The Automotive Troublemaker

Wednesday’s here! We’ve got Michael Cirillo joining the show to talk about the first look at August sales numbers, what’s happening on the chipmaker front in automotive and whether Canva’s new price strategy will backfire.

It’s Tuesday, Kyle’s back, and we’re ready to hit the ground running after the Labor Day holiday. Today we’re talking about data that suggests Tesla might rig its robotaxi debut, how the Oakland School District went EV with its buses and ask whether you should use LinkedIn’s “Open To Work” banner.

It’s Labor Day and dealers all over will be out in force selling and servicing cars today. We’ve got our own Labor Day special, talking about a bold plan to reinvigorate the Chrysler and Dodge brands and how to watch out for QR codes scams.

It's a Saturday close to the month of August, and we've got some fun vibes this morning as Head Writer Chris Reeves and Head of Community Jordan Cox join Paul on the show.

It’s the fifth Friday of the month heading into a holiday weekend, and we are covering how Carvana is launching a megasite, the latest on dealership buy/sell trends from Haig Partners, and a dealership delivery that ended in an arrest.

It’s a great Thursday to be in the retail auto industry and we’ve got the one and only Ben Hadley on the show today. We’re covering how Tesla is pushing back against Canadian tariffs, how Gen Z and Millennials are driving more than previous generations and how the most disappointing national park responded to its ranking.

Happy Hump Day! On this Wednesday, we’ve got guest host Erikka Tiffani Wells in the studio, talking about Hyundai pressing in on hybrids, the most reliable used car brands, and how Autotrader is helping dog owners with their travel.

There’s 5 days left in the month as we welcome guest host Steve Greenfield back to the show. Today, we’re covering the CDK cyberattack for hopefully the last time, Steve’s new book on mobility and a unique high school that is replacing teachers with AI.

Let’s kick off the last week of the month with guest host Daniel Govaer as we celebrate Holman’s century of automotive excellence, explore Toyota’s bold hybrid-only strategy as EV demand shifts, and dive into surprising brand loyalty trends among Gen Z.

Today, Chris Reeves and Jordan Cox talk about Jack Pearson and his team from Jaguar Land Rover South Shore in Indiana.

Welcome to Miami as we’re coming to you Live from the 2024 NAMAD Annual Meeting in Miami Florida where hundreds of Dealers, OEMs, and Industry Partners are talking about the current and future state of the industry. We’re also talking about the Rivian VP who is now spen to Detroit as well as Salesforce’s bet on the future of personalized vehicles. 

It’s a great Friday to be in the car business as the ASOTU crew braves the trip home from a week of being on the ground with Dealers, OEMS, and Industry Partners at two separate events. Today we’re talking about some service lane trade data, a potential interest rate cut, and the pumpkin spice sign of the times. 

We are rounding down a week of east coast travel here on the last day of the NAMAD Annual Membership Meeting. Today we are looking at Ford’s recently announced change in their EV plans and how EVs may not be slowing down as much as some sources may say.

It’s a travel Tuesday as we head to Virginia for the Reynolds Retail Summit and then Florida for the NAMAD Conference. Today we’re talking about the buzz our friends at Rohrman Toyota are making with creative marketing campaigns, why car insurance premiums keep going up and check in at Amplify 2024 with Kyle Mountsier and Reynolds CMO Greg Uland.

It’s a busy week around the ASOTU-verse as we’ve got people traveling in all different directions. Today, we’re talking about a new study showing a significant drop in dealership profitability, look at how Carter Myers is ahead of the curve on employee healthcare, and look inside a casket that feels like a Cybertruck.

Today on the show, Paul, Chris and Nathan talk about dealers giving back.

It’s finally Friday as we cover how European plug-in hybrid technology may guide US regulations, BMW is at it again charging monthly for physical hardware, we cover the data breach affecting BILLIONS, and how Gen Z feels more detached than ever.

