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The end of the year is finally here, and so we’re looking back, covering the top 10 best-selling vehicles of 2024. Plus, we talk about a unique $0 down and $0 monthly payment Fiat lease as well as reflect on some of our most memorable moments.

Show Notes with links:

• Hybrid electric-gas cars had a banner year in 2024, achieving record sales. With a shift in buyer demographics, these vehicles bridged the gap for consumers seeking efficiency and practicality without fully committing to electric vehicles.
  • A shift from early adopters to budget-conscious shoppers drove hybrid demand. Many buyers appreciated the lower costs and simpler integration into daily life compared to EVs.
  • Here are 2024’s top 10 best-selling vehicles. 10. Chevy Equinox. 9. Honda Civic 8. Nissan Rogue 7. Toyota Camry 6. Toyota Corolla 5. Tesla Model Y (only true EV on the list) 4. Chevy Silverado 1500 3. Honda CR-V 2. Toyota RAV4 1. Ford F-150 (America’s best-selling vehicle for 47 years, with 20% of buyers opting for the hybrid version)
  • The top three all have hybrid options that did especially well this year, and about half of all RAV4 and CR-V sales are hybrids, according to Edmunds.
  • “Hybrids this year became an extremely easy default decision for someone who doesn't want to go full electric but wants basically 70% or 80% of benefits” said Ivan Drury of Edmunds.

• Who says driving electric has to break the bank? A Fiat dealership in Colorado pulled off the seemingly impossible: a lease deal on the 2024 Fiat 500e that truly costs $0 down and $0 a month. 
  • The deal covers a 27-month term, 10,000 miles per year, with just $1,300 in state taxes and fees due upfront.
  • Larry H. Miller Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-Fiat Denver moved over 60 cars in three days, using over $15,000 in federal and state incentives, plus factory discounts, to enable this unheard-of lease offer.
  • Colorado’s state incentives decrease in 2025, and federal EV credits are under scrutiny, meaning deals like this are less likely in the future.
  • David Gluckman of Car & Driver leased one of the cars, and commented on the dealership’s challenges with such a unique agreement: “I was warned, apologetically, that there was a chance I might have to re-sign some of the paperwork because the dealer’s computer system didn’t know how to handle a lease with no payment… A funny formality: They still had to run a credit check to confirm my ability to (not) pay.”

• As we close out the year, we look back at some of our most memorable moments. Let us know yours by commenting below!

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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The clock is about to run out on 2024, but that doesn’t stop the grind of the retail auto industry! Today we’re covering the latest awkwardness from the potential Honda-Nissan merger, how California dealers are threatening to sue Scout over their DTC plans, and over-priced fast food.

Show Notes with links:

• Honda's CEO Toshihiro Mibe faced an awkward press moment when asked why Nissan would make a good business partner, candidly admitting, “That’s a difficult one,” when trying to explain the rationale. The comment highlights broader skepticism and questions surrounding the partnership.
  • Honda has a solid hybrid lineup but struggles with EV development after parting ways with GM. Meanwhile, Nissan faces financial instability and a declining EV market share despite its history as an early leader with the Leaf.
  • Nissan's robust manufacturing network and supply chain might align with Honda’s hybrid expertise. However, overlapping product offerings could limit potential benefits.
  • Nissan’s shares initially soared over 60% after the deal’s announcement but have since plunged by 13% over two days, signaling investor doubts.
  • Both companies face uphill battles, with AlixPartners estimating any meaningful results from a merger might take three to five years.
  • “Ideally, it would’ve been a healthy and financially sound company, rather than Nissan,” said analyst Julie Boote, echoing doubts about the merger’s feasibility.

• California’s new-car dealers are pushing back against Volkswagen Group and Scout Motors, accusing them of violating state law by taking direct-to-consumer refundable deposits for their upcoming electric Scout models.
  • California’s amended Vehicle Code, effective Jan. 1, 2024, prohibits automakers or their affiliates from direct-to-consumer sales if they already have franchised dealerships in the state. Tesla is exempt, as it has never operated through franchisees.
  • Dealers argue Scout's sales model excludes VW’s 50 franchisees in California, cutting them out of Scout's EV sales opportunities.
  • Scout insists it’s independent from VW, designing a unique electric platform, and claims the direct sales model aligns with their “customer-first vision.”

• A recent study has named Shake Shack and Five Guys as America’s most overpriced fast-food chains, sparking debate over whether premium pricing for burgers and fries is really worth it.
  • Preply analyzed over 57,000 Google Reviews, highlighting Shake Shack as the most overpriced chain, followed by Five Guys and Sugar Factory. Key terms like “expensive” and “not worth the money” dominated customer feedback.
  • A viral receipt showing $22 for a Five Guys burger, soda, and fries led to widespread backlash, with one post asking, “What is the right amount these days?”
  • Despite the critici

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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As we enter the last weekend of the year, we’re looking ahead!

