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Episode #1187: GM trims its workforce and tech leadership as it reassesses priorities. Kia hits pause on its next U.S. EV launch amid regulatory roadblocks. And Walmart leans into nostalgia with a print catalog push designed to elevate its home game.

Show Notes with links:

General Motors made sweeping changes last week, laying off workers and restructuring leadership as it adjusted to shifting market signals. What began as a response to softening EV demand quickly expanded into a broader corporate shakeup.

• • GM eliminated 1,750 jobs, including 1,200 from Factory Zero in Detroit and hundreds more at paused battery plants in Ohio and Tennessee.
  • The company cited weaker EV sales and regulatory uncertainty as reasons for scaling back production.
  • Senior VP of Software David Richardson abruptly exited following an internal reorg just days after presenting at GM’s tech event.
  • His responsibilities were shifted under product leadership led by Tesla/Aurora alum Sterling Anderson.
  • CEO Mary Barra assumed oversight of cybersecurity and IT, signaling a more hands-on approach to GM’s tech transformation.

• Kia has officially delayed the U.S. release of its compact EV4 sedan, which was initially slated to arrive in early 2026.
  • The EV4, revealed at the New York Auto Show, was expected to start under $40K with up to 330 miles of range.
  • Kia confirmed the delay, citing “changing market conditions for EVs” as primary cause.
  • The expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit and new import tariffs have reshaped the economics of launching foreign-built EVs in the U.S.
  • The EV4 was to be manufactured in South Korea and imported to the U.S.; that plan is now on hold indefinitely.
  • Kia’s EV lineup already includes the EV6, EV9, and Niro EV

• In an unexpected move, Walmart has revived the old-school print catalog to boost its home goods visibility. The retailer's latest campaign mixes nostalgia with strategy, aiming to reintroduce shoppers to a broader, more style-forward product lineup.
  • Walmart released a full-scale home catalog in August, targeting new, existing, and lapsed customers ahead of the holidays.
  • The catalog showcases furniture, decor, and appliances with QR codes linking to Walmart’s online store.
  • SVP Creighton Kiper described the catalog as a static creative tool to reposition Walmart as a destination for affordable, high-style home goods.
  • Despite rapid execution, early impressions and engagement exceeded expectations — though no follow-up editions have been confirmed.
  • “Most retailers recognize… you have to have a marketing mix across online and offline channels to really reach the consumer,” said Polly Wong, President of Belardi Wong.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
1:03 Upcoming Edge Webinar Tomorrow!
1:39 GM Shakes Up Exe

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 #1186: Dealerships are investing big in mobile service as customer demand and capacity challenges make on-the-go repairs a serious growth opportunity. France launches the world’s first live EV-charging highway, while new data shows holiday shoppers are blending online convenience with a strong return to in-store experiences.

Show Notes with links:

• As consumers crave convenience and service bays become scarce, dealerships are rethinking what “fixed ops” means.
  • Bozard Ford-Lincoln’s Ed Roberts has shown what success looks like: 46 mobile units, 43 techs, and $10 million in annual revenue. “Everything you can do in a shop without a lift can be done in the field,” Roberts said.
  • The mobile repair segment grew 15% in 2024—nearly twice the growth of the overall “do-it-for-me” market—according to the Lang Aftermarket Report.
  • Industry analysts predict mobile service will soon be an OEM standard, driven by capacity shortages, customer demand, and the undeniable appeal of “winning driveways.”
  • Apple Tree Honda and Acura in North Carolina now run three Ford Transit vans daily, tackling maintenance and light repairs for customers who’d rather not come in.
  • Fixed Ops Director Richard Lupo built the program from the ground up, using Urban Science data to pinpoint customers they weren’t reaching—and consultants like Spiffy to scale operations efficiently.

• In a world first, France has flipped the switch on a stretch of highway that wirelessly charges EVs as they drive. The A10 motorway near Paris now delivers real-time power to vehicles in motion—potentially redefining how we think about range and charging altogether.
  • VINCI Autoroutes and Electreon embedded coils beneath 1.5 km of roadway for the “Charge as You Drive” project.
  • The inductive system hits peak power above 300 kW, verified by independent labs.
  • Vehicles including a truck, van, bus, and car are already charging while cruising in live traffic.
• Even in an age of scrolling and swiping, shoppers still want to see, touch, and feel the holidays. Two new studies—from NIQ and Quad/Harris Poll—show consumers are going omnichannel, but physical retail and print are far from dead.
  • 66% of shoppers plan to browse online, but 64% will visit stores—and nearly 3 in 4 say in-store shopping gets them into the holiday spirit.
  • 76% of Americans see visiting stores as a holiday ritual, and 66% say their favorite gifts came from unexpected in-store finds.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
0:52 Edge Webinar this Wednesday
1:25 Early Adopters Are Pushing Mobile Service Forward
2:43 Richard Lupo of Apple Tree Honda and Acura joins the show
9:39 France Launches

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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After a couple of weeks off due to international travel and a new baby, Chris, Paul and Kyle are back to talk about how car dealerships are caring for their community.

