Automotive State of The Union

Affordability Drives Sub-$20K Segment, AI EV Battery Checks, Shrinkflation Survey


Listen Later

Shoot us a Text.

It’s a wheels up Wednesday as we’re celebrating with Carter Myers Automotive at their 100th Anniversary Gala. We also dive into the rise of affordable new vehicles, AI’s game-changing role in EV battery safety, and the growing frustration of U.S. shoppers facing shrinkflation.


Show Notes with links:


  • New data suggests lower-priced vehicles are surging in popularity despite the average price of new cars remaining high. Buyers are acting fast before affordable models disappear, with notable increases in sub-$20,000 cars.
    • Kia Forte sales rose by 6%, Nissan Versa by 64%, and Mitsubishi Mirage by an incredible 114%, even though the Mirage is set to be discontinued.
    • Vehicles priced between $20,000 and $30,000 saw nearly 44% growth in sales during Q3.
    • Meanwhile, luxury cars priced at $100,000 or more saw a sharp decline, with sales plummeting 46% in the past 9 months.
    • Kevin Roberts from CarGurus says consumers are becoming more cautious due to economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and elevated vehicle prices.


  • Technology firms are racing to tackle EV battery defects with the help of artificial intelligence. AI models are dramatically speeding up quality checks, helping identify potential issues before they lead to costly or dangerous outcomes.
    • UnitX’s AI tools scan cells in 3.5 seconds, compared to 5 minutes for human operators, allowing labor to be reassigned.
    • Richard Ahlfeld of Monolith says AI can halve battery testing time, while Nio Europe is leveraging AI to accelerate battery development.
    • SES AI is using AI models to map new molecules, potentially revolutionizing material discovery for future EV batteries.
    • Patrick Hertzke of McKinsey notes that improving battery chemistry, like pharmaceuticals, takes time but holds tremendous potential for the future.


  • A new LendingTree study reveals just how widespread shrinkflation is in the U.S., with many products shrinking in size while prices stay the same—or even rise—leaving consumers to pay more for less.
    • 31% of the 98 supermarket products studied have shrunk over the last four years.
    • Paper products like toilet paper were the most affected, with 60% shrinking since 2019.
    • Charmin Ultra Strong rolls shrank by 15.4%, while prices per 100 sheets increased by 31.4%.
    • Breakfast cereals and candy have also been impacted, with Reese’s shrinking by 11% and its price skyrocketing by 68.2%.
    • Matt Schulz of LendingTree notes "Shrinkflation adds insult to injury for already frustrated consumers."

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.

Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/

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

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Automotive State of The UnionBy More Than Cars Media Network

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

29 ratings


More shows like Automotive State of The Union

View all
Stuff You Should Know by iHeartPodcasts

Stuff You Should Know

78,247 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,148 Listeners

The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan

The Joe Rogan Experience

228,882 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,489 Listeners

The Dealer Playbook by Michael Cirillo

The Dealer Playbook

131 Listeners

Automotive News Daily Drive by Automotive News

Automotive News Daily Drive

105 Listeners

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend by Team Coco & Earwolf

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

59,306 Listeners

Fiction - Comedy Fiction by The Sunset Explorers

Fiction - Comedy Fiction

6,445 Listeners

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg by All-In Podcast, LLC

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

9,913 Listeners

A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism

2,141 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,902 Listeners

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce by Wondery

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

18,223 Listeners

Car Dealership Guy Podcast by Car Dealership Guy

Car Dealership Guy Podcast

416 Listeners

Auto Collabs by More Than Cars Media Network

Auto Collabs

9 Listeners

The ASOTU Wheelhouse - Hosted by Daniel Govaer by More Than Cars Media Network

The ASOTU Wheelhouse - Hosted by Daniel Govaer

5 Listeners

ASOTU Unscripted by More Than Cars Media Network

ASOTU Unscripted

5 Listeners

ASOTU CON Sessions by More Than Cars Media Network

ASOTU CON Sessions

1 Listeners

Amplify - A retail automotive podcast by Reuters Events and ASOTU by ASOTU

Amplify - A retail automotive podcast by Reuters Events and ASOTU

3 Listeners

The Car Podcast with Chris Harris & Friends by Chris Harris

The Car Podcast with Chris Harris & Friends

130 Listeners

Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce by Wave

Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce

10,285 Listeners