Automotive State of the Union

Automotive State of the Union

LISTEN ON
Apple Podcast IconSpotify Icon
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

5 Minutes of Fresh Perspective

Reading the daily news doesn't have to suck. Get the email that will make you laugh and keep you informed...for free!
Q4 Strategy Sessions: Patrick Abad on Leading Through the Holidays

Q4 Strategy Sessions: Patrick Abad on Leading Through the Holidays

Automotive State of the Union
October 20, 2025

Episode #1175: It’s Q4 Strategy Week on The Automotive State of the Union!

Painter Back as TrueCar CEO, Old Used Cars Are In, AI In The Freelance Economy

Painter Back as TrueCar CEO, Old Used Cars Are In, AI In The Freelance Economy

Automotive State of the Union
October 16, 2025

Episode #1173: Scott Painter steers TrueCar back to private ownership, CarGurus says buyers are going older to stay on budget, and freelancers navigate the double-edged sword of AI—faster work, smaller paychecks, and a whole lot of “good enough.” Show Notes with links: TrueCar’s founder and former CEO, Scott Painter, is back.

Live with Dealer Tim Pohanka of Tour Detour, Stellantis’ $13B Investment, New NADA Chair

Live with Dealer Tim Pohanka of Tour Detour, Stellantis’ $13B Investment, New NADA Chair

Automotive State of the Union
October 15, 2025

Episode #1172: Stellantis bets big on American production with its largest investment ever, NADA makes history with a new vice chair, and three Nissan dealers take the scenic route to prove the CVT isn’t the punchline anymore.

Ford’s Aluminum Woes, Rivian (Still) Rejects Carplay, Gen Z Rotary Phones

Ford’s Aluminum Woes, Rivian (Still) Rejects Carplay, Gen Z Rotary Phones

Automotive State of the Union
October 14, 2025

Episode #1171: Ford scrambles after a supplier fire halts SUV production, Rivian doubles down on AI instead of Apple CarPlay, and young people rediscover the joy of “hanging up”...

California’s CARS Act, Chargers Fail 30% of the Time, Nvidia and xAI Make a Deal?

California’s CARS Act, Chargers Fail 30% of the Time, Nvidia and xAI Make a Deal?

Automotive State of the Union
October 13, 2025

Episode #1170: California’s new CARS Act sets tough transparency rules for dealers, a new report exposes EV charging’s reliability gap, and Elon Musk’s xAI looks to raise $20 billion—with Nvidia both selling the chips and buying in.

Signatures That Save Lives

Signatures That Save Lives

Automotive State of the Union
October 11, 2025

Today, writer Chris Reeves joins Kyle to talk Fresno Acura’s annual #PinkAcura campaign is back for its 12th year, turning a bright pink car into a traveling symbol of hope.

Best Dealerships To Work For, Record Sub-Prime Delinquency, Ferrari’s Electric Guitar Engine

Best Dealerships To Work For, Record Sub-Prime Delinquency, Ferrari’s Electric Guitar Engine

Automotive State of the Union
October 10, 2025

Episode #1168: Today we’re covering how top dealerships are building stronger workplace cultures, why subprime auto delinquencies are rising, and how Ferrari’s first EV aims to keep its signature sound authentic.

GM Kills EV Credit Hack, New Bolt is $29K, Nissan Dealers Go Top Gear

GM Kills EV Credit Hack, New Bolt is $29K, Nissan Dealers Go Top Gear

Automotive State of the Union
October 9, 2025

Episode #1167: GM kills its creative EV tax credit plan while Ford plays coy, the Chevy Bolt returns faster and cheaper than ever, and three Nissan dealers take their high-mileage heroes on a 1,500-mile proving ground through the American West.

Tesla’s “Affordable” Illusion, Ford’s RTO Fallout, Mattel Meets AI

Tesla’s “Affordable” Illusion, Ford’s RTO Fallout, Mattel Meets AI

Automotive State of the Union
October 8, 2025

Episode #1166: Tesla’s new “affordable” EVs aren’t quite the bargain they seem, Ford’s return-to-office mandate sparks employee backlash, and Mattel teams up with OpenAI’s Sora 2 to reimagine how toys come to life.

100-Year-Old Dealerships, Mobile EV Chargers, ChatGPT Controls Apps

100-Year-Old Dealerships, Mobile EV Chargers, ChatGPT Controls Apps

Automotive State of the Union
October 7, 2025

Episode #1165: Today we’re talking about dealerships hitting the 100-year mark and how they’re still family-run, Lincoln Electric’s new portable EV charger that brings dead batteries back to life, and ChatGPT’s new integrations that let it control apps like Spotify, Zillow, and Canva right inside the chat.

