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Automotive State of The Union
Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier don’t just read headlines, they make the most important connections across car dealerships, general retail, tech, and culture. The goal? To help automotive leaders think clearer and move faster in a world that refuses to slow down.
Whether you’re running a rooftop, building a brand, or just trying to keep up with everything shifting in the business of selling cars, this is your regular stop for a shot of news, insight, and a little bit of chaos…always rooted in people-first thinking.
From the showroom to Silicon Valley.
From Wall Street to Main Street.
Paul and Kyle connect the dots, keep it real, and make it make sense.
Learn more at https://www.asotu.com
Episodes
1058 episodes
Auditing Trashcans with Baxter Subaru
Episode 1058: It's the last day of the month and today Kyle is joined by Head Writer Chris Reeves to talk about how Baxter Subaru of Omaha, Nebraska reduced its trash output from 96 yards a week to 8. They’re now recycling over 90% of th...
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8:54
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Nissan Faces $5B in Debt, Illegal Tariffs?, GM #1 EV Seller in Canada
Episode #1057: Nissan eyes a fire sale to survive, Trump’s tariff plan hits legal trouble, and GM claims Canada’s EV crown from Tesla—at least for now.Show Notes with links:As CEO Ivan Espinosa wraps up his first q...
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11:42
Musk Exits DOGE, EREV Excitement, Amazon Shopping Voice Assistant
Episode #1056: Today we’re talking about Elon Musk’s dramatic exit from government, the rising appeal of extended-range EVs as a hybrid-EV mashup, and how Amazon wants to talk you into your next purchase—literally—with AI-generated aud...
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17:25
Meet Stellantis’ New CEO, GM Bets Big On V8s, BitCoin to the Future
Episode #1055: Today we cover Stellantis’ new CEO facing a storm of tariffs and dealer tensions, GM’s surprising pivot back to big V-8s, and DeLorean’s futuristic EV launch… that’s more crypto maze than car.Show Notes with lin...
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15:19
Smothered, Covered Charging, BYD Bombshell, Used Car Climb
Episode #1054: We’re kicking off Tuesday week with a look at surging used car sales and shrinking supply, BYD’s aggressive EV price cuts in China, and a Waffle House partnership that brings hash browns and high-speed charging together in the So...
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16:12
Memorial Day Grilling Tips with James Ganther
Episode #1053: It’s Memorial Day, the un-official start of summer and a favorite of grillmasters everywhere, so we invited our good friend and grillmaster, James Ganther, to give some grilling tips for tasty food, and remind us of why we celebr...
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9:21
Full Color Hospitality with Carol Marshall and ActivEngage
It's the Saturday after ASOTU CON and the energy is still buzzing. Nathan is joined by Chris Reeves and Ann-Marie Johnsons to talk about their favorite moments and the heart behind the event. Special guest Carol Marshall of ActivEngage brings h...
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14:05
Senate Blocks CA EV Rules, Reputation Rankings, AI Video With Sound
Episode #1051: We’re diving into the Senate’s move to block California’s gas car ban, Google’s new video AI that adds audio, and which brands — including top automakers — gained or lost consumer trust in the 2025 Axios/Harris reputation ranking...
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14:53
Loan Rejections Soar, BYD Outsells Tesla, Google's AI Everything
Episode #1050: A record number of U.S. consumers are skipping auto loans over rejection fears, EV history unfolded as BYD overtook Tesla in Europe and Google’s I/O 2025 keynote was a full-court press on AI innovation.Show Note...
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12:26
New Toyota OS in RAV4, Tesla v Waymo, Home Depot Supply Chain
Episode #1049: Today we’re diving into Toyota’s bold software move with the redesigned RAV4 Hybrid, watching Tesla and Waymo duel for robotaxi dominance, and seeing how Home Depot is holding the line on prices as tariffs rattle retail
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13:08
Honda’s EV Backtrack, Wholesale Prices Dip, Essential Side Hustles
Episode #1048: Today we’re diving into Honda’s EV strategy rethink and dealer drama in California, a mid-May dip in wholesale used vehicle prices, and the growing reality that side hustles aren’t just extra—they’re essential....
