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On this first day of the month, we're talking about how the Veterans of Walser went to a local cemetery to refresh the graveside flags, plus we think about how dealers can be more involved in their communities on the holidays.

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Day 2 with Cirillo and we figured some marketing wrap up was still in store. We are also taking a look at the much-talked-about Buick Envista and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Bob Kelley.

Show Notes with links:

• Buick, GM’s semi-luxury brand, is experiencing a significant sales resurgence thanks to the new 2024 Buick Envista.
  • Buick, celebrating its 125th anniversary, has a rich history of innovation and design.
  • The 2024 Buick Envista is leading the brand’s sales increase, especially in the U.S.
  • In 2023, Buick sold 167,000 vehicles in the US, moving it up just ahead of Cadillac among GM’s four brands in this market.
  • Almost 70% of Buick buyers are new to the brand, indicating strong market appeal.
  • "It sells faster than the vast majority of GM products," said Edmunds analyst Ivan Drury.
• Bob Kelley, former publisher of Kelley Blue Book, passed away at 96. Known for his humor and tech-savviness, Kelley led the publication's digital transformation.
  • Kelley spearheaded Kelley Blue Book's transition from print to a comprehensive online resource, making car pricing information more accessible.
  • Under his leadership, Kelley Blue Book expanded to include imports, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, mobile homes, and classic and collector cars, broadening its influence.
  • Kelley began his career at the family-owned Kelley Kar Co., where he honed his skills in appraising and selling used cars before becoming publisher of Kelley Blue Book in the 1960s.
  • According to his son-in-law Charlie Vogelheim, he had a sense of humor about the online transition and would say, “If you drop the book, it still works.”
  • Cox Automotive, which acquired Kelley Blue Book in 2010, praised him as "a true pioneer in the automotive industry,” saying "Bob's impact has been immeasurable… His passion for informed decision-making will always guide us."
• Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of the Verge, is challenging that ‘Google Zero,’ the moment when Google stops sending traffic to third-party websites, is here.
  • Google Search has dominated the web ecosystem, driving traffic and ad revenue.
  • Websites rely on Google Search, Chrome, and advertising technologies for their business models.
  • Smaller sites like HouseFresh are struggling as Google changes its algorithms.
  • HouseFresh managing editor Gisele Navarro detailed the impact on their traffic and business.
  • “I often joke that The Verge is the last website on Earth, but there’s a kernel of truth to it. Building an audience on the web is harder than ever, and that leaves us with one really big question: what’s next?” -Patel

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Today we have Michael Cirillo, host of The Dealer Playbook, joining the show in Paul’s absence. We are breaking down the questionable narrative in the EV slowdown, a dealer that is taking the More Than Cars mentality international, and a Google leak that is shocking the paid and organic media industry.

• Despite recent headlines about an "EV slowdown," the overall electric vehicle market is still growing. While sales numbers vary across brands, the industry's progress continues, with certain automakers experiencing significant growth.
  • Some brands show lower sales due to model gaps, not a market decline.
  • Automakers like Hyundai and Ford saw YOY EV sales growth from 56% to 86%.
  • Currently Hyundai, GM and Ford are all on pace to sell more than 100k EVs for the first time in a calendar year.
  • Analysts suggest that lower Tesla sales create opportunities for other EV makers.
  • Political polarization impacts EV adoption, with 63% citing China's dominance in the EV supply chain as a concern.
  • The EV market remains divided, with differing brand performance and consumer attitudes.
  • “We’re still seeing growth in demand, just not at the same pace for every brand,” said Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.

• Vermont dealer Faith Mba is not only succeeding in the automotive business but also giving back to his homeland, Nigeria. His efforts have led to the creation of a new school, providing much-needed educational resources.
  • Faith Mba immigrated to the U.S. in 2004 and began his career in the car business soon after. He is currently constructing a 37,000-square-foot Toyota-Ford dealership in Westminster, Vermont.
  • Meanwhile, halfway across the world, Mba has built the six-classroom Mgbala Elementary School in eastern Nigeria, located in Mba's father's hometown, where Mba noticed 200 children studying in a dilapidated two-room school.
  • Managed remotely with the help of a local family member, Mba and his wife funded the project themselves after struggling to secure tax-deductible donations.
  • The new school includes a well for clean water, a significant upgrade from typical local schools which often lack basic amenities.
  • "I look at it as something to carry on [my father's] legacy," Mba told Automotive News. "I decided to build it for the children because they are the leaders of tomorrow."

