Robots Still Need People, Gen Z Buys IRL, Tax Credit Relief

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Episode #1130: As we gear up for our NAMAD coverage in LasVegas, Paul and guest co-host Ben Hadley are digging into the IRS's EV tax credit extension, how Gen Z balances screens with store shelves, and why Hyundai's futuristic plant still counts on the human touch to get the job done right.

• The IRS is giving EV buyers a little breathing room to secure the full $7,500 federal tax credit, shifting expectations just before a hard deadline set for the end of September.
  • Previously, buyers had to take delivery of a new EV by September 30 to qualify for the $7,500 tax credit.
  • The IRS now says a binding written contract and deposit by that date will secure the credit, even if delivery comes later.
  • This update helps ease the Q3 rush from buyers and dealers scrambling to meet the original deadline.
  • Automakers may now try to lock in future EV reservations as binding sales, but that could be risky for buyers.
  • IRS: “Taxpayer will be entitled to claim the credit… even if the vehicle is placed in service after September 30, 2025.”
    
    
• Hyundai’s new $5.5 billion Georgia plant is a showcase of robotic innovation—but even with 750 robots on the floor, it’s the human touch that ensures each EV rolls out with quality and care.
  • The Ellabell plant features a 2-to-1 human-to-robot ratio—far lower than the 7-to-1 U.S. industry average.
  • Robots handle welding and material movement, while humans manage quality control and complex assembly.
  • CEO José Muñoz says the goal is not to replace humans, but to “maximize human potential.”
  • Hyundai has pledged to hire 8,500 workers by 2031 as part of a $2 billion state incentive deal.
  • “It makes them feel a little safer than just relying on some machine,” said track team leader Chico Murphy.
    
    
• Gen Z may live online, but when it comes to shopping, the path to purchase often ends in-store. A new YouGov study shows this digital-native generation still values the physical retail experience.
  • 69% of Gen Z starts their buying journey online, but over half still browse in stores.
  • Discovery is mixed: 50% hear about new products through personal connections, 46% find them while shopping in-store.
  • 29% of Gen Z spot items online but buy them in-store, while 21% do the reverse.
  • Social media remains crucial—64% of Gen Z use it to discover products versus 44% of older adults.
  • “Retailers can’t afford to pick a side: Omnichannel is where the action is.”

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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