The Automotive Troublemaker

It’s the first day of June and we are ready for a great summer! Aren’t you? Today we talk about Toyota’s first US Made EV, Scout Motors’ pillaging of a long-time Jeep designer, and the first car you can start with your face.

We’re closing out a beautiful 31 day month as we talk about VW’s plans to NOT enter the EV pricing war. We also cover an impressive EV trucking network, as well as a one sentence warning from people who typically talk a lot.

Welcome to the home stretch for the month of May! Today we talk about a new partnership that will bring advanced infotainment to the masses. We also talk about one employee’s suggestion that could save lives, as well as one Dealer doing their part to serve their community.

Welcome to Memorial Day Saturday!

Welcome to the pregame of a great Memorial Day Weekend. Today we talk about Farley and Musk getting cozy, tactile buttons making a comeback, and a touch of our childhood coming to DFW Airport.

Welcome to a beautiful Thursday in the Auto Industry, folks. Today we talk about another glitch in VinFast’s US Launch. We also cover GM CFO’s recent purchase of GM stock, as well as a new campaign by Staples that touts humans over AI.

It’s a big day for the Auto Industry as we celebrate some of its most inspiring stories with our new series, More Than Cars. We also get into AM radio coming back to EVs, Cali ending gas…again, as well as 100 of the most top-of-mind brands ranked.

It’s Tuesday and we’re talking about combustion margins rising at Ford, a government led charging collab, as well as Foot Locker’s Q1 woes.

We’re all business this Monday as we talk about Ford closing battery supply deals, Chevy’s surprise announcement, and consumers pulling back on discretionary spending.

On this Saturday episode, we take some time to talk about "More Than Cars."

Welcome to Friday. You’ve earned it. Today, we’re talking about Toyota’s lead scientist warning of EV over-optimism. We also hear from a random consumer who gives many Dealers praise at once, as well as a new strategy by Lululemon to combat the fakes.

Thursday is for troublemakers, the ones that wear their sunglasses inside. We are talking about Kia and Hyundai making EV building plans in Mexico, used car demand despite slowing CPO sales, and how Gmail plans to say goodbye to your old spam account that is collecting dust.

Welcome to Wednesday! We are still in Vegas hanging out at the Reuters Events Automotive Retail Conference. Today we look into Elon Musk changing his tune on advertising and Apple announcing some core new accessibility features that may make it easier (and more fun) for everyone to use the iPhone.

We’re coming to you from the floor of Retail Automotive 2023, with Director Bekki Mistri of Reuters Events.

It’s a wheels up Monday as we’re heading to Las Vegas for the Reuters Events: Automotive Retail conference with dealers, OEMs and Master of Ceremonies Steve Greenfield. Steve joins the show to talk about what he’s expecting in Vegas, the new podcast Amplify we’re launching with Reuters, and how MSRP is changing.

On this special Saturday episode we welcome back one of our writers, Chris Reeves.

Friday feels like it’s ready for us…maybe. We’re congratulating a new Dealer, following up on some of yesterday’s stories, and sharing a video that is guaranteed to to make you laugh…and maybe cry.

It’s Thursday and we have a full head of steam as we break down the latest NADA data report, talk about a big bump in worker happiness, and discuss Google's I/O announcements.

Welcome to Wednesday, ASOTUverse. Today we’re talking about GM tapping Apple after kicking them out. We also cover a rise in Toyota profits as they do what they said, as well as the hotel a company built only for their employees.

It’s only Tuesday and we’ve already gotten so much done. We’re keeping pace today as we talk about the new lithium refinery going up in Texas, as well as Epic games getting into auto, and a new A.I. fast food order taker. If that doesn’t sound like 2023, we don’t know what does.

It’s a beautiful Monday in the Car Biz as we do our best to pick up all the gems Warren Buffet dropped during the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting. We also talk about manufacturer investment in R&D, as well as a massive Cybertruck parts order.

