UAW Hits Back Over The Net, Ford Cancels 2023 Lightning Stock, Predictive Pizza Ordering w AI

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Tuesday is in full swing as we talk about the UAW’s new counter offer for GM. We also talk about Ford’s cancelation of F150 Lighting dealer stock orders, as well as some fancy new tech that makes getting your crazy bread easier. 

Show Notes with links:

• Amidst ongoing negotiations between the UAW and GM, the union has finally presented a counteroffer. Ford has announced an additional 330 layoffs tied to the strike, bringing the total to 930 workers since September 15. 
  • GM's best offer so far included a 20% wage increase over four years as well as speeding up the rate at which new employees can reach top tier pay, and moving parts warehouse workers to similar rates as the plants
  • GM maintains that so far they have put 5 record offers on the table
  • David Barnas, a GM spokesperson said in a statement. "We are assessing, but significant gaps remain."
    
    
    
• In a decisive move to prioritize build quality, Ford has canceled all U.S. dealer stock orders for the 2023 F-150 Lightning. This comes as the automaker returns the vehicles to the dedicated Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center for a thorough review and assessment amidst growing concerns over the company's high recall rates this year.
  • While some may raise concerns, Ford assures that this decision is not due to safety concerns. Instead, they are taking these measures to ensure that every F-150 Lightning truck meets their quality standards before reaching the consumers
  • All units marked as ‘pre-sold’ have not been canceled
  • The company had the most recalls out of any automaker so far this year; 4.1 million vehicles had been recalled in 2023.
  • The quality challenges don't end with the Lightning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has widened its investigations into reported engine failures in Ford's Bronco model. CEO Jim Farley acknowledges that improving quality is a long-term process for the company.
    
    
    
• Little Caesars is deploying new tech to make ordering and pick-up faster and easier. They're using data to predict what customers want, making service quicker and reducing mistakes. They’re even helping to train new employees in 15 minutes
  • Little Caesars’ mobile app and "Pizza Portal" allow customers to order and pick up food without interacting with cashiers, reducing pickup time to 30 seconds or less.
  • The company's CaesarVision platform, powered by AI, analyzes years of data to predict inventory needs for every US location, optimizing ingredient usage and minimizing waste.
  • Little Caesars' use of AI has streamlined their new hire training process from 3-4 days to just 15 minutes

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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