The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier ASOTU Podcasts
-
- Business
-
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier is a regular weekday show where progressive Automotive Dealers and industry partners aren’t afraid to make some trouble by pushing back on many popular, but failing, beliefs that persist in the Retail Automotive Industry. Beliefs that are degrading both the customer experience and the future of retail Auto Dealers. Paul and Kyle give their fresh take on industry news, technology, culture, and retail while trying not to have too much fun. // The Automotive Troublemaker is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com
-
EV Final Rule Is a Win For OEMs, VW Union, Shredding EGs
It’s Tuesday and the Auto Industry is alive and well as we talk about the DOE final rules on EV requirements that are a win for OEMs. We also talk about the pending UAW vote at VWs Chattanooga plant as well as the legendary metal band, Metallica, going an an EV/hydrogen powered tour.
The finalized U.S. EV mileage ratings rule brings relief to automakers, reducing the risk of heavy fines and easing the transition to electric vehicles, a significant shift from the Department of Energy's initial proposal.The Department of Energy's final rule softens its initial proposal, lowering the compliance value of EVs by 65% through 2030, allowing automakers more time to adjust.Detroit 3 and the UAW voiced concerns that the original proposal could lead to $10.5 billion in fines through 2032 for failing to meet fuel economy requirements.The revision was influenced by automaker and UAW feedback, aiming to balance environmental goals with industry realities.The EPA's upcoming vehicle greenhouse gas emissions requirements are also set to be less stringent than proposed, promoting a gradual increase in EV production.This ruling is also seen to be a boost to hybrid and PHEV salesWorkers at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant are pushing to join the UAW, marking a pivotal moment in the union's efforts to expand its influence across foreign-owned automakers in the South.Volkswagen Chattanooga employees have filed for a union election with the NLRB, demonstrating a "supermajority" interest in joining the UAW. This is the third attempt in 10 years to unionize the plant, with the last narrowly failingA successful vote at VW would be a landmark victory as the UAW's persistent efforts to unionize foreign auto plants in the South have faced significant political and legislative challenges over the years.VW has committed to supporting an NLRB-administered secret ballot, ensuring every employee's voice is heard, with the election timeline to be set by the NLRB.President Biden and presumptive Republican rival Donald Trump are keenly watching the UAW's moves, with Biden expressing support for the workers' right to unionize, reflecting the national political significance of the union's campaign."The decision whether to join a union belongs to the workers," stated President Joe Biden, endorsing the workers' efforts and the importance of union representation.Heavy Metal band Metallica is teaming up with heavy truck maker Iveco to embark on a world tour using electric and hydrogen fuel-cell big rigs to haul their equipment across EuropeFor the European leg of their M72 World Tour, Metallica is using a fleet of Iveco's battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, demonstrating their dedication to cutting carbon emissions.The band is an early adopter and high-profile proponent of eco-friendly touring practices by choosing the latest in FCEV technology for their gear transportation.Metallica is also employing Iveco EV minibuses for concert shuttles, further reducing the carbon footprint of their tour.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/
JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email -
Is Tesla A Luxury Brand, 100% Tariff On Chinese EVs, Ultimate Retirement Flight
Welcome to a beautiful Monday in Retail Auto as we weigh the merit of Tesla being labeled as a ‘Luxury brand’. We also discuss Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on China-made EVs as well as one Delta Pilot’s epic retirement flight.
Gone are the days of Tesla being synonymous with luxury according to our friend and Executive Editor of Automotive News, Jamie Butters as his recent column makes a compelling case for why Tesla's recent strategy and market performance have propelled the electric vehicle giant out of the luxury realm and into a broader, more inclusive arena.Tesla is no longer classified as a luxury brand but has transitioned towards a broader market presence.Initially positioned as a luxury marquee due to high prices and innovative technology, Tesla has adjusted its strategy towards affordability and mass-market appeal.With price cuts and an increase in sales volume, Tesla now competes more directly with mainstream automotive brands rather than luxury ones.The introduction of the more affordable Model 2 signifies Tesla's commitment to accessibility, moving away from the exclusivity typically associated with luxury brands.Despite continuing to sell high-end models, Tesla's overall strategy and market positioning align more closely with mainstream automotive brands.
