UAW Compromise, Detroit Auto Show, Volcano Knox, See Ya Soda Fountains

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It’s Tuesday time as we give an update on a new UAW compromise, talk about the Detroit Auto Show and Battery Show that begin this week. We also cover a massive lithium deposit in the US as we say farewell to public McDonalds soda fountains. 

Show Notes with links:

•  Yesterday, in a pivotal display and  just days before the strike deadline, UAW has reduced its pay raise demand to the mid-30% range, signaling a potential compromise. This decision comes after weeks of intense negotiations with Detroit's top three automakers, amid rising tensions and high-stake counter proposals.
  • "We are ready to negotiate in Detroit 24/7, just as we have been for the past seven weeks since we gave them our members demands," Fain said Monday. "Despite receiving no response for over a month, when the CEOs are ready to make a serious offer we'll be there, day or night. It's unfortunate the companies have waited until the last moments to get focused on the needs of 150,000 autoworkers, our families and our communities."
• As the Detroit auto show starts its engines on Thursday, the traditionally international flair is steering more national. Despite the pandemic's disruption and a shift toward online car sales, these events remain vital marketing venues, drawing consumers eager for a hands-on experience with the latest vehicle models.
  • In the U.S., car shows are a crucial marketing tool. Before pandemic lockdowns, Foresight Research estimated 6.5 million U.S. households attended car shows, with three-quarters of those intending to buy a car in the upcoming year.
  • The site advertises 15k attendees, 200 speakers, and 800 suppliers
    
    
• New research indicates the McDermitt Caldera, an ancient supervolcano site on the Oregon-Nevada border, may hold the world's largest lithium deposit. This could revolutionize the U.S. EV supply chain with an eco-friendly extraction method. However, local tribes raise concerns over potential mining on sacred lands.
  • The McDermitt Caldera, located on the Oregon-Nevada border, could potentially be the world's largest lithium deposit, containing over 132 million tons.
  • This deposit could surpass the former largest known deposit, the Atacama Salt Flat in Bolivia, providing 12 times more lithium.
  • The Bureau of Land Management's proposal to mine this region has faced opposition from local tribes, with potential mining to start in 2026 if approved.
• McDonald's has announced plans to eliminate self-serve soda fountains from its US dining rooms by 2032. Citing reasons like food safety, theft prevention, and the decline of dine-in customers, the fast-food giant aims to streamline the customer experience across its platforms and adapt to the rising trend of digital ordering post-pandemic.

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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