only 3 Thursdays left in the year, we’re covering how General Motors has shut down its robotaxi division. Plus, dealer sentiment is up now that we’re past the election, and Google has announced a potentially massive breakthrough in quantum computing.

On this hump day, we’re covering the news that Amazon’s partnership with Hyundai has finally gone live for the general public. Plus, Rivian tops a recent survey of brand satisfaction, and small businesses are the most optimistic they’ve been in over 3 years.

The internet is abuzz this morning as OpenAI released its long-anticipated video generator, Sora, to the public. But before we get there, we have to talk about Tim Kuniskis coming back to Stellantis as the new Ram CEO, and how studies are suggesting that EVs could last longer than ICE vehicles.

As we enter a new week, we’re considering how the average age of cars is affecting parts and service. Plus Colorado is now the most EV state in the US, topping California, and a new study is showing that bad customer service is costing retail stores billions.

Today on the Saturday episode, Kyle Mountsier and Kristi Canada talk about celebrating Head Writer Chris Reeves birthday!

As we end the first week of December, we’re talking about how Subaru has risen to the top of Consumer Reports 2025 Brand Report Card, how Tesla is tapping into leasing to hit its ambitious sales targets, and OpenAI’s 12 days of product announcements and enhancements.

This Thursday morning, we’re covering GM having over $5B in non-cash charges with its China operations, how Stellantis is trying to close a Department of Energy loan before Trump takes office and how a crypto millionaire is launching a unique $2M treasure hunt.

We’re coming to you live from Bozard Ford Lincoln as we’re finishing up our More Than Cars shoot. Today, we’re talking about how Nissan is trying to reassure its dealers that the sky isn’t falling, how the US added 12,000+ new EV chargers in Q3, and how Google’s Veo, a generative AI video model, beat OpenAI’s Sora to market.

Welcome Michael Wood to the show to talk about the Jaguar vision reveal and it seems GM is backing off its battery building game. We are on the ground in St Augustine filming More Than Cars season 2 so follow us along on social media to see what we get into today.

Welcome to December as we talk about controversial Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares’ abrupt ending. We also talk about a huge partnership between BYD and Apple, as well as Hyundai’s venture into performance. 

As we’re all still digesting the fun, excitement and food from yesterday, Black Friday kicks the holiday shopping season into full swing.

Warm up those appetites, folks. As we get ready to loosen our belts, the buy/sell market seems to be doing the same thing as the Trump era nears. We’re also talking about a gigantic but conditional loan from the government to Rivian, as well as cheaper turkeys for everyone this year.

2 days to turkey! Today we’re talking about how Porsche is realigning its EV goals and planning on more ICE and hybrids. Plus, California preps its own EV tax credit that won’t apply to Teslas, and air travel has its most complaints since the pandemic.

We’re rooting for a great end to the month as we enter Thanksgiving week. Today, we’re talking about how Hyundai and Amazon’s online retail platform could enter its next phase in January, how Wall Street investors are still bullish on auto loans and how this week signals a new level of danger for drivers.

Today ASOTU Head Writer Chris joins Paul and Kyle to talk about how Cavender Auto Group employees gave both money and time to make sure 1000's of families will be taken care of in their biggest time of need. 

We’re closing out the week talking about how industry titan Dale Pollak will leave Cox Auto at the end of 2025. Plus, almost all of the public groups saw F&I gross profit dip in Q3 and apparently OpenAI is building its own web browser.

We’re back at our desks after some time on the road. Today we’re talking about Honda’s plans to double EV range while reducing cost and size, a new study that says price parity between EV and ICE could come as soon as 2026, and the response to an AI-altered Coca-Cola ad.‍

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about the likely EV regulation rollbacks on Trump’s Day One. We also talk about a Jaguar rebrand that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen, as well Delta’s new initiative to serve ShakeShack on first class flights.

We’re live in Petersburg VA this morning as we’re shooting the next episode of More Than Cars. Today, we’re talking about the latest Cars Commerce Industry Insights and what it means for supply and demand, how BYD has produced its 10 millionth new energy vehicle, and how this Thanksgiving could be a record for travel.

It’s a busy week around the ASOTU halls as we’re in Florida for MRC and then Virginia for MTC. Today we’re covering how Carvana is scaling its capacity through the ADESA auction network, how Teslas topped a study on the most fatal cars on the road and the tech hiring slowdown.

Nathan and Chris host the show this Saturday morning

We’re almost at the end of another week, and today we’re covering how it seems that the Trump team is getting ready to eliminate the EV tax credit. Plus, GM is working with EV owners in Texas to offer free nighttime EV charging, and how on-the-job training is becoming harder to find.

It’s Thursday, and we’re almost halfway through November. Today, we’re talking about a CDK study that says car buying got harder for consumers in October, how Tesla has exhausted its Cybertruck reservation list and OpenAI’s autonomous Operator that’s coming to a computer near you.