It’s been a wild week and Friday is saying, “Hold my beer” as Elon Musk praises Ford’s strategy, Carvana stocks stage a comeback, and it’s time to get ready for the livestream premiere of More Than Cars.

Thursday is here and we’re ready to hit the ground with you as we talk about Kia’s EV leasing strategy as well as a White House meeting with Toyota, and a trend from recent college grads that should have the Auto Industry’s attention.

Welcome to Wednesday as we are in Tampa basking in the afterglow of our More Than Cars Premiere. Today we discuss how Ford is working towards boring and predictable earnings calls, and how Microsoft is forcing more people to use its products.

We’re on the ground in Tampa for Digital Dealer and the Premiere of More Than Cars. On this Tuesday we’re talking about Mercedes using its F1 team to keep up with Tesla and Walmart training jts managers.

Welcome to another great week in Retail Auto, folks. Today we’re getting started by talking about a hard fought milestone for at least three of the big publics. We’re also reviewing a conversation with COX Chief Economist, Jonathan Smoke, as well as giving props to some of the best guerilla marketing we’ve seen in a while.

On this special Saturday episode we welcome back one of our writers, Kristi Canada.

It's FRIIIIIDAAAAYYYY and we’re swinging for the fence as we talk about GM joining an open source foundation. We also talk about a creative EV use for school buses, as well as new opportunities for soon-to-be vacated Bed Bath and Beyond Stores.

Thursday is here! And it’s a good thing because we’re on the home stretch of the month of April as we talk about GM going all in without Apple…still. We also talk about Volvo’s plans to continue being, well, Volvo. We’ll also review WalletHub’s latest list of the best and worst airlines

Welcome to Wednesday as we bid a joint farewell to the Chevy Bolt. We also discuss a new report about global EV adoption, as well as check in on our old friend…inflation.

It's a great Tuesday in the car business as we talk about the growing battle to build the biggest multi-billion dollar battery plant. We also summarize the challenges and activity of the charging network in America, as well as discuss a large grocery chain’s decision to bump the baristas.

Welcome to another amazing week in the world of Retail Auto as we talk about a new report tying new car Dealers to inflation. We also review the Automotive News top 100 Used Car Dealers list, as well as the recent verdict in the Tesla Autopilot case

We're excited to start our new, quick-shot, Saturday edition of the Automotive Troublemaker Podcast.

We’ve got that Friday feeling as we’re talking about Lincoln’s new President and trajectory. We also cover a great collab to get techs into service bays, as well as a brand new electric motorcycle.

Thursday is coming in hot as we’re talking about Dealer sentiment, Tesla’s volume over profit strategy, and China’s flood release of EV tech. We also talk about the most effective ad content of 2022.

It feels like a great Wednesday to talk about selling cars! We talk with Phil Gill, GSM of Tom Gill Chevrolet about what it’s like being a dealer’s kid, his test for EV salespeople and how to train your team to sell more.

It feels like a great Tuesday to be in the car business to us! Today we talk about the recently released IRS rules on EV credits. We also discuss a new study that talks about the power of letting employees break the rules, as well as Apple breaking the bank…again.

Welcome to another week in the world’s best industry. Today we’re talking about the Chinese version of the NADA show, a new report which is raising the question on structural capacity for EV parking garages, as well as the potentially historic Starship launch today.

We’ve got that Friday feeling as we roll into the showroom this morning. Today we talk about GMs Cruise driving toward profitability. We also cover one Florida dealership who is crushing the solar game, as well as a new retail report that shows small stores are still shuttering.

It’s a glorious Thursday and we’re talking about new pricing info showing overall, lower than MSRP pricing. We also cover Genesis’s new home energy system, as well as the battle between sales people and AI.

Welcome to Wednesday as we cover the newly announced EPA regulations. We also talk about Capital One’s decision to dropping floor plan financing, as well as Chipotle going all electric.

Today we’re talking about one study that tracks the fallout from Dealers charging over sticker price. We also talk about a new app that lets consumers order pizza from their cars, as well as a less than welcome reception for a new Starbucks beverage.

