The Automotive Troublemaker

We’re mid-week and talking about Tesla's strategic shift amid falling profits.. We also cover VinFast's aggressive U.S. dealership expansion and the heartwarming story of a Dealership serving a single mother in South Dakota.

This Tuesday we’re talking about why GM is smiling from their robust financial performance in Q1. We also talk about a controversial toggle on Tesla’s website, as well as what companies are ignoring in their surveys. 

It’s a fresh week and we’re talking about the UAW’s landmark unionization victory at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant. We also cover Dealer response and legal threats over new sales models from Scout and Sony Honda Mobility as well as Tesla's swift response to a safety recall with a riveting fix. 

Today we're on with Head Writer Chris Reeves talking about how Car Dealers and OEMs are investing in generations. We also have a super secret promo code for ASOTUCON.com

It’s Friday already. Today we’re talking about Tesla's official Cybertruck recall. We also discuss GM's innovative move into hydrogen fuel as a diesel alternative, as well as the high-stakes wealth race in Silicon Valley as Mark Zuckerberg surpasses Elon Musk to become the world's third-richest person. 

Thursday is upon us as we talk about another EV-only carmaker announcing layoffs. We also talk about Ford’s new model year for the F150 Lightning, as well as a potential standard-setter for employee AI training. 

It’s a notable Wednesday as a looming UAW vote at the Chattanooga VW plant gets under way. We’re also talking about a new set of “trust principles” regarding autonomous vehicles, as well as a brand collab between Carvana and pro gaming. 

Today we’re talking about GM’s HQ move after 50 years. We also talk about Carmax’s major reduction in the customer return window, as well as an unintended acceleration issue with the Cybertruck. 

Tax day is exciting enough, but what’s better than starting the second half of the month on a Monday? Today we’re talking about how the remaining Fisker Dealers are feeling as well as Ford and Tesla’s tennis match.

We're only 31 days away from ASOTU CON on this Saturday, and writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada join the show to share some More Than Cars Moments.

We’re rounding the track on Friday as we cover CarMax’s latest bumpy road. We also talk about Ford’s truck wave as well as a massive nine figure trick shot from creators Dude Perfect. 

It’s Thursday and we’re going to review the recent Kain Friends and Family event in Lexington, KY. We’re also talking about the continued pricing pressing on car insurance, as well as a revealing look at a teardown of the Tesla Cybertruck

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about GM’s Cruise staging a comeback. We also talk about the tension around the only active lithium mine in the US, as well as the potential return of the cubicle (yeah, those things). 

It’s Tuesday and we’ve got special guest Steve Greenfield to give us his hot takes on the Top 150 Dealer list as well as Tesla’s decision to halt its low cost EV. We also talk about the Arizona Attorney General’s ruling against one Dealership for not honoring advertised prices, as well as a look inside yesterday’s special Delta eclipse flight. 

Welcome to quite an eventful Monday as we not only take a first look at the Automotive News Top 150 Dealer list, but also dig into a he-said-she-said about Tesla’s affordable vehicle, as well as a quick primer on today’s eclipse frenzy. 

Welcome to the first Saturday of April!

It’s the first Friday of the Month and we’re talking about another OEM’s return to stair step incentive programs. We also talk about Ford’s throttling back on some new EV truck models, as well as GenZs propensity for financial responsibility. 

It’s Thursday and we’re talking about GM’s big power plant open in a Tennessee town. We also talk about the pricing and specs on the upcoming launch of the Silverado EV, as well as give you the need-to-know details on Monday’s full solar eclipse. 

Q1 numbers are rolling in and the reports are mixed…go figure. This Wednesday we are also looking at some cultural broad strokes, including the stark gender gap in EV purchase behavior and GenZ returning to college-less skilled trades.

The week is in full swing and Q1 results are starting to hit the news cycle. We take a look at BYD’s possible slide in Q1, Ford’s journey back to the discount aisle, and how big brands have leveraged the April Fools moment over the years.

Happy April 1st as we roll into a fresh week, fresh month, and fresh quarter all at the same time. Today we’re talking about landing Elon Musk as a special guest. We also ask what we have learned as an industry about inventory levels, as well as looking back on 20 years of Gmail. 

Welcome to the fifth Saturday of the month.

It’s a magical fifth Friday before a fifth Saturday and we’re ready to roll as we talk about the anticipated strong end to the month. We’re also covering the latest M&A report from the Presidio Group, as well as checking in on our old friend, the Costco Hot dog, Soda Combo. 

It’s a throwback Thursday today as we have JC in the house and we reflect on Volvo’s diesel legacy. We’re also talking about Fisker lowering MSRP on its troubled Ocean SUVs and the way AI is changing the video game.