Charger Boom, Tesla’s Tease, Why Everyone’s Talking Sora 2

Charger Boom, Tesla’s Tease, Why Everyone’s Talking Sora 2

Automotive State of the Union
October 6, 2025

Episode #1164: Today we’re talking America’s EV charging boom just as electric sales cool, previewing Tesla’s October tease for a cheaper Model Y, and diving headfirst into Sora 2.

The Cultural Antidote To AI Slop Is Your Local Dealership

The Cultural Antidote To AI Slop Is Your Local Dealership

Automotive State of the Union
October 4, 2025

Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to share how the Jeff Wyler Auto Group gave away a car to a homeless veteran.

Tesla’s Big Rebound, $1K Car Payments Surge, AI Chats Into Ad Fuel

Tesla’s Big Rebound, $1K Car Payments Surge, AI Chats Into Ad Fuel

Automotive State of the Union
October 3, 2025

Episode #1162: Tesla posts a surprise Q3 sales record, $1,000 car payments are becoming the new normal, Meta plans to use AI chats to make ad targeting more personal than ever.

Dealers Ready For EV Reset, Hertz Sells Digital, OpenAI’s TikTok Competitor

Dealers Ready For EV Reset, Hertz Sells Digital, OpenAI’s TikTok Competitor

Automotive State of the Union
October 2, 2025

Episode #1161: Today we’re talking about the end of the EV lease credit frenzy and how dealers and OEMs are adjusting.

LAUNCH DAY! Join the Livestream at morethancars.com

LAUNCH DAY! Join the Livestream at morethancars.com

Automotive State of the Union
October 1, 2025

Today is a very special day as we are launching master plan phase II for the More Than Cars movement.

EV Tax Credits Not Done Yet, Used EVs Move, ChatGPT’s Storefront

EV Tax Credits Not Done Yet, Used EVs Move, ChatGPT’s Storefront

Automotive State of the Union
September 30, 2025

Episode #1159: Today we dig into how Ford and GM are stretching the $7,500 EV lease credit, why used EVs are suddenly flying off lots, and how ChatGPT just became a digital storefront.

September Sales Stay Strong, Loyal Buyers Stick, Apple Plays Catch-Up

September Sales Stay Strong, Loyal Buyers Stick, Apple Plays Catch-Up

Automotive State of the Union
September 29, 2025

Episode #1158: EV sales spiked before the tax credit expired, but a slowdown looms.

How To Get All Of Your Dealership's Team To Volunteer for Charity

How To Get All Of Your Dealership's Team To Volunteer for Charity

Automotive State of the Union
September 27, 2025

On this Saturday, Chris Reeves join Paul and Kyle to talk about the upcoming launch of the next phase of the More Than Cars movement.

Farley on the Future of Work, Subaru Store Refresh, Vibe Code Craze Over?

Farley on the Future of Work, Subaru Store Refresh, Vibe Code Craze Over?

Automotive State of the Union
September 26, 2025

Episode #1156: Ford’s Jim Farley warns America about jobs and trades in the AI era.

Dealership Websites Fail, Car Buyers Worry About Cybersecurity, ChatGPT Referral Traffic

Dealership Websites Fail, Car Buyers Worry About Cybersecurity, ChatGPT Referral Traffic

Automotive State of the Union
September 25, 2025

Episode #1155: Overfuel calls out dealership websites for failing performance tests, RunSafe says cybersecurity is now a dealbreaker for buyers, and ChatGPT becomes a top traffic driver for retailers — while Amazon charts its own AI path Show Notes with links: ​​Overfuel’s second annual study of top 50 dealer group websites reveals a major gap in digital performance.

Sub-Prime F-150s, NJ Warranty Pay, Sip of Daybright

Sub-Prime F-150s, NJ Warranty Pay, Sip of Daybright

Automotive State of the Union
September 24, 2025

Episode #1154: Ford gets creative to close Q3 with a subprime rate push on F-150s.

Carvana Dealership #2, Buffett Cashes Out BYD, Amazon AI Ad Assist

Carvana Dealership #2, Buffett Cashes Out BYD, Amazon AI Ad Assist

Automotive State of the Union
September 23, 2025

Episode #1153: Carvana expands its dealership experiment in Dallas, Berkshire Hathaway closes the books on its massive BYD bet, and Amazon steps up its AI game with a chat assistant for advertisers.

Hyundai/GM Collab, Stellantis EV Tech, Halloween Bigger Than Ever

Hyundai/GM Collab, Stellantis EV Tech, Halloween Bigger Than Ever

Automotive State of the Union
September 22, 2025

Episode #1152: Today we’re talking Hyundai and GM’s detailed game plan for their collab, Stellantis’ new EV tech that sheds weight and adds power,, and why Americans are going bigger than ever on Halloween—even with higher prices haunting their budgets.

