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Episode #1099: It’s Saturday, which means Chris Reeves is back in the studio with another story that brings all the feels.

This time it’s about Speedway Subaru in Indianapolis. When a service advisor found out a longtime customer had lost everything in a house fire, including the dog that saved their life, he didn’t just offer sympathy. He took action. The team came together to donate a car and provide essentials to help the family rebuild.

We talk about what it means to be oriented toward people, how a culture of awareness makes stories like this possible, and yes, somehow we get into Dungeons & Dragons too.

Story Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/speedwaycars_subarulovepromise-speedwaycares-speedwaysubaru-activity-7349806799643893761-r1Xg/?rcm=ACoAADx8cGUBDLlEN_DFCU9c17qutER63LD65xg

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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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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Episode #1098: Rivian is laying foundations in Georgia with a new East Coast HQ and massive EV factory. A brave deacon turns his F-150 into a life-saving shield, and gets rewarded. And OpenAI's latest ChatGPT upgrade puts real-world task management on autopilot.

• Rivian is plugging into Atlanta as it sets the stage for its next major manufacturing move. The EV maker is launching an East Coast HQ to support its second plant, with big plans to expand.
  • The Atlanta office opens late 2025, expands in 2026 to support the nearby Georgia plant.
  • An initial staff of 100 will grow to around 500.
  • The new $6B+ factory in Stanton Springs to begin vertical construction in 2026 which will produce R2 and R3 models starting 2028, span 16 million sq. ft., and employ 7,500.
  • CEO RJ Scaringe: “Atlanta embodies so much that makes Georgia great — top talent, exceptional creativity, and a desire to always be moving forward.”

• Some heroes don’t wear capes, they drive F-150s. When Richard Pryor saw a man pulling a weapon outside Crosspointe Church during Vacation Bible School, he didn’t freeze. He floored it. The deacon used his truck to stop what could’ve been a tragic day in Wayne, MI.
  • Though he saved countless lives that day, unfortunately his truck didn’t survive the harrowing incident after taking a round and crashing
  • When Demmer Ford heard what Richard had done, they handed him the keys to a new 2025 F-150 as a gesture of appreciation for his courage and quick action.
  • We may not all have Richard’s bravery, but every one of us has the power to do something that matters. The key is keeping your eyes open and your heart ready.

• OpenAI has launched a game-changing upgrade to ChatGPT, giving it its own virtual computer. This move turns the AI into a fully-fledged assistant that can execute complex tasks—start to finish—without skipping a beat.
  • ChatGPT Agent can now handle real-world work like analyzing competitors, booking travel, and updating spreadsheets, all from your single prompt.
  • It blends the strengths of previous tools—Operator and deep research—into one powerful, task-completing system.
  • The AI can click, scroll, code, and summarize, even logging into your Gmail or GitHub (with permission) to grab the info it needs.
  • New benchmarks show it beats human-level accuracy across investment banking, data science, and spreadsheet modeling tasks.
  • “You’re always in control,” says OpenAI. “You can take over the browser, pause tasks, or get a real-time progress summary.”
  • Starting today (July 17–18), it’s available to Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers. Just toggle “Agent Mode” in the tools dropdown during any chat

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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Episode #1097: In today’s episode, we dig into why the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and NADA are in disagreement on state franchise laws, Stellantis’ quiet hydrogen retreat, and why pop-up shops are punching above their weight in modern retail strategy.

• The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has called on the DOJ to review state franchise laws, sparking a fierce response from NADA and highlighting long-standing tensions between OEMs and dealers.
  • The Alliance argues some franchise laws create unnecessary costs, ultimately hurting consumers and competitiveness.
  • The letter targets laws restricting new dealership locations and third-party time guides for warranty work.
  • NADA President Mike Stanton labeled it a “broadside attack” and called for a unified defense of the franchise model.
  • Don Hall, CEO of VADA, said: “If there is such a thing as a holy war in the franchise world, it’s a holy war.”
  • In response to backlash, John Bozzella, President of the Alliance clarified: “We support the dealership franchise model. Period. Full stop.”

