Shoot us a Text. Episode #1225: Cars Commerce’s Alex breaks down why the future isn’t car vending machines, Waymo robotaxis freeze during a San Francisco power outage, and Gen Z embraces the holiday experiences. Show Notes with links: In a reflective interview, Cars Commerce leader Alex encourages dealers to use better tech to get leaner, faster, and more customer-friendly. Alex says the next wave of dealership tech has to reduce SG&A and improve operational efficiency, not just add more dashboards.He calls out a stubborn reality: sales per salesperson hasn’t improved in about a decade, even as tools multiplied — and says AI should finally change that.He pushes back on the “dealers hate change” narrative, arguing dealers are highly adaptable entrepreneurs who will adopt what actually helps them win.The consumer journey gets more complicated closer to purchase, with more indecision around vehicle feel, color, space, and drive — meaning the funnel “widens” at the end.His bottom line: the winning model is omnichannel that finishes with a strong local dealer, saying, “I don’t think the consumer wants a vending machine… they want an online experience that finishes with a local partner.” Waymo’s driverless ride service ran into a very human problem this weekend: no power. A widespread outage across San Francisco left robotaxis frozen mid-ride, snarling traffic and raising fresh questions about how autonomous vehicles handle chaotic, real-world conditions.A power outage knocked out traffic lights across San Francisco, with social media videos showing multiple Waymo vehicles stopped in intersections with hazard lights flashing.One rider said his Waymo handled quieter streets but abruptly stopped at a dense intersection with dark signals, offering no warning or explanation. New research shows Gen Z shoppers are bringing life back to malls and stores this holiday season, showing up for the vibes, the memories, and the experience.Lightspeed Commerce found nearly 80% of consumers ages 18–24 say the “holiday experience” is important to them, driving a return to physical stores.Sixty-seven percent of Gen Z shoppers said festive elements like music, décor, scents, and displays make them stay longer — nearly double the rate of shoppers over 65.For younger consumers, in-store shopping is social, with photo-taking, video content, and sharing moments with friends cited as major draws.Those experiences convert to sales: 58% of Gen Z and 55% of younger millennials are more likely to buy when stores add small seasonal touches like gift wrapping, hot drinks, or events.Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/ 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/
