OEM Meeting Notes, Drivers Switch Brands, Southwest Crams

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Welcome to Wednesday as we give the inside scoop on OEM meetings at NADA. We also talk about EV drivers willing to jump brands for better connectivity as well as Southwest making seats thinner to pack in more passengers.

• NADA's Top 5 Make Meetings give us a peek into the  Auto Industry's Roadmap as meetings  revealed key strategies and challenges, from Subaru's production comeback to Ford's EV transition pains

Subaru dealers celebrate a rebound with resolved production issues and ambitious sales targets, alongside electrification plans in partnership with Toyota. Subaru expect to sell 680k vehicles this year which will be its best year after its 700k unit sales in 2019
"2024 looks bright as we resolve past challenges and move forward with our electrification journey," shared a Subaru executive.

Ford addresses dealer concerns, promising improvements in EV certification and dealer relationships, with CEO Jim Farley committing to direct feedback sessions
CEO Jim Farley committing to direct feedback sessions. Farley stated, "We're committed to smoothing out the bumps in our EV transition together." Elena Ford, Ford's chief dealer engagement officer and great-great-granddaughter of founder Henry Ford, addressed falling dealer satisfaction scores. "I know you're not feeling great right now, and I'm here to fix it."

Hyundai reports success with its innovative Amazon partnership for online car sales, emphasizing dealer involvement and a clear vision forward. Hyundai's CEO Jose Muñoz remarked, "Our partnership with Amazon is just the beginning of redefining car buying."

Chevrolet prepares to attract new customers with its upcoming EV lineup, including the electric Equinox and Silverado, signaling a shift towards broader EV adoption.

Nissan aims for a U.S. retail share of 6.1% with a focus on affordability and strategic incentives, riding on the success of its most accessible models like Sentra and Kicks.

A McKinsey survey reveals a significant shift among EV customers, with nearly 60% willing to switch brands for better vehicle connectivity, challenging traditional brand loyalty.

• McKinsey's global survey indicates a strong preference for advanced connectivity features in EVs, with a significant portion of customers ready to change brands for better tech.
• In the U.S., 38% of all vehicle buyers, and over 55% in China, prioritize connectivity over brand

Southwest Airlines is introducing new Recaro seats in 2025, designed to maximize cabin space on Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, signaling a shift towards thinner seating to accommodate more passengers

• The slim seats, with artificial leather and reduced padding, include a "personal device holder" in lieu of traditional inflight entertainment systems.
• "These seats are a callback to the automotive expertise of Recaro, combining sleek design with functional space-saving," a Southwest Airlines spokesperso

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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