We’re throwing it back to our conversation with Steve Greenfield on the Year End Extravaganza, where he talked to us about what he was paying attention to going into the New Year.

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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The day after Christmas means it’s time to get back to selling, and we couldn’t think of a better way to inspire you towards that than to look back at our Year End Extravaganza Chat with Zac Kinch and Austin Conroy.

They are the hosts of the Driving Relationships podcast and both leaders in the Rohrman Automotive Group, meaning they’re bringing on the ground, hands in the dirt, tactical experience to the conversation.

And did we mention that Austin has millions of views on TikTok?

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 day before Christmas, we replay the More Than Cars panel from the 2024 Year End Extravaganza with guests Letti Bozard, Liza Borches and Ed Roberts. 

There’s a sneak peek of More Than Cars Season 2 and some surprise announcements at the end!

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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Christmas week is officially here, but before we get to presents, we speculate on the future of Honda and Nissan, plus take a closer look at Tesla’s record market cap.

Show Notes with links:

• Honda and Nissan are set to create a unified holding company to strengthen their competitiveness amidst industry challenges. Set to launch by August 2026, the combined entity is predicted to generate over $181 billion in annual revenue and $19 billion in operating profit.
  • Honda will take the lead in the new company, nominating key executives and determining strategy.
  • Plans include advancements in EVs, software development, and sales financing, aiming for significant results by 2030.
  • Mitsubishi Motors will decide by January if they will join the partnership, adding strength in Southeast Asia and hybrid technology.
  • Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe described the merger as critical artillery for competing by 2030, stating, “We have the potential to be a world-class, leading company in new mobility.”

• Tesla's valuation has soared to a new all-time high of $1.5 trillion following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, solidifying its dominance in the global automotive market.
  • Tesla accounts for nearly half of the global automotive market cap, exceeding the combined valuation of the next 29 automakers.
  • Key competitors like Toyota ($231 billion) and BYD ($107 billion) trail far behind.
  • Investors see Elon Musk’s close ties with President Trump as a potential boost, especially with anticipated corporate tax cuts.
  • Tesla’s stock is up 57% year-to-date, despite its production (1.8M vehicles in 2023) lagging far behind Toyota (11.2M vehicles).

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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It's the last weekend before Christmas, so we discuss Christmas traditions around the ASOTU halls with writers Chris Reeves and Kristi Canada.

Then, we discuss how car-dealer Herb Chambers donated $100 Million to Massachusetts General Hospital for a new state-of-the-art cancer care facility.

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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With just 2 weekends left in the year, we’re excited to share that the automotive industry is set up for an excellent finish to 2024. Meanwhile, Ford is ramping down its F-150 Lightning production until the new year to meet demand, and Gen Z may just save the malls.

Show Notes with links:

• The automotive industry is gearing up for a solid 2024 finish as inventories stabilize and aggressive year-end deals lure buyers back to showrooms. Analysts remain optimistic about continued momentum into 2025, despite policy uncertainties.
  • Total 2024 sales are projected at 15.8–15.9 million vehicles, a solid increase from 15.6 million in 2023.  December’s seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) is expected to reach 17.2 million, the highest since 2021.
  • General Motors is likely to hold its position as the top U.S. automaker, with Honda having the most gains, overtaking Stellantis in market share due to Stellantis’ estimated 15% sales drop.
  • Retail leasing activity is up 19% YoY, fueled by record-high EV incentives averaging $8,202 per transaction. EV sales are forecasted to grow 12% in Q4, contributing to the year’s estimated 8% EV market share.
  • Despite falling interest rates (below 7% for the first time in a year), high vehicle prices push average monthly payments to $740—a $15 increase over last year and $150 higher than in 2019.
  • "We’ve gone from ‘wait to buy’ to a new marching cry of ‘buy now before prices and rates climb again,’” says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive.

• Ford has announced a temporary production pause for its F-150 Lightning until January 6, 2025. The decision reflects a strategic adjustment to align supply with actual market demand as the EV industry navigates a period of slower-than-expected growth.
  • Ford sold 22,807 F-150 Lightnings in 2024, marking an 86% increase from last year. This performance places it well ahead of competitors like Chevrolet’s Silverado EV (5,252 units) and Rivian’s R1T (10,387 units).
  • The pause at Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan plant is designed to prevent overproduction and ensure dealerships are not overstocked with unsold inventory.
  • Ford’s strategy acknowledges that EV adoption is not growing as fast as earlier projections suggested, requiring automakers to balance innovation with market-driven production levels.
  • As a Ford spokesperson explained: "We continue to adjust production for an optimal mix of sales growth and profitability."