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15:03
Kia’s Veteran Tech Program, Not So “American-Made”, Vibe Codex-ing
Episode #1047: Kia’s veteran apprenticeship program is creating certified techs and stronger stores, while “American-made” is a lot harder to accomplish than it sounds. Plus, OpenAI is taking on software engineering with a new update.
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13:05
Friday Morning Feelings Post-ASOTU CON
We're live from Friday morning at ASOTU CON.Last night, we closed with a keynote that shared our stories of how we got into the industry, and encouraged the industry to go and be leaders in their stores and communities.THANK YOU...
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9:30
ASOTU CON Day 1 Takeaways
Welcome to Day 2 at ASOTU CON!Paul, Kyle and Michael recap Day 1 and talk about some of the things they've overheard on the show floor and on stages.Day 2 is shaping up to be amazing! See you tomorrow!
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8:24
Day 1 From ASOTU CON
Paul, Kyle and Michael hit the Content Corner to record a quick show before ASOTU CON 2025 kicks off officially. Follow all the action on social media!
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11:47
LIVE from ASOTU CON 25, VW Uber Tag Team, TikTok Selling Cars
Episode #1043: We’re coming to you live from ASOTU CON 25! Today we’re diving into Volkswagen and Uber’s plan to launch ID. Buzz robotaxis by 2026, TikTok’s surprising power in driving car sales, and what it all means for the future of mobility...
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10:35
Where Did the ASOTU Crew go?
Today Paul is the last man standing in the studio as the entire crew is on their way to ASOTU CON 2025. He sets the stage of what to expect over the next week and tells you how to be a part of the event even if you can't be there this year.&nbs...
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5:35
US-UK Trade Deal Announced, CA Sues Over Charger Funding, ID. Buzz Backseat Too Big
Episode #1040: Today we’re diving into a transatlantic tariff feud shaking up the luxury auto sector, a multistate lawsuit over EV charging funds, and why VW’s nostalgic ID. Buzz just got benched. A new U.S.–U.K. trade deal tha...
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15:40
Carvana’s Record Quarter, Ford Raises Prices, AI Search Over Google
Episode #1039: Today we’re talking about Carvana's record-setting quarter and bold new goal, Ford’s strategic price hikes post-tariffs, and why Google’s stock took a beating after an Apple exec dropped a courtroom AI bomb.Show...
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11:16
M&A Activity To Increase, Hyundai Simplifies Charging, Back-To-School Tariff Sale
Episode #1038: Today we’re talking about the expected surge in auto dealership M&A activity, Hyundai’s latest software update that simplifies EV charging across major networks, and Tanger’s decision to launch its back-to-school campaign ear...
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13:01
Ford Slashes Guidance, EVs Grow In Q1, Waymo Plans For Expansion
Episode #1037: Today we break down Ford’s Q1 fallout as tariffs cast a $1.5B shadow, electrified vehicles surge to nearly 25% of new-car sales led by hybrids and non-Tesla EVs, and Waymo revs up its driverless ambitions with a new Arizona mega-...
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12:37
Warren Buffett Surprise Retirement, Tesla and LiveWire Struggles in Q1
Episode #1036: Warren Buffett shocks investors with a surprise retirement announcement, Tesla sweetens the Model Y deal to boost lagging demand, and Harley’s LiveWire hits a wall while the legacy brand keeps the engine running. ...
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14:51
We Try To Describe What It Feels Like To Give Away A Car
On this Saturday that's getting closer and closer to ASOTU CON, Head Writer Chris Reeves joins the show to discuss the upcoming 3(!) car giveaways at ASOTU CON this year.Want to be a part of the action? Join us:
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9:13
CA Dealers Target Sony Honda Mobility, Rivian Launches Ad Campaign, Free Burritos For A Cause
Episode #1034: Today we dive into a legal showdown brewing in California over Afeela’s sales strategy, Rivian’s new campaign powered by real owners, and Chipotle’s massive burrito giveaway honoring teachers and nurses.Show Not...
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14:41