Welcome to Wednesday as we recap yesterday’s trip to NYC, the AutoForum, VaynerMedia, and podcast with NYT Bestselling author, Will Guidara. We also talk about the plan to keep imported cars moving toward dealer lots despite the bridge collapse, as well as a Newsweek nod to Tom Doll’s lasting contribution to the Subaru brand and to the industry. 

We are wheels up to NYC, but not before a little tour around the world of auto. We are looking at how Nissan is setting up for a model release onslaught, Fisker running out of runway, and Starbucks thinking Locally Global.

It’s the last week in March as we head toward our 5th Friday and 5th Saturday. On our way, we’re covering Honda’s unilateral cut to Dealer profit margins plus BYD's 10k ‘Mini Lambo”, as well as another impending anchor on the power grid. 

Writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada join Head of Community Jordan Cox and Producer Nathan Southwick to talk about 2 inspiring stories from inside dealers

It’s the fourth Friday in March with one still to go as we talk about a new EV brand entering the US market. We also discuss the surprising cheapest lease in America right now, as well as a smooth stop for online retailer Vroom. 

It’s Thursday and we're talking about the impact of the Fed’s interest rate decision on Dealers. We’re also covering the dramatically changing used car market, as well as the end of the charging platform wars as we’ve known them. 

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about the latest mega acquisition deal. We also cover the latest on Ford’s internal skunkworks EV project as well as a big move west for gas-station chain Buc-ee’s. 

It’s Tuesday and the Auto Industry is alive and well as we talk about the DOE final rules on EV requirements that are a win for OEMs. We also talk about the pending UAW vote at VWs Chattanooga plant as well as the legendary metal band, Metallica, going an an EV/hydrogen powered tour. 

Welcome to a beautiful Monday in Retail Auto as we weigh the merit of Tesla being labeled as a ‘Luxury brand’. We also discuss Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on China-made EVs as well as one Delta Pilot’s epic retirement flight. 

Writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada join Kyle Mountsier on this Saturday

Welcome back to the pod Michael Wood, whose dogs are as excited about this show as we are! Today we are looking at the road trip Jim Farley is about to embark on, how customers perceive automakers and dealers, and a car going under the microscope…er, x-ray machine!

It isn’t Pi day if we don’t mention it, and we are excited to ask Michael Wood what his favorite “pie” is. Today, we are all in the EV space chatting about broadening lineups for Hyundai, VW, and Jaguar.

Hump day has arrived yet again and Nissan is again attempting to get over the hump of overproduction. On the EV side of things, Tesla is beginning to crack down on resellers and a couple companies are bringing supercar power to their EV lineup.

The world is seemingly upside down again as Ben Hadley joins the pod to chat about a digital asset auction gone wild, automated driving under scrutiny, and insurance companies getting more data than consumers may have bargained for.

Just another EV Monday! The weekend was a bit light for automotive news, but GM is bringing back the Blazer EV, Rivian handed out Steve Jobs style surprises, and Marques Brownlee threw shade on the Ocean.

Head Writer Chris Reeves is joined by Head of Community Jordan Cox and Producer Nathan Southwick on this Saturday

It’s the second of five Friday’s in March and we’re talking about the results of a new Dealership Trust Survey. We also get into some specifics on Gen Z’s preferences in the F&I process, as well as peeking at the new Rivian R3 surprise release. 

It’s Thursday and we’re talking about Carvana’s strategic pivot from growth to efficiency. We’re also talking about Rivian’s leaked release details of today’s R2 drop

Welcome to a beautiful Wednesday in Retail Auto as we talk about GM’s collab with the US Department of Energy on hydrogen powered vehicles. We also talk about Europe’s efforts to enhance vehicle safety by bringing back buttons, as well as a new annual subscription from retail giant Target. 

Welcome to Tuesday as we talk about franchise dealership count going down while throughput goes up on the other side of the seesaw. We also talk about Dealer complaints about the use of AI in credit leading to misquotes on payments, as well as a follow up on the dealer-purchased Cybertruck from last week. 

Happy first week of the month (and happy birthday to our very own Paul Daly). Today, we’re covering Toyota’s concern over consumer demand, the fastest EV charger ever and robotaxis rolling on.

Writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada join the show today to tell about a Regina, Saskatchewan dealership that turned its showroom into a catwalk.

It’s the first day of March and we’re talking about Dealer concern over the growing Amazon-Hyundai partnership. We’re also discussing new entrant EV makers Fisker and Polestar’s current state, as well as getting to the bottom of who paid 244k for a used Cybertruck. 

