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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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