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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.
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Automotive State of The Union
AI Takes the Wheel, Dealer Trust Shifts, Retail Isn’t Dead
Episode #1235: Welcome to the first news show of the new year! CES puts autonomy and AI front and center as EV plans cool. Dealer sentiment improves—but trust gaps threaten CDJR and Nissan valuations. And despite years of doom-and-gloom, physical retail dominates holiday spending, with AI quietly reshaping how consumers shop across every channel.
Show Notes with links:
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/self-driving-tech-ai-take-center-stage-ces-automakers-dial-back-ev-plans-2026-01-05/
As EV hype cools down, CES 2026 is turning the spotlight toward AI and autonomy. With EV rollouts slowing due to cost and policy, automakers are looking to autonomous tech as the next frontier.
Automakers pull back EV launches amid weaker policy support.
AI and autonomous systems dominate CES 2026 exhibits.
Tesla and Waymo's recent moves have reignited AV momentum.
Rivian teases “eyes-off” driving for city streets.
“That connectivity on autonomous, I do think will be front and center,” said C.J. Finn of PwC.
https://www.autonews.com/retail/an-kerrigan-dealership-2026-trust-valuation-0104/
The latest Kerrigan Advisors survey shows dealer optimism growing—but not for every brand. CDJR, Nissan, and Infiniti topped the least-trusted list, with many dealers expecting declining valuations for these franchises in 2026.
64% of dealers have no trust in CDJR and Nissan; 61% distrust Infiniti.
Dealers anticipate Toyota, Lexus, and Kia stores will gain the most value.
Chevrolet sees a reputation bump, with higher dealer trust and value outlook.
CDJR showed the biggest improvement in valuation sentiment year-over-year.
“Dealers that trust the franchise are going to invest in the franchise,” said Erin Kerrigan.
https://retailwire.com/discussion/lessons-physical-retail-holiday-season/
Despite endless headlines forecasting its decline, physical retail flexed its muscles this holiday season—capturing 73% of spend, according to Visa’s latest data. But the real story may be the rise of AI and its impact on how we shop.
Total holiday spend rose 4.2% YoY; real growth closer to 2.2% after inflation.
Physical stores dominated spend, though e-commerce grew 7.8%.
Consumer electronics and fashion led category growth.
AI drove smarter shopping—price comparisons, discovery, and decision-making.
“This led to a more informed, more intentional consumer,” said Visa’s Wayne Best.
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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