How Herrin-Gear Infiniti Made Themselves Sticky In Their Community

How Herrin-Gear Infiniti Made Themselves Sticky In Their Community

Automotive State of the Union
September 20, 2025

Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to discuss fall vibes, plus how Shanehan Westphal and Herrin-Gear Infiniti hosted a car show and raised an incredible $29,280, all of which will go to Children’s of Mississippi.

How Lithia Grew To #1, Why Alex Lawrence Is All In On EVs, Meta Bets On New Ray-Bans

How Lithia Grew To #1, Why Alex Lawrence Is All In On EVs, Meta Bets On New Ray-Bans

Automotive State of the Union
September 19, 2025

Episode #1150: Today we’re looking at the story that led Lithia to become the powerhouse it is today, showing a sneak peek of an upcoming interview with Alex Lawrence and talking about Meta’s latest tech.

EV Registrations Jump 27%, Charging Reminder App, Walmart Uses AI To Hire

EV Registrations Jump 27%, Charging Reminder App, Walmart Uses AI To Hire

Automotive State of the Union
September 17, 2025

Episode #1148: Buyers rush to lock in EV tax credits, Toyota builds an app to hack your habits, and Walmart’s HR chief taps AI for top talent.

Fairhurst Trust Helps New Dealers, CarEdge AI Negotiator, TikTok Deal Close?

Fairhurst Trust Helps New Dealers, CarEdge AI Negotiator, TikTok Deal Close?

Automotive State of the Union
September 16, 2025

Episode #1147: Today we’re covering a first-of-its-kind Stellantis store acquisition backed by Ellenae Fairhurst’s trust, a new AI tool that negotiates car deals for shoppers, and the latest U.S.-China framework over TikTok The late Ellenae Fairhurst’s legacy lives on as a Stellantis store in Virginia has new owners, in a new approach to dealership ownership.

Legacy Meets What’s Next, Elon’s Big Stock Buy, Too Many Grocery Choices

Legacy Meets What’s Next, Elon’s Big Stock Buy, Too Many Grocery Choices

Automotive State of the Union
September 15, 2025

Episode #1146: Automotive News's 100th anniversary Congress celebrated industry icons and looked towards the future, Elon Musk bets big on Tesla, shoppers get overwhelmed by too many choices (sound familiar?) Show Notes with links: At its 100th anniversary Congress , Automotive News celebrated legacy while tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges—from EV adoption to geopolitical threats.

A Golf Tournament For A Man Who Never Played Golf

A Golf Tournament For A Man Who Never Played Golf

Automotive State of the Union
September 13, 2025

On this Saturday, Chris joins Paul and Kyle to talk about the power of remembrance and how Carla Cosenzi and TommyCar Auto Group are connecting people in a meaninful way through the 17th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament.

The State of Dealership Cybersecurity, Chevy’s EV Affordability, 100 Years of Goodyear’s Blimp

The State of Dealership Cybersecurity, Chevy’s EV Affordability, 100 Years of Goodyear’s Blimp

Automotive State of the Union
September 12, 2025

Episode #1144: Dealers face rising cyber threats, Chevy launches big EV incentives, and the Goodyear Blimp marks 100 years over Detroit.

It’s About More Than Cars, EVs Hit Record Share, Fallon Goes To Detroit

It’s About More Than Cars, EVs Hit Record Share, Fallon Goes To Detroit

Automotive State of the Union
September 11, 2025

Episode #1143: Today, we pause and reflect on the state of the union, in light of September 11th and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Canada Adds 3rd Shifts, Korea Trade Deal Wobbles, NCM Client and Friends Update

Canada Adds 3rd Shifts, Korea Trade Deal Wobbles, NCM Client and Friends Update

Automotive State of the Union
September 10, 2025

Episode #1142: Stellantis and GM double down on Canadian production with third-shift revivals.

Tesla’s Master Plan IV, Flying an eVTOL, McKinsey Hires More Despite AI Growth

Tesla’s Master Plan IV, Flying an eVTOL, McKinsey Hires More Despite AI Growth

Automotive State of the Union
September 9, 2025

Episode #1141: Tesla drops a philosophy-heavy master plan that barely mentions EVs.

Ethanol in Fukushima, No CA Love for Leno’s Law, Retail in the Wild with Paul

Ethanol in Fukushima, No CA Love for Leno’s Law, Retail in the Wild with Paul

Automotive State of the Union
September 8, 2025

Episode #1140: Today we’re talking about Toyota’s big ethanol play in Fukushima and California lawmakers slamming the brakes on “Leno’s Law” for classic cars.

$70,000 of Generosity

$70,000 of Generosity

Automotive State of the Union
September 6, 2025

The first weekend of September!

