Is ASOTU Getting Political? Tesla Self-Driving Begins, App Unlock at CVS

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/standup-comedy-your-host-and-mc">Standup Comedy "Your Host and MC"</a></span>

1
Standup Comedy "Your Host and MC"

إلغاء الاشتراك

منذ 4 أياممنذ 4d ago

إلغاء الاشتراك

أسبوعيا+

Celebration of 40+ years on the fringe of show business. Stories, interviews, and comedy sets from standup comics... famous, and not so famous. All taped Live on my Comedy stage. The interviews will be with comics, old staff members, and Friends from the world of Comedy. Standup Sets by Dana Carvey, Jay Leno, Tom Dreesen, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry Miller, Mark Schiff, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paula Poundstone, Garry Shandling, Ray Ramano, Cathy Ladman, Willie Tyler & Lester, and MORE. My web site has many pictures, items for sale, and more information www.standupcomedyyourhostandmc.com

منذ عام واحد 11:58

MP3•منزل الحلقة

Shoot us a Text.

We’re rolling into the big conversations at the 2025 Public Policy Day, where industry leaders and lawmakers shape the future of auto. Plus, CVS is testing a new app feature to unlock products, and Tesla inches toward unsupervised self-driving—though Elon says don’t get too excited just yet.

Show Notes with links:

The press stage is set at ready to go at the 2025 Public Policy Day
hosted by WANADA.
- The 2025 Public Policy Day at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show on January 30 features key industry leaders and policymakers. The day kicks off with a networking lunch, followed by opening remarks from John O’Donnell and a keynote discussion with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Devon Haynie (U.S. News & World Report).
- Highlights include vehicle reveals from Stellantis (Dodge Charger Daytona, Jeep Wagoneer S) and Nissan (2025 Murano), plus an Aston Martin Vanquish presentation by Bouch Siaf. A fireside chat features Todd Inman (NTSB) and Dave Shepardson (Reuters), while Alex Kwanten presents the Best Cars for the Money Awards.
- Industry roundtables cover consumer insights (featuring Thomas Castriota, Paul J Daly) and tax/trade policy (Jennifer Safavian, Cody Lusk, Bill Long). The event closes with Michael Cottone (Volvo) and John Bozzella (Alliance for Automotive Innovation).
- The day concludes with an exclusive Sneak Peek Reception of the Auto Show, presented by Events DC.
Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla has initiated "unsupervised self-driving" at its Fremont factory. However, this development is currently limited to vehicles autonomously navigating within the factory premises.
- Tesla released a video showing cars driving themselves from the production line to loading docks without human intervention.
- This internal application covers a 1.2-mile route on private factory roads at low speeds.
- Musk has previously set ambitious timelines for unsupervised self-driving, including a driverless cross-country trip by 2018, which have not been met.
- The current implementation is a step forward but remains far from the full autonomous driving capabilities promised to consumers.
- Musk's latest projection targets unsupervised self-driving in California and Texas by the second quarter of 2025.
CVS is piloting a new feature in its app that allows customers to unlock anti-theft cabinets themselves, aiming to enhance the shopping experience.
- The feature is currently being tested in three New York City stores.
- To use it, customers must be logged into the CVS app, connected to the store's Wi-Fi, and have Bluetooth enabled.
- This initiative addresses customer frustration with locked cabinets, which, while deterring theft, often inconvenience shoppers.
- CVS plans to expand the test to 10 to 15 additional stores, including locations on the West Coast.
- "People really, really dislike locked cabinets," said Tilak Mandadi, executive vice president at CVS Health.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/

JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

980 حلقات

#Business #Marketing #Automotive #Dealership #Advertising #Dealer #Sales #Innovation #Auto #Motivation #Daily News #Business News #News #ASOTU #Entrepreneur #Crypto #Auto News

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

Is ASOTU Getting Political? Tesla Self-Driving Begins, App Unlock at CVS

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

published منذ عام واحد

MP3•منزل الحلقة

Shoot us a Text.

Show Notes with links:

The press stage is set at ready to go at the 2025 Public Policy Day
hosted by WANADA.
- The 2025 Public Policy Day at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show on January 30 features key industry leaders and policymakers. The day kicks off with a networking lunch, followed by opening remarks from John O’Donnell and a keynote discussion with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Devon Haynie (U.S. News & World Report).
- Highlights include vehicle reveals from Stellantis (Dodge Charger Daytona, Jeep Wagoneer S) and Nissan (2025 Murano), plus an Aston Martin Vanquish presentation by Bouch Siaf. A fireside chat features Todd Inman (NTSB) and Dave Shepardson (Reuters), while Alex Kwanten presents the Best Cars for the Money Awards.
- Industry roundtables cover consumer insights (featuring Thomas Castriota, Paul J Daly) and tax/trade policy (Jennifer Safavian, Cody Lusk, Bill Long). The event closes with Michael Cottone (Volvo) and John Bozzella (Alliance for Automotive Innovation).
- The day concludes with an exclusive Sneak Peek Reception of the Auto Show, presented by Events DC.
Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla has initiated "unsupervised self-driving" at its Fremont factory. However, this development is currently limited to vehicles autonomously navigating within the factory premises.
- Tesla released a video showing cars driving themselves from the production line to loading docks without human intervention.
- This internal application covers a 1.2-mile route on private factory roads at low speeds.
- Musk has previously set ambitious timelines for unsupervised self-driving, including a driverless cross-country trip by 2018, which have not been met.
- The current implementation is a step forward but remains far from the full autonomous driving capabilities promised to consumers.
- Musk's latest projection targets unsupervised self-driving in California and Texas by the second quarter of 2025.
CVS is piloting a new feature in its app that allows customers to unlock anti-theft cabinets themselves, aiming to enhance the shopping experience.
- The feature is currently being tested in three New York City stores.
- To use it, customers must be logged into the CVS app, connected to the store's Wi-Fi, and have Bluetooth enabled.
- This initiative addresses customer frustration with locked cabinets, which, while deterring theft, often inconvenience shoppers.
- CVS plans to expand the test to 10 to 15 additional stores, including locations on the West Coast.
- "People really, really dislike locked cabinets," said Tilak Mandadi, executive vice president at CVS Health.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/

JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

980 حلقات

#Business #Marketing #Automotive #Dealership #Advertising #Dealer #Sales #Innovation #Auto #Motivation #Daily News #Business News #News #ASOTU #Entrepreneur #Crypto #Auto News

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The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
This Dealer Is Creating Everyday Heros With CPR Kit Donations 12:33

منذ 10 hours12:33

12:33

Shoot us a Text. Today, Nathan and Chris take over the show to talk about how the Rick Case Auto Group is equipping people in their community to be everyday heroes through a donation of CPR learning kits to a local hospital. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
More Tariffs Incoming, Ford Ditches Regional EV Centers, ChatGPT 4.5 15:51

منذ 1 day15:51

15:51

Shoot us a Text. It’s the last day of the month, and we’ve got the one and only Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures hopping in as a co-host! Today, we’re talking about President Trump saying that the Mexican and Canadian tariffs are back on and more tariffs are coming for Chinese imports. Plus, Ford is closing regionals centers for stocking and distributing EVs and OpenAI has released its latest model, ChatGPT 4.5. Show Notes with links: The U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports next week, doubling the 10% duty placed earlier this month. President Trump also confirmed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect March 4, citing a lack of progress in combating fentanyl smuggling. The Mexico and Canada tariffs were previously delayed for 30 days, but Trump says no further reprieve will be granted. China has retaliated against previous U.S. tariffs and is expected to do so again. Beijing has not made an offer to curb fentanyl-related exports, which Trump’s administration sees as key to lifting tariffs. Xi Jinping seeks a broader trade agreement but has yet to propose terms that would satisfy the White House. Ford Motor Co. is scrapping its plan to stock and distribute electric vehicles (EVs) through regional inventory hubs , a pilot initiative that faced resistance from dealers. The automaker initially aimed to store unsold EVs at 21 “rapid replenishment centers” across the U.S., delivering them to dealerships within two weeks of a customer order. However, slow adoption and logistical issues prompted Ford to revert to a traditional wholesale model. Dealer resistance played a key role, as the separate sales process made EV inventory less visible to consumers. Inventory visibility issues meant unsold vehicles weren’t listed on dealer websites or third-party marketplaces like Cars.com. Dealer complaints included a lack of window stickers and limited trim/package comparisons, making it harder to sell EVs effectively. Ford executive Mike O’Brien stated: “We think the pilot, from an operational perspective, was a big success. That being said, we listen to our dealers. It is a little tricky to have two different [sales] methodologies.” OpenAI has officially launched GPT-4.5 , its largest and most knowledgeable model yet, though it falls short of being a frontier model. The new system improves upon GPT-4’s computational efficiency by 10x and reduces hallucinations, but its performance lags behind OpenAI’s latest o1 and o3-mini models. Trained with synthetic data, GPT-4.5 uses OpenAI’s new supervision techniques alongside traditional fine-tuning and reinforcement learning. It will be exclusive to ChatGPT Pro users, at least initially. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at GPT-5 arriving as soon as late May, integrating the new o3 reasoning model. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Moreno’s Auto Manufacturing Bill, GM’s Stock Buy Backs, Vegas PD’s Cybertrucks 12:08