• Stellantis is backing away from hydrogen-powered vehicles, shelving its fuel-cell van program as infrastructure and economic realities dim the tech’s near-term future.
  • The automaker will no longer launch its hydrogen-powered Pro One vans originally planned for France and Poland.
  • Stellantis cited poor infrastructure, high costs, and low midterm viability for light-duty hydrogen vehicles.
  • R&D resources will be redirected toward electric and hybrid vehicle development.
  • Staff at impacted plants will be reassigned, and the company is reassessing its stake in hydrogen joint venture Symbio.
  • “The hydrogen market remains a niche segment, with no prospects of midterm economic sustainability,” said COO Jean-Philippe Imparato.

• Pop-up retail is evolving from a buzzy trend to a proven strategy, with brands large and small embracing short-term storefronts to build awareness, test products, and drive limited-time sales.
  • U.S. pop-up shops generate ~$80B annually, with projections hitting $95B by 2026.
  • 80% of retailers who've opened a pop-up call it a success; most spend under $5,000 to launch.
  • Goals include building brand awareness (66%), deepening customer connection (63%), and launching products (46%).
  • Retailers range from e-commerce-only to full brick-and-mortar operations.
  • As Sarah Rudge wrote: “Pop-up shops have become more than just a retail trend — they’re now a strategic tool.”

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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Description:

Episode #1096: We cover GM’s shift away from EVs at Orion, the end of a 112-year family legacy at Ohio’s oldest Ford dealership, and how new AI tools are challenging the finance industry’s most iconic software.

Show Notes with links:

• General Motors is officially reversing course at its Orion Assembly plant, which had been idled since late 2023 for a planned conversion to electric vehicle production. Instead, the automaker now says the factory will build gas-powered versions of the Escalade, Silverado, and Sierra starting in 2027.
  • Originally, Orion was to build EV versions of the Silverado and Sierra, aligning with GM’s electrification strategy.
  • Production was delayed twice amid shifting consumer sentiment and cost considerations.
  • The move is part of a broader $4 billion investment across three plants to increase output of gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • GM cited “continued strong customer demand” for ICE models as the driver behind the pivot.
  • “These moves will further strengthen our manufacturing footprint,” GM said, reaffirming its commitment to Michigan manufacturing.

• After 112 years under Chapman family stewardship, Ohio’s oldest Ford dealership has been sold to Coughlin Automotive, marking the end of a storied chapter in Marysville.
  • Originally opened by grocer George Butler Chapman in Plain City in 1913, Bob Chapman Ford was one of the first Ford dealers in Ohio, selling Model Ts
  • Over four generations, the Chapman family expanded: new facilities in 1918, 1935, and 1978, plus ventures into Firestone stores, Chryslers, RVs, even founding local airports
  • The current 28,000-square-foot facility includes 24 service bays, a Quick Lane center and proudly displays an original Model T on its showroom floor as a nod to its century‑plus legacy
  • Joe Chapman described the sale as “one of the most emotional and important decisions of my life,” praising Coughlin’s deep respect for the dealership’s legacy and community roots.

• New AI platforms like Claude and Perplexity are digging into the finance world, offering powerful features that could make Bloomberg’s industry standard $25K-a-year terminal feel outdated.
  • Claude now combines real-time market data with internal company info to answer complex questions instantly—no more juggling multiple systems.
  • It can run simulations, build trading models, and handle huge documents without analysts hitting roadblocks.
  • Major firms like Bridgewater, AIG, and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund are already seeing big productivity boosts.
  • Perplexity targets a broader market with tools starting at $0, offering fast research summaries, stock comparisons, and even crypto integrations through Coinbase.

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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Episode #1095: Volvo takes a $1.2B charge as EV costs and tariffs bite. Nissan shifts gears in Mississippi, shelving EV plans in favor of SUVs and pickups. And Ford steps up in Texas, donating $1.25M and deploying people and vehicles to aid flood victims.

Nissan’s $500M investment to build five EVs in Canton has stalled amid political uncertainty and loss of U.S. tax credits. The automaker is eyeing SUVs and pickups to keep the lights on.