We’re going to make the most of this bonus leap-year day as we talk about something that impacts the car shopping process most. We also cover the undisputed most efficient vehicle, as well as the potentially undisputed fastest EV.

Big shifts are everywhere on this day before the leap year day as Apple cuts the bait on the AppleCar, BYD has announced they will not be pursuing the US market, and Jag-Land Rover are ditching their agency model plans. 

It's Tuesday and we’re talking about customer loyalty coming back according to a new market study. We’re also covering a Toyota engine that actually captures carbon, as well as the resilience of Small Business Owner Optimism. 

It’s a fine Monday on this final week of February as we talk about the efforts to stave off a massive wave of potentially industry-killing EVs. We also get back to the new car markup debate on a new Lexus, as well as a sweet move to ease connectivity frustrations. 

Kyle Mountsier is home from vacation, after spending a week at Disney with his family. And of course, he has some takeaways.

It’s Friiiiday and we have guest host Daniel Govaer to talk about the optimism of VinFast despite Q4 losses, 40k on the hood of one Toyota, and the potential to have a Dealer - Governor in West Virginia.

It’s Thursday and we have guest host Steve Greenfield again to talk about the UAW’s stated intention to invest big in organizing new plants. We also cover Rivian’s sales predictions and layoffs as well as the most exciting layover transfers ever.

Today we welcome special guest host Todd Caputo to talk about the resilience of physical standalone used car models as well as some big price adjustments from Ford on their Mach E

We’re rolling into Tuesday as guest host Steve Greenfield joins Paul to discuss relaxing government requirements on EVs. We also dig a little more into the broader EV numbers, as well as the potential end of the free shipping era.

It's President's Day, we have guest host Daniel Govaer and the Auto Industry is feeling patriotic as we discuss the rocky start for EV tax credit transfers, Mercedes-Benz's strategy navigating luxury and mainstream markets, and the harsh truths about plastic recycling.

As is our Saturday tradition, writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada join the show to talk about the shinier things in the auto industry, the people!

We’re screaming toward the end of another great week in auto as we talk about a great new insights report from our friends at CARS Commerce. We also talk about Jim Farley’s rather direct comments about Ford, as well as an ASOTU CON Speaker who was recently featured on the Jimmy Fallon Show.

It’s Thursday and we’re talking about Ford’s comments on BYD’s strategic move to North America. We also cover the IRS’ issuance of advanced tax credits as well as Apple fans returning their VisionPro headsets. 

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about what GM talked about in their private NADA meeting. We also spill the details on the world's largest Supercharger station, as well as a new retail experience from iconic Radio Flyer.

We’re rolling into Tuesday talking about some impressive ad results for some automakers after the big game. We’re also talking about JD Power’s latest report showing a dip in quality as well as Fisker’s specific quality challenges. 

It’s Monday and now that the Superbowl is over, we can get back to the real game! Today we are talking about more shifting dynamics in both the new and used EV segments. We also talk about a rather fiery incident involving a Waymo vehicle in San Francisco. 

It's the first Saturday after the 2024 NADA Show and we're catching up with writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada about post-NADA self care.

It’s a fun Friday as Paul and Kyle react to Super Bowl car commercials. We also talk about Toyota’s record stock price, as well as a CEO survey reflecting a modest return to optimism. 

It’s just a few days to the big game but the plays are already being called as Ford discusses its profits and strategies to keep them where they are. We also talk about potential layoffs at Tesla, as well as a $2M bet with customers from one Kansas Dealership. 

Welcome to Wednesday as we give the inside scoop on OEM meetings at NADA. We also talk about EV drivers willing to jump brands for better connectivity as well as Southwest making seats thinner to pack in more passengers.

The ASOTU Crew is back in the saddle after an inspiring week at NADA. Today we’re talking about the variety of recalls across multiple manufacturers. We’re also covering Hertz’s parting of ways with Polestar, as well as an impressive and sobering deepfake scam

We're kicking off the Expo Hall Opening Ceremony at the 2024 NADA Show!

We tracked down Yossi J Levi, the face behind the viral Car Dealership Guy brand.

All the anticipation. All the preparation. We are finally here at NADA Show opening day. Team ASOTU will be rolling in full force. Join us at the NADA Live Stage at 3:15p for a presentation about the More Than Cars docuseries. Today we take a look at Fisker’s signing day with Damien Mills and concerns dealers may be raising as they head into NADA Show. Let’s GO!

It’s wheels up to NADA Wednesday! Today, we’re covering GM reintroducing PHEVs to its US lineup, how Elon’s $55B Tesla pay plan could be in danger and if Amazon Prime Video ads will bring about the shoppable TV.

