Shoot us a Text.

Episode #1199: Ford launches CPO sales on Amazon—but the dealer keeps the keys. Plus, Hyundai teases a high-riding electric concept for the off-road segment, and Netflix pivots to a massive experiential retail strategy.

Show Notes with links:

• Ford is leveraging Amazon's massive consumer reach, partnering with the e-commerce giant to allow franchised dealers to sell their Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) inventory directly through the platform.
  • The transaction flow is highly digitized: customers can secure financing and complete the initial paperwork online, streamlining the final steps required in the dealership.
  • The dealership remains the seller of record, ensuring they handle the final transaction and subsequent service.
  • Ford will evaluate the results of CPO-only sales before considering expanding into new vehicle sales on the platform in the future, mimicking the Hyundai model.

• Hyundai is doubling down on the rugged-SUV trend at the LA Auto Show, teasing the "Crater Concept," an extreme off-road show vehicle that aggressively amplifies the brand's popular XRT trim line.
  • The Crater is a boxy, high-riding SUV, a true off-road direction for the brand, possibly targeting the Ford Bronco.
  • The design uses a closed-off grille and no visible exhaust, suggesting it is part of Hyundai's electrification push
  • Hyundai Design North America just unveiled "The Sandbox," a new creative hub dedicated exclusively to developing future outdoor adventure vehicles and XRT-branded gear

• Netflix is betting that the future of retail is experiential, as it opened its first 100,000-sq-ft "Netflix House," setting a new benchmark for brand activation and customer engagement.
  • The space converts a former Lord & Taylor anchor store, demonstrating a highly creative use for large, vacant mall real estate.
  • Initial press reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with critics comparing the staff's training and execution to "Disney and Universal staffers."
  • The model uses a high-low structure: free exploration drives traffic, while paid, premium immersive experiences ($15–$39) are the key revenue drivers.

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/