• Google has confirmed the authenticity of 2,500 leaked internal documents revealing details about the data it collects and potentially uses in its search ranking algorithm, causing a stir in the SEO industry.
  • The leaked documents reveal that Google tracks data such as clicks and Chrome user activity, which the company previously stated do not influence search rankings. However, it's unclear if this data is used for training purposes or in the search algorithm itself.
  • The leak m

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Happy Hump Day as we’re halfway through the week! Today we’re covering a BYD hybrid that can drive from NYC to Miami on a single charge/tank, how Toyota and other OEMs are decarbonizing with ICE and why Gen Z is getting summer jobs.

Show Notes with links:

• BYD has introduced a groundbreaking hybrid powertrain capable of exceeding 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) on a single charge and full tank, marking a significant advancement in hybrid technology.
  • The new hybrid powertrain was unveiled during a live-streamed event from China.
  • BYD's dual-mode plug-in electric hybrids can now travel distances comparable to New York to Miami or Munich to Madrid without needing to recharge or refuel.
  • This development highlights BYD's progress over five generations of hybrids since 2008.
  • BYD sold three million cars last year and delivered nearly one million cars by March this year. For every two hybrids sold in China, one is a BYD. 

• Toyota Motor has unveiled next-generation engines designed for various car types, including hybrids and biofuel vehicles. This move targets stricter emissions standards and reflects Toyota's diversified approach beyond just EVs.
  • Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda displayed new 1.5L and 2.0L engines that are more compact, reducing volume and height compared to current models.
  • The new engines aim to integrate with electric components for decarbonizing internal combustion engines, making the new engines compatible with alternative fuels like e-fuels and biofuels.
  • "With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units," the companies stated.

• Gen Z is reversing the decline in teen employment, bringing back a key rite of passage for adolescents.
  • Teen labor force participation, once nearly 2 in 3 in the 1980s, has recently hit a 14-year high at 38%.
  • Rising wages, inflation-driven necessity, and high demand in retail and restaurant jobs are driving this trend.
  • In the coming weeks, employers are expected to add another 1.3 million summer jobs for teens, according to the firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas
  • Psychologist and author Jean Twenge highlights how teen jobs teach crucial life skills, saying “There is something lost when there are more young people who enter the workforce after college with no work experience… When they learn those lessons about how important it is to show up on time and do a good job and sometimes you have to listen to the boss, all of it builds conscientiousness for later in life.”

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 Tuesday and we’re talking about Ford lifting restrictions on which dealers can sell EVs, the political divide impacting EV adoption, and Bass Pro Shops' is the next retailer leaning affordability amid inflation.

Show Notes with links:

• Ford is set to undo a key element of its EV certification program, opening EV sales to its entire U.S. retail network following backlash and lawsuits.
  • Ford plans to reopen EV sales to its full U.S. retail network after feedback from 11 in-person dealer meetings and extensive pushback.
  • Initially, EV sales were limited to dealers making significant investments in chargers and training, which led to criticism and lawsuits from over 400 dealers and state associations.
  • Dealers argued the restrictions were unfair and potentially illegal, with lawsuits claiming Ford could not legally prevent some dealers from selling its products.
  • Lisa Drake, VP of EV programs, stated the goal is to involve more dealers and reduce certification requirements, aiming for a more inclusive approach saying, "We'll be more ubiquitous with our training and make sure essentially all of our dealers are equipped to sell them."
  • Attorney Rich Sox, representing dealers in New York, emphasized, "This is about making sure all dealers have access to EVs and not being pigeonholed into one of three categories the program arbitrarily created."
    
