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Episode #1236: We’re continuing our coverage of CES with headlines on Hyundai’s humanoid robot plans and Sony Honda’s SUV twist on the Afeela. Plus, a dramatic EV fire at a gas station is stopped cold by some simple, new tech.

https://www.autonews.com/technology/an-ces-2026-hyundai-robotics-strategy-0105/
Hyundai is jumping headfirst into the humanoid robot race, revealing a bold new plan to deploy thousands of AI-driven robots at its factories, starting with its Georgia Metaplant. 
The timeline? Hyundai aims to produce 30,000 Atlas humanoid robots per year by 2028.
The robots will begin by handling parts-sequencing tasks at the Georgia plant.
Developed by Boston Dynamics, Atlas can lift 110 pounds and is built for rugged environments.
Hyundai’s roadmap includes complex assembly work by 2030, supported by AI from Nvidia and Google DeepMind.
“Robotics brings many different domains of machine learning together… That makes robotics a frontier application of AI,” said Carolina Parada of Google DeepMind.

https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/sony-honda-mobilitys-afeela-prototype-2026-puts-an-suv-spin-on-its-too-familiar-sedan-at-ces-043927882.html
Sony Honda Mobility is back at CES with another Afeela concept — this time, it’s an SUV. The new Afeela Prototype 2026 offers familiar styling with a taller twist, signaling the joint venture’s attempt to better cater to American preferences.
The SUV prototype mimics the Afeela 1 sedan, complete with nose-mounted LCD.
Targeted release is “as early as 2028,” though 2029 is more likely.
Meanwhile, the Afeela 1 sedan is still set to launch at the end of 2026 — but only in California.
Starting at $90K, the sedan offers 300 miles of range and promises future Level 4 autonomy yet only charges at 150 kwh…half of what most Teslas and Hyundai’s can do
“You could drive in Gran Turismo 7 while your car drove you to work,” Sony Honda Mobility teased.

https://www.jalopnik.com/2068144/firefighters-blanket-turtle-ev-fire/
In an ironic turn, an EV caught fire at a gas station . Thanks to quick-thinking cops and some seriously clever firefighting tech, it didn’t turn into a Hollywood-style explosion. This near-disaster in Minnesota gave emergency responders a chance to flex some new tools built just for EV fires
A burning Kia EV6 was parked at a gas pump — yes, a gas pump.
First, Police used cruisers to push the smoking EV away from the pump to a safe location.
Then, firefighters used a giant fire blanket to control vapors and smoke.
Finally, they also deployed the “Turtle” — a shell-shaped water cannon developed by Jersey City Fire Captain Howard "Buddy" Hayes after he discovered the shortcomings of his department's existing equipment in battling EV fires.
The Turtle pumps 500 gallons per minute to cool EV battery packs from underneath avoiding ‘thermal runaway’ that looks more like those crazy EV fires you’ve seen

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 #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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Episode #1234: Kicking off 2026, Paul and Kyle welcome Damon Lester for a deeply personal conversation about burnout, mental health, and leadership in retail auto. Damon opens up about his own breaking point—and why hustle culture may be costing the industry more than it realizes.

• Damon Lester shares how nonstop pressure from dealerships, associations, family, and personal loss led to burnout and a mental health crisis he could no longer outrun.
  • The industry’s obsession with perfection and constant performance leaves little room for leaders to grieve, rest, or admit they’re struggling—often with dangerous consequences.
  • Damon reframes leadership through the idea of “taking the cape off,” rejecting the superhero myth that leaders never sleep, stop, or need help.
  • Practical boundaries matter. Something as small as limiting phone access, removing devices from the dinner table, or protecting personal energy can begin the healing process.
  • The takeaway for 2026: leaders are human first. Titles, numbers, and stages come second—and sustainable leadership starts with honesty and breath.

0:00 Intro with Paul Daly & Kyle Mountsier
3:36 Damon Lester joins the show
4:15 What led to Damon’s burnout and mental crash
7:27 Why perfection culture is so damaging
8:22 What “taking the cape off” really means
12:03 Small boundaries leaders can start with

Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/

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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Have insights into how 2025 went or how 2026 is shaping up?

Let us know by sending an email to [email protected] and maybe we'll respond on this show!

Episode #1233: Happy New Year! Today we’re celebrating by looking back on the biggest themes that dominated the retail auto landscape in 2025, and prognosticating the future by looking at the big things we think the industry will face in 2026.

Top 10 Themes of 2025
#10 – Gen Z Disrupts Expectations
They demand transparency, flexibility, and quick accountability.

#9 – Service Became the MVP
Fixed ops carried the weight during sales slowdowns.

#8 – China Asserts Dominance
Chinese automakers scale massively with vertical integration.

#7 – Autonomy Advances (Cautiously)
Waymo plays it safe; Tesla pushes limits.

#6 – AI Did the Mundane (And Everyone Loved It)
No revolutions—just reliable lead follow-ups and call answering.

#5 – Tech ≠ Efficiency
More dashboards didn’t fix poor processes.

#4 – Used Cars Were the Rock
More affordable and practical than new.

#3 – Hybrids Became the Compromise
Consumers leaned toward electric and gas.

#2 – EVs Didn't Die, They Rerouted
Slowed demand post-tax incentives forced OEM rethink.

#1 – Affordability Dominated Everything
Record-high monthly payments scared off buyers.

