The Strike Is On, EV’s and Cool Kids, Swaggy Warehouse

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Friday is coming to a full stop at some OEM plants but not here as we cover the UAW’s historic strike. We’re also talking about the growing cool-competition to Tesla, as well as the possible effects of trendy swag on traditional retail. 

Show Notes with links:

• Nearly 13,000 hourly workers began a strike against Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Chrysler (Stellantis). This is the first simultaneous strike against all three automakers in UAW's 88-year history. 
  • When UAW President Shawn Fain arrived to announce the strike, he appeared outside the Michigan Assembly Plant, located west of Detroit, shortly after midnight. The scene was marked by a heightened sense of unity and emotion as Fain was described as being jubilant, smiling, leading chants, and actively participating in the gathering.
  • The strike will halt the production of high-demand vehicles such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Chevrolet Colorado
  • GM: Expressed disappointment in UAW leadership actions despite GM's "unprecedented economic package."
  • Ford indicated the union's counterproposal showed little movement from initial demands.
  • Stellantis expressed disappointment in UAW's refusal to engage responsibly and took protective measures for its operations.
• Amid increasing competition in the EV market, Tesla's once-dominant position is being challenged. As major automakers unveil diverse electric models, industry experts discuss the shifting landscape, Tesla's unique sales approach, and the broader issue of EV affordability at the 2023 Automotive News Congress in Detroit.
  • Diane Maher, president and chief operating officer of Michigan-based Fox Motors: “Now there are other cool kids, So, Tesla is not the only game in town. America loves a choice.”
  • Damon Lester, owner of the Maryland-based Lester Auto Group: “Tesla has done a good job capitalizing its market share. People will see other EVs on the road and say, ‘That’s a cool car – and it’s not a Tesla.’”
• The Punchline: The Stellantis plant in Ohio is the only one among three plants that manufactures an electrified vehicle, the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid Jeep. 
  
  
  
• Costco's private label, Kirkland Signature, originally introduced in 1995, has evolved from a household essential into an unexpected fashion sensation. Its original private label strategy was spread across 30 different labels but have since been consolidated into one, improving consistency, lowering costs, and offering competitive prices.
  • With $58B in sales in 2021 racking up over a quarter of the company’s total revenue making it America’s largest consumer packaged goods brand in terms of sales

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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