    
    
• As automakers push their electric vehicles, some consumers resist for political reasons, highlighting a growing challenge in the EV market.
  • Many consumers oppose EVs due to political and ideological reasons, complicating automakers' efforts.
  • A Morning Consult poll found about 40% of Americans have an unfavorable view of EVs, with 38% citing political views and 63% concerned about China's dominance in the EV supply chain.
  • Conservative consumers often criticize public subsidies for EVs and regulations steering them towards electric cars, contrasting with liberals who support EVs for environmental reasons.
  • Kia's Steven Center acknowledges EVs as a hot-button issue: "You know that old saying, ‘Don’t talk about religion or politics?’ I think you can add EVs to that."
  • Mike Murphy, a Republican strategist, noted, "There is a hearts-and-minds resistance to EVs, mostly on the Republican side. If you can’t break down that tribalism, the industry isn’t going to sell enough EVs."
  • Bill Wallace, a South Florida car dealer, noted that about one-third of his customers express adamant opposition to EVs, viewing them as government control.
    • "They are angry," Wallace said. "They feel like it’s the government trying to control their lives." he continued ““I said, ‘Mary (Barra), you have to understand the red-state mentality. These people want no part of it,’

• The Auto Industry isn’t the only one talking about affordability, in response to persistent inflation, Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, is emphasizing the brand's

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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We’re thankful for our nation on this Memorial Day 2024  as we reflect on all that have given their lives as a member of the US Armed Forces. Today, we’re talking about Memorial Day (and other holiday) sales strategies with the one and only Todd Caputo.

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We're kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a great story about two dealer groups being named in the top 50 best places to work by none other than Glassdoor. And that's sayin something. 

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We’re heading into a huge sales weekend and we’re talking big Memorial Day discounts on 2023 cars, Elon Musk's reversal on Chinese EV tariffs, and California's new bill requiring cars to beep when speeding.

Show Notes with links:

• Edmunds reported that 2023 model year vehicles on U.S. lots rose to 6.8 percent in May. With higher inventories and many 2023 cars and trucks, Memorial Day weekend may be the  ideal time to buy for some shoppers, but it depends on the brand
  • May saw an increase in the share of 2023 models on lots, rising to 6.8%.
  • Average new vehicle incentives expected at $2,640 in May, up 48% from last year.
  • Dodge had the highest concentration of 2023 models, offering discounts averaging $6,753.
  • "If you look at Honda, Toyota and Subaru, our days' supply are all under 30 still," said Joey Huang, president of Great Lakes Auto Group. "We're all still begging for inventory. We're selling more than we can get."
  • Average new-vehicle loan interest rate projected at 7.1%, with special financing offers like Tesla's 0.99% on the Model Y standing out.
  • Most dealerships anticipate high sales traffic over the holiday weekend due to increased promotions and warmer weather.
    
    
    
• Tesla founder Elon Musk reversed his stance on U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, now opposing measures he once supported.
  • Musk, previously in favor of tariffs, now opposes them, calling market distortions "not good."
  • The Biden administration quadrupled EV tariffs to over 100%, affecting $18 billion in Chinese goods.
  • "Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs... I’m in favour of no tariffs," Musk said at Viva Technology.
  • Musk went on to state that Tesla competes well in China without tariffs or special support.
  • Back in January, Musk warned "If there are no trade barriers established, they will pretty much demolish most other car companies in the world.”
    
    
    
• California has passed a bill to combat speeding by requiring new cars to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit.
  • The bill, SB 961, mandates passive speed limiters in new cars, starting with 50% by 2029 and 100% by 2032.
  • These systems use GPS and a database of speed limits to issue visual and audio warnings when exceeding the limit by more than 10 mph.
  • The regulation will apply to all passenger vehicles, including trucks and buses, but will not physically prevent speeding.
  • Similar measures will soon be implemented in the European Union, with potential for national adoption in the U.S.
  • Supporters include the National Transportation Safety Board and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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It’s a busy Thursday as we roll towards the holiday weekend. Today, we explore the surprising interest in Chinese EVs among young Americans, Kia's launch of a new compact electric SUV amid cooling EV demand, and Yoshi Mobility's innovative mobile fast charging solution for EVs.