It’s a busy Thursday as we dig into Cox Auto’s data from July, talk about Holman buying a stake in FM Capital, discuss Polestar producing vehicles on US soil and relax while watching Waymos trying to get out of a parking lot set to lofi beats.

Welcome to Wednesday as we are talking about the return of the Fain to the headlines in response to the Trump-Musk live conversation on X. We also talk about the tightening of the auto credit belt, as well as a shifting consumer sentiment to the use of ‘AI’ in products. 

It’s a great Tuesday to sell some cars as we talk about LA’s announcement of a car-less Olympics (oh the irony). We also talk about the effectiveness of Kia’s fix for rampant thefts, as well as the large group of workers feeling stuck.

It’s a new week in the retail auto industry, and that means its time to love some people more than cars. Today we’re discussing a survey that suggests dealers are not excited about selling EVs, the new Dodge Charger exhaust sound system, and how ChargePoint is combining all the charging connectors into one.

Employees of the 16-dealership Wilson Automotive Group in Orange County, CA, have donated an impressive amount to various charities this year. Find out how much on today's show.

We’ve got that little something extra to help you through your Friday, as we’re talking about Rivian and Lucid’s Q2 struggles (did someone say dealer network?), Tesla’s Cybertruck struggles, Shawn Fain vs Donald Trump and a little fun to launch you into the weekend with some sock anecdotes.

It's Thursday, and we’re taking a break from the normal news cycle to look around LinkedIn a little and highlight some of the best conversations we’re seeing.

Tuesday’s here, and we’re rolling through the morning talking about Sonic’s Q2 income growth, Sutherlin Auto donating a custom van to a paralyzed shooting victim, and the surprising fact about Gen Z and home ownership.

Wednesday is rockin’ and we are covering the east and west coast this morning. On the east coast we track down our friends Mohawk Chevrolet hanging at GM headquarters and on the west coast everyone is trying to figure out where Elon is going…again. We will take a stop by an EV charger study along the way.

It’s a new week, and we’ll be on the ground in dealerships in New York and Indiana today. We’re talking about how dealers are using data to make decisions, what the second half of the year looks like for dealers, and how consumers are dealing with higher prices.

We're offering counter vibes to the poor perception around car dealers

How are you rating your employees' performance? On this Friday, we dig into GM’s new employee evaluation, ask whether a salesman was right in trying to stop a test drive burglary and discuss the latest fallout from the CrowdStrike outages.

It's the first day of a new month and we’re kicking it off by diving into a new survey on the public’s perception of dealerships. Plus BYD and Uber are teaming up around the world and Ford just made its Mach-E go faster.

Its the last day of the month, and we’re wishing all of you a successful day! Today, we’re flashing back to the very first automotive ad, then bringing it back to the present state of Carvana’s continued rise, an awkward recall involving Tesla hoods and Mazda’s new logo.

It's Tuesday and we’re hopping in an OG Delorean to look at auto industry headlines from ten years ago. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot of fun. We’re also talking about new Fisker owners banding together to keep their new Ocean’s on the road. We also talk about the brewing dispute between Delta and Crowdstrike over last week’s major business disruption. 

We have three days left to make the most of July as we talk about CDK’s offer to compensate Dealers from last month’s outage. We also talk about significant progress for OEM EV partnerships, as well as the entrance of SearchGPT

The guys talk about what it takes to get to 800 episodes of a show and share some of their favorite memories.

It’s the last weekend of the month, and we’re digging into fresh insights from the team at Cars Commerce. Plus we talk about ways to NOT charge your Tesla and how everyone’s using promo codes.

It’s Monday and that means we GET to work in automotive retail. Today we’re talking about GM’s adjusted EV plans, BP’s investment into EV charging and what it means to be “luxury.”

The dog days of summer are well upon us, and that means a great opportunity to love people more than cars. Today we’re talking about Ford and Stellantis’s Q2 earnings reports, GM’s early EV issues that led to buybacks, and Southwest’s shift to assigned seating.

