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It’s CES week, meaning all the announcements and concepts, so we’ve got you covered on what to pay attention to. Plus we talk about how monthly payments are continuing to rise and how some AI accounts created by Meta are sparking controversy.

Automotive News and CES share a rich legacy, starting a century ago. Together, they’ve chronicled and shaped the evolution of technology and innovation in the auto industry for 100 years.

• The Radio Manufacturers Association, also formed in 1924, evolved into the Consumer Technology Association, operator of CES.
• Automotive News debuted in 1925, with its first edition covering industry changes like tire innovations and gas price wars.
• In 1924, Kelly’s Motors installed the first car AM radio in 1924, marking the start of auto-tech convergence.
• CES became a stage for auto-tech in 2001 when Mercedes-Benz exhibited its first concept; today, software-defined vehicles and EVs dominate.

CES 2025 promises to showcase the future of automotive tech alongside cutting-edge consumer gadgets. Here’s what to watch for as the event unfolds.

• Early announcements started yesterday, with automakers likely teasing EV concepts and tech advancements.
• Today will feature the biggest announcements of CES, featuring Samsung, Nvidia and Sony, setting the tone for the week.
• For the rest of the week, the show floor opens, offering hands-on access to next-gen automotive innovations like software-defined vehicles, AI integration, and autonomous features.

As new-vehicle affordability continues to challenge consumers, Q4 2024 set new records for monthly payments and loan amounts.

• According to Edmunds, nearly 1 in 5 new-car buyers in Q4 2024 committed to $1,000+ monthly payments, an all-time high.
• The average amount financed for new cars hit $42,113, up from $40,713 in Q3 2024.
• 0% financing offers remain scarce, accounting for only 2.4% of deals, requiring excellent credit to qualify.
• Average new-car APR dipped to 6.8% in Q4 2024, showing signs of improvement after years of high rates.

Meta’s experimental AI-generated accounts have sparked controversy for their fabricated identities and profit-driven goals. Some bots, like "Liz" and "Grandpa Brian," went viral for calling out their own creators, prompting Meta to shut down the accounts amid a storm of public criticism.

• Meta introduced AI-generated personas on Facebook and Instagram with bios, profile pictures, and interactive capabilities to boost user engagement.

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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