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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
Carvana is Stellantis, Mexico Blocking China, Tesla Robotaxi in Austin
Episode #1219: Carvana adds another CDJR store as its retail expansion heats up. Mexico hits Chinese auto imports with a crushing 50% tariff. And Tesla tests its first fully driverless vehicle on the streets of Austin — no humans required.
- Carvana’s push into franchised retail continues as it acquires South Atlanta CDJR‑Fiat, marking its fourth traditional dealership buy of 2025. Once known for vending machines and used cars, Carvana is rapidly becoming a notable player in new‑car retail.
- The store, now Carvana CDJR of South Atlanta, sits in Union City, GA, just outside Atlanta.
- It was acquired from Houston‑based ZT Corporate, a group ranked 132nd among U.S. dealership organizations.
- The aggressive expansion comes on the heels of a Q3 record: $5.6B in revenue, up 55%, and 155,941 used units sold—a 44% increase YoY.
- Carvana has said it’s “always experimenting” and views select dealership acquisitions as tests to learn how to “provide great customer experiences” in a franchise setting.
- Mexico is drawing a bold line in the sand, approving sweeping new tariffs with some aimed squarely at imported Chinese cars.
- Chinese vehicles will now face a 50% import tariff, the highest among 1,400 affected products.
- The policy is seen as a direct defense against a surge of low-cost Chinese EVs and ICE vehicles entering Latin America.
- Mexico’s auto industry has voiced support, fearing China’s growing presence could erode market share and local jobs.
- Beijing slammed the move as “protectionist” and warned of possible retaliation.
- The future Elon Musk promised is officially rolling through Austin — driverless, empty, and already controversial. Tesla has begun testing its Robotaxi platform without a human behind the wheel or even a safety monitor in the car, marking its most aggressive autonomy move yet.
- The sighting appears to involve a Model Y testbed rigged for Tesla’s upcoming Robotaxi platform.
- Elon Musk confirmed: “Testing is underway with no occupant in the car.”
- This marks the first known on-road test without a safety driver or passenger.
- According to NHTSA filings, Tesla’s Robotaxi tests in Austin have already logged a crash every ~62,000 miles — with safety monitors still inside.
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