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Automotive State of The Union

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
30 reviews
This podcast has
1263 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2021/09/29
Latest episode
2026/02/06
Average duration
12 min.
Release period
2 days

Description

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

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Check latest episodes from Automotive State of The Union podcast


Friday AM Live from the 2026 NADA Show, The Rebound is Real, Rubik’s Cubes and Mortal Kombat
2026/02/06
Shoot us a Text. As we wrap up the NADA show this morning, we are energized. We’re hearing that this has been record years for a lot of industry partners, and dealers are optimistic and ready to try new things. Our friends at CarRx are our content partners today, and we’ve got Michelle Jackson, EVP of Sales to share with us a little bit more about their product and how they’re approaching the end of the year.    They’ve got a really cool both so we end the show playing Mortal Kombat and solving Rubik’s cubes. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Thursday AM Live From the 2026 NADA Show, Retention is More Than Free Oil Changes
2026/02/05
Shoot us a Text. We're at the North Hall of the NADA Show today, getting ready for another amazing day. An underlying theme of all our conversations has been the "Year of the Human." Even though AI is a big theme, dealers are asking, "How does this help my people?" We love that because of our belief in the motto of Love People More Than You Love Cars, and today we had on Jeremy Rowland to talk more about it. Thank you to our friends at Mia for making all of the content possible. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Thursday Afternoon Live From the NADA Show, How AI Search Is Changing The Game
2026/02/04
Shoot us a Text. 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. As a former dealer himself, Brian has great insights to the market and how its moving. His latest interest: AI Search, and he unpacks how the trust level in AI search is increasing, and how their tool Carson on Cars.com is an example of that. Thanks to Cars Commerce for making all of our content today possible. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
NADA Show Is Here, Live From The JD Power Auto Summit
2026/02/03
Shoot us a Text. The More Than Cars team is on the ground ready to run hard during the NADA Show. Today, we’ll be at the JD Power Auto Summit grabbing interviews and writing up all the sessions. Follow More Than Cars, Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier, Michael Cirillo for more great NADA Show Content. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Outgoing NADA Chairman Tom Castriota on Leadership, Policy, and What’s Next
2026/02/02
Shoot us a Text. 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. As dealers head to Las Vegas, Paul sits down with outgoing NADA Chairman Tom Castriota for a true Automotive State of the Union. From Washington wins to AI realities and dealer trust, Castriota reflects on a fast-moving year and what lies ahead.Castriota recaps a landmark year of dealer advocacy, including the FTC Cars Rule defeat, CRA action, and direct involvement in major White House policy moments.He frames leadership as service over spotlight, describing his role as an ambassador who spent the year listening to dealers and state associations nationwide.The conversation looks ahead to consolidation, rural dealerships, and long-term stability, with an emphasis on franchise protection and profitability.AI is a major focus, with NADA positioning itself as a trusted, practical resource to help dealers navigate hype versus reality.“My goal was never about Tom Castriota — I’m just an ambassador. We’re the voice of the dealers.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
When a Dealership Becomes First Responders
2026/01/31
Shoot us a Text. On this Saturday before NADA, Chris and Nathan join Kyle to talk about a recent car crash where a dealership jumped into action. When three-vehicle crash with a rollover happened directly outside the dealership, putting lives at immediate risk, team members from the Bob Ross Group Mercedes-Benz of Centerville jumped into action, checking on every driver and helping lift a trapped driver from an overturned van. Employees stayed on scene, ensuring all involved were safe and accounted for until first responders arrived.The moment reinforced that dealerships are often front-line community members, not just businesses behind glass doors.“What a great group of Good Samaritans you have there,” wrote one of the drivers involved, thanking the team for their quick, selfless response.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Chinese EVs Take Over Europe, NADA AI Preview, A Very Nervous Consumer
2026/01/30