• With EV plans delayed, Nissan is pivoting to body-on-frame vehicles, potentially doubling Canton’s output with models like the Armada and Infiniti QX80.
• A return of the rugged Xterra is also on the table — this time as a hybrid SUV riding on the Frontier truck platform.
• The shift could revive a plant running at half capacity and counter rising tariffs on imports from Japan.
• Nissan is even exploring a “what if” collaboration with Honda to build pickups, but one source called it “pie in the sky at this stage.”

Volvo Cars is taking a $1.2 billion charge in Q2 as it battles rising costs, tariffs, launch delays tied to its electric vehicle lineup and reduced profitability on two electric models, the EX90 SUV and ES90 sedan.

• The EX90 began production in June in South Carolina, but saw over a year of delays due to software issues and is launching without key features like lidar, ADAS tools, and bidirectional charging.
• The China-built ES90 sedan isn’t faring better—tariffs in the U.S. and EU have made it tough to sell profitably in Volvo’s key markets.
• The company is in the midst of deep cost-cutting, including layoffs impacting 3,000 jobs globally and 15% of its U.S. commercial staff.
• Volvo’s U.S. sales rose 6% in the first half of 2025, but global deliveries fell 9%, highlighting uneven momentum.

Ford and its dealer network are going all in to support Texans in the wake of devastating flash floods.

• The automaker, along with Ford Philanthropy and Texas dealers, is donating $1.25 million to local charities and disaster relief partners.
• Beyond dollars, Ford is supplying loaner vehicles to the American Red Cross to expand outreach in hard-hit areas.
• Ford’s new Extended Volunteer Paid Time Off policy allows trained employees to deploy with Team Rubicon for on-the-ground disaster relief.
• Volunteers will also be packing food boxes for families through the North Texas Food Bank and running shelters and reunification centers.
• “We’re standing alongside our Texas Ford Dealers… to ensure critical support gets to those who need it most,” said Elena Ford.

0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
0:30 Paul and Kyle were at the Beaver Golf Tournament yesterday
1:40 New Auto Collabs episode with John Sacco on recycled metals
2:20 Congrats to Ashley Cavazos on being the new President of WOCAN!
3:55 Nissan To Pivot Canton, Mississippi Plant

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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Episode #1094: Today we celebrate the industry's next generation with Automotive News’ 40 Under 40, explore why used EVs are the hottest deal on the lot, and dig into Tesla’s underwhelming Grok rollout.

• It’s time to recognize the rising stars shaping the future of the retail automotive business. Automotive News has released its 14th annual “Retail 40 Under 40” list, spotlighting the next generation of dealership leadership.
  • This year’s honorees include GMs, dealer principals, CFOs, and department heads making real moves in their stores and communities.
  • Dealerships represented range from large groups like Hendrick and Lithia to family-run independents.
  • Standouts include Stephanie Frink, president of Hennessy Auto Cos., and Jake Sodikoff, dual-store dealer principal and president of Steven Nissan and Kia.
  • The list highlights broad roles—from finance and marketing to fixed ops—showing leadership can come from any department.
  • “These honorees are driving change, growth, and innovation in one of the most competitive industries in the world,” said Automotive News in its announcement.
    
    
• In a cooling EV market, used electric vehicles are emerging as the best deal on the lot—thanks to deep discounts and looming tax credit expirations.
• Used EV sales hit a record 100,000+ units in Q2, buoyed by steep price drops of nearly 32% in 2024.
• Buyers like Christopher Andrzejczak scored vehicles for less than half their original sticker prices.
• Used EVs depreciate faster than gas cars due to concerns about battery life and tech obsolescence.
• Demand is surging ahead of the $4,000 used EV tax credit’s scheduled end in September.
• Eli Cook and his wife, preparing to move from Missouri to California, bought a used 2020 Tesla Model 3 for $15,000 in cash to avoid high Bay Area gas prices and missing out on the soon-to-expire tax credit. “It really seems like we’re buying the dip for used EVs right now,” Cook said.
  