Today, they cover how the Rohrman Auto Group donated $77,500 to support multiple organizations across Indiana and Chicagoland dedicated to pediatric cancer research, treatment and support.

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 #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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Episode #1183: Today we’re talking about the billion-dollar blaze disrupting Ford’s aluminum supply chain, Tekion’s confident response to new DMS rival Pinewood.AI, and why the retail world’s record CEO shuffle says more about skill sets than burnout.

• A mid-September fire at Novelis’s massive Oswego, N.Y. aluminum plant has shaken the auto supply chain, putting Ford and other OEMs in damage-control mode as crews work nonstop to rebuild the damaged facility.
  • A Sept. 16 fire destroyed 40,000 sq. ft. of the hot mill roof, halting aluminum heating and rolling operations essential to producing body panels for trucks and SUVs.
  • Repairs are underway 24/7, with 1,900 of 2,455 replacement parts already on site.
  • “Teams are working with extreme urgency,” said Novelis spokesperson Lauren Thompson. “Every hour counts in getting back online.”

• As Pinewood.AI eyes an ambitious U.S. rollout backed by Lithia Motors, Tekion CEO Jay Vijayan says “bring it on,” dismissing the U.K.-based DMS company as no major threat in America’s complex dealership software market.
  • Pinewood spun out of Lithia-owned Pendragon and plans a full-scale U.S. push after Lithia transitions to its platform by 2028.
  • The U.S. DMS market is dominated by CDK Global, Reynolds and Reynolds, and Dealertrack, with Tekion gaining momentum.
  • Vijayan said the U.S. market’s size and regulatory complexity give Tekion an edge: “I don’t have even the slightest concern.”
  • With 1,500 full DMS clients and 4,000 using Tekion software, Vijayan said profitability is expected by 2026, emphasizing “strong financial economics and long-term growth.”

• A record wave of CEO exits is reshaping what success looks like at the top of retail. As technology, AI, and shifting consumer behavior redefine the landscape, companies are looking for leaders who can adapt fast and think across multiple disciplines.
  • Retail CEO departures are up 116% year-over-year, with 64% unplanned, according to Russell Reynolds Associates.
  • Leadership experts say modern executives must blend tech fluency, marketing insight, and operational skill to stay competitive.
  • Craig Rowley, senior client partner at Korn Ferry, noted that while skills like sourcing and merchandising “don’t necessarily go away,” they’re no longer the foundation of what retailers seek in a CEO.

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 #1182: Today we’re talking about Slate Auto’s bold move to use independent repair shops instead of dealers, China pulling back EV subsidies to let the market decide, and PayPal teaming up with OpenAI to turn ChatGPT into a next-gen shopping hub.

Show Notes with links:

• Electric startup Slate Auto is flipping the traditional service model by partnering with independent repair shops instead of building dealerships or factory-run service centers. The company aims to launch its first vehicles with a fully certified third-party network next year.
  • Slate will use RepairPal’s 4,000-shop network, owned by Yelp, to handle warranty work, maintenance, and accessory installs.
  • Shops certified through RepairPal will receive training for Slate-specific EV systems, including high-voltage repairs.
  • “Being able to give that opportunity to the majority of our customers to service vehicles close to where they live is very important to us,” said Jeremy Snyder, Slate’s chief commercial officer.

• After more than a decade of heavy government support, China is officially stepping back from its electric vehicle subsidies, signaling that the industry is now strong enough to compete without government help.
  • EVs were excluded from China’s 2026–2030 five-year strategic plan for the first time in over a decade.
  • China ended its national EV purchase subsidies in late 2022 and plans to phase out remaining purchase tax rebates by 2027.
  • The decision comes amid massive overcapacity—93 of 169 automakers in China hold less than 0.1% market share.
  • “Electric vehicle subsidies will fade... the market will play a bigger role in deciding who survives,” said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group.