منذ يومين12:08

12:08

Shoot us a Text. As the month nears its close, we’re talking about Senator Bernie Moreno going to bat for the auto industry with a new bill. Plus, GM is raising its stock dividends while doing a new buy back and the Las Vegas PD debuts a fleet of Cybertrucks given to them by an anonymous donor. Show Notes with links: Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), a former auto dealer, is introducing the “Transportation Freedom Act” , a bill aimed at repealing federal emissions rules, reducing regulations, and providing tax breaks for U.S. automakers. The bill seeks to eliminate EPA tailpipe emissions rules and block California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate. It offers a 200% tax deduction on wages paid to U.S. auto workers for automakers that keep at least 75% of production domestic, up to $150,000 per worker, and blocks companies from using the money they save for stock buybacks. Moreno’s bill would end “arbitrary” CAFE fuel standards and replace them within six months with new, achievable regulations that align with consumer demand. GM, Stellantis, Toyota, NADA, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and American Trucking Associations back the legislation. Moreno: “Thanks to liberal bureaucrats who want to mandate what cars Americans can drive, states like mine are riddled with car lots filled with expensive EVs people simply don’t want and dormant factories that once employed millions of American workers. The only winner is China.” GM is doubling down on returning value to shareholders, announcing a 25% dividend increase and a new $6 billion share buyback program. This move, which sent shares up 6%, comes as the automaker looks to balance investor returns with EV investments. GM will repurchase $2B in shares by mid-2025, with the remaining $4B at its discretion and the quarterly dividend will rise from 12 to 15 cents per share, effective April 2025. GM repurchased 87M shares in Q4 2023, completing a previous $10B buyback. GM projects a net income of $11.2B to $12.5B for 2025, with $10B-$11B in capital spending as it works to narrow EV operating losses by $2B. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is bringing some futuristic flair to law enforcement , announcing the addition of 10 Tesla Cybertrucks to its patrol and SWAT fleets. But the real mystery? The trucks were entirely donated by an anonymous supporter. Sheriff Kevin McMahill made the announcement during the 2025 State of the Department event, saying on X, “These are badass” The Cybertrucks will be customized for patrol and SWAT operations and LVMPD will integrate them with semi-autonomous drones and shot-spotting technology. Speculation surrounds the anonymous donor, with some suspecting Tesla or Elon Musk, considering poor Cybertruck sales numbers. Others have proposed Anthony Horowitz of VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, as he has made large donations to the LVMPD in t Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Tesla Takedown, Group 1 Grows, VDub Charges Forward 17:34

منذ 3 أيام17:34

17:34

Shoot us a Text. Today, Paul and Kyle are coming to you live on location from Paul’s office! We’re talking about how Group 1 grew in 2024 through $1.3B in acquisitions, a new face on the top 5 best-selling EVs and how grassroots is trying to take Tesla down. Show Notes with links: Group 1 Automotive made waves in 2024, dropping $1.3 billion to acquire 68 dealerships across the U.S. and U.K. The move adds $3.9 billion in annual revenue and solidifies the company's aggressive expansion strategy. The acquisitions spanned six major deals from Southern California to London. Major brands acquired include Lexus, Honda, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Porsche, Land Rover, and Audi. A key purchase was the $517 million acquisition of Inchcape’s 54 U.K. stores, adding $2.7 billion in revenue. The company also sold off select U.S. dealerships, including a Buick-GMC store in Massachusetts and a Subaru dealership in New York. CEO Daryl Kenningham: “Our ability to acquire outstanding brands in desirable markets is because we perform well on the OEM eligibility metrics.” After a rocky 2024, the Volkswagen ID.4 is making a triumphant comeback. Following production halts due to a recall, sales of the electric SUV are now skyrocketing, making it the third best-selling EV in the U.S. last month. VW sold 4,979 ID.4s in January 2025, marking a 653% increase from the previous year. The ID.4 now ranks #3 in U.S. EV sales, trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. The top five best-selling EVs—Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, VW ID.4, Tesla Cybertruck, and Honda Prologue—accounted for 54% of total EV sales. Over 102,200 EVs were sold in the U.S. in January, up 30% year-over-year. VW is offering aggressive discounts on 2024 models, with leases as low as $189/month. Tesla showrooms across the U.S. are becoming flashpoints for protests as demonstrators rally against Elon Musk’s actions. The #TeslaTakedown movement has gained traction, with over 65 events scheduled through March. Protesters in New York’s Meatpacking District hurled insults at passing Teslas, calling them “uncool” and “major loser” cars. The movement took off on Bluesky, a social media competitor to Musk’s X, and has since gone viral. Demonstrations started in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, California, and Colorado, but have now spread internationally. The protests lack a central leader but have been amplified by legislative advocacy groups like Indivisible and Rise and Resist. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Michael Cirillo on the Toronto Auto Show, EV Charger Cyberattacks, Apple’s $500B Investment 20:36