  
  
• Tesla’s latest software update (2025.26) includes the long-awaited arrival of Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot. But before you get too excited…Grok currently doesn’t do much inside the car.
  • Grok is only available in U.S. vehicles with AMD infotainment chips—basically, Teslas made after mid-2021.
  • It’s in beta and can’t issue voice commands or interact with vehicle systems yet.
  • Right now, it’s just like having Grok on your phone… but on your car’s touchscreen.
  • Other software tweaks include syncing ambient lighting to music, personalized audio presets, and enhanced Dashcam Viewer tools.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
1:10 Paul and Kyle are attending the 4th Annual Beaver Toyota and Mazda Golf Tournament
2:20 The Automotive News 40 Under 40 List
4:28 Used EVs are the Best Deal Right Now
6:37 What Grok Currently Does In The Tesla AI

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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Episode #1093: We know that everyone here is actually to listen to Chris Reeves on this Saturday morning. After a delightful segue about incense, smoke and fire drills in elementary school, we get into the story of St. Cloud Subaru.

At Place of Hope shelter in St. Cloud, Minnesota, nearly 40 children had no place to play. Just a patch of grass across the street and a basketball court. St. Cloud Subaru noticed and jumped into action.

After years of supporting the shelter through Subaru’s Share the Love program, the dealership staff realized something simple was missing. So they raised $10K, partnered with a local playground company, and spent last Friday afternoon installing the new play-set themselves. The dealership also presented a $95K check to the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation, funding neighborhood-based community outposts that connect residents to local resources.

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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Episode #1092: We unpack how Rivian views legacy OEMs as “adversaries”, Elon’s plan to put Grok in your Tesla, and why your next Starbucks smiley face might be powered by pressure, not personality.

Show Notes with links:

• ​​Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe came out swinging against recent federal policy changes that gut EV incentives. But while the industry might stall, Rivian could gain room to thrive as legacy players backpedal.
  • Scaringe called the rollback of EV tax credits and subsidies “bad for the world, bad for the U.S.,” and a blow to U.S. tech leadership.
  • Ironically, fewer incentives could benefit Rivian, opening space for it’s R2 and R3 rollouts.
  • Scaringe didn’t blame Congress alone—he sees legacy automakers like GM and Toyota, and their lobbyists, as Rivian’s “biggest adversaries” on everything from EV registration fees to direct sales bans.
  • He accused them of resisting change to protect outdated business models: “It’s reflective of their desire that this whole EV thing would just go away. [They can suddenly say], “fine, I just won’t sell those EVs.”
  • “The folks we spend the most energy fighting against in D.C. are actual car companies,” Scaringe said. “It’s very telling.”

• Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla vehicles will get a native dose of his irreverent AI chatbot, Grok, starting next week “at the latest,” merging Tesla’s in-car computing power with conversational AI.
  • Grok 4, the latest model from Musk’s AI startup xAI, was just released.
  • Tesla vehicles will run a smaller version of Grok locally using their onboard computers.
  • Musk previously teased Grok integration but had not set a firm timeline—until now.
  • This comes amid backlash after Grok shared posts on X containing antisemitic content.
  • “Tesla will probably have the most amount of true usable inference compute on Earth,” Musk posted on X.

• Those cheerful messages on your Starbucks cup might not be as heartfelt as they seem. A push for personalized notes is raising questions about authenticity and pressure on baristas.
  • New CEO Brian Niccol wants to bring back cozy, in-store vibes by reversing mobile-heavy trends.
  • Cup messages are now a “standard” meant to create human connection—but not all employees are thrilled.
  • Baristas say it slows them down, especially during rush hours, and some report pressure from managers to comply.
  • A few enjoy the creativity, but many feel it’s another task disguised as joy.
  • One Redditor shared, “I was told I’d get a final warning if I didn’t write on cups.” Starbucks disputes this claim.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
1:01 What a sarcastic car might sound like
1:55 Announcements
2:20 Rivian CEO Goes After Legacy Automakers and US Tax Policies
6:35 Tesla To Get Grok AI

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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JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/