Auto Collabs
Collaboration through connection.
Hosted by Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier, and Michael Cirillo, Auto Collabs is your connect point to the human side of the retail automotive industry: what motivates its leaders, how they navigate change, and what keeps them pushing forward. It’s beyond-the-business-card conversations with real people powering dealerships, technology platforms, and everything in between.
From the team behind the More Than Cars movement, this podcast is built on one big belief: thriving people create thriving businesses. With candid conversations, industry insight, and just enough unfiltered banter to keep things interesting, Auto Collabs delivers authentic stories that inspire real collaboration.
// Auto Collabs is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com
Auto Collabs
Why This US Senator Is Drawing a Hard Line on China | NY Auto Forum
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At the NY Auto Forum, Senator Bernie Moreno lays out a blunt, high-stakes reality facing the U.S. auto industry. With China’s massive overcapacity, government-backed subsidies, and global expansion strategy, the threat isn’t theoretical—it’s structural. Moreno argues that without decisive action, the Western auto industry risks being undercut at scale, with long-term consequences for jobs, innovation, and economic stability.
This conversation goes beyond policy headlines to unpack what’s already changed—from the removal of EV subsidies and emissions fragmentation to new legislative efforts aimed at blocking Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. market entirely. Moreno makes a clear case: protecting the industry isn’t about protectionism, it’s about survival in the face of a system designed to dominate globally. On the retail side, the discussion shifts to dealer accountability, FTC enforcement, and why cleaning up the last 5% of bad actors may be critical to preserving consumer trust.
It’s a direct look at the forces reshaping the auto industry—from global trade battles to showroom-level transparency—and what needs to happen next.
Timestamped Takeaways
0:00 Intro
0:18 Reflecting on Major Industry Wins (EV mandates, CARB changes)
1:20 The $100B Cost and Missed Innovation Opportunity
2:10 China’s Overcapacity and Global Strategy
3:25 Why the U.S. Must Block Chinese Vehicles
5:10 Economic Stakes: Jobs, GDP, and Industry Survival
6:30 Canada, Mexico, and Global Trade Tensions
8:05 The Push for Western Market Alignment
9:20 Refocusing on Affordability and Innovation
10:15 FTC Enforcement and Dealer Transparency
11:40 Cleaning Up the “Final 5%” of Dealers
13:10 Why Bad Pricing Practices Destroy Trust
14:30 Competing on Customer Experience, Not Deception
15:40 Final Thoughts on Mindset, Leadership, and Longevity
Connect with Senator Bernie Moreno at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-moreno-4251884/
Our coverage of the NY Auto Forum is brought to you Force Marketing. Learn more at https://www.forcemarketing.com/
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