منذ 4 أيام20:36

20:36

Shoot us a Text. Today we’ve got guest host Michael Cirillo of the Dealer Playbook talking about his experiences at the Toronto Auto Show. Plus, we talk about a new report showing EV charger cyberattacks are on the rise and how Apple is investing $500B in AI with a specific focus in Detroit. Show Notes with links: Cyberattacks on automotive and smart mobility products surged 39% in 2024, with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure emerging as a major target, according to Upstream’s 2025 Automotive & Smart Mobility Global Cybersecurity Report. 409 cyberattacks were recorded in 2024, up from 295 in 2023. Attacks on EV charging stations jumped from 4% in 2023 to 6% in 2024, with 59% of them having the potential to affect millions of devices. Hackers target EV chargers for data theft, fraud, and ransom payments, with nearly 75% of attacks disrupting charging services. Researchers have also demonstrated that hacking EV chargers could disrupt entire grids. In 2024, 59% of EV charging cyberattacks had the potential to impact millions of devices, while 37% could have affected thousands, according to Upstream. Mozilla’s 2023 research found all 25 major automakers collected excessive data, raising privacy concerns. Shira Sarid-Hausirer, Upstream VP of Marketing: “It’s not necessarily the number of assets, it’s the connectivity and the fact that they’re all interconnected that increases the risk dramatically.” Apple is expanding its U.S. footprint with a $500 billion U.S. investment plan , which includes 20,000 new jobs, a server factory in Texas to support Apple Intelligence and a new Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Company engineers at the Detroit center will train local businesses and workers in AI and smart manufacturing techniques. Apple is also doubling its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion, supporting high-tech manufacturing across the U.S. Apple's announcement followed a meeting between CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump as the company seeks to mitigate the impact of Trump’s trade tariffs, including a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a potential 25% tariff on chips. CEO Tim Cook: "We are bullish on the future of American innovation and proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments." Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Buy-Sell Market Outlook, Ford Welcomes New Media, In-N-Out Employee Satisfaction 14:50

منذ 5 أيام14:50

14:50

Shoot us a Text. On this last week of the month, we’re looking at the state of the automotive M&A market and what dealers can expect for the rest of the year. Plus, we cover how Ford is adopting a new media and press strategy, and look at how In-N-Out cracked the top 10 of Best Large Employers. Show Notes with links: The dealership buy-sell market is expected to stay active in 2025. Normalizing store profits could make buyers more cautious in finalizing transactions, but top-performing stores in desirable markets will still fetch high valuations. Political expectations, including Donald Trump’s presidency, along with lower dealership pricing and aging owners looking to sell, are fueling the market. Last week, we reported on Asbury Automotive Group acquiring New England’s Herb Chambers Cos. for $1.34 billion in one of the largest deals in recent history. The 2025 Dealer Outlook Survey found that 56% of respondents are not planning to buy or sell this year, while 19% plan to buy, and 4.4% plan to sell. Automotive News tracked at least 349 buy-sell transactions in 2024, down from 382 transactions in 2021, a peak year. “I’m definitely still getting as many offerings to look at as I’ve gotten the past two years,” said Randy Hoffman, COO of Ed Morse Automotive Group, Ford is shaking up its media strategy by replacing its traditional press center with "Ford From the Road", a new platform designed to cater to the growing influence of content creators over mainstream media. The "From the Road" channel prioritizes videos, photos, and articles—some created by Ford, others sourced from digital creators and influencers. Traditional press releases remain available but are now tucked away in a separate tab, signaling a major shift away from legacy media formats. A Pew Research Center study found that 21% of U.S. adults regularly consume news from influencers—jumping to 37% among adults under 30. Ian Cohen, Ford’s head of creative and content, explains: “We’re entering this era of [consumers] building [their] own niche content and channel ecosystems.” This comes as the Trump administration is opening the White House briefing room to influencers and podcasters, with thousands of applicants to the “new media” seats. In-N-Out Burger has been named one of America’s Best Large Employers , ranking No. 8 on Forbes’ annual list, ahead of corporate giants like Apple and NASA. The ranking is based on employee surveys evaluating workplace satisfaction, compensation, and company culture. In-N-Out’s strong workplace culture continues to set it apart in the fast-food industry. The company is also making big moves geographically, consolidating its California HQ in Baldwin Park and expanding to Tennessee, where it will open 30+ locations. Top 10 are Notre Dame, Trader Joes, Houston Methodist, NVIDIA, Navy Federal Credit Union, Google, Microsoft, In-N-Out, Delta, Raymond James Financial Automotive in the top 100: 86 - Bridgestone, 71 - Toyota, 86 - Holman Enterprises. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
A Dealer Trekking Across the Sahara For Charity 10:28

منذ 8 أيام10:28

10:28

Shoot us a Text. Today on the show, Paul and Kyle are joined by Head Writer Chris Reeves. They discuss the challenges of the F&I office while Chris explains a meme that appeared in a recent edition of the Daily Pushback Email. Then they share the story of Allison Prowse who is walking across the Sahara for breast cancer awareness. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Rivian and Carvana Earnings, Supercharger Wait Queue, Kia’s Modular PV5 15:27

