Are We Getting Close To A Deal, Toyota Chooses Tesla, “Cars” Crocs

Shoot us a Text.

It’s Friday y'all and we’re wondering if the UAW is getting close to a tentative deal with GM. We’re also talking about Toyota’s big charging standard shift, as well as a new wearable tow truck from Crocs

• We’re not getting excited just yet, but there seems to be a glimmer of hope as Mike Booth, vice president of the union's GM department, commented, “All the pieces are there, we just have to glue it together.” at a rally on Thursday.
  • The company and union are in discussions about pensions and healthcare benefits for retirees. Booth mentioned the union's desire for a secure pension, but they're willing to discuss terms provided there's a robust plan to safeguard members. "People might potentially have a comfortable retirement with a set contribution plan," he added.
  • Meanwhile, Stellantis, Ford, and GM, are laying off 270 more workers in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana due to the UAW's ongoing strike. Stellantis will idle 100 UAW members at its Toledo plant. GM announced 20 layoffs across Ohio and Indiana, while Ford will lay off 150 at its Sterling Axle Plant. Affected workers might not receive unemployment benefits, but the union pledges $500 weekly from its strike fund.
  • Ford has the most laid off workers at 2700, GM is at 2350 and Stellantis 1520
    
    
• The last domino may have fallen as Toyota announced yesterday its decision to adopt Tesla's electric-vehicle charging technology from 2025. Joining the ranks of Ford, GM, and Nissan, Toyota's move signals a major industry shift towards the NACS standard, potentially sidelining the rival Combined Charging System CCS for good
  • Starting 2025 NACS ports will be featured in select Toyota and Lexus EVs, including an upcoming Toyota crossover manufactured in Kentucky.
  • Current Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners using the CCS system will receive adapters for NACS charging compatibility in 2025.
• What's better than a Pixar film named "Cars"? How about footwear inspired by its beloved characters? Crocs is driving into the spotlight once again, unveiling a Mater-inspired clog, following their previous hit, the Lightning McQueen design.
  • The Mater clog, released Tuesday on Crocs' website, has design elements such as Mater's smiling face, engine details, and a towing hook on the backstraps.
  • Initially selling for $59, the custom “Cars” crocs are already fetching twice as much on resale sites like StockX

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/