Today’s the day when we release More Than Cars episode 4: Mohawk Chevrolet at 1PM! Oh and we’re also talking about Rivian and VW’s finalized joint venture, how the UAW is struggling to gain momentum following last year’s big wins and how Dodge is adjusting its EV and ICE muscle car plans.

This Tuesday morning we are excited to publish the very first AutoIndustry.ai weekly email, covering everything the industry needs to know about AI. But before we talk about that, we’re covering how VinFast’s founder is jumping in to keep the company afloat again.

Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you to all who have served! Today we’re talking about Ernie Garcia II cashing in on $1.4B of Carvana stock, a new Capital One study highlighting the role of trust and transparency in the car buying process and an IHOP-Applebees shared location.

Happy Saturday! Nathan and Chris host the show today to recap the ASOTU team's time in Austin, TX this week and then share some of the good we're seeing in the auto industry.

Welcome to Friday! As we wind down the week, we’re talking about how the Trump Presidency could affect the FTC CARS Rule. Plus, Mexico wants answers from Musk as to Tesla’s Mexico Gigafactory and a painting by an AI robot sold for over $1M at auction.

We’re live from Austin this morning where we’ll be speaking to the ATAE Comms Directors, but before that, we’re talking about how car dealer Bernie Moreno is headed to the Senate, the second annual list of CBT 40 Under 40 honorees and how Open AI spent a whopping $15M on the Chat.com domain.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House could disrupt the auto industry’s EV ambitions. Plus, Elon Musk’s advisory role with the new administration and his plans for autonomous tech. And, IKEA opens its first stand-alone restaurant in London.

Happy Election Day! Well, now that we’ve covered that… today we’re talking about how Stellantis listened to dealers and cut prices on some Jeep models, how Tesla has given up on the human-driven affordable EV, and how your name might start being incorrectly spelled on Starbucks cups this fall. 

We’ve got Michael Cirillo in the studio on this Monday, as we’re talking about how its becoming harder for new auto dealers to secure floorplan loans, how Rivian has decided that voice control is better than physical buttons and how online customers are abandoning carts because of choice overload.

Kyle and Chris are talking about everything Halloween, from haunted car washes to PS5 giveaways to scary replicas of Paul and Kyle.

It’s a new month and we hope you’re recovering from the candy hangover! Today we’re looking back at October in retail auto and reviewing how it did, examining how Ford is linking performance to manager bonuses and seeing how Target is moving Black Friday deals earlier than ever.

Happy Halloween! It’s the last day of the month, and we’re tracking how Carvana has managed to continue its used car growth. Plus, we cover how Ford is slowing down its production of the F-150 Lightning and Starbucks getting rid of extra fees for non-dairy milk.

We are on day 2 of More Than Cars season two shooting, and we couldn’t be more encouraged by what we are discovering in Lafayette, IN. Today we look at Ford’s Q3 report of lower net income, Tesla expanding its vehicle output in 2025 and a new requirement for you to get quicker airline refunds.

We’re live from Lafayette Indiana to start recording the second season of More Than Cars! Today, we’re running through the latest industry data from J.D. Power, pushing back against an article from the Verge that suggests Scout is doing “exactly what customers want”, and how Apple is innovating with its advertisements.

It’s the last week of the month, so go finish strong! Today, we’re covering how the public dealership groups made out in Q3, plus a survey that says a majority of Americans are interested in test driving an EV and another survey that says we see the same add too many times.‍

Chris shares the story of Mike McSherry and his marathon for his son and the March of Dimes.

Feathers have been rustled this Friday morning as Scout announced their long-awaited vehicles, and how they aren’t going to use dealers to sell them. Plus, we talk about Farley’s Chinese EV revelation, how Tesla is finding new profit centers and why every car only comes in a shade of black or white.

Happy Thursday! Today Paul’s back and we cover stabilizing dealer profits, GM & Ford helping Fleet customers transition to the EV lifecycle, and Apple’s newest beta features available now.

As we reach the middle of the work week, we’ve got the one and only Jordan Cox in the studio! Today, we’re talking about how GM has raised their 2024 guidance again, how Arkansas could be home to enough lithium to power all the world’s EVs and how the FAA has issued its rules for air taxis.‍

It’s a terrific Tuesday morning, and we have guest host Amit Chandarana, newly announced CEO of Curbee! We’ll be discussing how auto dealers are integrating AI into their operations (or how they aren’t), the refreshed Mustang Mach-E and Chick-Fil-A’s new streaming network.

As we roll into a new week, we’ve got some fun insights from Business Insider about the United State of Automobiles. Plus, we talk about how negative equity is growing year over year and an innovative Sam’s Club concept that eliminates any type of checkout lane.

Today ASOTU head writer Chris Reeves sits with Paul and Kyle to talk about the Supercar Parade collab the Wyler Automotive Group put on to benefit the Ronald McDonald house. 

As we wind down on another week, we’re looking at August’s EV numbers and the gains by GM. Plus, we talk about the NHTSA’s investigation into Full Self Driving, and how Rivian is re-skinning its R1s for spooky season.