منذ 8 أيام15:27

15:27

Shoot us a Text. Friday is upon us once again, and today we’re talking about Rivian’s first positive gross profit quarter, Carvana’s record quarter, how Tesla is instituting wait queues at Superchargers, and the design of Kia's new PV5 van. Show Notes with links: We could talk about tariff warnings, but we aren’t going to. We could talk about the ongoing Nissan saga and Moodys downgrading their stock to ‘junk status’ but we’re not going to. Instead…we’re going to talk about… Rivian hit a major milestone, achieving its first-ever positive gross profit of $170M in Q4 2024, a $776M improvement from the previous year. Total revenue hit $1.73B, above expectations of $1.4B. Rivian cut per-vehicle costs by $31,000 year-over-year, helping it turn the corner. Despite this, the company still posted a $743M net loss for the quarter. Meanwhile, Carvana swung to a record $159M net income in Q4 They sold 114,379 used vehicles in Q4, a 50% increase year over year. Full-year revenue hit $13.7B, with a record $1.4B adjusted EBITDA. Stock dropped 12% after-hours due to concerns over softening per-vehicle margins. CEO Ernie Garcia “In 2024, Carvana became the most profitable public automotive retailer in U.S. history as measured by adjusted EBITDA margin while also resuming industry-leading growth,” Tesla’s Supercharger network is the best in the game, but with increased usage from both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs, long wait times have become a problem. After a viral altercation at a Supercharger, Tesla is finally launching a virtual queue system in Q2. Tesla will roll out the queue at select Superchargers nationwide, aiming to improve the experience for the ~1% of users who experience wait times. The viral video shows two Tesla owners arguing over a charging spot, highlighting the need for a structured waiting system. Tesla has not provided details on how the queue system will work, but a broader rollout is expected later this year if feedback is positive. The company continues to expand its Supercharger network by over 20% annually to meet growing demand. Tesla in a statement said, “Goal is a net customer experience improvement,” Kia has revealed the exterior design of its PV5, the first EV under its "Platform Before Vehicle" (PBV) brand. Designed to compete with electric vans like the VW ID Buzz and Ford E-Transit, the PV5 offers a modular design for cargo, rideshare, and even #vanlife. The PBV system allows the van to transform between different body types while keeping the driver cab fixed. Uber has already signed an agreement to add the PV5 to its fleet as part of its all-electric push by 2040. While Kia has not shared powertrain, range, or pricing details, more information will be revealed at Kia EV Day in Spain later this month. “With PBV, we are redefining mobility—one platform, endless possibilities,” Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Nikola Files For Bankruptcy, Slick Rick Gets A Ride, Adults Ordering Kids Meals 15:09

منذ 9 أيام15:09

15:09

Shoot us a Text. On this Thursday, we’re covering how EV/hydrogen truck maker Nikola is filing for bankruptcy, how West Herr Auto Group gifted Slick Rick from the Buffalo Bills mailroom a car, and how kids meals are becoming something everyone orders. Electric truck startup Nikola, once a Wall Street darling valued higher than Ford, has filed for bankruptcy , joining other EV-makers like Fisker, Lordstown Motors and Electric Last Mile Solutions. Founded in 2015, Nikola promised a hydrogen-fueled revolution for trucking, securing billions in investments from GM, Bosch, and others. In 2020, short-seller Hindenburg Research accused Nikola of faking its truck technology, revealing a promotional video showing a truck rolling downhill with no powertrain. Founder Trevor Milton resigned amid fraud allegations and was later convicted in 2022, receiving a four-year prison sentence. Despite shifting focus to hydrogen fuel cell trucks, Nikola produced only 235 vehicles, amidst supply chain issues, rising costs, and an underdeveloped hydrogen fueling network. CEO Steve Girsky blamed economic conditions, stating, “Our very best efforts have not been enough to overcome these significant challenges.” When quarterback Josh Allen gave his MVP acceptance speech last week, he made sure to shout out someone who rarely gets the spotlight— Roderick “Slick Rick” Morrow, a beloved mailroom employee at One Bills Drive. After Allen’s speech, Buffalo fans quickly fell in love with Slick Rick. One detail caught everyone’s attention: despite working for the Bills for over a decade, Rick had been taking the bus to work every day. West Herr Automotive Group knew they couldn’t just stand by on the sidelines, and on Valentine’s Day, they surprised Slick Rick with a Chevy Traverse—his very own set of wheels after years of relying on public transportation. “It feels like I’m living the dream, and I am!” Rick said, soaking in all the love from the Buffalo community. As fast-food prices continue to skyrocket, some savvy consumers have found a way to save money—by ordering kids’ meals . The trend has surged in popularity, with many adults opting for smaller portions at lower prices, sometimes even enjoying the bonus of a toy. Data from Circana shows a 28% increase in adults ordering kids’ meals in 2024 compared to 2019. Fast-food prices have surged by 39%-100% over the past decade, outpacing inflation (31%), with McDonald’s, Popeyes, and Taco Bell leading the way. Social media influencers, such as TikTok’s “kids’ meal connoisseur” Ashley Garrett, have fueled the trend by reviewing and rating kids’ meals. Restaurant investor Dan Rowe suggests the issue isn’t adults ordering kids’ meals but rather, “If people are ordering off of your kids’ menu, you have other issues.” The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which reduce appetite, could also be contributing to the demand for smaller portion sizes. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
More Tariffs Incoming?, Hyundai and Kia US-Made EV Batteries, BYD Customers Push Back 15:23

