The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier ASOTU Podcasts

Shoot us a Text.
We're excited because ASOTU CON is only 2 days away! Today, Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada take over the show to cover what to expect beyond the sessions and content. They're joined by Head of Community Jordan Cox and Director of Events and Entertainment Al Cutri. They cover the receptions and happy hours, the ASOTU CON Recharge Lounge, a book corner and more!

We hope to see you in Baltimore!
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

Shoot us a Text.
Four days away from ASOTU CON we’re talking about Nissan’s move to push Dealers to advertise below invoice. We also talk about the growing percentage of F150 Hybrids being sold, as well as the very first passenger test of an eVTOL in Abu Dhabi.
As a triple digit days supply grows, Nissan is taking an unprecedented step to clear overflowing inventories by allowing dealers to advertise 2024 vehicles up to 10% below invoice, a first since the pandemic, with the Armada being advertised as low as 15% below.Dealers however, are concerned, feeling the burden of moving the vehicles has been shifted from Nissan to them, as Nisaan pulls back on direct incentives."Nissan is saying, 'We can't afford to be in the market, so you need to be,' " said one of several retailers interviewed, who requested not to be identified for fear of retaliation from the automaker. "The responsibility has been moved from the factory to us."With high floorplan costs, some dealers welcome the opportunity for more pricing flexibility to increase store traffic and reduce inventory.This aggressive pricing strategy could hurt Nissan's brand value long-term, mirroring problematic practices from the last decade.Many plan to use below-invoice pricing selectively, boosting profitability through finance, insurance deals, and upselling on features."This move provides more flexibility when warranted," says Nissan spokesperson Brian Brockman, highlighting the company's adaptive strategy to current market conditions.

Ford is significantly increasing its production of hybrid vehicles, with CEO Jim Farley announcing that 20-25% of F-150 pickups are now hybrids. Following a freshening of the F-150 lineup, Ford aims to make the model the nation's top-selling hybrid. Hybrid sales overall have risen 47% in early 2024.Farley emphasized the importance of offering customers a choice between gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles, acknowledging slower-than-expected EV adoption.Ford is exploring advanced battery technologies like semisolid-state batteries, promising enhancements in the mid-2020s.Despite postponing some EV investments, Ford remains committed to electrification, with Bill Ford expressing continued enthusiasm for the segment.Further emphasizing their position, CEO Jim Farley said,"Our key strategy as a company is to give customers choice." 


eVTOL maker EHang recently made aviation history by completing the world's first passenger-carrying demo flight of its EH216-S eVTOL in Abu DhabiThe EH216-S, the first certified pilotless eVTOL to carry passengers, demonstrated its capabilities in front of distinguished guests, including Emirati royals and civil aviation authorities. He said, "Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating," 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

Shoot us a Text.
Five days out from ASOTU CON we’re talking about Ford’s re-think of EV strategy in Europe of all places. We also talk about Tesla’s advantage in bi-directional charging, as well as an homage to an iconic mid-sized grocery getter. 


Show Notes with links:
Earlier in the week it was the Lincoln brand and now Ford is pumping the brakes on its all-electric pledge for Europe by 2030, adjusting to the slower-than-expected uptake of EVs across the continent.Ford originally committed in 2021 to sell only electric cars in Europe by 2030, outpacing EU emissions goals. Now, they might extend sales of ICE vehicles if demand persists as the company reports a "softer" demand for EVs than anticipated, prompting a reevaluation of their strategyTo this point, Ford has invested $2 billion in converting its Cologne, France factory for electric vehicle production, with new electric models set to launch soon.In response to the U.K.'s strict ZEV mandate, Ford plans to limit ICE vehicle sales rather than incur losses on forced electric sales.Martin Sander, head of Ford's passenger cars business in Europe said, "We are not going to pay penalties. We are not going to sell electric vehicles at huge losses just to buy compliance."


