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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.
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Automotive State of The Union
Scout Shows Off, Amazon Auto Retail Results, Target Smiles At Everyone
Episode #1204: Scout Motors accelerates toward 2027 as test mules and plant prep hit major milestones. Amazon’s push into vehicle retail gains real traction with new brands and first-time buyers. And Target rolls out a strict “10-4” greeting rule as retailers fight for customer connection.
Show Notes with links:
- Scout Motors put the Traveler and Terra prototypes on display at the LA Auto Show while accelerating development back home as they aim for a 2026 launch. The test mules are advancing fast, and the South Carolina plant is nearly ready for early builds.
- Scout will begin building bodies and early vehicles in its Blythewood, S.C. plant by late 2026 as equipment installation continues.
- Executives are now driving early mules, noting strong dynamics and rapid software integration tied to the Rivian–VW electrical architecture JV.
- Final production designs closely mirror the LA Auto Show prototypes, with only manufacturability tweaks such as new lighting inserts.
- VP of Strategy & Brand Ryan Decker: “I drove my first mule a few weeks ago… Super special moment. It’s dynamic for a vehicle that has our capability.”
- Amazon’s experiment with car retail is turning into something real, as early buyers and dealers say the platform is already driving fresh traffic and confidence into the process, with Ford, Hyundai and Hertz now listing vehicles on the platform.
- Dealers say the visibility is unmatched: “Amazon gets a tremendous amount of eyeballs… We expect it to be a powerful tool,” said Brady Schmidt of Puente Hills Ford.
- Hyundai reports that nearly all Amazon browsers were new to the brand, and 40% became more likely to consider Hyundai after seeing vehicles on the site.
- Early buyer Steve Picciotti bought an $8 USB cable, a $90 beard trimmer and a $45,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. “I’m a pretty religious Amazon shopper. I knew if it was coming directly from Amazon it would be legit. I said to my wife: ‘Let’s just try it.’”
- Target is launching a new “10-4” customer-interaction rule—mandating smiles, greetings, and waves—to boost guest satisfaction as the retailer battles declining traffic.
- Employees must smile, wave, or acknowledge any shopper within 10 feet, and give a verbal, friendly greeting within 4 feet.
- Others see it as normal retail hospitality: a simple “Need anything?” or “How’s it going?” depending on the guest’s cues.
- “We know when our guests are greeted, feel welcomed and get the help they need that translates to guest love and loyalty,” said EVP Adrienne Costanzo.
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