Automotive State of The Union

ASOTU Podcasts
  • 5.0 (30)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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

  1. 3H AGO

    No Eyes, No Techs, No Docs

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1238:  Ford is promising eyes-off driving by 2028. But back in the bays, finding top-tier techs is still a $160K challenge. OpenAI wants to be your new health co-pilot with ChatGPT Health. Show Notes with links:  https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-ces-2026-ford-doug-field-panel-0107/ “Eyes off the road” is Ford’s new promise—and it’s coming sooner than you might expect. Ford announced an “eyes-off” driving system launching in 2028, debuting on its new Universal EV Platform. The platform will support up to 8 affordable EVs, including a $30K midsize pickup. AI assistant coming to the Ford and Lincoln app in 2026 and vehicles like Expedition and Navigator in 2027. Ford is vertically integrating hardware and software to reduce driver-assist system costs by 30%. “Too many companies have outsourced the whole soul of their machines…we chose a more difficult task,” said Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, Digital, and Design Officer. https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/the-160-000-mechanic-job-that-ford-cant-fill-fe6fd121?mod=autos_news_article_pos3 Let’s talk about the $160K Ford Mechanic Job No One Wants. Ford has 5,000 open service bay jobs, some paying over $120K. But techs say the path to get there is grueling and costly—with few making it to the top. Ted Hummel, a Senior Master Tech in Ohio, made $160K in 2025—but it took over a decade to reach. Entry-level techs often start under $10/hr and must invest tens of thousands in tools and training. The “flat rate” pay system rewards speed, not hours worked—but also means zero pay when work is slow. Physical strain is intense; many leave the profession due to injury before reaching top pay. “A bay with a lift and tools and no one to work in it,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley, calling it a nationwide crisis. https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/ ChatGPT Enters the Health Chat: OpenAI is rolling out ChatGPT Health, a new experience designed to help users navigate health information more confidently—by connecting medical records and wellness apps securely to AI. Over 230 million people use ChatGPT weekly for health and wellness questions. The Health experience is separate from general ChatGPT chats, with extra layers of privacy and encryption. Users can link data from apps like Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, and Function for more personalized advice. Medical info stays isolated within Health and is not used for training models. Built with input from 260+ physicians, it’s designed to support, not replace, clinical care. “It helps you understand patterns over time—not just moments of illness,” OpenAI said in the announcement. 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/

    13 min

  2. 1D AGO

    AI Showdown, Sedan Comeback, and ChatGPT’s Legal Curveball

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1237: Today we’re talking about BMW and Mercedes battling it out at CES with next-gen AI, a surprising sedan surge in the used market, and how ChatGPT is causing headaches for doctors and lawyers alike. Show Notes with links: https://lnkd.in/dNJMNGBk Two German giants are trading blows in Las Vegas. CES has become a high-tech battleground for BMW and Mercedes-Benz as they push the envelope on AI and digital experiences in their latest vehicles. BMW is the first automaker to integrate Amazon's Alexa+ AI into its Intelligent Personal Assistant. Launching with the BMW iX3 in 2026, the assistant offers conversational voice interactions and can handle multiple queries at once. Users can link Amazon accounts to access streaming and news directly through the assistant. The AI is central to BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform, with CES once again serving as its innovation stage. “The vehicle becomes an intelligent companion for its users,” said Stephan Durach, SVP at BMW Group. https://lnkd.in/eb_v_mY6 Are sedans back in style? Pickup trucks still rule the used car market, but a surprising sedan surge and shifting EV dynamics brought a few fresh twists to 2025’s top sellers. The Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500 held onto the top three spots. Chevy Malibu shot up from No. 29 to No. 8, likely due to rental fleet sell-offs after GM ended production. Toyota Corolla cracked the top 10 at No. 9; Equinox and Camry stayed strong. Tesla continues to dominate used EV sales, with Model 3 and Model Y leading. VW ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 made big jumps, while the Chevy Bolt slid to No. 7. “The rankings show minimal variations from 2024, though the dominance of full-size trucks is shrinking,” said iSeeCars analyst Karl Brauer. https://lnkd.in/eWeNSd7a ChatGPT Is the New WebMD, And It’s Driving Experts Crazy. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming the go-to for legal and medical questions, giving everyone a second opinion—but not always the right one. AI is now widely used for symptom checking, legal strategy, and even therapy prep. One in three Americans consult AI weekly for health advice; 57% use it or would for legal issues. Professionals report clients showing up with AI-generated legal gameplans or diagnoses—often filled with emojis. AI’s authority and 24/7 availability make it feel more trustworthy and convenient than waiting weeks for an expert. “We have to dispel the information clients were able to obtain vs what is actually going on and kind of work backwards,” said New Jersey attorney Jamie Berger. 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/