Things are looking up this Tuesday as GM and Toyota are doing the Q4 reporting dance. We also talk about a VERY long standing partnership that is going electric, as well as an attentive hiring strategy from a company that has delicious burrito strategy. 

Welcome to a big week for the Auto Industry as we head into the NADA Show. But first we’re talking about the new Super Bowl outlook for the industry, a new ad platform on the market, as well as a growing, positive consumer sentiment about the economy. 

Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to talk about our plans at the 2024 NADA Show and what we're most excited about.

We’ve got that Friday feeling as we take on the morning news in Retail Auto together. 

It’s Thursday and there is a lot more than cars to talk about…but cars too. We break down Teslas earnings report as a key indicator of the EV market. We also welcome a next gen Kentucky Dealer, as well as a much deserved delay of game at one GM plant. 

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about welcoming our new Vroomates into the fold. We also cover a new BlackBook integration of EVs as well as Tesla’s plans for a low cost EV and Apples downgraded plans for its high cost EV.

It’s Tuesday and there is a lot to discuss as Vroom announced the halt of used vehicle sales just as Cox released a new study on the car buyer's journey. We also talk about Tesla’s latest full self driving version release that is based on neural nets, not human coders.

Welcome to a fresh week in retail auto as we talk about the reason for rising auto insurance rates. We also talk about Ford’s more balanced EV strategy shift, as well as the big solar project underway at the Pentagon.

Today we share a special More Than Cars moment that we got to witness.

It’s the middle of the week and we’re excited for another amazing day in the auto industry. Today we’re talking about how Stellantis replaced their North American president, Hyundai’s new steering rig and Porsche’s awkward typo.

Tuesday is already flying by as we talk about Tesla’s terrible start to 2024. We also review a developing partnership between Kia and Uber, as well as a new-school retail product from and old-school hip-hop artist. 

Welcome to another week of opportunity in Retail Auto as we talk about Dealer’s response to the lack of OEM support from Stellanis at car shows. We also talk about BMW’s tipping point for EVs, as well as a new acronym, AX. 

Happy Saturday! Today, Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada, the writers of the ASOTU Daily Email, are in the studio to chat about the human side of the business.

It’s Friday, friends and today we’re talking about Hertz’s big move away from EVs. We also talk about Toyota’s move to keep the ICE alive, as well as Walmart’s new tech announcements are all-in on human helpfulness. 

It’s a power slide into Thursday as we’re celebrating the highest inventory levels in 3 years. Plus we talk about VinFast’s new pickup and how NASA is going back to the moon with private companies.

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about the positive Dealer outlook toward acquisitions. We also cover Honda and Sony’s strong showing at CES, as well as some direct jabs at social media platforms from Snap’s CEO.

We’re ready for another day of petrol (or electric) powered fun as we talk about the latest auto related drops at CES as well as the falling price of homes in a majority of the top 50 cities in the US.

This Monday has that ‘new car smell’ as we give a CES preview to start off. We also cover a ginormous investment being mulled by Honda, as well as a Millennial trend that will require more cars.

Welcome to the first Saturday of the year!

It’s the first Friday of the new year and today we’re talking about Hyundai's bold showcase at CES 2024, VinFast's strategic dealership expansion across the U.S., and the surprising range test results of Tesla's Cybertruck. 

It’s a great Thursday in Retail Auto as we dig into the top OEM’s of 2023. We also talk about Fisker’s change of heart on the Dealership model as well as Costco’s willingness to embrace accountability.

Welcome to the first Wednesday of 2024 as we talk about a merger of the industry’s friendliest company with an educational powerhouse. We also talk about VinFast’s first Dealership as well as the magic behind EV range calculations.

We’re firing up the new year talking about the last 2 weeks of activity, grading predictions, Chinese EV Conversations, and the Cybertruck’s first accident.

Today marks our final episode of 2023 and what better way to reflect on this year than to visit the top 10 stories by Automotive News.

We know you’re making the most out of the final few days of the year! Today we’re sharing an Economic Outlook panel from Year End Extravaganza featuring Jonathan Smoke, Dr. Alex Yurchenko, and David Spisak.

With a few days left in the year, we’re excited to see you close out the year strong. Today we’re reacting to a Year End Extravaganza panel on Innovation and Forecasting featuring Jamie Butters, Steve Greenfield, and Daniel Govaer.

We hope you had a great Christmas! Whether you are taking a little more time off or back in the saddle we recap top insights from dealers across the country.

Writer Chris Reeves joins the show today to tell us about how Lexus of Serramonte did more than just the bare minimum