Tesla is enhancing its competitive edge with a new bi-directional charging technology, setting the stage for significant advancements in its energy business.Tesla is introducing bi-directional charging with the Cybertruck, offering this technology at significantly lower prices compared to competitors like GM.The company is showcasing higher profitability in its energy sector than in automotive, with expectations to boost energy storage deployments by at least 75% this year.Utilizing its Autobidder platform, Tesla is optimizing energy usage across its products, potentially transforming every car into a mini power station.However, Tesla's bi-directional charging could disrupt its own Powerwall sales, as the technology allows vehicles to supply power back to the grid.Quote from Vaibhav Taneja, CFO of Tesla: "We are aiming to exploit the significant storage capacity with an expected increase in energy storage deployments by at least 75% this year."

We’re ending the show today with a fond farewell to a vehicle that started off as cool and muscle-ly but then developed a utilitarian dad-bod as GM is bidding farewell to the Chevy Malibu after six decades in it’s shift to focus on EVs.GM is ceasing production of the Chevy Malibu in November, making way for a significant investment in the Chevrolet Bolt EV at its Kansas City plant.The automaker has sold over 10 million Malibu cars globallyThe Malibu's departure marks the end of an era, leaving the Corvette as the last gas-powered Chevrolet car, following the discontinuation of the Camaro in 2024.GM simply said "We are making room for approximately $390 million investment in an updatHosts: 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

Shoot us a Text.
We’re 6 days from the start of ASOTU CON and we’re talking about Toyota’s plateau plans to invest all of that profit. We’re also covering Tesla’s ‘pay to unlock range’ on some Model Y’s as well as GMs efforts to recruit displaced Tesla interns. 


Show Notes with links:
Toyota's CEO Koji Sato is celebrating a triumphant first year with record-breaking profits, setting the stage for massive investments in future technologies.The company’s operating profit soared 77% this quarter, with plans to re-invest $11.24 billion into electrification, AI, and software advancements and $2.6B in shoring up their supply chain. This investment is the cause for Toyota’s forecasting a dip in profits for the fiscal year ending March 2025, prioritizing sustainable long-term growth.Toyota achieved a stellar 10% operating profit margin this quarter, with global revenue up 14% to $73.17 billion with sales of Toyota’s hybrids, which are as profitable as gasoline models, spiked by 32%, with hybrids now making up a third of global sales.CEO Koji Sato stated "We need this time of plateau for our long-term future growth. We would like to make proactive efforts for future sustainable growth."


Tesla has introduced a "pay-to-unlock" feature for RWD Model Y owners, offering up to 60 additional miles. The update aligns older Model Ys with the new 320-mile range of current models, addressing slow sales in the first quarter.Tesla sets the price to unlock additional range on RWD Model Y vehicles between $1,500 and $2,000, targeting recently built models.Vehicles eligible for the upgrade are those made in the last few months with the same nickel batteries and charging curves as the Long Range Model Y.While beneficial for long trips, the cost-effectiveness of the upgrade is less clear for city drivers due to the high price.When explaining the strategy behind the new feature amidst regulatory challenges, Elon Musk candidly quipped "We have to pay the bills somehow." 

GM seems to be seizing an opportunity amid Tesla's staff cuts, actively recruiting interns displaced by Tesla's recent downsizing efforts, offering roles in software development as part of its strategic talent acquisition.Laura del Amo from GM extended an invite via LinkedIn to those affected by Tesla's internship program cuts.Del Amo stated "We believe in the strength of our automotive community and are keen to integrate diverse talents into our team.”GM has a history of hiring former Tesla executives specifically to enhance its expertise in battery and manufacturing operations.Despite the aggressive recruitment strategy, official comments from GM and Laura del Amo remain pending.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

Shoot us a Text.
It’s Tuesday and we’re just getting started as we talk about a new entrant to the autonomy game. We also cover Rivian’s new charging network plans as well as a rumored potential partnership with Apple. 