    11 min

  3. 2D AGO

    Afeela SUV Surprise, Hyundai’s Robot Army, EV Fire At A Gas Pump

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1236: We’re continuing our coverage of CES with headlines on Hyundai’s humanoid robot plans and Sony Honda’s SUV twist on the Afeela. Plus, a dramatic EV fire at a gas station is stopped cold by some simple, new tech. https://www.autonews.com/technology/an-ces-2026-hyundai-robotics-strategy-0105/ Hyundai is jumping headfirst into the humanoid robot race, revealing a bold new plan to deploy thousands of AI-driven robots at its factories, starting with its Georgia Metaplant.  The timeline? Hyundai aims to produce 30,000 Atlas humanoid robots per year by 2028. The robots will begin by handling parts-sequencing tasks at the Georgia plant. Developed by Boston Dynamics, Atlas can lift 110 pounds and is built for rugged environments. Hyundai’s roadmap includes complex assembly work by 2030, supported by AI from Nvidia and Google DeepMind. “Robotics brings many different domains of machine learning together… That makes robotics a frontier application of AI,” said Carolina Parada of Google DeepMind. https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/sony-honda-mobilitys-afeela-prototype-2026-puts-an-suv-spin-on-its-too-familiar-sedan-at-ces-043927882.html Sony Honda Mobility is back at CES with another Afeela concept — this time, it’s an SUV. The new Afeela Prototype 2026 offers familiar styling with a taller twist, signaling the joint venture’s attempt to better cater to American preferences. The SUV prototype mimics the Afeela 1 sedan, complete with nose-mounted LCD. Targeted release is “as early as 2028,” though 2029 is more likely. Meanwhile, the Afeela 1 sedan is still set to launch at the end of 2026 — but only in California. Starting at $90K, the sedan offers 300 miles of range and promises future Level 4 autonomy yet only charges at 150 kwh…half of what most Teslas and Hyundai’s can do “You could drive in Gran Turismo 7 while your car drove you to work,” Sony Honda Mobility teased. https://www.jalopnik.com/2068144/firefighters-blanket-turtle-ev-fire/ In an ironic turn, an EV caught fire at a gas station . Thanks to quick-thinking cops and some seriously clever firefighting tech, it didn’t turn into a Hollywood-style explosion. This near-disaster in Minnesota gave emergency responders a chance to flex some new tools built just for EV fires A burning Kia EV6 was parked at a gas pump — yes, a gas pump. First, Police used cruisers to push the smoking EV away from the pump to a safe location. Then, firefighters used a giant fire blanket to control vapors and smoke. Finally, they also deployed the “Turtle” — a shell-shaped water cannon developed by Jersey City Fire Captain Howard "Buddy" Hayes after he discovered the shortcomings of his department's existing equipment in battling EV fires. The Turtle pumps 500 gallons per minute to cool EV battery packs from underneath avoiding ‘thermal runaway’ that looks more like those crazy EV fires you’ve seen 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/

    12 min

  4. 3D AGO

    AI Takes the Wheel, Dealer Trust Shifts, Retail Isn’t Dead

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1235: Welcome to the first news show of the new year! CES puts autonomy and AI front and center as EV plans cool. Dealer sentiment improves—but trust gaps threaten CDJR and Nissan valuations. And despite years of doom-and-gloom, physical retail dominates holiday spending, with AI quietly reshaping how consumers shop across every channel. Show Notes with links: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/self-driving-tech-ai-take-center-stage-ces-automakers-dial-back-ev-plans-2026-01-05/ As EV hype cools down, CES 2026 is turning the spotlight toward AI and autonomy. With EV rollouts slowing due to cost and policy, automakers are looking to autonomous tech as the next frontier. Automakers pull back EV launches amid weaker policy support. AI and autonomous systems dominate CES 2026 exhibits. Tesla and Waymo's recent moves have reignited AV momentum. Rivian teases “eyes-off” driving for city streets. “That connectivity on autonomous, I do think will be front and center,” said C.J. Finn of PwC. https://www.autonews.com/retail/an-kerrigan-dealership-2026-trust-valuation-0104/ The latest Kerrigan Advisors survey shows dealer optimism growing—but not for every brand. CDJR, Nissan, and Infiniti topped the least-trusted list, with many dealers expecting declining valuations for these franchises in 2026. 64% of dealers have no trust in CDJR and Nissan; 61% distrust Infiniti. Dealers anticipate Toyota, Lexus, and Kia stores will gain the most value. Chevrolet sees a reputation bump, with higher dealer trust and value outlook. CDJR showed the biggest improvement in valuation sentiment year-over-year. “Dealers that trust the franchise are going to invest in the franchise,” said Erin Kerrigan. https://retailwire.com/discussion/lessons-physical-retail-holiday-season/ Despite endless headlines forecasting its decline, physical retail flexed its muscles this holiday season—capturing 73% of spend, according to Visa’s latest data. But the real story may be the rise of AI and its impact on how we shop. Total holiday spend rose 4.2% YoY; real growth closer to 2.2% after inflation. Physical stores dominated spend, though e-commerce grew 7.8%. Consumer electronics and fashion led category growth. AI drove smarter shopping—price comparisons, discovery, and decision-making. “This led to a more informed, more intentional consumer,” said Visa’s Wayne Best. 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/

    14 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Damon Lester on The Reality of Mental Health | 2026 Strategy Sessions