منذ 10 أيام15:23

15:23

Shoot us a Text. Happy Wednesday! Today, we’re looking at President Trump’s proposed 25% auto tariffs and the effects it could have. Plus, we’re covering how Hyundai and Kia are ramping up US battery and EV production, making those models eligible for the $7500 tax credit. Then, we’ll cover how Chinese customers are not happy with BYD. Show Notes with links: President Donald Trump has announced that 25% auto tariffs are coming soon —with more details expected April 2. The move aims to reshape global trade, but it could drive up vehicle prices and shake the industry. His cabinet is set to deliver reports on trade options by April 1, outlining tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Europe currently charges a 10% tariff on U.S. vehicle imports, while the U.S. only charges 2.5% on foreign cars—except for pickups, which already face a 25% duty. Trump also set a March 12 start date for 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which could raise costs for automakers. He has previously announced and delayed tariffs on Mexican and non-energy Canadian imports, keeping trade relationships tense. From a Steve Greenfield LinkedIn Post : “[These tariffs] puts a $240 billion trade route in the crosshairs, with some of the biggest brands in Germany and South Korea most exposed.” After months of uncertainty, Hyundai and Kia EVs are back on track to qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit . With a new U.S.-based battery supply chain, the automakers are positioning themselves for a big year in 2025 as they ramp up production of new models like the 2025 IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9. Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant will start mass-producing the 2025 IONIQ 5 next month. SK Battery America (SKBA) will supply batteries made in the U.S., meeting the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements. The new Bartow County battery plant will produce enough batteries for 200,000 EVs annually and cut shipping times to the EV plant. Until full tax credit eligibility is restored, Hyundai is still passing the $7,500 credit through leasing, making the 2025 IONIQ 5 cheaper than a Toyota RAV4. Chinese automaker BYD is facing a wave of consumer complaints after offering free smart driving features across most of its lineup. Many existing customers feel cheated, believing they overpaid for their vehicles before the upgrades. Over 4,700 complaints were filed on 12365auto.com between Feb. 11-17, up from 150 the week before and 500 in January. BYD’s Ocean and Dynasty series dominated the platform’s top 10 most complained-about cars. Some buyers claim salespeople misled them, denying upcoming upgrades—only for a newer, better-equipped model to launch weeks later at the same price. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Asbury Buys Herb’s 52 Franchises, Honda-Nissan Back On?, Amazon Physical Store Struggles 15:24

منذ 11 يومًا15:24

15:24

Shoot us a Text. Today, we talk about the massive $1.34 Billion acquisition of The Herb Chambers Companies by Asbury Automotive. Plus, there still could be a path forward for Honda and Nissan’s merger, and Amazon is not doing well in the physical retail space. Show Notes with links: One of the biggest dealership acquisitions in U.S. auto retail history is on the horizon as Asbury Automotive Group signs a definitive agreement to acquire The Herb Chambers Companies . This $1.34 billion deal includes 33 dealerships, 52 franchises, and three collision centers, adding to Asbury’s nationwide footprint. The acquisition represents $2.9 billion in revenue in 2024, making it one of the most significant transactions in the industry. Herb Chambers will retain ownership of Mercedes-Benz of Boston but will step into a Special Advisor role at Asbury. The deal is expected to close late in Q2 2025, pending customary approvals. Asbury’s CEO David Hult praised the move, saying, “Herb is an icon in Boston, and he has built a world-class organization.” Herb Chambers reflected on the sale: “As I look back on the last 40 years in business, I do so with immense pride, and as I look forward, I will do so with great satisfaction knowing what we built together will be in trusted hands,” The possibility of Honda and Nissan merging to form the world’s fourth-largest automaker is back on the table—but with one major condition: Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida must step down, according to the Financial Times. Talks to create a $60 billion company collapsed last week, deepening Nissan’s struggles amid hybrid shortages and Chinese competition. Renault and Nissan’s board are reportedly pushing Uchida to exit, with informal discussions on his departure already underway. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe has ruled out a hostile takeover but is open to renewed negotiations under new Nissan leadership. Mitsubishi shares jumped 8.6% on the news, as a Honda-Nissan deal would stabilize its position, reducing its dependence on Nissan. Analyst Tatsuo Yoshida sees a potential Honda-Nissan partnership as a win-win, but warns that Nissan must first “get its act together.” Despite its dominance in e-commerce, Amazon continues to stumble in physical retail , as detailed in a Wall Street Journal report. From Amazon Go to Amazon Style, the company has repeatedly failed to make stores work, raising questions about its brick-and-mortar strategy. Amazon Go now has just 16 stores, after cutting half its locations since 2023. Amazon Books, Amazon 4-Star, and Amazon Style all shut down within the past three years. "Just Walk Out" tech was removed from Amazon Fresh stores in April 2024, as customers preferred Dash Cart smart shopping carts instead. Critics argue Amazon “doesn’t understand retail,” with poor store design and a lack of clear purpose in past concepts. Whole Foods remains its one success story, with Amazon making price c Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Negative Equity Hits 25% of Trades, Used Car Crunch, Retention Wins 14:35

