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Automotive State of The Union
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.
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Automotive State of The Union
Quick Lubes Beating Dealers, EVs Hold Their Range, US Consumers Want Chinese EVs
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Episode #1327: Dealers lose service share to quick lubes, EVs prove stronger range retention, and Chinese vehicles gain global credibility at the Beijing Auto Show.
- Dealership service lanes are losing ground as quick lube shops quietly gain share in 2025. New data shows fewer transactions and shrinking revenue for dealers, with pricing strategy emerging as the key battleground in keeping service customers loyal.
- The study analyzes credit and debit transactions across all service channels including dealerships, independents, quick lubes, and tire chains.
- Overall service transaction dollars fell 8.3 percent, but dealers declined faster at 11 percent.
- Dealership service transactions dropped 13 percent year over year, the steepest decline among all segments tracked.
- Quick lube shops gained market share while raising prices more slowly than dealerships, attracting cost-conscious customers.
- Even with free OEM-paid maintenance, dealers are struggling to retain customers in the critical first two years of ownership.
- “The quick lubes are what everybody should be worried about,” said Ducker Carlisle’s Nate Chenenko.
- Electric vehicle range isn’t fading the way many buyers fear. New data from over a billion miles of driving shows modern EVs are holding onto their range far better than expected, thanks to both improving battery tech and smarter software.
- Recurrent data shows EVs retain about 97% of range after three years and 95% after five years of ownership.
- The study is based on real-world driving data, factoring in climate, usage, and battery age, not just EPA estimates.
- About 68% of 2023 model-year EVs are still exceeding their original EPA range today.
- Automakers are offsetting degradation with OTA updates and built-in battery buffers that unlock over time.
- At the Beijing Auto Show, American YouTuber Ethan Robertson of Wheelsboy is giving global audiences a firsthand look at Chinese EVs, helping shift perception from “cheap copycats” to serious innovation leaders.
- Robertson led international visitors through the Beijing Auto Show, showcasing China’s latest EVs and tech-forward designs.
- Perception has shifted dramatically, with Chinese brands now recognized for advances in batteries, software, and charging.
- Attendees highlighted futuristic interiors and features, calling the vehicles a “new generation” of driving experience.
- Competitive pricing remains a major disruptor, with fully loaded EVs around $30,000 undercutting U.S. options.
- “Our comment section is full of people saying, ‘I can’t believe the government won’t allow them to sell this car in my country,’” said Robertson.
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.
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