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
- Update frequency
- every day
- Average duration
- 14 minutes
- Episodes
- 1140
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
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 al…
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.
Senat…
Live From NYC at the JD Power Auto Forum - Trump Considers Parts Tariff Pause
Paul, Kyle, Michael, and Nathan woke up at 4am so they could be in NYC by breakfast to begin the day of coverage at the JD Power Auto Forum in Manhattan. They’ll be talking to industr…
Jeff Bezos’ Secret EV Startup, Polestar Conquests Tesla, GM Pauses BrightDrop Production
Episode #1017: Today we talk Polestar’s bold Tesla takedown with a $20K lease play, Jeff Bezos’ stealthy new EV startup with big aspirations, and GM’s pause on BrightDrop van producti…
Why Subaru Is The Best at Giving Back
Today, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to deliver hot takes on chicken, Thanksgiving and traditions, then pivots to talk about the Subaru Share The Love campaign and how Subar…
Tariff Fears Cause 150K Sales In March, Tesla and China, How to Develop Frontline Workers
Episode #1015: Today we’re diving into how global tensions are reshaping Tesla’s China strategy, why car buyers rushed showrooms ahead of auto tariffs, and why Harvard says better men…
No Relief for Auto Tariffs, Record 84-Month Loans, Customer Service Woes
Episode #1014: Today, we’re covering President Trump’s pause on reciprocal tariffs leaves auto imports still facing steep duties, while a record number of buyers turn to 84-month loan…
Auto Repairs About To Increase, EV Ranges By Month, What The Public Really Thinks About AI
Episode #1013: We cover the impact of upcoming tariffs on auto repair and insurance costs, seasonal shifts in EV range, and a new Pew survey revealing a major divide between AI expert…
Lithia Targets Service and Parts, Dealers Invest In Tech Funds, You Can’t Trade-In A Cybertruck
Episode #1012: Today we’re talking about Lithia Motors’ internal challenge to boost service growth, FM Capital’s $240M bet on auto tech startups—with strong dealer backing, and the mo…
OEM Tariff Plans, Toyota Eyes EVs, Gen Z Ditches Credit Cards
Episode #1011: Today we’re breaking down the early fallout from sweeping auto tariffs, Toyota’s recalibrated EV strategy, and why Gen Z is ghosting credit cards.
Show Notes with links:
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Scott Bieler’s Vision Comes to Life at Villa Maria College
Episode #1010: Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to not talk about tariiffs. Instead, we talk about stage names and the impact that dealers are making in their communities.
What …
Panic Buying/Selling: What Should My Inventory Level Be? w/ guest COO of Matthews Auto Group Vincent Salvagni
Episode #1009: Today we sit with COO of Matthews Auto Group Vincent Salvagni to discuss the question on every Dealer’s mind; What should I be doing with my inventory level? As consume…
The Tariff Playbook, Ford Counters With Employee Pricing, Tesla Deliveries Dip
Episode #1008: Cars Commerce drops a no-nonsense playbook for dealers while Ford rolls out employee pricing for all as tariffs loom large. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Q1 delivery miss raises r…
Tariffs Drive Sales And Dealer Questions, Amazon’s AI Flex
Episode #1007: Consumers hit showrooms ahead of tariff hikes, juicing March sales and making record months and Q1s. Dealers like Rhett Ricart and Zac Kinch fielded a flood of buyers w…
What Dealers Should Do About Tariffs Today with Brian Kramer, TikTok Sale Deadline Looms
Episode #1006: We’re joined by Brian Kramer, EVP of Cars Commerce to talk about the upcoming auto tariffs and how Tesla’s market share is declining. Plus, as the deadline to sell TikT…
Top 150 Dealer Groups, Toyota’s Hybrid Demand, Job Market Uncertain For Grads
Episode #1005: The biggest dealership groups continue their march toward market dominance while Toyota’s hybrid boom is pushing suppliers to the limit. Meanwhile, Gen Z graduates face…
Elking Auto Group Gives Smiles and Keys
Episode 1004: After we discuss the new name of this show (Automotive State of the Union), Paul and Kyle jump into a story Chris Reeves about the Elking Auto Group seeing a homeless mo…
Tariff Reactions, Tax Deduction for Auto Loan Interest?, Fisker’s Second Life
Episode #1003: Dealers and analysts react to President Trump’s tariff order, as the administration considers a tax deduction for auto loan interest paid. Plus, Fisker Oceans have foun…
Trump Tariffs Loom Again, Hyundai Opens in GA, OpenAI Upgrades Image Gen
Episode #1002: Today's show dives into Trump’s game-changing 25% auto tariff and what it means for car prices, Hyundai’s massive new EV plant in Georgia and OpenAI’s latest AI breakth…
Nissan’s Big US Bet, More Chargers Than Gas Pumps, AI In the Drive Thru
Episode #1001: Nissan reveals a bold new roadmap, slashing vehicle development times and expanding its EV lineup. Meanwhile, California now boasts more EV chargers than gas nozzles an…