Show Notes with links:
Wayve Technologies, a pioneering self-driving car startup, has secured over $1 billion in investment to enhance AI-based autonomous driving solutions for the automotive industry.The impressive funding round includes major players like SoftBank, Nvidia, and Microsoft, aiming to boost AI capabilities in vehicles.The funds will fuel Wayve’s global expansion, enhance data diversity, and strengthen partnerships, pushing the frontier of driving automation.Wayve's unique 'embodied AI' allows cars to understand and learn from human behavior, improving interaction and safety in unpredictable driving conditions.SoftBank's Kentaro Matsui said,"Vehicles can now interpret their surroundings like humans, enabling enhanced decision-making that promises higher safety standards,"U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised the investment, underscoring Britain's growing influence in the global AI industry.Rivian has announced a next-gen charging network prototype designed to service all EVs, positioning itself as a key player in expanding EV infrastructure.The new charging stations feature a taller profile and longer cables, accommodating various EV charging port locations, including vehicles with NACS ports using adaptors.Rivian does plan to integrate the new SAE J3400 universal NACS ports into their network.The Rivian Adventure Network will extend its reach, supporting EVs with both 400- and 800-volt systems along key travel routes.Paul Frey, VP of Battery, Charging, and Adventure Products said, "By broadening access to our Rivian Adventure Network — powered by 100% renewable energy — we are supporting both of these critical goals while also encouraging more people to embark on their next adventure in an EV." Rivian is set to begin retrofitting existing locations with the new chargers later this year, including special versions for vehicles towing trailers.Now this is a little more on the side of a "rumor" at this point, but Apple may not have shelved its electric vehicle dreams entirely, with new whispers suggesting a potential partnership with Rivian.After halting its own Project Titan, Apple is reportedly exploring collaboration with a U.S. EV startup, with Rivian named as a possible partner.Sources close to the supply chain hint at Apple’s interest in leveraging its decade of EV and autonomous driving research in partnership, rather than going it alone.Such a collaboration could infuse Rivian with crucial capital as it gears up to enhance production of its new EV models.The details of what this partnership might entail remain vague, feeding into the speculative nature of the report from DigiTimes.There is no doubt that the implications for both companiHosts: 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

Shoot us a Text.
Welcome to a fresh week as we review the new report that talks about which groups are responding to leads well. We also talk about Cadillac’s rethink of its all-EV pivot by 2030, as well as a new, all weather, all terrain, scooter for Seniors and beyond.



Napleton Auto Group has secured the top spot for the third consecutive year in the 2024 Pied Piper PSI® Internet Lead Effectiveness® Study, leading the way in responding to online customer inquiries. Berkshire Hathaway ranked second, Herb Chambers and Ken Garff tied for third.sThe study ranked eighteen major auto dealer groups, evaluating their responses to web-generated customer inquiries via email, phone, and text within 24 hours.Fran O’Hagan, CEO of Pied Piper says, "Top performing dealerships focus on their behaviors, but they also carefully track what their website customers are really experiencing."Napleton excelled, with 84% of its dealerships scoring above 80, highlighting their efficient and personal customer engagement.The industry average ILE score rose to 66 (from 58 in 2023 and 55 in 2022) reflecting improvements in quick and multi-channel responses to online inquiries.Ganley Automotive showed the most improvement YoY at 21% moving from 61-74 while, Serra Automotive, and Berkshire Hathaway also showed notable improvements. The four groups that saw declines are Hendrick(-5), Penske(-8), Morgan(-10), and Victory (-15)Cadillac is rethinking its all-electric future, despite earlier commitments to an all-EV lineup by 2030 as the brand is now planning to keep gas vehicles in its range to meet diverse customer demands.Cadillac's VP, John Roth, announced last week that both electric and internal combustion engines will coexist beyond 2030, offering "luxury of choice" to consumers.The company's earlier stance of going fully electric by the decade's end has shifted, influenced by slower-than-expected EV market growth and consumer preferences.In 2020, Cadillac pushed dealers to invest heavily in EV infrastructure; about 20% opted for buyouts rather than comply.You've seen electric cars, you’ve seen fully covered electric motorbikes, you've seen.. whatever the Cybertruck is... Now! Get ready to see the future of the retirement community. Avvenire has introduced the Tectus AWD Electric Mobility Scooter, specifically designed for seniorsFeaturing dual-motor all-wheel drive for top performance in any weather or terrain, the Tectus also offers an enclosed cabin with modern comforts such as AC, heating, a backup camera, and GPS.It stands out with wireless charging and versatile cargo options in the rapidly growing $7.2 billion mobility scooter market.From the ASOTU Daily Push Back Email: “While we’re looking for untapped markets have we considered making a real Mario Kart? Sell electric go-karts, put rejected weapon ideHosts: 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