Shoot us a Text. Episode #1257: Chinese automakers are taking real share in Europe, AI at NADA is growing up fast, and U.S. consumer confidence just hit a decade low.  Chinese automakers just hit a milestone in Europe, capturing nearly one in 10 new-car sales. Fueled by competitive EVs and hybrids, strong battery tech, and rapid expansion, Chinese brands are moving from disruptors to serious incumbents across the continent.Chinese brands claimed 9.5% of Europe’s total car market in December, a record share.Electrified vehicles are the growth engine, with Chinese automakers now holding 16% of Europe’s EV and plug-in hybrid market, more than double last year.Europe’s auto industry is under strain, with over 110,000 jobs lost in 18 months, as domestic brands face shrinking share at home and abroad.“The progression of Chinese cars in Europe is massive… It’s a matter of survival for our industry,” said Roberto Vavassori, head of Italy’s Anfia trade group. AI is everywhere in dealer tech talk, but 2026 is shaping up as the year it moves from buzzword to baseline. At NADA in Las Vegas, expect fewer “wow” moments and far more conversations about integration, maturity, and ROI.More than 40 AI-specific exhibitors are registered for NADA 2026, up from just 10 last year, with many more vendors baking AI into existing platforms.Expect AI centered on lead engagement, chat, marketing automation, inventory, pricing, service prediction and moreDealers are showing up with sharper questions, focusing on cost savings, productivity, and ROI, not shiny add-ons or disconnected tools.“Everybody has the same ice cream. It’s just flavored a little bit different,” said Cox Automotive’s Mo Zahabi, summing up what dealers should expect on the floor. America’s economic mood just took a sharp turn south. Consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a decade in January, with households rattled by rising prices, job anxiety, and geopolitical noise—setting up an uneasy backdrop for spending as 2026 gets underway.The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 84.5, its lowest reading since 2014 and well below economist expectations, signaling broad-based unease.Inflation remains front and center, with consumers citing food, gas, electricity, insurance costs, and tariffs as top concerns.“The K-shaped economy is great for the top 20%, but many middle-class Americans are barely keeping up,” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Optimus Ousts Model X/S, EV’s Outsell Gas in EU, and Starbucks Turnaround
2026/01/29
Shoot us a Text. Episode #1256: Tesla IS phasing out its legacy models X  and S to make room for humanoid robots. EV sales just passed petrol cars for the first time in the EU. Finally, Starbucks is brewing a comeback under a new CEO, but margins are still on the drip. Show Notes with links:  Tesla is officially sunsetting the Model S sedan and Model X crossover to make room for its future: humanoid robots made in a Fremont, TX factory. CEO Elon Musk says the move reflects Tesla’s shift from automaker to physical AI pioneer.Sales of the S, X, and Cybertruck fell 40% in 2025 to just over 50,000 combined units.Tesla will aim to produce 1 million Optimus robots annually in the long term.Musk also confirmed Tesla's robotaxi service will expand to 7 more U.S. cities this year."It’s time to bring the Model S and X programs to an end with an honorable discharge," said Musk. In a milestone moment for the EV market, fully electric cars outsold petrol-only vehicles in the EU for the first time in December, highlighting the region’s accelerating shift toward electrification.EVs took 22.6% of the EU market in December, just edging out petrol at 22.5%.Hybrids, including plug-ins, remained dominant with a 44% share.EV sales in Europe, Britain, and the EFTA rose for a sixth straight month.Tesla’s EU registrations dropped 20.2%, while Chinese brand BYD jumped 229.7%."We’re seeing consumer buy-in to this," said E-Mobility Europe’s Chris Heron. Starbucks is seeing its first U.S. sales growth in two years thanks to new CEO Brian Niccol’s back-to-basics approach, though investors remain wary due to continued margin pressure.U.S. same-store sales rose 4% in Q1; average order value increased 1%.Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” plan focuses on simplified menus and service speed.Margins fell for a second straight year, down 290 basis points in Q1.High bean costs and past tariffs on imports like Brazilian coffee remain a drag.“I’m most excited that our turnaround plan is coming to life in the way we envision, first turn around the top line, and then earnings growth will follow…”, said Niccol.This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: reach high-intent buyers shopping for their next car on the #1 online retailer. Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Rideshare Wars Rage, Auto Brands Skip Bowl, Experience Beats Price
2026/01/28
