.webp)
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
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
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 SpaceAuto // ASOTU CON Sessions is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU)
See All Episodes
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.avif)
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 - 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 features expert interviews, tactical advice, and relevant insights that will skyrocket your growth in retail automotive.
See All Episodes
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
Episode #1014: Today, we’re covering President Trump’s pause on reciprocal tariffs leaves auto imports still facing steep duties, while a record number of buyers turn to 84-month loans to afford today’s rising prices. Meanwhile, customer service is at its worst level since 2016
Episode #1013: We cover the impact of upcoming tariffs on auto repair and insurance costs, seasonal shifts in EV range, and a new Pew survey revealing a major divide between AI experts and public opinion.
Episode #1012: Today we’re talking about Lithia Motors’ internal challenge to boost service growth, FM Capital’s $240M bet on auto tech startups—with strong dealer backing, and the mounting issues facing Tesla’s Cybertruck.
Episode #1011: Today we’re breaking down the early fallout from sweeping auto tariffs, Toyota’s recalibrated EV strategy, and why Gen Z is ghosting credit cards.
Episode #1009: Today we sit with COO of Matthews Auto Group Vincent Salvagani to discuss the question on every Dealer’s mind; What should I be doing with my inventory level? As consumers rush to beat tariffs, Dealers are worried about overpaying for replacement inventory and getting stuck holding the bag when things normalize.
Episode #1008: Cars Commerce drops a no-nonsense playbook for dealers while Ford rolls out employee pricing for all as tariffs loom large. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Q1 delivery miss raises red flags far beyond a Model Y changeover.
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.