It’s a great Monday to make some trouble as we talk about this weeks anticipated EPA rules on tailpipe emissions, some details on Fords innovative new plant, as well as the job and job perk situation that is changing rapidly.

It’s Friday and we’re ready to wrap our week of shows talking about Walmarts charging plans, Tesla employees sharing private owner’s videos, as well as older workers coming to the rescue of the staffing shortage.

We are coming to you live from Arlington, TX after Live Tonight with ASOTU. Today we are talking about why we put on the show and playing some of our favorite moments.

We are coming to you live from Arlington, TX on the morning of Live Tonight with ASOTU. Today we are talking about Ford’s big Q1 wins, Spotify sunsetting their live audio project, and a recap of the amazing stories we heard inside dealerships yesterday.

We’re in dealerships this Tuesday as Steve Greenfield joins the show to talk about the unanswered questions of software subscriptions in cars, how over-the-air updates will changed fixed ops departments and how AI insights into consumers are creepy.

Welcome to a wonderful week in Retail Auto as we talk about the movers and shakers on the Automotive News Top 150. We also talk about Tesla’s ups and downs, as well as a move by GM to stop offering CarPlay in its EVs.

FRRRIIIIDDDAAAY CLLLLOOOOSSSEEE! As everyone gets their running shoes on to close the month, we’re talking about another price increase for the F150 Lightning, Texas’ newly proposed tax on EVs, and Americans losing faith in higher education.

It’s not ‘just another Thursday’ as we celebrate our 400th episode of the Automotive Troublemaker. We’re talking about Senator Joe Manchin’s fighting words, an insane new Toyota/Lexus store in NYC, as well as the slowdown in hiring college grads.

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about JD Powers new EV report that talks about expectations for broad adoption sooner than you think. We also cover the very efficient hacking of a Tesla Model 3, as well as Apple letting payers not pay right now.

There is a lot to talk about this Tuesday folks. We cover yesterday's COX Insights report as well as an update from Toyota’s North America CEO. We also talk about Hyundai’s potential new EV charging network, as well as the new Starbucks CEO working shifts at the counter.

Welcome to another rousing week in Retail Auto. Today we review the annual Automotive News Dealer Census. We also talk about one Rivian owner who isn’t so excited to be an early adopter, as well as a new AI implementation at Levi Strauss that has mixed enthusiasm.

There is lots of action this Friday as we talk about Ford’s ‘teach in’ where it thoroughly explained its $3B EV Loss. We also talk about JLR offering Dealers more Land Rover Inventory for closing their Jaguar stores, as well as United Airlines first Air Taxis coming in 2025.

We’re throwing down Thursday as we discuss why Carvana’s earnings surprised the market yesterday. We’re also talking about how more and more Dealers are using TikTok in their stores, as well as a new campaign by Coke that puts the power of the brand in consumers' hands by leveraging AI.

Welcome to Wednesday friends. Today we’re talking about a new Reuters/IPSOS poll about consumers' EV preferences. We also cover the continued slide of Lithium prices, as well as the return to push buttons in vehicles.

Welcome to Tuesday Troublemakers. Today we’re talking about an absurdly fantastic new muscle car, an effort to ban the bans in the US House, as well as NYC residents banding together to push back on a new logo.

Happy Monday Troublemakers. Today we’re talking about Mazda’s newly appointed leader as well as the tricky insurance game when it comes to repairing EVs. We also talk about 7 Eleven’s plan to keep EV drivers moving across the country.

It’s Friday and we’re on the final lap of the week as we talk about a new Mississippi ban on aut manufacturers selling direct to consumers. We also talk about VW’s new low-cost EV, we also talk about the new Microsoft Office add on that does the work for you.

It’s Thursday and we have a full charge as we talk about Lithia’s entry into Great Britain. We also cover JD Power’s new report indicating waning satisfaction with home charging, as well as KIA’s new EV SUV with swivel seats. Yep.

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about GM reversing course on a subscription and their CMO taking Barra’s buyout. We also talk about the major wholesale/retail used car gap, as well as the new version of Chat GPT that can tell you what a meme means.