منذ 12 يومًا14:35

14:35

Shoot us a Text. Shout out to all the people selling cars on this President’s Day! Today, we’re talking about the rising challenges of negative equity on trade-ins hitting an average of $6800 and the used car supply drying up. Plus, we’ll look at a dealer who’s hitting new records by focusing on customer retention. The average negative equity on new-vehicle trade-ins reached a record high in Q4 2024, increasing by nearly $800 compared to the previous year, according to Edmunds. The average amount owed on underwater trade-ins was $6,838 in Q4 2024, up from $6,054 in Q4 2023. While 25% of trade-ins had negative equity—up from 20% a year earlier—it remained lower than the 33% recorded in Q4 2019, (avg of $5,658 in amount owed) Edmunds reported that 25% of negative-equity trade-ins had at least $10,000 rolled over, and 8.5% owed at least $15,000. Mark Pregmon, general manager of consumer lending at USAA, stated that the concern is "not the frequency, it’s the severity" of negative equity amounts. A combination of pandemic-era supply chain disruptions, fewer lease returns, and rising interest rates has created a long-term supply squeeze on used cars . Analysts predict these conditions will persist for at least two more years, keeping the used-car market competitive and expensive. Used-car prices increased 2.2% from December to January, while new-car prices remained flat, contributing to overall inflation concerns. The number of three-year leases ending in 2024 is expected to drop 23%, reaching a decade low and significantly reducing the supply of off-lease vehicles—typically a major source of used-car inventory. With used-car prices still high and financing costs rising, many car owners are opting to repair their current vehicles rather than upgrade. “They are spending more money on repairs, but their monthly payments are less,” said Tom Maoli, owner of Celebrity Motor Car. New-car supply has improved to 63 days, while used-car inventory has tightened to 48 days, keeping preowned prices high. At Damian Lillard Toyota in McMinnville, Oregon, dealer principal Brian Sanders has built a business model focused entirely on customer retention rather than maximizing short-term profits. Since taking over the underperforming store in 2020, Sanders has led it to the highest Toyota Loyalty Engagement percentage in the country, proving that prioritizing long-term relationships can drive success. The dealership takes lower profits upfront, betting on customer loyalty to generate long-term value. “We don’t need to maximize every deal — we maximize every customer,” said Sanders. In 2019, the store sold 351 new Toyotas with a 63% sales efficiency. By 2023-2024, sales soared past 1,500 units, with efficiency reaching 220%—well beyond industry norms. The dealership only sells vehicles taken in on trade, skipping auctions to ensure quality and customer satisfaction. Employees are mostly salaried, work 40-hour Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
ASOTU CON Is A Meme Now 13:45

منذ 15 يومًا13:45

13:45

Shoot us a Text. Today, Paul and Kyle are joined on the show by Head Writer Chris Reeves and they look just about 90 days into the future, actually 86, because we're looking ahead to ASOTU CON and talking about what people can expect. We make a comparison to ASOTU CON and memes and talk about some of the content and concepts we're planning on covering in the sessions. You can find more information and get your tickets by visiting asotucon.com Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
How Chinese OEMs Cut Costs, Toyota Ups Inventory, Valentine’s Day Candy History 15:48