In a rally in Dayton, Ohio on Saturday, former President Donald Trump proposed imposing a 100% tariff on cars produced in Mexico by Chinese companies, doubling previous tariff threats on vehicles manufactured south of the U.S. border.Trump directly addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the tariff as a countermeasure against China's manufacturing strategy in Mexico without hiring Americans.The proposed tariffs represent a significant escalation from earlier threats, which included a 50% tariff on Chinese cars and potential tariffs on all Chinese goods and global products.“Those big monster car manufacturing plants you are building in Mexico right now and you think you are going to get that — not hire Americans and you’re going to sell the car to us, no,” Trump said. “We are going to put a 100 percent tariff on every car that comes across the lot.”Joe Biden's campaign responded to Trump's remarks, criticizing his approach and labeling the threats as political violence and extremism.Meet Delta Captain Keith Rosenkranz, the pilot who orchestrated a unique retirement celebration by chartering a Delta Airbus A330 for a special flight to Hawaii with 112 friends and family.Rosenkranz's dream was inspired by his youth spent watching planes at Los Angeles International Airport, leading to a 33-year career with Delta.To honor pilots affected by the pandemic, he extended invites to those who missed their final flights, making his retirement event a collective celebration.The journey was not just a flight but a series of memorable events, including a water cannon salute in Los Angeles and vow renewal in Hawaii.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/
JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email -
The Heart of Hospitality Opens The Door For A Magical Experience
Writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada join Kyle Mountsier on this Saturday to share the story of a BMW dealer who turned a flat tire into a moment of unreasonable hospitality.
Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/
JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email -
Jim Farley Hits the Road and Cars are Getting Judged and X-rayed
Welcome back to the pod Michael Wood, whose dogs are as excited about this show as we are! Today we are looking at the road trip Jim Farley is about to embark on, how customers perceive automakers and dealers, and a car going under the microscope…er, x-ray machine!
Show Notes with links:
Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley is embarking on a nation-wide "engagement tour" with dealers to discuss key issues including electrification, quality, and affordability. Starting in Dearborn and visiting cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta, the tour aims to gather insights directly from a broad section of Ford's dealer network through 12 in-person meetings.Farley, responding to the Ford National Dealer Council's request, aims to understand dealer perspectives on industry challenges, regulatory compliance, EV transitions, and competition. They plan to invite retailers of all sizes, including some who didn't sign up to sell EVs.Joining Farley will be COO Kumar Galhotra, CMO Lisa Materazzo, Ford Model e COO Marin Gjaja, Ford Blue President Andrew Frick and Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis.“Our quality has gone down as much as our prices have gone up. That has to be addressed.” said O.C. Welch, dealer principal at O.C. Welch Ford-Lincoln in Hardeeville, S.C.Eddie Hall III, COO of Hall Automotive Group said, "I'm used to being a brand for the masses. While I think we have a phenomenal lineup, I still want to be able to sell vehicles to the customers I have been selling to for so long."Customer satisfaction with dealer services sees a slight improvement in 2024, but parts and labor shortages continue to stretch appointment wait times, as per the latest J.D. Power CSI Study.Average wait time for an appointment has risen, with mass market vehicle owners facing a 5.2-day wait, up from 4.8 days in 2023.Costs for dealer visits have jumped 30% in the past two years due to inflation and rising parts and labor costs.Lexus ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among premium brands for a third consecutive year, with a score of 897.Buick ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among mass market brands with a score of 887. MINI (884) ranks second and Subaru (877) ranks third.Mercedes-Benz, in a pioneering collaboration with the Fraunhofer-Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, conducted the world's first X-ray crash test. This breakthrough method, utilizing a linear accelerator as an X-ray camera, captured internal car and dummy deformations during a collision at 60 km/h, offering unprecedented insights into the dynamics of vehicular crashes. The use of high-speed X-ray technology enabled the precise visualization of internal processes, making previously invisible deformations transparent for detailed analysis.The crash test dummy used was a female version, as females are at much higher risk of serious injuries during crashes.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/
JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email -
Pi Day is for EVs, We Guess
It isn’t Pi day if we don’t mention it, and we are excited to ask Michael Wood what his favorite “pie” is. Today, we are all in the EV space chatting about broadening lineups for Hyundai, VW, and Jaguar.