We’ve made it to the middle of the week! Today we’re talking about GM’s record pickup and SUV sales in Q2, Tesla’s tough Q2 and how Google is not getting rid of cookies after all.

Today is Tuesday! Things are happening in the auto industry, like how lower used car prices are driving down inflation, VinFast is forming a US dealer advisory board and Rivian is pressing ahead on future plans.

It's a content team takeover on the show this Saturday morning!

As another week comes to a close, we’re grateful for the auto industry. Today we’re covering how inflation is affecting repos, how demand is affecting Ford’s production plans and how iPhones and Androids might finally get along.

There’s less than 2 weeks left in July, and we’re already thinking about Toyota’s upcoming presence at the Olympics. Plus, we discuss if the US is poised to ban Chinese software in cars and the surprising places Gen-Z wants to work.

Welcome to Wednesday! Paul’s in Moscow (not Russia), Kyle’s in Nashville as we talk about coastal dealers’ facing skyrocketing insurance premiums. We also talk about EV’s topping the Manheim auction charts, as well as humanoid robots spotted at a BMW plant…working.

It’s Tuesday. That is all. Today, we’re talking about a new report that shows the CDK hack resulted in $1B in losses, how GM is pulling back from its EV target and what other retailers are doing to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day

It’s a new week and we’re in a new(ish) location, coming to you live from the 3rd Annual Beaver Toyota of Cumming Charity Golf Tournament. We’re covering a surprising JD Power study that shows that EVs are cheaper to own than ICE vehicles, how the auto industry is influencing inflation, and

Today we have ASOTU writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada in the studio to dissect this LinkedIn post from the CMO of the West Herr Auto Group, Matt Lasher.

We’ve reached the end of another week in the automotive industry. There’s a buzz around news that CDK will financially compensate dealers for their losses due to DMS outages, more interesting Q2 data involving Kia’s EVs and a new battery that could help drive EV adoption.

It’s another great day in the auto industry, and we’re digging into the news that Tesla’s EV market share has fallen below 50%. Plus, pickups are considering adding a 3rd row of seating, and AI is helping job applicants (and potentially BDCs in the future) ace their interviews.

We’re rolling through the middle of the week as we cover Cox Automotive’s June wholesale price data and its warnings about lease maturities. Plus, Carvana is now offering used EV tax credits at checkout and Google is making it easier to have advanced account protection.

Tuesdays are for troublemakers! Today we zoom out to see the effects of Hurricane Beryl on the auto industry, talk about personalized pricing and how Target will stop accepting paper checks.

We hope you’re as ready for this week as we are as we say ‘hello’ to the new Automotive News 40 Under 40 honorees. We also talk about the buzz over Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar and also the new Gen Z social media app. (We knew you wanted one more)

Happy Saturday! Today, Head Writer Chris Reeves invites Head of Community Jordan Cox onto the show

You may be getting a multitude of OOO messages, but not from us! Today we’re talking about declining vehicle prices consumers aren’t seeing. We also talk about a sub $20/mo EV lease, as well as Fisker’s clearance rack.

Happy Independence Day! We’re giving you a quick hit of BBQ prices, drones v fireworks, and some substantial travel numbers. Grab some mac salad and join us.

Welcome to Wednesday as we cover the full restoration of CDKs DMS. We also talk about the big surge in hybrid loyalty, as well as a major insurance ultimatum set by State Farm to the State of California.

The second half of 2024 is rolling and we’re talking about CDK’s race to fully restore services in teh next 48 hours. We’re also covering the drop in average EV prices below Tesla's for the first time in over a year as well as how our friends at Mohawk Chevrolet's "The Office"-inspired TikToks are taking the internet by storm.

Welcome to a new month and a new quarter! Today we’re covering Jim Farley’s conversion from “petrol head” to EV enthusiast, Jeep’s plans to bring a sub-$25K EV to the US market and a new robotaxi from the CEO of Bugatti.

It's the last Saturday of month!

