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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
The Nexperia Chip Crisis, Dealer Employee Satisfaction Rises, Gen Z Mystery Shops Hotels
Episode #1184: Today we cover Toyota’s response to potential chip shortages, new research showing improved employee satisfaction at dealerships, and what Gen Z travelers want most from their hotel stays.
Show Notes with links:
- Toyota CEO Koji Sato says the automaker isn’t facing an immediate chip shortage despite rising concerns after China blocked exports from Dutch chipmaker Nexperia. The move is part of an escalating global tech standoff involving national security concerns.
- The Dutch government seized control of Nexperia last month over fears its Chinese parent, Wingtech, could pose a security risk—prompting China to halt exports.
- These chips aren’t high-end processors; they’re critical legacy semiconductors used in steering, lighting, and power systems.
- Toyota says it’s stable “for now,” but rivals like Nissan report they only have enough chips to last through early November.
- The Alliance for Automotive Innovation warns that U.S. vehicle production could be disrupted as soon as next month
- CDK’s 2025 Dealership Workplace Study shows job satisfaction is rising and fewer employees plan to leave, but challenges around stress and long-term retention persist.
- Satisfaction jumped to 82%, up from 74% last year, while only 22% plan to leave in the next six months—down from 31%.
- Just 49% expect to stay at their dealership over the next 5-10 years, and only 26% would recommend auto retail as a career.
- “Dealerships that thrive will be the ones that listen, adapt and lead with empathy,” said CDK VP Bruce Johnson.
- A new study by researchers Huggland and Okumus reveals how Gen Z’s travel habits and expectations are reshaping the guest experience. Their feedback from a 3-year mystery shopping study shows where hotels need to step up—and fast.
- Gen Z travelers prioritize convenience, safety, and intuitive tech over traditional brand loyalty.
- Digital check-ins, intuitive room controls, and reliable Wi-Fi aren’t perks—they’re baseline expectations.
- “Sometimes the little things can mean a lot,” said one Gen Z traveler. “We want crystal clear instructions and not have to ask for help.”
0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
0:45 The halloween costumes around the office today
2:53 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Foureyes
3:20 The Nexperia Chip Crisis
5:44 CDK's Dealership Employee Satisfaction Rises to 84%
9:20 What Gen Z Is Saying About Hospitality
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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