Hyundai is gearing up to expand its electric vehicle lineup with the IONIQ 9, a first-of-its-kind three-row electric SUV from the automaker. The IONIQ 9, Hyundai's first three-row electric SUV, follows the success of the IONIQ 5 and 6, with the IONIQ 5 ranking as the sixth top-selling EV in the US last year.Utilizing Hyundai's E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 9 promises exceptional space and performance, possibly offering more rear legroom than luxury competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.Set to start production in the first half of the year, with US sales expected in mid-2025, the IONIQ 9 will be manufactured at Hyundai’s new EV Metaplant in Georgia, aiming to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.The brand is expected to unveil the model in June.Volkswagen, once embroiled in the Dieselgate scandal, is now at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, embarking on its most ambitious product launch to date on its way to a 100% EV future.VW's transformation into an EV powerhouse is marked by the announcement of over 30 new models across its brands, aiming for a record year in 2024."We will invest in our last-generation of ICE vehicles,” which are especially key for hybrids, board member and CFO Arno Antlitz said. Then, he said, “These investments are going to be phased out.”In 2023, the VW Group saw deliveries rise 10% globally with an operating profit of €22.6 billion (about $25 billion.)Jaguar is embracing an all-electric future with plans to exclusively produce electric vehicles by 2025, including luxury SUVs. This bold transition marks the end of the line for its internal combustion engine (ICE) models as Jaguar seeks a fresh start with a trio of new electric vehicles on a brand-new platform.Jaguar will discontinue all current ICE and EV models, including the I-Pace, by 2024 and 3 new electric vehicles, including SUVs, will replace the existing lineup, signaling a major shift towards sustainability and innovation.The introduction of a 600 bhp electric four-seat GT car, comparable to the Porsche Taycan, will kickstart Jaguar's new era, with indicative pricing around $127,000 and a range nearing 400 miles on U.S. EPA methods."The most powerful and impressive Jaguar ever produced" signals the brand's aim to compete in the high-performance electric sedan market against rivals like the Audi e-tron GT.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/
JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email -
Tesla vs Rogue: Guess which one is implementing deep discounts?!
Hump day has arrived yet again and Nissan is again attempting to get over the hump of overproduction. On the EV side of things, Tesla is beginning to crack down on resellers and a couple companies are bringing supercar power to their EV lineup.
Nissan battles a surplus of 2023 Rogue models, turning to dealer incentives to clear inventory as new 2024 Rogues arrive.Nissan currently has over 24,000 unsold 2023 Rogues, and has seen the longest turn (55 days) in comparison to other compact crossovers.Nissan is deploying sales incentive strategies not seen since before the pandemic where dealers can get a $1,000 bonus per 2023 Rogue sold if March sales targets are met.Nissan admits to overestimating demand, now implementing strategies, including long-term financing offers, to mitigate surplus. "We probably were uber-aggressive on what we took in production," says U.S. sales chief Judy Wheeler.Tesla has begun enforcing its no-resale clause on early Cybertruck owners, canceling additional reservations for those attempting to sell their pickups for profit. Tesla has issued a statement and begun canceling reservations for owners selling their Cybertrucks, enforcing a "no resell" clause to prevent flipping for profit.Some Cybertrucks have sold at auction for over $200,000; even Ford purchased one, likely for reverse-engineering.Tesla refunded $100 deposits for canceled reservations but warned it won't do business with sellers in the future.Porsche has set a new lap record at the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway. The Taycan Turbo GT, Porsche's latest electric marvel, eclipsing the previous best time set by a Tesla Model S Plaid.The Turbo GT model’s starting price is $231,995 and is capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.1 seconds with a top speed of 190mph.Porsche CEO Oliver Blume was unable to make it in person for the lap, but watched it on Porsche’s Apple Vision Pro race app.Several days later, the EV also set the top lap at the Nürburgring race course, once again beating the previous best time by a Tesla Model S Plaid.Meanwhile, BYD has unveiled the Yangwang U9, an all-electric supercar that packs a punch with 1,300 horsepower. Priced at $230,000, this marks BYD's bold entry into the high-performance automotive arena.The U9 does 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, thanks to its quad-motor setup, and hits a top speed of 192 mph, and also features an DiSus suspension system which allows it to perform a brief vertical jumpHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/
JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email
Customer Reviews
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 passion, excitement and love for the industry! Valuable 10-20 minutes daily catching up on happening events and news.
10/10 recommend!
Paul and Kyle have truly outdone themselves with their incredible podcast. It's full of engaging conversations, informative content, and insightful discussions about the automotive industry. I can't thank them enough for putting together such an amazing show. Keep up the great work!
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