منذ 15 يومًا15:48

15:48

Shoot us a Text. Happy Super Bowl parade day, Eagles fans! Happy Valentine’s Day to the rest of you! Today, we’re breaking down how Chinese OEMs are able to build lower cost vehicles with more speed than traditional OEMs. Plus, we look at Toyota’s plans for more inventory in 2025 and a history of Valentine’s Day candy. Show Notes with links: A teardown analysis by Caresoft Global Technologies reveals that Chinese automakers are rapidly surpassing the Detroit 3 in cost efficiency, speed, and innovation . While legacy automakers struggle with outdated manufacturing methods, Chinese brands are cutting costs, streamlining production, and expanding aggressively into global markets. Detroit automakers use 12 rare-earth magnets and steel brackets to secure headliners, while Chinese automakers achieve the same result with inexpensive adhesive strips; similarly, Detroit 3 EVs rely on costly aluminum braces, whereas Chinese EVs use lighter, more affordable plastic or thin metal brackets. Meetings with Chinese automakers take one week compared to two months with German OEMs and nine months for a purchase order from a legacy automaker. At a Caresoft presentation in China, 700 employees showed up on a Saturday—a level of commitment rarely seen in the U.S. Toyota is pushing for increased production and sales in 2025 after a strong 2024, despite supply chain hurdles and stop-sales. The company saw record accessory sales, nearly record parts sales, and a 3% increase in U.S. light-vehicle sales, totaling 1.99 million units. Toyota built over 2 million vehicles in North America in 2024 and plans to increase output in 2025 to improve inventory levels. Toyota dealers have adapted to a lean inventory, high-throughput model, preselling vehicles and managing allocations efficiently. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids made up 43% of U.S. sales in 2024, up from 29% in 2023. Toyota expects 50%+ in 2025, rising to 60-70% long-term as its North Carolina battery plant boosts hybrid production. After weather disruptions at the NADA Show in January, Toyota executives and retailers met virtually this month, where brand head Dave Christ emphasized the company’s focus for the year: “Our message [for 2025] is very simple: It’s build more and sell more.” Valentine’s Day remains a battle between flowers and candy, with 56% of celebrants purchasing candy and 40% buying flowers in 2024. Despite candy's popularity, flower sales ($2.9B) edged out candy sales ($2.5B). Over the years, candy brands have introduced creative and sometimes bizarre Valentine’s treats. Here are some key moments in Valentine’s Candy History: 1868: Cadbury debuts the first heart-shaped candy box. 1902: Necco produces its first conversation hearts with sayings like “Be Mine.” 2019: Smarties Candy Co adds the sayings “Swipe Right,” “Text Me,” and “YOLO” to their conversation hearts 2024: Protein-packed “Meathearts” beef jerky is introduced. Printed sayings include “Meat Me” and “Beef Mine Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

1
Nissan Nose Dives Even More, Less Screens = More Affordable, Hendrick Bids For Red Cross 13:52

منذ 16 يومًا13:52

13:52

Shoot us a Text. Today on the show, we’re covering Nissan’s desperate plans to execute a turnaround, announcing plant closures and more. Plus, OEMs in Europe are matching affordability by removing infotainment systems, and Rick Hendrick sets a record auto auction bid for a great cause. Announcement New Episode of Auto Collabs Live from Public Policy Day: John O’Donnell of WANADA on the contribution of car shows to car culture. New Episode of NADA Show sessions with Suzanne Reimer of Lotlinx Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Matt Murray of Widewail: Reputation Management Class: Benchmarks, Strategies and how Dealers are Leveraging AI in 2025. Next Wednesday January 19 at 2PM EST ASOTUCON.com is live! Dealer Tix are $499, IP tix are $1499 Show Notes with links: Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida is taking drastic steps to pull the automaker out of financial trouble, announcing factory closures, job cuts, and executive downsizing in a renewed turnaround plan. The move comes as Nissan reports its second straight quarterly net loss, forcing a reevaluation of its strategy. The company’s latest financials show an operating profit drop of 78% and a net loss of ¥14.1 billion ($89.5 million) in the last quarter. Nissan plans to close three factories by 2027, starting with its Thailand plant in April. U.S. production shifts will be cut at the Smyrna, Tenn., and Canton, Miss., plants. The company is slashing 9,000 jobs worldwide, including 6,500 in manufacturing and has also returned to stair-step dealer incentives, a practice it previously vowed to eliminate. Nissan recently pulled out of merger talks with Honda, citing concerns over autonomy. CEO Makoto Uchida said, “Can we continue to survive as a standalone company? We’ve been discussing that for some time now. This is a big subject matter,” With rising vehicle costs, automakers are looking for ways to make cars more affordable. While European brands like Stellantis are reducing costs by eliminating infotainment screens , U.S. consumers currently have no such option. Some automakers are exploring "de-contenting" existing models to lower production costs as eliminating in-car screens can reduce costs associated with wiring, sensors, and software development. European models like the Fiat Grande Panda Pop and Citroën Ami replace traditional infotainment systems with simple phone mounts and USB ports. Many older luxury vehicles, such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi A3, lack modern phone integration despite expensive infotainment systems. From the Jalopnik article: “Give me a car with manual windows, optional air conditioning, and steel wheels, while we’re at it. Let’s get those average transaction prices back down below $30,000. The American auto buyer has been living fat on the hog for too long, and rolling negative equity into another new thing nobody can afford isn’t the answer to our collective debt problem.” From this morning’s Daily Pushback Email: Rick Hendrick just Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email…

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