Shoot us a Text. Episode #1255: Waymo gains ground on rideshare rivals as Tesla undercuts them all. A global study shows bad CX drives customers away faster than high prices. And automakers pull back from Super Bowl ads, choosing more flexible, efficient buys. Only two automakers — Toyota and Cadillac — are confirmed for Super Bowl 2026, as most brands step away from the pricey event. Facing budget pressure and chasing efficiency, car companies are shifting spend to longer campaigns across other live events.Brands like Ford, BMW, Kia, Honda, Nissan, and Stellantis are sitting it out, citing affordability and better ROI elsewhere.With a $9 million price tag per 30 seconds plus production, the Super Bowl is losing appeal amid industry cost pressures.Automakers are turning to the Olympics, World Cup, and NBA All-Star Game for more cost-effective, multi-week campaigns.“There’s no secret that the premium of being in the Super Bowl certainly would come at the expense of having some additional investment,” said Sean Gilpin, Hyundai CMO. Waymo is becoming a real contender in ride-hailing while Tesla goes for a classic price war play. A new Obi study compares autonomous and traditional services, showing a market reshaping rapidly — especially in San Francisco.Waymo's robotaxi pricing has dropped and is now only 12.7% more than Uber and 27.3% more than Lyft, compared to 30–40% higher in mid-2025.Tesla Robotaxi leads on price at just $8.17 per ride, but lags with 15.32-minute average wait times.Obi CEO Ashwini Anburajan: “They’re using the playbook that Uber and Lyft used... and we know that playbook works." Consumers now prioritize customer experience over price with 59% abandoning a brand after one bad experience versus 55% fleeing due to price hikes, according to a global Havas CX study. Consistency and emotional connection are key drivers of loyalty.A global survey of 59,000+ shoppers shows experience matters more than cost — more consumers ditch brands after poor service than high prices.Consistent, seamless experiences across digital and physical channels top what customers value most.Emotional connection and personalization now weigh as heavily as functional efficiency in shaping CX.“Loyalty can only be earned by delivering unwavering consistency, authentic personal connection, and experiences that create lasting emotional memories,” says David Shulman. This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: MeetJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
GM’s Costly Quarter, Auto Hackers Cash In, Surprising Airline Rankings
2026/01/27
Shoot us a Text. 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. But underneath the headline number, core profits held up, cash flowed in North America, and GM is signaling confidence that 2026 will be stronger.GM reported a $3.3B Q4 net loss after booking more than $7B in charges, largely tied to cutting back EV production and restructuring its China joint venture.Adjusted EBIT rose 13% in the quarter, and GM earned $10.5B in North America for the year, resulting in profit-sharing bonuses up to $10,500 for UAW workers.EV losses are projected to improve by $1B–$1.5B in 2026CEO Mary Barra told shareholders the company sees stability ahead: “We expect the U.S. new vehicle market will continue to be resilient… 2026 should be an even better year for GM.” From EV chargers to infotainment systems, the Pwn2Own Automotive 2025 competition exposed how much of the industry is still very hackable.Hackers earned $886,250 uncovering nearly 50 zero-day vulnerabilities in EV chargers, infotainment systems, and automotive softwareInfotainment systems from Kenwood, Sony, and Alpine were successfully exploited, along with chargers from ChargePoint, Autel, Ubiquiti, Phoenix Contact, WolfBox, and Tesla.Tesla Wall Connectors alone accounted for more than $140,000 in payouts, while the overall winning team, Summoning Team, took home $222,250.Notably, no one attempted to hack a Tesla vehicle, despite a car and large cash prizes on the table.If 2025 felt like a rough year to fly, you’re not wrong. But turbulence hit everyone. What separated airlines wasn’t the chaos—it was execution. The Wall Street Journal’s airline scorecard crowns a new winner and reshuffles the pecking order.(Worst → Best): Frontier (T-last), American (T-last), JetBlue (7th), United (6th), Spirit (5th), Alaska (4th), Delta (3rd), Allegiant (2nd), Southwest (1st).Southwest wins for the first time since 2020, ending Delta’s four-year streak with strong all-around operations and industry-low complaints.Explaining Southwest’s edge, COO Andrew Watterson said the airline avoids the “easy” option when things go sideways: “It’s very easy to cancel a flight. That’s the path of least resistance.” This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where t Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Service Is King, AI Gets Paid, Ford Wears Carhartt
2026/01/26
