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Episode #1171: Ford scrambles after a supplier fire halts SUV production, Rivian doubles down on AI instead of Apple CarPlay, and young people rediscover the joy of “hanging up”... literally

• Ford is pausing production for several key vehicles, including the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and F-150 Lightning, after a massive fire shut down operations at its main aluminum supplier, Novelis. 
  • Novelis’ upstate New York facility is responsible for 40% of U.S. aluminum sheet supply, and the fire will keep it offline until early 2026.
  • Ford will halt output at five plants, including the Kentucky Truck Plant, where the Expedition and Navigator are built.
  • Ford pulled forward downtime originally scheduled for late 2025 to manage the shortage.
  • F-150 and Super Duty production continue, but analysts say Ford could lose up to $1 billion in profits if supply tightens.
  • “They’re focusing all their energy on making sure all their F-150s get built,” said Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions.

• Rivian is betting its future on in-car AI, aiming to create a seamless, branded ecosystem that integrates your favorite apps, without handing the keys (or the data) over to Apple.
  • CEO RJ Scaringe says the goal is to “hold the glue” between apps like Spotify, Google Maps, and Apple Music as AI becomes central to the in-car experience.
  • Automakers fear platforms like Apple’s CarPlay could harvest vehicle data and weaken brand identity.
  • Rivian’s approach mirrors moves by other automakers who want to control software updates and user interfaces directly.
  • “Customers will appreciate a seamless digital experience... not needing to jump between CarPlay and what we create as a Rivian environment,” said Scaringe.

• Call it the “landline revival.” Gen Z and millennials are rebelling against endless screen time, choosing intentional connection and analog simplicity over constant notifications and algorithm-driven distraction.
  • Over 40% of U.S. adults — and 62% under 30 — say they’re on their phones almost constantly, according to Pew Research.
• Tiffany Ng, a NYC writer, chained her iPhone using a belt for a week, describing it as “reentering real life.”
• Others, like Catherine Goetze, are modernizing the landline — selling Bluetooth-connected rotary phones under her brand Physical Phones, generating $118K in pre-sales.
• “It’s not realistic to throw your smartphone into a river,” Goetze said. “But you can regain some level of balance and intentionality.”

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
1:35 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar on How and When To Move Used Vehicles
2:30 Q4 Strategy Sessions NEXT WEEK
3:54 Ford Pauses Production Due To Aluminum Supplier Fire
7:08 Why Rivian Isn't Integrating Apple Carpl

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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