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1234: Kicking off 2026, Paul and Kyle welcome Damon Lester for a deeply personal conversation about burnout, mental health, and leadership in retail auto. Damon opens up about his own breaking point—and why hustle culture may be costing the industry more than it realizes. Damon Lester shares how nonstop pressure from dealerships, associations, family, and personal loss led to burnout and a mental health crisis he could no longer outrun.The industry’s obsession with perfection and constant performance leaves little room for leaders to grieve, rest, or admit they’re struggling—often with dangerous consequences.Damon reframes leadership through the idea of “taking the cape off,” rejecting the superhero myth that leaders never sleep, stop, or need help.Practical boundaries matter. Something as small as limiting phone access, removing devices from the dinner table, or protecting personal energy can begin the healing process.The takeaway for 2026: leaders are human first. Titles, numbers, and stages come second—and sustainable leadership starts with honesty and breath.0:00 Intro with Paul Daly & Kyle Mountsier 3:36 Damon Lester joins the show 4:15 What led to Damon’s burnout and mental crash 7:27 Why perfection culture is so damaging 8:22 What “taking the cape off” really means 12:03 Small boundaries leaders can start with 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/

    17 min

  6. JAN 1

    The 2025 Year In Review Show, Paul and Kyle’s 2026 Predictions

    Shoot us a Text. Have insights into how 2025 went or how 2026 is shaping up? Let us know by sending an email to crew@asotu.com and maybe we'll respond on this show! Episode #1233: Happy New Year! Today we’re celebrating by looking back on the biggest themes that dominated the retail auto landscape in 2025, and prognosticating the future by looking at the big things we think the industry will face in 2026. Top 10 Themes of 2025 #10 – Gen Z Disrupts Expectations They demand transparency, flexibility, and quick accountability. #9 – Service Became the MVP Fixed ops carried the weight during sales slowdowns. #8 – China Asserts Dominance Chinese automakers scale massively with vertical integration. #7 – Autonomy Advances (Cautiously) Waymo plays it safe; Tesla pushes limits. #6 – AI Did the Mundane (And Everyone Loved It) No revolutions—just reliable lead follow-ups and call answering. #5 – Tech ≠ Efficiency More dashboards didn’t fix poor processes. #4 – Used Cars Were the Rock More affordable and practical than new. #3 – Hybrids Became the Compromise Consumers leaned toward electric and gas. #2 – EVs Didn't Die, They Rerouted Slowed demand post-tax incentives forced OEM rethink. #1 – Affordability Dominated Everything Record-high monthly payments scared off buyers. 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/

    22 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    Steve Greenfield on Tech Adoption and Efficiency | 2026 Strategy Sessions

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1231: We close the year with the smartest auto industry analyst in the game. Paul and Kyle bring on Steve Greenfield to make sense of a fast-moving 2025 and what dealers should really prepare for in 2026. From tariffs to AI-driven efficiency, this is a clear-eyed look at what’s coming and what’s controllable. Greenfield says the biggest unresolved story from 2025 is tariffs. Automakers absorbed the pain last year, but that likely changes in 2026 with pressure flowing to MSRPs or dealer margins.Despite political, economic, and affordability headwinds, the auto industry proved once again how resilient it is. Consumers kept buying, and dealers kept selling.Front-end grosses are already back to pre-COVID realities for many brands, making F&I performance, cost discipline, and fixed ops efficiency more critical than ever.AI isn’t about buzzwords—it’s about efficiency. Dealers should start with the metrics they want to move, then choose technology that directly supports those goals.For dealers and vendors alike, having a clear, practical AI strategy is no longer optional. Investors, partners, and customers all expect it.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/

    14 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Brian Kramer on Used Cars and AI Honesty | 2026 Strategy Sessions

    Shoot us a Text. Episode #1231: Paul sits down with Cars Commerce’s Brian Kramer to break down how 2025 is ending and what dealers should expect in Q1 2026. The big themes: used car supply shifts, EV-heavy off-lease inventory, and why clarity beats cleverness heading into next year. Used car supply is finally climbing out of a multi-year trough, but it won’t look like the past. The next wave of inventory is coming largely from leases signed during COVID-era production constraints.EVs will make up a bigger share of used inventory whether dealers “lean in” or not, driven by EV-heavy lease returns and rental fleet activity. Dealers won’t really have a choice.Winning dealers are shifting focus from “look to book” to appraisal volume. If you sell 100 cars, you should be appraising closer to 200—automation is no longer optional.AI search engines are already fact-checking dealer websites against reviews, Reddit, and third-party content. Multiple CTAs, overpromises, or messy workflows can quietly tank visibility.Kramer sums it up with one word for 2026: clarity. Simple workflows, fewer claims, and actually delivering on what you promise online is now a competitive advantage0:00 Intro with Paul Daly 2:07 Brian Kramer joins the show 4:02 How used car supply finished 2025 5:05 Why EVs will dominate off-lease inventory 6:50 What winning dealers are doing differently 9:22 How AI search is changing dealer visibility 11:43 Why clarity is the defining theme for 2026 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/

    16 min
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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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