We’re ripping into the last weekend in Q2 as we talk about more CDK stores coming back online. We also cover Tesla’s slipping quality ranking from JD Power, as well as the consistent overall drop in consumer experience.

Thursday seems ready to run as we talk about CDK coming back on-line yesterday for a test group of dealers. We also talk about Waymo’s green light in San Francisco as well as a major Netflix experience coming to a mall near you.

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about Volkswagen's significant investment in Rivian, the latest on the DMS Outage as well as how Target plans to empower its retail associates with a new GenAI-powered chatbot tool.

This Tuesday we dive into a new survey showing that over 95% of American drivers want to own their vehicle data. We also discuss Tesla's latest Cybertruck recalls over wiper and trim issues, as well as the (maybe not-so-) surprising approach of Gen Z to find the truth online.

It’s a busy Thursday in the dealership as stores across the country wake up to CDK Global’s DMS being offline for a second straight day. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as we’re highlighting how Carter Myers Automotive celebrates new apprentice techs with a signing day.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel this Monday as CDK starts the restoration process of its DMS. Today, we discuss the identity of their hacker, give an update on the Hyundai-Amazon partnership and look at a Chick-Fil-A summer camp that has the internet in an uproar.

We are on day 3 of dealers banding together to keep the doors open at CDK powered rooftops and the energy could not be better! Today we are looking at the impact lease returns will have on used inventory, the rise of EV registrations recently, and a TikTok car shopping myth buster is making waves.

Welcome to Wednesday as we dig into the 2024 Cars.com American-Made Index, revealing the most American cars. We also dig into a McKinsey survey showing how crucial smartphone integration is for car buyers and take a pass at the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's proposal for social media warning labels to protect young people's mental health.

It’s Tuesday and today we’re talking about Fisker's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing amid financial turmoil, Toyota shareholders re-electing Akio Toyoda despite governance concerns, and the future of Apple's wireless-only CarPlay system facing industry skepticism.

Welcome to a brand new week as we welcome Steve Greenfield as a guest host. Today we’re covering how the publics are adapting to the “new normal" and dive into Elon Musk’s Telsa pay package.

Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show on this Saturday!

It’s the end of another week and today we’re talking about how Ford is allowing all franchise dealers to sell EVs, and how Tesla shareholders approved Elon Musk’s pay package. Plus, we cover how apps are selling driving data to insurance companies.

It’s Thursday and we’re talking about a McKinsey study showing many EV owners considering a return to combustion engines, a decline in used-vehicle wholesale prices, and Costco’s plans for a technological transformation under new leadership.

Welcome to Wednesday as we dive into Ford's CFO’s concerns over rising inventories, an EV charging joint venture's plans, and Starbucks' surprising venture into the film industry with the launch of Starbucks Studios. 

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about how Shawn Fain is under investigation, how a letter suggests Tesla would be better off with the dealer network, and how Apple is embracing AI.

It’s a fresh week and we’re talking about GM's strategy with Costco to boost EV sales, Fisker's aggressive move to sell the Ocean to employees at a discount, and Reynolds and Reynolds' $5 million donation to Northwood University for a new automotive studies center.

It's the second Saturday of June and writer Kristi Canada joins the show

We’ve got that Friday feeling as we cover a new KPMG survey that reveals Americans powertrain preferences. We also talk about a Democrat Senator slamming a failed EV charging program, as well as an epic celebration as Ford opens its train station renovation.

Thursday is upon us and we’re breaking down Lithia Motors' strategic layoffs aimed at saving $150 million annually, Virginia's decision to reverse its adoption of California’s strict EV standards, as well as IKEA hiring Roblox workers (you read that right).

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about the US Senator encouraging US automakers to sue the government… and win. We also talk about the higher-than-ice repair costs of EVs as well as Tesla’s move to curb them with a former Geico exec.

It’s Tuesday and we’re talking about strong May sales from major brands, Ford's $950 million renovation of Michigan Central Station and star-studded grand reopening concert, as well as another sign of the times…increasing stamp prices and why it matters, or doesn’t.

