GM To The Middle, World’s Largest Superchargers, Radio Flyer Innovates

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Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about what GM talked about in their private NADA meeting. We also spill the details on the world's largest Supercharger station, as well as a new retail experience from iconic Radio Flyer.

Show Notes with links:

During their private meeting at this years NADA Show, GM has signaled a strategic pivot back to plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, sparking enthusiasm among dealers as part of a more measured approach into the all-electric future

• GM announced plans to reintroduce PHEVs in the U.S., aiming to bridge the gap between current internal combustion engine vehicles and future all-electric mandates, amidst concerns over aggressive EPA timelines
• As opposed to one similar meeting a few years back where Buick dealers stood up and left en masse, this year’s meeting struck a different tone as Dealers expressed a positive outlook, highlighting GM's global experience with hybrids and PHEVs as a strong foundation for reintroducing these vehicles in the U.S. market
• Earlier in the week at the JD Power Summit, GM President Mark Reuss said of hybrids,  “PHEVs are still two powertrains on one car,” and added that they are expensive to make. On the plus side, he pointed out that “regulators treat PHEVs the same as EVs.” 
• Dealer Donald Hicks told Ward’s Auto, "The market is going to tell us what it will buy. The government can tell us what we have to build, but the market will tell us what we can sell. It’s that simple. Nobody is bigger than the market".

Tesla is planning the construction of the world's largest Supercharger station in California, contributing some fresh ideas into the future of EV infrastructure

• The new Supercharger station will feature over 160 stalls, becoming the largest of its kind globally, and will be located in Kern County, near the intersection of the 5 freeway and the 46 highway.
• Tesla is also incorporating a microgrid with batteries and solar canopies, aiming to cut peak demand costs and promote sustainable energy use within the Supercharger network

Radio Flyer, the iconic brand known for its red wagons, has opened its first store in Chicago, featuring a unique race track for kids to test-drive products 

• The new store in the Woodfield Mall includes an adult-sized wagon and a race track for product testing, aiming to reignite the joy of play for both children and adults.
• Despite concerns around safety and insurance, the store has been a hit, with features like helmet requirements for kids showcasing Radio Flyer's commitment to safety in their ride-on product range
• EV’s make an appearance as there is a display of several kid sized Tesla’s to try
• "When we’re in the store, we’re wearing a red t-shirt, but we’re really wearing a white lab coat," said Chief Wagon Officer Robert Pasin, emphasizing the experimental and adaptive approach to the store's design and layout.

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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