Mary’s Millions, Elon’s Trillions, Japan Tariffs to 15%, OpenAI’s Certification Push

Mary’s Millions, Elon’s Trillions, Japan Tariffs to 15%, OpenAI’s Certification Push

Automotive State of the Union
September 5, 2025

Episode #1138: Mary Barra and her GM peers are selling big while Tesla bets even bigger on Elon.

VinFast Bets on Dealers, ID.4 Production Pause, Charging Cables Optional

VinFast Bets on Dealers, ID.4 Production Pause, Charging Cables Optional

Automotive State of the Union
September 4, 2025

Episode #1137: VinFast leans into a dealer-driven strategy while VW puts the brakes on ID.4 production despite rock-bottom lease pricing.

EV Tax Credit Extension-ish, Cadillac’s Comeback, Coding Gets Easier and Complicated

EV Tax Credit Extension-ish, Cadillac’s Comeback, Coding Gets Easier and Complicated

Automotive State of the Union
September 3, 2025

Episode #1136: An IRS update that could save EV buyers thousands, how Cadillac is quietly staging a luxury comeback and the deeper impact of AI on software development—and whether vibe-coding is helping or hollowing out the craft.

How One Dealer Monetized Charging, BYD Battles Discounts, Google’s Nano Banana

How One Dealer Monetized Charging, BYD Battles Discounts, Google’s Nano Banana

Automotive State of the Union
September 2, 2025

Episode #1135: Friendly Chevy’s charging park is pulling in revenue and conquest sales, BYD takes a profit hit in China’s price war, and Google’s “Nano Banana” might just beat ChatGPT at the AI image game.

Can a free van turn an 8 year old into an engineer?

Can a free van turn an 8 year old into an engineer?

Automotive State of the Union
August 30, 2025

Today, Paul and Chris bring you a story about Jacob Miller, a high school senior living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Economist Jonathan Smoke Says The Market's Not Crashing—It’s Accelerating

Economist Jonathan Smoke Says The Market's Not Crashing—It’s Accelerating

Automotive State of the Union
August 29, 2025

Episode #1133: Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke joins Paul to talk tariffs, pent-up demand, and why Q3 might be best experienced with a little Abba.

Dealers Care About The Tech, Special Guest Shane Wilson of Connected Dealer Services

Dealers Care About The Tech, Special Guest Shane Wilson of Connected Dealer Services

Automotive State of the Union
August 28, 2025

Episode #1132: As we kick off the last day of the NAMAD Annual Meeting, Paul J Daly and Erroll Bomar III reflect on how they’ve been witnessing dealers lean in on technology in order to stay ahead.

Strong August for Automotive Industry, NAMAD Day 1 Takeaways

Strong August for Automotive Industry, NAMAD Day 1 Takeaways

Automotive State of the Union
August 27, 2025

Episode #1131: Live from Day 2 at the NAMAD Annual Meeting with co-host Erroll Bomar III!

Robots Still Need People, Gen Z Buys IRL, Tax Credit Relief

Robots Still Need People, Gen Z Buys IRL, Tax Credit Relief

Automotive State of the Union
August 26, 2025

Episode #1130: As we gear up for our NAMAD coverage in LasVegas, Paul and guest co-host Ben Hadley are digging into the IRS's EV tax credit extension, how Gen Z balances screens with store shelves, and why Hyundai's futuristic plant still counts on the human touch to get the job done right.

AN All-Stars, Inventory Game-Changers, AI’s E-Comm Takeover

AN All-Stars, Inventory Game-Changers, AI’s E-Comm Takeover

Automotive State of the Union
August 25, 2025

Episode #1129: Today Steve Greenfield joins Paul again as we spotlight the 2025 Automotive News All-Stars, including a few friends of the show.

When a Minivan Becomes a Miracle

When a Minivan Becomes a Miracle

Automotive State of the Union
August 23, 2025

On this Saturday, Chris joins Paul and Nathan to talk about the frequency of a 5 Fri-Sat-Sun month and how auto dealers just keep on giving.

EU & US Work Out Trade Deal, EchoPark Boosts Sonic, Gen AI Retail Traffic

EU & US Work Out Trade Deal, EchoPark Boosts Sonic, Gen AI Retail Traffic

Automotive State of the Union
August 22, 2025

Episode #1127: We’re diving into major tariff relief for EU carmakers, Sonic Automotive’s EchoPark outpacing expectations, and how generative AI is rewriting the rules for online retail traffic.

Hertz Sells on Amazon, VinFast Expands Dealer Network, Atlas Robot Gets Handsy

Hertz Sells on Amazon, VinFast Expands Dealer Network, Atlas Robot Gets Handsy

Automotive State of the Union
August 21, 2025

Episode #1126: Today we’re joined by Steve Greenfield and talking about Hertz vehicles showing up on Amazon, VinFast’s new San Diego dealership kicking off a coast-to-coast franchise push, and how AI is helping Atlas become a surprisingly capable humanoid robot.