Welcome to Tuesday as we’re on the ground with Damon Lester of Nissan of Bowie. We also talk about how banks failing affect the auto industry, controlling what you can control, and insights into what the consumer is thinking about.

Welcome to a new week as we welcome returning special guest, Jaime Oldershaw, General Manager at DealerRater and VP Reputation Strategy at Cars.com to discuss the Dealer of the Year Awards. We also talk about the kickoff of ASOTU’s Motor Madness, and most importantly, Chat GPT in your car.

It’s a beautiful Friday, folks and the ASOTUverse is ready for it! Today we’re talking about GM’s buyback moves as they try to cut costs the empathetic way. We also cover a new town just outside of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin Tx, as well as a reboot of an old Army recruiting slogan.

Engines are fired (or charged) up this Thursday as we give a recap of our favorite Women’s Day videos. We also talk about Nissans new power plant plans as well as Best Buy’s plans to deploy the Geek Squad to take better care of your parents.

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about some notable movement in the wholesale used car market. We also talk about the new EV Ram as well as the quiet transition of Web3

Welcome to Tuesday ASOTUverse! Today we’re talking about Ford’s plans to produce different types of battery chemistry that saves money. We’re also talking about a hip new EV as well as a legacy company who is crushing their competition.

It’s another wonderful week in Retail Auto as we cover new EV brand Scout and their touch-of-dramatic announcement of a new plant in South Carolina. We also cover some notable parts movement from Kia, as well as take some culture cues from the popular grocery store chain Trader Joes

Fridays are for futurists as our friend Steve Greenfield joins us to talk about his latest Intel Report. We also introduce you to the new Subaru CEO as well as Ford’s new patent they said they don’t plan on using anyway. Who’s having fun!?! We are.

It's Thursday folks and we are running through the first week of March as we talk about the early results of Tesla’s Investor Day. We also summarize Auto Industry sales numbers from February, as well as Meta’s new cultural reports straight from Facebook and Instagram conversations.

Welcome to the month where spring begins! Today we’re covering Toyota’s march toward EVs, Tesla’s investor day, and a resurgence of the manual transmission.

The last day of February is full of surprises as we review the 2022 Automotive Loyalty awards, talk about Fiskers plans for the year, talk with AI on SNAP, and let Nintendo gamify our sleep.

It’s time to wrap up February and roll into March as we talk about some major movements in EV pricing. We also talk about a newly launched tech training collab from NADA and the Urban League as well as baseball at 1.5x speed.

We’ve got that Friday feeling as we cover what’s going on in some current and future plants across the US. We also talk about the new model from Mercedes that let’s users engage…TikTok. We’ll also cover some airline results that sound all too familiar.

This Wednesday is all about disruption. Not the buzzword kind, but the real kind as we talk about ASOTU’s next evolution. We also blow out the candles on Carvana’s 10 year birthday cake, as well as give our grocery store magazine review of the soap opera that is the EV transition.

It’s Thursday and we’re talking about a new report that shows overall Dealership growth in the U.S. We also talk about Subway’s charging oasis as well as Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz getting creative.

We’re talking on Tuesday as we talk about an increase in battery swapping stations. We also talk about a Texas high school tech competition as well as a new airline policy that makes it easier to fly with kids.

Welcome to another wonderful week in Retail Auto as we talk about the new leader among publicly traded Auto Dealers. We also talk about some very sage wisdom coming from Dealership front lines, as well as a notable brand activation we can all learn from.

It’s Friday, folks! Today we talk about this morning’s earnings release from AutoNation with a killer opening line. We also talk about the Russian used car market as we near the 1 year anniversary of the Ukraine invasion. We also talk about a Rabbi who used ChatGPT to write a sermon.

Welcome to a beautiful Thursday as we talk about Ford’s plan to close a major EV financial deficit between competitors. We also talk about a unionizing fight brewing at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Buffalo as well as the impact of new legislation on that very same factory.