It's a fresh week in a fresh month as we talk about Toyota's certification scandal, the booming trend of automotive retailers entering the powersports segment, and GM's innovative clutch pedal for EVs to win over driving enthusiasts.

On this first day of the month, we're talking about how the Veterans of Walser went to a local cemetery to refresh the graveside flags, plus we think about how dealers can be more involved in their communities on the holidays.

Day 2 with Cirillo and we figured some marketing wrap up was still in store. We are also taking a look at the much-talked-about Buick Envista and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Bob Kelley.

Today we have Michael Cirillo, host of The Dealer Playbook, joining the show in Paul’s absence. We are breaking down the questionable narrative in the EV slowdown, a dealer that is taking the More Than Cars mentality international, and a Google leak that is shocking the paid and organic media industry.

Happy Hump Day as we’re halfway through the week! Today we’re covering a BYD hybrid that can drive from NYC to Miami on a single charge/tank, how Toyota and other OEMs are decarbonizing with ICE and why Gen Z is getting summer jobs.

It’s Tuesday and we’re talking about Ford lifting restrictions on which dealers can sell EVs, the political divide impacting EV adoption, and Bass Pro Shops' is the next retailer leaning affordability amid inflation.

We’re thankful for our nation on this Memorial Day 2024 as we reflect on all that have given their lives as a member of the US Armed Forces.

We're kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a great story about two dealer groups being named in the top 50 best places to work by none other than Glassdoor. And that's sayin something.

We’re heading into a huge sales weekend and we’re talking big Memorial Day discounts on 2023 cars, Elon Musk's reversal on Chinese EV tariffs, and California's new bill requiring cars to beep when speeding.

It’s a busy Thursday as we roll towards the holiday weekend. Today, we explore the surprising interest in Chinese EVs among young Americans, Kia's launch of a new compact electric SUV amid cooling EV demand, and Yoshi Mobility's innovative mobile fast charging solution for EVs.

Welcome to Wednesday as we discuss the rising age of vehicles in the U.S., political attacks in Ohio's Senate race targeting a former car dealer, and how Gen Z workers' values align closely with those of their older colleagues.

It’s Tuesday and we’re talking about Nissan’s strategic shift in U.S. EV production, the recognition of Hendrick and Zeigler Auto Groups as best-run companies, and Walmart’s unexpected appeal to higher-income shoppers.

We’re coming in hot after an insane ASOTU CON as we dive into Carvana's recovery in 2023, the UAW's setback at a Mercedes plant, and how Gen Alpha kids are shaping their parents' buying decisions.

ASOTU CON is over, and we forgot to release yesterday’s live episode from the Main Stage with Steve Greenfield.

Welcome to Day 1 of ASOTU CON! Paul, Kyle and Michael are here with everything you need to know.

We. Are. HERE! Tonight hundreds of industry friends will descend on lower Baltimore (upper Annapolis) to kick off ASOTU CON at the welcome reception. But first, we have a few things to chat about; Big Tariffs from Biden, an employee-only dealership experience, and TikTok is now Google.

ASOTU CON is TOMORROW!

We're excited because ASOTU CON is only 2 days away!

Four days away from ASOTU CON we’re talking about Nissan’s move to push Dealers to advertise below invoice. We also talk about the growing percentage of F150 Hybrids being sold, as well as the very first passenger test of an eVTOL in Abu Dhabi.

Five days out from ASOTU CON we’re talking about Ford’s re-think of EV strategy in Europe of all places. We also talk about Tesla’s advantage in bi-directional charging, as well as an homage to an iconic mid-sized grocery getter.

We’re 6 days from the start of ASOTU CON and we’re talking about Toyota’s plateau plans to invest all of that profit. We’re also covering Tesla’s ‘pay to unlock range’ on some Model Y’s as well as GMs efforts to recruit displaced Tesla interns.