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As we’ve passed the halfway point of the week, we’ve got Michael Cirillo in the studio to discuss GM and Hyundai’s new partnership, how Stellantis and its dealers are in a little bit of a tiff, and a new study that says consumers know exactly what they’re doing when they accept website tracking cookies.

Show Notes with links:

• General Motors and Hyundai Motor Co. have announced a partnership aimed at exploring collaboration in a variety of technological and production areas. With the increasing demand for efficiency and innovation in the automotive industry, both companies are looking to scale up operations and reduce costs.
  • The collaboration includes vehicle development and clean-energy technologies, such as electric and hydrogen powertrains.
  • Both companies will explore co-development opportunities in passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as internal combustion engines.
  • They will also review joint sourcing opportunities in battery materials, steel, and more to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
  • GM and Hyundai’s combined sales of over 10 million vehicles annually could rival giants like Toyota and Volkswagen in scale.
  • Hyundai Executive Chair Euisun Chung emphasized the potential to enhance competitiveness: “This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness... through our combined expertise and innovative technologies.”
• Stellantis announced a 21% increase in August sales and dealer inventory falling by 10% over the last 2 months. Despite these gains, the automaker's U.S. dealers have expressed dissatisfaction with CEO Carlos Tavares.
  • The Stellantis National Dealer Council claimed Tavares' "short-term decision making" hurt brands like Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler and urged Stellantis to spend more on clearing outdated inventory, citing declines in U.S. sales.
  • They stated in a letter, “For over two years now, the US Stellantis National Dealer Council has been sounding this alarm to your US executive team, warning them that the course you had set for Stellantis was going to be a disaster… and now that disaster has arrived.”
  • Stellantis responded to the letter: “We don’t believe personal attacks are the most effective way to solve problems.”
• A new survey shows that American consumers are becoming more aware of online data collection practices, pushing retailers to reconsider how they handle privacy.
  • Over 50% of U.S. shoppers know what it means to “accept cookies” online.
  • The vast majority of consumers typically accept cookies, with younger shoppers (18-34) more likely at 79%.
  • The survey shows that online shoppers often accept cookies for en

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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