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 #1231: We close the year with the smartest auto industry analyst in the game. Paul and Kyle bring on Steve Greenfield to make sense of a fast-moving 2025 and what dealers should really prepare for in 2026. From tariffs to AI-driven efficiency, this is a clear-eyed look at what’s coming and what’s controllable.

• Greenfield says the biggest unresolved story from 2025 is tariffs. Automakers absorbed the pain last year, but that likely changes in 2026 with pressure flowing to MSRPs or dealer margins.
  • Despite political, economic, and affordability headwinds, the auto industry proved once again how resilient it is. Consumers kept buying, and dealers kept selling.
  • Front-end grosses are already back to pre-COVID realities for many brands, making F&I performance, cost discipline, and fixed ops efficiency more critical than ever.
  • AI isn’t about buzzwords—it’s about efficiency. Dealers should start with the metrics they want to move, then choose technology that directly supports those goals.
  • For dealers and vendors alike, having a clear, practical AI strategy is no longer optional. Investors, partners, and customers all expect it.

Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/

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 #1231: Paul sits down with Cars Commerce’s Brian Kramer to break down how 2025 is ending and what dealers should expect in Q1 2026. The big themes: used car supply shifts, EV-heavy off-lease inventory, and why clarity beats cleverness heading into next year.

• Used car supply is finally climbing out of a multi-year trough, but it won’t look like the past. The next wave of inventory is coming largely from leases signed during COVID-era production constraints.
  • EVs will make up a bigger share of used inventory whether dealers “lean in” or not, driven by EV-heavy lease returns and rental fleet activity. Dealers won’t really have a choice.
  • Winning dealers are shifting focus from “look to book” to appraisal volume. If you sell 100 cars, you should be appraising closer to 200—automation is no longer optional.
  • AI search engines are already fact-checking dealer websites against reviews, Reddit, and third-party content. Multiple CTAs, overpromises, or messy workflows can quietly tank visibility.
  • Kramer sums it up with one word for 2026: clarity. Simple workflows, fewer claims, and actually delivering on what you promise online is now a competitive advantage

0:00 Intro with Paul Daly
2:07 Brian Kramer joins the show
4:02 How used car supply finished 2025
5:05 Why EVs will dominate off-lease inventory
6:50 What winning dealers are doing differently
9:22 How AI search is changing dealer visibility
11:43 Why clarity is the defining theme for 2026

• Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/

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 #1230: Paul and Kyle sit down with CMA’s Liza Borches to talk people, culture, and leadership. From gratitude for the industry to intentional connection with employees, Liza shares how she’s orienting her team for the year ahead.

• Liza reminds dealers that even during slow months or challenging cycles, the automotive industry remains a meaningful, life-impacting business that provides opportunity and stability for millions.
  • She emphasizes optimism without naivety—acknowledging that 2026 will bring challenges, while reinforcing confidence that teams have the tools and strength to find solutions and grow through them.
  • As CMA continues to grow, Liza’s focus is alignment through intention. Her 2026 word is “reach,” guiding both customer engagement and deeper employee connection.
  • On the employee side, she’s prioritizing reaching voices that often go unheard—especially technicians—to better understand engagement, workplace needs, and long-term retention.
  • Liza reframes great customer experience as a downstream result of great employee experience, noting that discretionary effort comes from feeling cared for, not just compensation plans.

• 0:00 Intro with Paul Daly & Kyle Mountsier
• 2:51 Liza Borches joins the show
• 3:00 What 2025 revealed about people and culture
• 4:33 How leaders should balance optimism with realism
• 5:57 How CMA is aligning a growing organization around culture
• 8:52 Why reaching deeper with employees matters
• 11:30 How Liza is approaching NADA differently in 2026

• Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/

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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On this last Saturday of the year, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to discuss Christmas, New Year's Resolutions and how they've seen themselves change over the last year, and their plans to see continued growth and success in 2026.

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 #1228: The day after Christmas, Kyle flies solo with Brian Benstock to talk 2026 strategy. Benstock’s take: the year will bring “difficulty mixed with opportunities,” and dealers who prepare now—especially around affordability messaging and trade-cycle tech—will be ready when the tide comes in.

• Benstock is bullish on 2026: lower inflation and easing interest-rate pressure should help affordability, which benefits dealers, OEMs, and the broader economy.
  • He applauds policy moves that reduce EV mandates and questions consumer-subsidized EV incentives, arguing adoption should be driven by product superiority, not taxpayers.
  • “Set up your fishing nets during low tide.” Benstock urges leaders to prepare teams now—process, messaging, and mindset—so they can capitalize quickly when demand rises.
  • Trade-cycle management is the big unlock: real-time equity awareness + timely, personalized offers could move customers like telecom upgrades do—same payment, newest model.
  • The blocker is vendor fragmentation: hundreds of tools that don’t integrate, plus “toll booths” that limit data flow. Benstock calls integration the next frontier.

0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier
 1:46 Brian Benstock joins the show
 3:26 Why Benstock is bullish on the 2026 economy
 7:12 How dealers should prepare during “low tide”
 8:36 Why trade-cycle management is the next frontier
 12:45 How affordability messaging can grow SAR

Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/

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 #1227: It's Christmas Eve and Paul and Kyle are in holiday mode. After some banter about an automotive Dancing With The Stars, they talk through their Christmas Eve traditions, why dealers should be closed on Christmas Day, and a little bit of encouragement for your holiday season.

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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