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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.
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
Episodes
1043 episodes
LIVE from ASOTU CON 25, VW Uber Tag Team, TikTok Selling Cars
Episode #1043: We’re coming to you live from ASOTU CON 25! Today we’re diving into Volkswagen and Uber’s plan to launch ID. Buzz robotaxis by 2026, TikTok’s surprising power in driving car sales, and what it all means for the future of mobility...
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10:35
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Where Did the ASOTU Crew go?
Today Paul is the last man standing in the studio as the entire crew is on their way to ASOTU CON 2025. He sets the stage of what to expect over the next week and tells you how to be a part of the event even if you can't be there this year.&nbs...
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5:35
US-UK Trade Deal Announced, CA Sues Over Charger Funding, ID. Buzz Backseat Too Big
Episode #1040: Today we’re diving into a transatlantic tariff feud shaking up the luxury auto sector, a multistate lawsuit over EV charging funds, and why VW’s nostalgic ID. Buzz just got benched. A new U.S.–U.K. trade deal tha...
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15:40
Carvana’s Record Quarter, Ford Raises Prices, AI Search Over Google
Episode #1039: Today we’re talking about Carvana's record-setting quarter and bold new goal, Ford’s strategic price hikes post-tariffs, and why Google’s stock took a beating after an Apple exec dropped a courtroom AI bomb.Show...
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11:16
M&A Activity To Increase, Hyundai Simplifies Charging, Back-To-School Tariff Sale
Episode #1038: Today we’re talking about the expected surge in auto dealership M&A activity, Hyundai’s latest software update that simplifies EV charging across major networks, and Tanger’s decision to launch its back-to-school campaign ear...
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13:01
Ford Slashes Guidance, EVs Grow In Q1, Waymo Plans For Expansion
Episode #1037: Today we break down Ford’s Q1 fallout as tariffs cast a $1.5B shadow, electrified vehicles surge to nearly 25% of new-car sales led by hybrids and non-Tesla EVs, and Waymo revs up its driverless ambitions with a new Arizona mega-...
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12:37
Warren Buffett Surprise Retirement, Tesla and LiveWire Struggles in Q1
Episode #1036: Warren Buffett shocks investors with a surprise retirement announcement, Tesla sweetens the Model Y deal to boost lagging demand, and Harley’s LiveWire hits a wall while the legacy brand keeps the engine running. ...
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14:51
We Try To Describe What It Feels Like To Give Away A Car
On this Saturday that's getting closer and closer to ASOTU CON, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to discuss the upcoming 3(!) car giveaways at ASOTU CON this year.Want to be a part of the action? Join us:
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9:13
CA Dealers Target Sony Honda Mobility, Rivian Launches Ad Campaign, Free Burritos For A Cause
Episode #1034: Today we dive into a legal showdown brewing in California over Afeela’s sales strategy, Rivian’s new campaign powered by real owners, and Chipotle’s massive burrito giveaway honoring teachers and nurses.Show Not...
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14:41
April Sales Records, Ford Cancels Electrical Architecture, Shoppers Hesitant On AI
Episode #1033: Today we’re talking Hyundai and Kia’s red-hot April sales streak, Ford’s surprise retreat from a major software project, and why most consumers still aren’t sold on AI or social shopping tools.Show Notes with li...
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16:23
The Tariff Offset Explained, GM Recalls V8s, $50K Surprise for the Kids
Episode #1032: Today we break down Trump’s new tariff offsets for U.S. automakers, GM’s massive recall of its flagship V-8, and a heartwarming $50K donation from West Herr’s CEO to support local youth.Show Notes with links:
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15:53
Trump Tariff Relief?, GM Argues Driving Data is Public, Boring Online Shopping
Episode #1031: Today we’re talking about Trump’s possible easing of auto tariffs ahead of a Michigan trip, GM’s courtroom defense over driver data privacy, and why e-commerce might be losing its edge as shoppers crave more fun and surprise....
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23:18
Shifting Auto Production Not Easy, Ghosn Teaches Leadership, Amazon’s 3rd Party Purchases
Episode #1030: Today we’re talking about the real hurdles to moving auto production stateside, catching up with Carlos Ghosn’s new life as a leadership coach (and fugitive), and Amazon’s surprising new experiment that lets shoppers stray beyond...
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15:16
Driving Off-Road Trucks To Make Wishes Come True
On this Saturday, Chris Reeves bring Daniel Govaer to the show with him to talk about how Leif Johnson in Texas brought together off-road truck owners - Raptors, Broncos and Rangers - to take part in an off-road rally to benefit Make-A-Wish.
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15:57
VinFast Goes Full Franchise, Slate Reveals $20K EV
Episode #1028: Today we talk about VinFast ditching direct sales for a full franchise model, Slate launching a no-frills EV pickup that’s shaking things up under $20K, and the growing movement toward skills-based hiring over college degrees.
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9:27
Lithia Ready For Tariffs, Carvana Expand Recon Ops, Chipotle Forced Smiles
Episode #1027: Lithia leans into affordability while breaking records despite tariffs. Carvana boosts its reconditioning game in Colorado. And Chipotle turns up the charm, teaching 3,800 teams to smile their way to better hospitality.
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13:16
Dealers Sue Scout, Musk Refocuses on Tesla, AI Meets Retail
Episode #1026: California dealers are taking legal action against Scout Motors over its direct-sales model. Elon Musk plans to scale back his government role amid Tesla’s slumping sales. And new code reveals OpenAI may soon integrate Shopify di...
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15:21
Nissan’s Tariff Plan, Working Man’s Cybertruck, Cybercriminals Mimic Google
Episode #1025: We cover Nissan’s plan to hold vehicle prices through early June and increase U.S. production in response to tariffs. Plus we examine Tesla’s strategic repositioning of the Cybertruck and how cybercriminals are creating a realist...
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14:31
Top 100 Used Dealers, Tesla Delays Affordability, Sam’s Club Scan and Go
Episode #1025: Today we’re talking about how the Top 100 used-car dealers are adapting to a tougher wholesale market, why Tesla is hitting pause on its most affordable Model Y plans yet and what Sam’s Club is doing with checkout....
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17:39
Easterns Auto Group Fosters Inclusive Social Opportunities In Their Community
Today on the show, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins Kyle and Nathan to talk about their Easter plans, and then Chris talk about how Easterns Auto Group partnered with DC Peers, a volunteer-led social group for neurodiverse people and grew into a ...
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8:16
Tariffs Dominate NY Auto Show, US-Made RAV4s?, Police E-Motorcycles
Episode #1023: From tariff talk taking over the New York Auto Show to Toyota rethinking RAV4 production, and LiveWire’s electric leap into law enforcement—we've got you covered.Show Notes with links:Automaker...
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11:13
Special Edition: Interviews Live From The NY Auto Forum
Episode #1021: We hit the ground at the NY Auto Forum to catch up with the voices shaping the retail auto landscape, featuring interviews with Mike Stanton, John Bozzella, Stewart Stropp, Tom Castriota, Alan Haig and Bernie Moreno. From EV and ...
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28:24
6th Highest March in Almost 50 Years, Retail Follows Auto Industry
Episode #1020: We’re breaking down retail sales insights for March (not just auto) driven by pre-tariff buying sprees as we dive into data from Cars Commerce’s latest Q1 report. We also talk about a household brand that helps people build thing...
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16:06
Senator Bernie Moreno Shares Tips For Dealers To Navigate Tariffs
Episode #1019: On a special edition of the Automotive State of the Union, Paul and Kyle are joined by Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, the first and only auto dealer in the senate.Senator Moreno had just finished presenting on the stage at...
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4:23