• In a talk at the NeurIPS 2024 AI conference, former OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever reflected on the foundational 2014 paper that shaped modern AI—and looked ahead to where AI is going next.
  • The era of pre-training is ending as AI is running out of quality internet data, marking the end of "Peak Data." As Sutskever put it, "Data is the fossil fuel of AI."
  • Sutskever says we should expect smarter AI agents, synthetic training data, and models that th

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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Our 4th Annual Year End Extravaganza is at 1PM today! But before we get there, we’ve got to talk about how Foxconn is still trying to buy Nissan, how a new CA law will require way more charging infrastructure and ChatGPT’s phone hotline.

Show Notes with links:

• The ante has been upped as a Foxconn exec is currently meeting with Renault officials in France to discuss acquiring a stake in Nissan, intensifying the urgency of Honda and Nissan’s merger talks. Facing fierce competition from Tesla and Chinese automakers, both Japanese giants are exploring deeper collaboration to stay afloat in a rapidly shifting EV market.
  • Honda and Nissan have been  exploring a holding company to deepen collaboration, stay competitive against Tesla and BYD, and address slowing EV demand in Europe and the U.S.
  • A merger could offer cost savings and shared R&D across 7 million vehicles but risks overlap in markets and products, especially in the U.S. and Japan as Japanese regulators are closely watching the situation due to its potential impact on jobs. 
  • One of the biggest questions that we think isn’t being talked about enough, is this being a potential door to allow Chinese EVs to enter the market.

• California's new building codes, effective 2026, will require EV chargers in most new overnight parking spaces, providing convenient access to charging, especially for apartment dwellers and urban residents.
  • Most new apartment and condo projects must ensure that each unit’s parking spot is "EV Ready" with 240V outlets or standardized chargers. Shared spaces can use power-sharing systems to keep costs manageable.
  • New hotel/motel guidelines will require up to 65% of parking spots to be EV-ready, ensuring travelers have access to overnight charging.
  • Office, retail, and other non-residential lots must designate at least 20% of their spaces as EV-ready, with incentives for installing DC fast chargers.
  • Older parking lots must meet EV-ready requirements whenever significant updates or new spaces are added, creating a gradual statewide retrofit.

• OpenAI has launched a phone-based version of ChatGPT, allowing users in the US to call and chat with the AI for up to 15 minutes a month. The feature is part of OpenAI’s push to make AI accessible to new audiences.
  • How It Works: Call 1-800-CHATGPT to connect with ChatGPT for up to 15 minutes per month per phone number. You can also message ChatGPT via WhatsApp using the same number globally.
  • The phone system uses OpenAI’s Realtime API, while the WhatsApp integration is powered by GPT-4o mini through the WhatsApp API.
  • OpenAI describes the feature as a “low-cost way” for users unfamiliar with AI to try it out through familiar channels. Advanced users may prefer traditional ChatGPT accounts for more robust features.

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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Remain calm, there is only 1 week until Christmas. Today we’re talking about a potential merger between Nissan and Honda, how Chevy’s EV Equinox apparently doesn’t make enough noise and how the FTC is cracking down on junk hotel fees.

Show Notes with links:

• Nissan faces a crossroads as merger talks with Honda intensify, spurred by Foxconn's interest in a controlling stake and the competitive pressures reshaping Japan's auto industry.
  • An announcement by Honda and Nissan could come as soon as Dec. 23, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to discuss shared equity stakes in a new holding company.
  • A Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger would create one of two Japanese auto powerhouses—the other led by Toyota and its stakes in Subaru, Suzuki, and Mazda.
  • Foxconn’s interest in Nissan reportedly accelerated Honda’s push for a merger, fearing Nissan’s vulnerability to a takeover.
  • Combined, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi sold 4 million vehicles globally in the first half of the year, far behind Toyota’s 5.2 million on its own.
  • Nissan shares surged 24% on Dec. 18, marking the biggest one-day gain in its history, after both companies acknowledged discussions.
  • Renault, Nissan’s largest shareholder with a 36% stake, remains a key player, potentially influencing any final decision.

• General Motors issued a recall for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV due to its pedestrian alert system failing to make sufficient noise at low speeds, potentially putting pedestrians at risk.
  • The alert system's software may not meet federal noise requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, affecting over 7,500 Equinox EVs.
  • GM resolved the issue in its assembly plant in October. Current owners can get a free body control module update at dealerships starting January 27, 2025.
  • EVs are known for their quiet operation, but regulations require external sounds to alert pedestrians, especially at low speeds.
  • Despite the recall, over 15,000 units have already sold. The LT FWD trim, starting at $34,995, boasts a 319-mile range, making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs in the U.S.

• The FTC has passed a rule requiring ticket sellers, hotels, and rental sites to disclose total prices upfront, addressing "junk fees" that increase consumer costs.
  • Companies must now include service fees, resort fees, and other charges in advertised prices, eliminating last-minute add-ons.
  • The rule could save Americans 53 million hours annually spent uncovering hidden fees.
  • Passed 4-1, the rule may face challenges under incoming Republican leadership and legal pushback.
  • FTC Chair Lina Khan stated: "I.. encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success with legislation that bans unfair and deceptive junk fees across the economy."

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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