Automotive State of the Union

Episode #1279: Today we break down CarEdge’s new Dealer Transparency Index shaking up pricing accountability, GM’s MobileService+ reboot with lower-cost gas crossovers, and a fresh bump in consumer confidence that could signal steadier showroom traffic ahead.

Episode #1278: We’ve got Steve Greenfield joining the show today as a dealership-born AI platform lands a full cash exit and gears up for U.S.

Episode #1277: The Supreme Court narrows emergency tariffs—but most auto duties remain, reshaping pricing and payments.

Episode #1276: The 2026 dealer census shows fewer franchise points but stronger per-store sales.

Today on the show, Chris Reeves joins Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier (with a brief appearance by Producer Nathan Southwick).

Episode #1274: Today we unpack Carvana’s push toward 3 million annual sales and what ADESA means for scale, a new study showing used EVs winning on long-term ownership math in a firm wholesale market, and Google’s Gemini 3.1 Pro raising the stakes in the accelerating AI arms race.

Episode #1273: GM is staying lean to outmaneuver the next sales slowdown.

Episode #1272: Uber drops $100M to power up its autonomous future., Tesla’s first Cybercab rolls off the line with no wheel and no pedals — but is FSD ready?

Episode #1271: January sales slid as winter storms and shrinking EV credits cooled demand.

Episode #1270: Ford floats ideas to counter China’s EV push, Detroit rethinks sedans as affordability pressures rise and Amazon proves even tech giants can’t crack physical retail that easily.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Episode #1268: Today we cover Lithia’s reluctance to sell Chinese brands in the U.S., Stellantis quietly bringing diesel back to Europe as EV demand cools, and how companies like Canva and Meta are now testing job candidates on how well they use AI instead of banning it.

Episode #1267: CarMax taps a hospitality CEO to sharpen its digital edge, Toyota makes a disciplined move into three-row EVs with the Highlander name, and AI-generated resumes are creating new hiring headaches for retailers and operators.

Episode #1266: Ford posts its biggest earnings miss in years but bets big on a 2026 rebound.

Episode #1265: Today we cover Carvana doubling down on franchised dealerships, the solid-state battery arms race heating up as automakers target 2027 launches, and how 7-Eleven is using AI to cut frontline hiring from weeks to days—saving millions of hours while keeping humans in the loop.

Episode #1264: As the NADA Show wraps, we zoom out on what actually mattered, from a shift in how dealers are thinking about AI, to deeper vendor partnerships, to how dealers are thinking about Chinese vehicles Show Notes with links:  As the dust settles from another packed NADA Show, some of the most meaningful takeaways weren’t about flashy announcements, but mindset.

As we wrap up the NADA show this morning, we are energized.

We're at the North Hall of the NADA Show today, getting ready for another amazing day.

We've been on the show floor all day, and so this afternoon, we stopped by our friends at Cars Commerce to catch up with the one and only Brian Kramer.

The More Than Cars team is on the ground ready to run hard during the NADA Show.

Episode #1259: As the automotive world heads to Las Vegas, Paul sits down with outgoing NADA Chairman Tom Castriota for a candid conversation on a whirlwind year of leadership.

On this Saturday before NADA, Chris and Nathan join Kyle to talk about a recent car crash where a dealership jumped into action.

Episode #1257: Chinese automakers are taking real share in Europe, AI at NADA is growing up fast, and U.S.

Episode #1256: Tesla IS phasing out its legacy models X  and S to make room for humanoid robots.

Episode #1255: Waymo gains ground on rideshare rivals as Tesla undercuts them all.

Episode #1254: GM takes a multibillion-dollar EV hit but says 2026 looks brighter, white-hat hackers cash in by cracking EV chargers and infotainment systems, and the airline industry gets its annual report card General Motors closed 2025 with a wider quarterly loss after taking billions in EV and China-related charges.

Episode #1253: Today we’re digging into why fixed ops is carrying the dealership profit load, how dealer-focused AI just landed serious funding, and why Ford teaming up with Carhartt is about a lot more than merch.

These three dealers used to work together, and now they are teaming up to make a real difference.

Episode #1251: Today’s show comes to you from Washington, DC as Public Policy Day wraps and the auto industry’s biggest themes take center stage.

Episode #1250: Colorado dealers filed suit on VW-backed Scout’s direct-sales license, insurers face political heat as profits soar and affordability cracks, and Lemonade rolls out Tesla Full Self-Driving-based insurance, hinting at a future where driving software sets the rate.

Episode #1249: We dig into why affordability—not EV tech—is the real sales bottleneck heading into 2026, how agentic shopping is reshaping the idea of ‘merit’ across retail, and why Jeff Daniels’ new stage play about a struggling dealership is hitting close to home for the auto industry.

Episode #1248: Dealer confidence takes a hit as affordability pressures and tighter margins creep into Q4, even as fixed ops and F&I try to hold the line.

Episode #1247: Canada slashes EV tariffs in a controversial China deal, OpenAI kicks off its ad-supported ChatGPT Go plan, and Recurrent CEO Scott Case calls out the real EV story: a booming used market dealers can’t afford to miss.