Affordability Is the Battlefield, Close Now or Cry Later, Target’s Intern CEO

Affordability Is the Battlefield, Close Now or Cry Later, Target’s Intern CEO

Automotive State of the Union
August 20, 2025

Episode #1125: Today, we’re talking affordability trends, lead follow-up gaps, and a CEO who worked his way from intern to the top at Target.

Fixed Ops Golden Metrics, Inventory Levels Off, Robotaxi Roulette

Fixed Ops Golden Metrics, Inventory Levels Off, Robotaxi Roulette

Automotive State of the Union
August 19, 2025

Episode #1124: Today we break down the latest Fixed Ops Golden Metrics, showing where service departments are winning and where there’s room to grow.

Rivian’s Credits Crunch, Ex-Tesla Superchargers, CEO Confidence Rebounds

Rivian’s Credits Crunch, Ex-Tesla Superchargers, CEO Confidence Rebounds

Automotive State of the Union
August 18, 2025

Episode #1123: Today we cover Rivian’s fight over frozen EV credit revenue, ex-Tesla talent launching Hubber to fill urban charging gaps, and a sharp rebound in CEO confidence as recession fears cool but cost pressures remain.

The Man Behind Ford’s Revamp, Mitsubishi Gallery Store, ChatGPT 4o’s Comeback

The Man Behind Ford’s Revamp, Mitsubishi Gallery Store, ChatGPT 4o’s Comeback

Automotive State of the Union
August 15, 2025

Episode #1122: Ford’s Doug Field maps a Silicon Valley–style path to a $30K EV truck, Mitsubishi debuts a luxury-inspired “Gallery” store concept, and OpenAI brings GPT-4o back after users missed its supportive “yes man” tone.

EV Infrastructure Wins, Longest-Range Tesla, Drone That Won’t Quit

EV Infrastructure Wins, Longest-Range Tesla, Drone That Won’t Quit

Automotive State of the Union
August 14, 2025

Episode #1121: We cover the rapid growth in EV charging infrastructure even as EV sales plateau, Tesla’s China-only 500+ mile Model 3, and a solar-powered drone that just stayed airborne for 74 hours without a drop of fuel.

M&A Sugar High Ends, SDV Shifts, and the Quiet Cracking Crisis

M&A Sugar High Ends, SDV Shifts, and the Quiet Cracking Crisis

Automotive State of the Union
August 13, 2025

Episode #1120: Today we cover Presidio’s latest report showing dealership profitability gaining stable ground.

Ford’s Factory Revamp, GM Leans Into Autonomy, Teachers Using AI

Ford’s Factory Revamp, GM Leans Into Autonomy, Teachers Using AI

Automotive State of the Union
August 12, 2025

Episode #1119: Ford’s factory revamp signals a new EV era, GM doubles down on autonomy without the taxi business, and AI takes over lesson plans as teachers lean into technology’s potential.

Auto Loans Loosen, Jaguar Goes Luxe, Shoppers Can’t Resist the Aisle

Auto Loans Loosen, Jaguar Goes Luxe, Shoppers Can’t Resist the Aisle

Automotive State of the Union
August 11, 2025

Episode #1118: Auto loan approvals are climbing as vehicle demand heats up, Jaguar doubles down on its high-dollar EV future, and a new survey shows U.S.

Dealers Gear Up 7000 Backpacks for Students

Dealers Gear Up 7000 Backpacks for Students

Automotive State of the Union
August 9, 2025

On this second Saturday of month, Paul is joined by Chris and Nathan to share all the amazing things dealers are doing in communities across the nation.

CarOffer To Shut Down, Ford’s EV Affordability Plan, GPT-5 Is Here

CarOffer To Shut Down, Ford’s EV Affordability Plan, GPT-5 Is Here

Automotive State of the Union
August 8, 2025

Episode #1116: CarGurus shuts down CarOffer, trimming its wholesale tech reach.

Ford’s “Model T” Moment, Cybertruck Target Practice, Rivian’s Charging Retreat

Ford’s “Model T” Moment, Cybertruck Target Practice, Rivian’s Charging Retreat

Automotive State of the Union
August 7, 2025

Episode #1115: Ford’s ready for its “Model T moment,” the Cybertruck heads to military testing, and Rivian turns EV charging into a Hamptons-style retreat.

Fain Under Fire, Silverado Goes The Distance, Gen Z Job Struggles

Fain Under Fire, Silverado Goes The Distance, Gen Z Job Struggles

Automotive State of the Union
August 6, 2025

Episode #1114: Shawn Fain’s own union members want him out.

