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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
Automotive State of The Union
Live from EV Auto in Nashville: OEMs Absorb Tariff Cost, Waymo/Lyft to Music City, Gen Z’s Focus On Mental Health
Episode #1149: We’re live outside of EV Auto in Brentwood. Today, we look at how automakers have relatively kept car prices normal despite rising tariffs. Plus, Waymo and Lyft are teaming up to bring autonomous rides to the streets of Music City.
- Automakers have kept price hikes at bay despite billions in tariff-related costs from the Trump-era trade war. But the pressure is building—and price increases may be just around the corner.
- Automakers like GM and Ford are absorbing up to $5 billion and $3 billion respectively in tariff-related costs.
- Despite this, MSRPs have remained relatively flat—up less than 1% between March and August, per Edmunds.
- Some costs are being quietly passed along via fees like delivery, which jumped 8.5% to $1,507.
- Analysts expect prices to gradually increase as tariffs stick, with focus shifting to more profitable models.
- Hyundai’s Randy Parker: “Our priority remains ensuring that we're competitive through affordability.”
- Waymo has announced a new partnership with Lyft to launch a robotaxi service in Nashville, with public access planned for 2026. The collaboration reflects a growing trend in autonomous mobility partnerships.
- Testing of Waymo’s all-electric, self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles begins in the coming months.
- Lyft will manage fleet services via its Flexdrive subsidiary, including maintenance and depot operations.
- Riders will first access vehicles through the Waymo app, with Lyft integration to follow.
- The deal mirrors Waymo’s arrangement with Uber but gives users more choice in how to hail rides.
“We’re excited to partner with Lyft again to bring our Waymo Driver to more people,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo.
- Mental health is quickly becoming Gen Z’s top priority, outpacing physical health and academics. Retailers are responding by centering campaigns around well-being, using purpose-driven strategies to build trust and authentically engage young consumers.
- PacSun’s “Youth Report” found 42% of Gen Z consumers rank mental health as their top life priority.
- Lululemon’s research showed 89% of those with “wellbeing burnout” cite loneliness, and many feel overwhelmed by mixed wellness advice.
- L.L.Bean and Mental Health America found 79% of respondents say outdoor time improves mental health.
- Dunnhumby data showed Gen Z prioritizes mental health more than any other generation.
- “We have a unique opportunity to engage...to help them prioritize mental health,” said American Eagle’s Jennifer Foyle.
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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