Today, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to share how the Super Chevy Dealers of Baton Rouge and Our Lady of the Lake came together to honor Vietnam veteran and former police officer Michael King with a new 2026 Chevy Equinox RS—proof that when a community shows up, the impact goes far beyond the driveway.

Episode #1245: Honda unveils a brand-wide logo reboot, Tesla brings its massive Texas lithium refinery online, and U.S.

Episode #1244: Today we're talking about Tesla's FSD flip to subscription-only, the continued softening of auto credit conditions, and a loyalty report that says your customers are expecting way more.

Episode #1243: We’re talking about a viral moment at Ford’s Dearborn plant, a smart strategy for turning old trade-ins into profit, and surprising insights into the real buying power of Gen Alpha.

Episode #1242: Today we have a very special edition of The Automotive State of the Union .

Episode #1241: CarMax leans on price cuts and marketing to spark sales, Toyota takes its iconic Hilux electric in Europe, and Walmart keeps scaling drone delivery as demand grows.

Today, Paul Kyle, and Chris Reeves are together again after a bunch of guest hosts and holiday episodes.

Episode #1239:  Ford earns top honors as America’s most iconic company, Stellantis drops every PHEV from its 2026 lineup, and McKinsey’s CEO reminds us there are still a few things humans do better than AI.

Episode #1238:  Ford is promising eyes-off driving by 2028.

Episode #1237: Today we’re talking about BMW and Mercedes battling it out at CES with next-gen AI, a surprising sedan surge in the used market, and how ChatGPT is causing headaches for doctors and lawyers alike.

Episode #1236: We’re continuing our coverage of CES with headlines on Hyundai’s humanoid robot plans and Sony Honda’s SUV twist on the Afeela.

Episode #1235: Welcome to the first news show of the new year!

Episode #1234: Kicking off 2026, Paul and Kyle welcome Damon Lester for a deeply personal conversation about burnout, mental health, and leadership in retail auto.

Have insights into how 2025 went or how 2026 is shaping up?

Episode #1231: We close the year with the smartest auto industry analyst in the game.

Episode #1231: Paul sits down with Cars Commerce’s Brian Kramer to break down how 2025 is ending and what dealers should expect in Q1 2026.

Episode #1230: Paul and Kyle sit down with CMA’s Liza Borches to talk people, culture, and leadership.

On this last Saturday of the year, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to discuss Christmas, New Year's Resolutions and how they've seen themselves change over the last year, and their plans to see continued growth and success in 2026.

Episode #1228: The day after Christmas, Kyle flies solo with Brian Benstock to talk 2026 strategy.

Episode #1227: It's Christmas Eve and Paul and Kyle are in holiday mode.

Episode #1226: We’re talking rising auto prices and longer-term debt in the U.S., Kazakhstan’s record-setting manufacturing momentum, and Simon Sinek’s take on why Gen Z might be the most rational workforce yet.

Episode #1225: Cars Commerce’s Alex breaks down why the future isn’t car vending machines, Waymo robotaxis freeze during a San Francisco power outage, and Gen Z embraces the holiday experiences.

What does real leadership look like when it’s time to let go?

Episode #1223: Cars Commerce lines up its next CEO as a new chapter begins for dealer tech.

Episode #1222: Today we break down Cox Automotive’s 2026 forecast and why fragmentation is becoming the industry’s defining theme.

Episode #1221: Today we break down GM’s post-Cruise autonomy reboot, why used EVs are quietly outperforming new ones as buyers regain confidence, and how a soaring SpaceX valuation has pushed Elon Musk’s wealth past $650 billion.

Episode #1220: Ford slams the brakes on big EV bets and kills the Lightning, pivoting to hybrids and EREVs.

Episode #1219: Carvana adds another CDJR store as its retail expansion heats up.

Episode #1218: Kyle Mountsier and Chris Reeves jump into the middle of December to talk about the all-team in-person meeting that More Than Cars had this past week.

Episode #1217: Ionna ramps up charging despite slumping EV demand, VW rethinks its electric strategy with range extenders, and a Waymo ride turns into a delivery room as a newborn arrives before first responders.

Episode #1216: Today we dig into the tightening-but-shifting new-car inventory landscape, explore Nissan’s bold attempt to rediscover its “North Star”, and watch Target leapfrog competitors by baking full-on AI shopping directly into ChatGPT.

Episode #1215: Today we break down why monthly payments keep climbing despite improving fundamentals, VinFast’s shrinking U.S.

Episode #1214: Asbury sets the stage for its next leadership chapter, Ford teams with Renault to regain momentum in Europe, and the President’s kei-car wish sparks a reality check on what it would take to bring microcars to U.S.

Episode #1213: Today we’re talking Scout’s aggressive service-first launch strategy, Carvana’s stunning rise past Detroit’s giants as it joins the S&P 500, and Waymo’s shift from polite AV to confidently assertive city driver.

Episode #1212: Today we welcome our good friend Ed Roberts onto the show, to catch up on his new role and how he’s approaching the challenges of 2026.