Shoot us a Text. 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. With new-car sales slowing, aging vehicles and a technician shortage are putting service departments squarely in the profit hot seat. Dealers are leaning into mobile service, tech, and creative staffing strategies to protect margins and make every service lane interaction count.Service departments drive 85–90% of revenue for many dealersVehicle age hit 12.8 years in 2025, boosting service demandMobile service is gaining traction despite $100K startup costs, while AI and video tools improve efficiency—but dealers must balance tech with personal service.“There is not a department in any dealership in America more important than the service department,” said Tom McCollum, chairman of the Audi National Dealer Council. As dealerships increasingly lean on conversational AI to handle customer communication at scale, book more appointments, and squeeze more revenue out of every lead, Mia Labs has raised a hefty Series A round.Mia Labs raised $20 million, bringing total capital raised to $29 millionThe platform now serves 350+ franchise dealerships and enabled more than $45 million in dealer revenue in 2025 alone.Mia’s AI has powered over 1 million customer conversations, booked 130,000+ sales and service appointments, and saved 1.5 million human-hours.The company has new product launches teased for NADA 2026, with CEO and co-founder Brian Hoang saying “We’re building the most sophisticated AI super employee in the automotive space,”Ford is teaming up with Carhartt in a multiyear partnership that blends brand, philanthropy, and workforce development. The goal: get more people into skilled trades, support technicians, and celebrate the work ethic that keeps dealerships, trucks, and communities moving.The partnership includes co-branded gear, uniforms for technician trainees, and a Carhartt edition 2027 Ford Super Duty with design cues inspired by real job-site textures.Ford, Carhartt, and partners are backing technician training through scholarships, tools, and support programs aimed at lowering barriers to skilled trades careers.“This is such a great match because we’re all committed to making sure workers have the best equipment and gear that they can get,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customerJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Three Dealers Teaming Up To Support Mental Health, Autism Services, and Animal Rescue
2026/01/24
Shoot us a Text. These three dealers used to work together, and now they are teaming up to make a real difference. Charlesglen Toyota, 5th Avenue Volkswagen, and Lexus of Royal Oak worked with their teams to raise $265,000 for local charities, matching employee donations and backing causes close to home: mental health support, autism services, and animal rescue. Read the full story here: https://daily.asotu.com/p/canada-opens-the-door-to-china-evs Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Recapping Public Policy Day, Driverless Robotaxis In Austin
2026/01/23
Shoot us a Text. 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. Autonomy is no longer theoretical — Tesla has begun limited robotaxi rides in Austin with no safety driver onboard, marking a meaningful inflection point for self-driving technology and accelerating conversations dealers can no longer ignore. Plus we dig into liability, ownership, and what happens when cars start driving themselves for profit, while affordability remains the constant drumbeat across every conversation. Despite rising averages, there are still real, attainable vehicles on dealer lots — proving once again that payments and rates matter more than headlines. This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: reach high-intent buyers shopping for their next car on the #1  Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Dealers v Scout, Insurers v Drivers, Lemonade Saves The Day
2026/01/22
Shoot us a Text. 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. A group of Colorado VW, Audi, and Porsche dealers is suing the state after regulators approved a direct-sales dealer license for Scout Motors. Dealers argue the decision misreads state law and opens the door for OEMs to bypass franchised networks. Ten VW, Audi, and Porsche dealers filed suit this week, alleging Colorado improperly granted Scout a dealer license by treating it as an EV-only manufacturer.Dealers argue Scout’s extended-range EV system is effectively a plug-in hybrid, disqualifying it from EV-only exceptions in state law.The lawsuit also claims Scout is an “alter ego” of Volkswagen Group, which already has franchised dealers and is barred from direct sales The affordability conversation is turning its sights on insurers. After years of sharp rate hikes, home and auto insurers are posting near-record profits—and lawmakers are taking notice. Insurers are rebounding strongly, with the property and casualty industry posting its highest underwriting profit in nearly 20 years.Lawmakers in states like New York and Oklahoma are pushing profit caps, arguing rate hikes are out of step with household budgets.Auto insurance rates have stabilized nationally, but remain uneven by state, fueling continued consumer frustration. Lemonade is launching a new auto-insurance product built specifically for Tesla Full Self-Driving users, promising per-mile rates up to 50% lower when the software is engaged—an early glimpse at how insurance may evolve alongside partial autonomy.Lemonade will price insurance based on when Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving system is active versus human driving.The product relies on new vehicle telemetry data enabled through a technical collaboration with Tesla.Launch begins in Arizona on January 26, with Oregon following a month later.The move signals insurers are preparing for a future where software performance, not just driver behavior, sets risk and price.Lemonade president Shai Wininger said, “A driver who can see 360 degrees, never gets drowsy, and reacts in milliseconds isn’t like any other driver.”This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: reach high-intent buyers shopping for their next Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Affordability Not EVs, Agentic Shopping, and a Dealership Takes Center Stage
2026/01/21
Shoot us a Text. 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. In a wide-ranging interview with Automotive News, Chevrolet dealer council leader Andy Guelcher explains why affordability—not EV tech—is the industry’s biggest hurdle heading into 2026, and how pricing discipline, incentives, and used EVs will ultimately determine sales momentum.Guelcher warns that $1,000-plus monthly payments are unsustainable and, if not addressed, will put real pressure on future vehicle sales.Lower inventory levels have helped dealers protect gross, but affordability now requires more creativity in financing, leasing, and lender mix.From a Chevy standpoint, Guelcher says disciplined inventory management and a renewed focus on lower-MSRP models position the brand well if affordability improves. Hollywood meets the showroom as actor Jeff Daniels brings car dealer drama to the stage. A new play written by a former Automotive News editor puts a struggling dealership — and the people who love the business — front and center, minus the tired stereotypes.The Classic King follows four salespeople racing to save a dealership after losing its new-car franchise, which was inspired by real dealership closures during the Great RecessionThe play is written by former Automotive News editor Richard Johnson and directed by Jeff Daniels at Michigan’s Purple Rose Theatre.Daniels praised the script, saying, “There’s a lot of heart in it and a lot of humor… it speaks to people who don’t just have a job — they love what they do.” AI is officially coming for the shopping cart. Shopify president Harley Finkelstein says “agentic commerce” could fundamentally change how consumers discover and buy products—shifting power away from ads and toward relevance, fit, and meritShopify is betting big on agentic commerce, citing a 14x increase in orders driven by AI agents in just the past year.Google’s new Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), backed by Shopify, Walmart, and others, aims to standardize how AI agents shop across brands.Rather than replacing e-commerce sites, agentic shopping is expected to act as a powerful new “spoke,” potentially accelerating overall e-commerce adoption. This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: reach high-int Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Podcast reviews

Read Automotive State of The Union podcast reviews


5 out of 5
30 reviews
★★★★★
Michaelpd101 2023/10/04
Passionate about the industry
Paul and Kyle have launched a movement in the automotive world and share great information and insights each weekday. You won’t find people with more ...
★★★★★
mvelasco07 2023/04/07
10/10 recommend!
Paul and Kyle have truly outdone themselves with their incredible podcast. It's full of engaging conversations, informative content, and insightful di...
★★★★★
patricks son 2022/09/24
Paul and Kyle are nice when I meat the at the charity golf tournament
I thought man now I want to be like you he has a lot of passion his podcast with Paul are the bestI MEAN THE BEST
★★★★★
Auto 678 2022/08/13
Awesome!
A great listen! I love staying connected to all the relevant automotive topics and news, and you are both great to listen to! Great job!! - Jamie/Get...
★★★★★
DanoBuckeye 2022/08/03
Like Ripping Two Shots of Perspective Everyday
Went from dealer to manufacturer (😳) and this little gem keeps me feeling fresh and connected to my roots
★★★★★
geronimotrexjones 2022/04/25
Quick, fun, accessible
This podcast accomplishes a lot in 15 minutes. A fun grab bag of topics communicated enjoyable and at a level a total stranger to the subject can grab...
★★★★★
kajonesy 2022/01/06
🔥
If you want to be in the know on all things automotive retail, with a tie in of related tech, cultural and macroeconomic trends, you can’t find a bett...
★★★★★
crsnhnry 2021/10/09
Gold
Access to these two minds daily will change your life…
★★★★★
Docsully13200 2021/10/09
Love these 2!
These guys live and breathe automotive. The practice what they preach and are amazing men and leaders in automotive. If you are involved in automotive...
★★★★★
Thomas Reeves 2021/10/06
Amazing
Pumped for daily podcasts from these two! These guys really have a heart for the Automotive Industry and it’s consumers.
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