Amazon Sells Used Cars, Rivian Sues Ohio, Ikea Inside A Best Buy

Amazon Sells Used Cars, Rivian Sues Ohio, Ikea Inside A Best Buy

Automotive State of the Union
August 5, 2025

Episode #1113: Today we cover Amazon’s push into used car sales, Rivian’s legal battle to sell direct in Ohio, and Ikea’s first-ever retail partnership with Best Buy.

Carvana’s Wild Ride Continues, 25% of Loans Have Negative Equity, The Gen X Factor

Carvana’s Wild Ride Continues, 25% of Loans Have Negative Equity, The Gen X Factor

Automotive State of the Union
August 4, 2025

Episode #1112: Carvana’s stock hits jaw-dropping highs while negative equity haunts car buyers.

A Sasquatch, A Fire Department And A Mud Run

A Sasquatch, A Fire Department And A Mud Run

Automotive State of the Union
August 2, 2025

On this Saturday, we're highlighting a fun mud run/competitive mud run put on by the Rohrman Auto Group to benefit their local fire department.

Latest Tariff Roundup, Robotaxi With A Driver, Agentic Checkout

Latest Tariff Roundup, Robotaxi With A Driver, Agentic Checkout

Automotive State of the Union
August 1, 2025

Episode #1110: Today we cover Trump’s sweeping auto tariffs, Tesla’s not‑so‑autonomous “Robotaxi” rollout, and the rise of agentic checkout in online retail.

Ford’s Profits Hit by Tariffs, Commercial EVs Still Growing, CheatGPT

Ford’s Profits Hit by Tariffs, Commercial EVs Still Growing, CheatGPT

Automotive State of the Union
July 31, 2025

Episode #1109: Today we’re digging into Ford’s $3B tariff troubles, why commercial EV fleets are booming even as consumer demand cools, and how OpenAI’s new “Study Mode” could change the way students learn (without just handing out the answers).

How Dealers Are Deploying AI Today, Tariffs Can’t Stop Toyota

How Dealers Are Deploying AI Today, Tariffs Can’t Stop Toyota

Automotive State of the Union
July 30, 2025

Episode #1108: Today we’re joined by Ben Hadley to talk about Toyota’s exports to the US rising in June, and get Ben’s thoughts on AI use by dealers and tech partners.

Used EV Prices Slide, Cybertruck Sticks, Search Goes Zero‑Click

Used EV Prices Slide, Cybertruck Sticks, Search Goes Zero‑Click

Automotive State of the Union
July 29, 2025

Episode #1107: Today we dive into why used EVs — especially Teslas — are losing value fast, how a Cybertruck hung 6,600 pounds on a patch of glue, and what AI search’s rise in impressions but drop in clicks means for auto dealers looking to stay visible.

EU Gets 15% Tariffs, Toyota’s EV Roadmap, AI Privacy Privilege

EU Gets 15% Tariffs, Toyota’s EV Roadmap, AI Privacy Privilege

Automotive State of the Union
July 28, 2025

Episode #1106: Today we’re looking at a U.S.-EU trade deal that gives European automakers some relief, Toyota’s ambitious product roadmap with EVs and freshened favorites, and why Sam Altman says your ChatGPT chats aren’t nearly as private as you think.

Two Steinway Pianos Stuffed Full of Money

Two Steinway Pianos Stuffed Full of Money

Automotive State of the Union
July 26, 2025

Episode #1105: Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to share the who, what, where, why and how of auto dealers giving back to their communities.

EV Service Woes, Honda Sells Service, Walmart Nixes Search Bars

EV Service Woes, Honda Sells Service, Walmart Nixes Search Bars

Automotive State of the Union
July 25, 2025

Episode #1104: EV service frustrations rise as electric sales grow, Honda steps into the insurance game, and Walmart unveils Sparky—its bold AI move to replace the search bar.

Start-Stop Stopping, Tesla In The Rough, Southwest Seat Selection

Start-Stop Stopping, Tesla In The Rough, Southwest Seat Selection

Automotive State of the Union
July 24, 2025

Episode #1103: Today we’re talking about backlash against stop-start tech, Tesla’s rocky second quarter and robotaxi dreams, and Southwest’s historic shift to assigned seating.

Auction Reinvention, Trade Tension, and AI Pricing for Flights

Auction Reinvention, Trade Tension, and AI Pricing for Flights

Automotive State of the Union
July 23, 2025

Episode #1102: Today, we're unpacking the Detroit 3's tariff turmoil with Japan, exploring how "Auction 2.0" is reshaping used-car sourcing, and tracking Delta's AI-driven pricing turbulence as Senators demand answers.

AI Layoff Deception, GM’s Earnings Dip & Truck Refresh, California Tech Apprenticeships

AI Layoff Deception, GM’s Earnings Dip & Truck Refresh, California Tech Apprenticeships

Automotive State of the Union
July 22, 2025

Episode #1101: Today we talk about how AI is quietly reshaping the workforce under the guise of “restructuring.” GM reports a profit dip but revs up electrified truck updates to meet shifting demands.