When hump day rolls around and it drops us in the middle of the month, we have to talk about some controversy, naturally. Leading off this morning are Volvo’s plans for a direct to consumer model, followed by Hyundai and Kia battling TikTok and the release of the consumer pricing index.

Welcome to Tuesday, where we hope your day is less filled with Super Bowl Commercial conversations. We take a first look at Afeela, run around the block with Ford plans, and introduce an AI model tuned for your business.

We are wiping off the tears as the Eagles suffered a loss last night and keeping the best part of the game…the commercials. In other news, Toyota has changed its tune in regards to EVs and Hyundai is giving consumers an option to try their hand at EV life.

Welcome to Friday with Cirillo, the day where Paul rolled out one day after Cirillo got in his new seat. We are talking about new JD Power dependability rankings, Berkshire Hathaway selling off BYD shares, and Dick’ Sporting Taking a play out of the automotive playbook.

It’s a great Thursday for Retail Auto as we make a milestone announcement (we think) for team-ASOTU. We also talk used car pricing, Tesla in California, and a notable shift happening in retail footwear.

We are wrapping up a Texas tour with some fun things from around auto and culture. We check out how Hertz came up short of their Tesla targets, GM vividly explains their marketing plans in a marketing thing, and we throw the penalty flag on Valentine’s Day AI mastery.

We’re poolside in a Texas hotel for this Tuesday morning as we talk about the Treasury Department changing the definition of an SUV, Super Bowl ads from OEMs and how to cut down on those pesky Zoom calls.

Welcome to a relaxed Monday as we ramp up into the week. We have a special treat today as we replay some of the conversations we had with dealers and industry leaders from NADA.

Welcome to a packed Friday of conversation with our good friend Steve Greenfield. Just before All Things Used Cars on Clubhouse, we are talking about the recent installment of the Auto Intel Report, a partnership for EV battery reports, and lightly damaged Teslas headed to the salvage yard.

Thursday is looking good as Hyundai stands hopefully as high as the groundhog. We also give an update from across non-gas powered vehicles, as well as what’s going on over at ChatGPT.

Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about Toyota’s very scientific presentation to the World Economic Forum. We also talk about GM’s healthy profits, as well as Generation Alpha on the retail doorstep.

Time to close out strong as we talk about Toyota’s triple crown, Ford matching Tesla’s price cut moves, and Hertz brings the ‘try before you buy’ to Denver.

We’re rolling into the last 2 days of the month with a full head of steam as NADA is over and the work of the industry gets a speed boost. We’ll be giving some ‘day after’ insights, covering what happened in the make meetings, and talking about some cyber-delays.

Today it begins as the NADA Show in Dallas draws in tens of thousands from across the industry and across the country. ASOTU coverage of the show means that no one has to feel like they missed out.

Throttle down with us this Tuesday as we talk about the benefits of “legacy” in our conversations about broad stability in Retail Auto as opposed to much of the popular workplace narratives.

It’s a big week for the Retail Auto Industry as the 2023 NADA Show is coming in hot and we’re making sure no one is left out! We’ll give you the plan as we also talk about the return of salesmanship, as well as how some retailers are dropping gems for Dealers to pick up.

It’s Friday and we’re flying through the week as we prep to fly to Dallas for the NADA Show next week. Today we cover Toyota’s production predictions for 2022, a recent Dealer survey, as well as the WSJ list of Best and Worst Airlines in 2022

Thursday is charging ahead as we talk about yesterday’s COX Used Vehicle report. We also talk about some big moves in EV charging networks, as well as PepsiCo’s solution for keeping employees happy and stable.

Welcome to Wednesday campers! Today we talk about the waning partnership between Ford and VW. We also give a broad look at EV news, as well as an automotive-applicable talk from Lowe’s CEO Mervin Ellison

Tuesday is coming in hot as we discuss the massive motion in used Teslas across the country. We also talk about new car inventory getting back (or close to) “normal” as well as the risks and rewards of nepotism. Yeah, we’ll tell you what it means too.