Show Notes with links:

• A recent survey by AutoPacific reveals that younger Americans are increasingly open to purchasing vehicles from Chinese brands, despite privacy worries.
  • 35% of respondents aged 18 to 80 would consider a Chinese car.
  • 76% of those under 40 are open to buying a Chinese vehicle, compared to only 26% of those over 60.
  • Ed Kim, President of AutoPacific, attributes this trend because it's easier to see what’s happening in other parts of the world, saying “Social media has simply just made the world a lot smaller,”
  • Privacy concerns are significant, with over 70% of respondents expressing worry across all age groups.
  • Manufacturing Chinese vehicles in the U.S. could increase purchase willingness among 16% of respondents.
  • "[Negative] political connotations associated with China just don't apply to younger people," said Kim

• Kia has introduced its first compact electric SUV, the EV3, built on its dedicated EV platform, aiming to attract buyers with competitive pricing despite a cooling global EV market.
  • The EV3 is part of Hyundai Motor Group's plan to introduce over 31 electric models by 2030.
  • The EV3 will be priced between $35,000 and $50,000 and offers two battery options with a long-range model capable of 600 kilometers (373 miles) on a single charge.
  • Kia plans to achieve an annual sales target of 200,000 units worldwide, although they declined to say what year that target is for.
  • Kia aims to sell approximately 1.6 million EV units by 2030.
  • "We are making the EV3 very much accessible to our customers with the pricing level that customers are expecting for our vehicle," said Kia President Song Ho Sung.

• Yoshi Mobility has launched a mobile DC fast charging unit, dubbed "a supercharger on wheels," to address the need for convenient EV charging where infrastructure is lacking.
  • The 240 kW mobile DC fast charger can provide multiple charges in a single trip.
  • It is mounted on GM BrightDrop Zevo 600s, with more vehicles to be added through 2024.
  • Initial customers include “major OEMs, autonomous vehicle companies, and rideshare operators” that don’t yet have grid-connected EV chargers.
  • The service can be deployed within 10 days once under contract.
  • Full commercialization is expected by Q1 2025.
  • "We recognized a demand among our customers for convenient daily charging," said Dan Hunter, Yoshi Mobility’s chief EV officer and cofounder.

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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Welcome to Wednesday as we discuss the rising age of vehicles in the U.S., political attacks in Ohio's Senate race targeting a former car dealer, and how Gen Z workers' values align closely with those of their older colleagues. 

Show Notes with links:

• The average age of vehicles in the U.S. has climbed to a record 12.6 years, with the total number of vehicles in operation increasing to 286 million as of January 2024.
  • The average vehicle age rose by two months from the previous year, continuing a seven-year trend.
  • Only 88 million vehicles were 1 to 5 years old in January 2024, down from 90.3 million in 2023.
  • There are 110 million vehicles in the prime aftermarket service range, aged 6 to 14 years.
  • Factors driving the increase include better vehicle quality, high prices, COVID-19 impacts, and hesitancy to buy EVs.
  • Todd Campau of S&P Global Mobility noted, "Really, the main driver was the pandemic and the supply chain" .
    
    
    
• Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown's new ad targets Republican challenger Bernie Moreno's past as a car dealer, sparking backlash from auto dealers who support Moreno's campaign.
  • Brown's ad claims Moreno was untrustworthy as a car dealer and shouldn't be trusted as a senator.
  • Auto dealers argue Brown's comments insult the hardworking employees in the auto sales industry.
  • Tim Glockner of Glockner Chevrolet stated, "Sherrod Brown's comments are a slap in the face to hardworking Ohioans in the auto sales industry."
  • Moreno, endorsed by former President Trump, has become the Republican nominee in a highly competitive race.
  • "Thousands of Ohioans are employed in various capacities across the auto industry, and our senior senator chose to mock our jobs on the airwaves," said Joseph Chapman of Chapman Ford 
    
    
    
• Contrary to popular belief, Gen Z workers have many of the same aspirations and values as their older colleagues, focusing on decent salaries, meaningful work, and work-life balance.
  • A study by Seramount found that Gen Z workers value work-life balance and flexibility, with a desire to be in the office for the social interaction and learning…but maybe not everyday
  • Only 11% of Gen Z want to work remotely full-time, compared to 34% of older workers.
  • Financial stability is important across generations, with 51% of Gen Z and 47% of older workers prioritizing salary.
  • Gen Z workers also seek strong relationships with their supervisors and aim for leadership roles.
  • Jon Veasey-Deters of Seramount noted, "Gen Z is not that different from other gener

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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