Q2 Auto Profits Surge, China Gets EV Bronco, Tesla Goes Retro

Q2 Auto Profits Surge, China Gets EV Bronco, Tesla Goes Retro

Automotive State of the Union
July 21, 2025

Episode #1100: Franchised dealerships saw a 22% profit surge in Q2, led by strong gains in import and domestic brands.

Love Doesn’t Stop With The Car

Love Doesn’t Stop With The Car

Automotive State of the Union
July 19, 2025

Episode #1099: It’s Saturday, which means Chris Reeves is back in the studio with another story that brings all the feels.

Rivian’s Southern Roots, Ford’s Hero Reward, ChatGPT Gets a Job

Rivian’s Southern Roots, Ford’s Hero Reward, ChatGPT Gets a Job

Automotive State of the Union
July 18, 2025

Episode #1098: Rivian is laying foundations in Georgia with a new East Coast HQ and massive EV factory.

Franchise Law “Holy War?”,  Stellantis Scraps Hydrogen, Popular Pop-Ups

Franchise Law “Holy War?”, Stellantis Scraps Hydrogen, Popular Pop-Ups

Automotive State of the Union
July 17, 2025

Episode #1097: In today’s episode, we dig into why the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and NADA are in disagreement on state franchise laws, Stellantis’ quiet hydrogen retreat, and why pop-up shops are punching above their weight in modern retail strategy.

GM’s Gas-Powered Comeback, 112-Year-Old Dealership Sold, AI Eyes Wall Street

GM’s Gas-Powered Comeback, 112-Year-Old Dealership Sold, AI Eyes Wall Street

Automotive State of the Union
July 16, 2025

Episode #1096: We cover GM’s shift away from EVs at Orion, the end of a 112-year family legacy at Ohio’s oldest Ford dealership, and how new AI tools are challenging the finance industry’s most iconic software.

Volvo’s Tariff Hit, Nissan’s EV Switch, Ford’s Generous Heart

Volvo’s Tariff Hit, Nissan’s EV Switch, Ford’s Generous Heart

Automotive State of the Union
July 15, 2025

Episode #1095: Volvo takes a $1.2B charge as EV costs and tariffs bite.

40 Under 40, Used EV Ramp Up, Tesla’s Grok Doesn’t Do Much Yet

40 Under 40, Used EV Ramp Up, Tesla’s Grok Doesn’t Do Much Yet

Automotive State of the Union
July 14, 2025

Episode #1094: Today we celebrate the industry's next generation with Automotive News’ 40 Under 40, explore why used EVs are the hottest deal on the lot, and dig into Tesla’s underwhelming Grok rollout.

Because They Deserve More Than A Patch of Grass

Because They Deserve More Than A Patch of Grass

Automotive State of the Union
July 12, 2025

Episode #1093: We know that everyone here is actually to listen to Chris Reeves on this Saturday morning.

Scaringe vs The System, Teslas Get Grok, Starbucks Forced Kindness

Scaringe vs The System, Teslas Get Grok, Starbucks Forced Kindness

Automotive State of the Union
July 11, 2025

Episode #1092: We unpack how Rivian views legacy OEMs as “adversaries”, Elon’s plan to put Grok in your Tesla, and why your next Starbucks smiley face might be powered by pressure, not personality.

Dealers React To End of EV Tax Credits, Bay Area Robotaxis, Keep Your Shoes On

Dealers React To End of EV Tax Credits, Bay Area Robotaxis, Keep Your Shoes On

Automotive State of the Union
July 10, 2025

Episode #1091: Today we’re covering how dealers are adapting to the end of EV tax credits, Tesla’s push to bring robotaxis to the Bay Area, and the TSA’s surprising move to let travelers keep their shoes on.

Toyota Helps Out In Texas, EV Battery Reboot, Government Deepfakes

Toyota Helps Out In Texas, EV Battery Reboot, Government Deepfakes

Automotive State of the Union
July 9, 2025

Episode #1090: Toyota leads with heart in Texas, Redwood supercharges old EV batteries for AI, and deepfake fraud hits a chilling milestone.

EV Credit Countdown, Toyota Goes Flex, Prime Day Plus 4

EV Credit Countdown, Toyota Goes Flex, Prime Day Plus 4

Automotive State of the Union
July 8, 2025

Episode #1089: The federal EV tax credit countdown is officially on—and startups like Slate are feeling the pressure.

Musk Gets Political, China’s EV Bloodbath, Helicopter Goodbye

Musk Gets Political, China’s EV Bloodbath, Helicopter Goodbye

Automotive State of the Union
July 7, 2025

Episode #1088: We’re kicking off the week with Elon Musk mixing politics and business, a brutal forecast for China’s crowded EV market, and one unforgettable funeral send-off in Detroit.