Episode #1211: Today we break down fading dealer confidence heading into 2026, hear how Mazda’s retail-led strategy is boosting margins despite tariff headwinds, and look at why holiday shoppers are leaning on real human reviews over influencers.

Episode #1210: President Trump moves to unwind fuel-economy rules, hybrids surge while EV sales stumble across major brands, and OpenAI hits “code red” as the AI race heats up.

Episode #1209: Today, we remember and honor Tim Kintz for the massive impact he’s had on the automotive industry.

Episode #1208: Today we’re joined by guest host Todd Caputo and break down why car buyers are finally pushing back on pricing and how BMW and Audi are muscling into the booming off-road segment.

Episode #1207: Paul and Chris come to you on this Black Friday to talk about our favorite part of this season, how dealers are giving back.

Episode #1206: Happy Thanksgiving from the More Than Cars Crew!

Episode #1205: We break down how automakers are strengthening supply chains, why Stellantis is pushing out in-car ads, and what’s driving up the overall cost of Thanksgiving this year.

Episode #1204: Scout Motors accelerates toward 2027 as test mules and plant prep hit major milestones.

Episode #1203: Autonomy expands its EV subscription fleet with new brands, Foxconn doubles down on becoming a global EV battery powerhouse, and the U.S.

Episode #1202: Day 2 from Automobility LA at the LA Auto Show, and we host Amit Chandarana, CEO of Curbee to talk about how there are now 16 independent repair shops to every 1 franchise dealership..

Episode #1201: Today, we’re coming at you from sunny Los Angeles, where we’ll be hosting interviews at Automobility LA at the LA Auto Show.

Episode #1200: Paul sits down with Brian Benstock for a focused conversation on how AI is reshaping dealership roles, why strong leadership matters in uncertain markets, and how competition, democracy, and global collaboration all influence the future of automotive.

Episode #1199: Ford launches CPO sales on Amazon—but the dealer keeps the keys.

Episode #1198: Audi taps Scout Motors to build its first U.S.-made SUV, the used-car market cools while EVs heat up, and Ford trades “The Glass House” for a high-tech headquarters built for its next century.

On this Saturday episode, Paul and Chris highlight how NADA Academy students and staff collected over 13,000 new socks during their Socktober campaign to support shelters across Virginia and Washington, D.C., showing how future dealership leaders are already stepping up to meet real community needs and proving the power of consistent, ready-to-serve culture in the auto industry.

Episode #1196: Today we’re talking about Mazda finally going all-in on EVs, Impel investing in the next wave of auto-tech innovation, and Chery’s viral stair-climb stunt that went downhill…literally.

Episode #1195: Toyota doubles down on hybrids with a $14B battery bet.

Episode #1194: Today we’re talking about the next generation of car buyers shaking up the F&I office, Jim Farley’s humbling EV teardown that’s reshaping Ford’s strategy, and BYD’s jaw-dropping megafactory in China that’s literally larger than San Francisco.

Episode #1193: Today, we’re covering a spike in EV inventory, why dealerships are losing service customers, and how Gen Z’s complex spending habits could reshape the retail landscape.

Episode #1192: Ford faces a jolt of EV reality as the F-150 Lightning may lose its spark.

On this Saturday episode, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to talk about how Phil Long Dealerships continues its proud military tradition with a November-long giveback campaign benefiting Mt.

Episode #1190: Today we cover CarMax’s executive shakeup amid disappointing guidance, Tesla shareholders’ approval of Elon Musk’s massive pay package, and how Scout Motors is seeing overwhelming demand for extended-range EVs.

Episode #1189: Ford unveils its hospitality-first Signature 2.0 dealership design, Holman jumps into the robotics game, and Walmart goes full throttle with back-to-back Black Friday deals.

Episode #1188: Today we’re talking Toyota’s global muscle amid U.S.

Episode #1187: GM trims its workforce and tech leadership as it reassesses priorities.

Episode #1186: Dealerships are investing big in mobile service as customer demand and capacity challenges make on-the-go repairs a serious growth opportunity.

After a couple of weeks off due to international travel and a new baby, Chris, Paul and Kyle are back to talk about how car dealerships are caring for their community.

Episode #1184: Today we cover Toyota’s response to potential chip shortages, new research showing improved employee satisfaction at dealerships, and what Gen Z travelers want most from their hotel stays.

Episode #1183: Today we’re talking about the billion-dollar blaze disrupting Ford’s aluminum supply chain, Tekion’s confident response to new DMS rival Pinewood.AI, and why the retail world’s record CEO shuffle says more about skill sets than burnout.

Episode #1182: Today we’re talking about Slate Auto’s bold move to use independent repair shops instead of dealers, China pulling back EV subsidies to let the market decide, and PayPal teaming up with OpenAI to turn ChatGPT into a next-gen shopping hub.

Episode #1181: Today we’re talking about an EV market hitting the brakes post–tax credit, why most electric drivers are just fine charging at home, and Amazon’s billion-dollar bet on future jobs—while cutting tens of thousands of its own.

Episode #1180: Fresh off a global adventure, Paul and Kyle return with stories from Kazakhstan, a look at why destination fees are climbing faster than car prices, and how Rivian and GM are tightening up their EV operations as the market cools.