• In a major fintech and AI crossover, PayPal has struck a deal with OpenAI to embed its digital wallet directly into ChatGPT, allowing users to shop and pay without ever leaving the platform.
  • Starting next year, PayPal users can “Buy with PayPal” directly in ChatGPT, while merchants can list and sell their products inside the app.
  • The partnership positions PayPal as the payment backbone for AI-driven ‘agentic commerce’, following similar ChatGPT integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and Walmart.
  • PayPal CEO Alex Chriss, “It’s not just that a transaction can happen. It’s a whole new paradigm for shopping… with the largest set of verified consumers in a consumer wallet.”

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 #1181: Today we’re talking about an EV market hitting the brakes post–tax credit, why most electric drivers are just fine charging at home, and Amazon’s billion-dollar bet on future jobs—while cutting tens of thousands of its own.

Show Notes with links:

• The EV market is undergoing a “recalibration” following the end of the federal $7,500 tax credit. J.D. Power says October electric vehicle deliveries are expected to drop 43% from last year, taking EV market share from 8.5% down to just 5.2%.
  • The September “last call” for the credit pushed EV share to nearly 13%, creating a hangover in October sales.
  • Gasoline models now account for nearly 80% of retail sales, while hybrids jumped two full points to 14%
  • J.D. Power’s Tyson Jominy. “The recent EV market correction underscores a critical lesson: Consumers prefer having access to a range of powertrain options.”
• Do you imagine EV drivers are circling parking lots hunting for chargers? Think again. About 80% of all EV charging happens right at home — quietly, conveniently, and far cheaper than fueling up at a gas pump.
  • The International Energy Agency reports 83% of EV charging in the U.S. and 80% in Canada happens at home.
  • J.D. Power’s EV Experience Study shows drivers rate home charging satisfaction at 85/100 versus just 50/100 for public chargers.
  • “Home charging remains the single biggest advantage of owning an EV,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of EV practice at J.D. Power.

• Amazon is sending a mixed message to the labor market this week. The tech giant is investing billions to train millions for the “future of work” — while preparing to lay off tens of thousands of its own.
  • The company launched Future Ready 2030, a $2.5 billion initiative aimed at training 50 million employees, students, and job seekers worldwide.
  • At the same time, Amazon is reportedly cutting up to 30,000 corporate jobs, about 10% of its white-collar workforce — its largest round of layoffs since 2022.
  • “Whether someone dreams of working at Amazon, works here now, or has moved on to their next chapter, our goal is the same: helping them have access to the education and training needed to thrive in whatever comes next,” said Beth Galetti, Amazon’s SVP of People Experience and Technology.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

0:15 Paul's hat from Kazakhstan

2:05 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with foureyes on Nov. 5

3:00 EV Market Hits Recalibration in October

6:17 83% of American EV Drivers Charge At Home

9:42 Amazon Invests $2.5B In Training, Cuts 30K White-Collar Jobs

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 #1180: Fresh off a global adventure, Paul and Kyle return with stories from Kazakhstan, a look at why destination fees are climbing faster than car prices, and how Rivian and GM are tightening up their EV operations as the market cools.

• Destination fees — the unavoidable “shipping” charges tacked onto every new vehicle — are climbing faster than sticker prices. Once a minor line item, these fees have ballooned across brands, marking the steepest industrywide increase in at least a decade as automakers quietly offset rising costs and tariffs.
  • Average destination fees jumped 8.5% for 2025 models, the biggest one-year spike in 10 years, according to Edmunds.
  • Fees have risen 27% since 2021, now averaging $1,549, up from $1,220 just four years ago.
  • Some models saw even sharper hikes — Porsche up 48%, Ford up 39%, Stellantis up 35%.
  • Analysts point to inflation, heavier vehicles, and new tariffs as key cost drivers.
  • “It’s another place where they can increase the price without increasing the price,” said Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions.

• As the EV market cools and cost pressures rise, both Rivian and GM are trimming teams to stay efficient. Rivian’s cutting hundreds after the loss of key EV tax credits, while GM is reducing salaried positions tied to design and development as part of a broader restructuring.
  • Rivian is laying off 4.5% of its workforce — about 600 employees — as it consolidates operations in sales, service, and marketing.
  • CEO RJ Scaringe said the move reflects a “changing operating backdrop” as demand softens following the expiration of the $7,500 EV credit.
  • Rivian will continue investing in its next-gen R2 platform to reach a broader market beyond its luxury R1 lineup.
  • GM confirmed more than 200 white-collar job cuts in Detroit, mostly in its design engineering and CAD teams.
  • The automaker is also managing $1.6 billion in EV-related write-downs and tariff costs as it shifts strategy to protect margins amid a slower adoption curve.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
1:25 More Than Cars just got back from Kazakhstan
7:42 Destination Fees Skyrocket On 2025 Models
10:33 Rivian Lays Off 600, GM Cuts 200

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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