Q2 Sales Up (With an Asterix), Carfax Best Place To Work, Chuck E. Cheese Grows Up

Q2 Sales Up (With an Asterix), Carfax Best Place To Work, Chuck E. Cheese Grows Up

Automotive State of the Union
July 3, 2025

Episode #1086: Today we unpack Q2’s early sales surge and late slip, celebrate CARFAX’s workplace wins, and wonder about Chuck E.

Senate Passes Budget, Hyundai Hot Streak, Cloudflare Block AI Scrapers

Senate Passes Budget, Hyundai Hot Streak, Cloudflare Block AI Scrapers

Automotive State of the Union
July 2, 2025

Episode #1085: Today we’re diving into a high-stakes Senate budget bill that could end EV credits early, Hyundai’s record-breaking U.S.

No EV Tax Credits This Fall?, Rare Earth Workarounds, Small Biz Gets Scammed

No EV Tax Credits This Fall?, Rare Earth Workarounds, Small Biz Gets Scammed

Automotive State of the Union
July 1, 2025

Episode #1084: Today we unpack the Senate’s plan to fast-track the end of EV tax credits, the global rush to secure rare earth magnet supply, and how small business owners are battling a new wave of AI-powered scams.

Farley Talks Production, Trump Targets Japanese OEMs, AI Shakes Up Schools

Farley Talks Production, Trump Targets Japanese OEMs, AI Shakes Up Schools

Automotive State of the Union
June 30, 2025

Episode #1083: We’re talking tough trade talk from Trump, Jim Farley’s fiery pitch for industrial self-reliance, and the viral ChatGPT graduation moment that’s sparking serious debates—and wild experiments—in education.

12,805 Pounds of Purpose with Carter Myers Automotive

12,805 Pounds of Purpose with Carter Myers Automotive

Automotive State of the Union
June 28, 2025

Chris Reeves join Kyle this morning to recap the travel week that Kyle and Paul had, and then to share about how Liza Borches and the Carter Myers Automotive group brought in 12,805 lbs of food in their Cans and Cans Drive.

Sunk Cars Costs $560M, EV Auto Pushes Back, Bye Bye Blue Screen of Death

Sunk Cars Costs $560M, EV Auto Pushes Back, Bye Bye Blue Screen of Death

Automotive State of the Union
June 27, 2025

Episode #1081: Today’s episode sounds the alarm on EV shipping risks after a $560M shipwreck, dives into the dealer-driven defense of EV tax credits with Alex Lawrence at the helm, and bids farewell to Microsoft’s iconic Blue Screen of Death.

Penske Wins Centennial Award, States Win Charging Funds, AI Wins Copyright Suits

Penske Wins Centennial Award, States Win Charging Funds, AI Wins Copyright Suits

Automotive State of the Union
June 26, 2025

Episode #1080: Today we’re talking about winners - how Roger Penske was honored with the Automotive News Centennial Award, how 14 states have won back $5B in EV charging funs and how Meta and Anthropic both won copyright lawsuits.

AI Blackmail, Hertz Scans for Scrapes, and Wholesale Prices Chill

AI Blackmail, Hertz Scans for Scrapes, and Wholesale Prices Chill

Automotive State of the Union
June 25, 2025

Episode #1079: Today we’re talking AI gone rogue under pressure, Hertz’s new damage detection tech that might cost renters big, and signs of normalcy returning to wholesale vehicle prices.

Nissan CEO Feels the Heat, EV Factory Tours Booming, Cheating with AI at Work

Nissan CEO Feels the Heat, EV Factory Tours Booming, Cheating with AI at Work

Automotive State of the Union
June 24, 2025

Episode #1078: Today we’re talking stormy shareholder meetings at Nissan, the EV factory tours drawing crowds in China, and the Gen Z men getting caught outsourcing their work to AI.

How Stellantis is (Not) Changing, Tesla Robotaxis Go Live, AI Changing Speech

How Stellantis is (Not) Changing, Tesla Robotaxis Go Live, AI Changing Speech

Automotive State of the Union
June 23, 2025

Episode #1077: Today we’re talking about Stellantis’ cautious leadership shuffle, Tesla’s Robotaxi rollout with safety monitors in the passenger seat, and how AI is quietly shaping the way we talk—even if we don’t realize it.

In A World On Fire, Light a Flame of Empowerment

In A World On Fire, Light a Flame of Empowerment

Automotive State of the Union
June 21, 2025

Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to talk about how sourcing stories is like sitting by a river with little sailboats going down it. Then they talk about how Shelly Hux from Herrin-Gear Automotive Group wrote in to share how she's been empowered to make a difference in her community and how more dealers can do that at their stories.