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Episode #1068: Congress considers sweeping reforms to EV and emissions incentives, while Toyota tightens its corporate family ties with a bold $33B buyout—cementing Akio Toyoda's hold at the top. Plus, Lowe’s gets into the creator game with Mr. Beast and other social stars.

Show Notes with links:

• Congress is fast-tracking a comprehensive budget bill before a self-imposed July 4 deadline, with proposed changes to fuel economy standards, EV tax credits, and even regulations on artificial intelligence.
  • The Senate Commerce Committee proposes eliminating fines for automakers that fail to meet CAFE fuel economy standards.
  • The House version of the bill would terminate the $7,500 new EV credit and other clean vehicle benefits by the end of 2025.
  • A new tax deduction for up to $10K in auto loan interest could be introduced, applying only to U.S.-assembled vehicles and excluding commercial fleets.
  • Proposed limits on AI regulation would block state enforcement for a decade, with critics warning this could endanger public oversight and safety.

• Toyota shareholders have re-elected Akio Toyoda as chairman, reinforcing support for the automaker’s leadership even as a proposed $33 billion buyout of Toyota Industries—its original parent company—faces backlash from global investors.
  • Toyota Industries, founded in 1926, originally birthed Toyota Motor Company and now focuses on manufacturing forklifts and key automotive components.
  • Toyota Motor plans to fully acquire Toyota Industries in a ¥4.7 trillion deal that includes Akio Toyoda investing ¥1 billion of personal funds.
  • Toyoda, the founder’s grandson, was not opposed as chairman by proxy advisers this year for the first time since 2021.
  • He is estimated to receive at least 96% of the vote—up from last year's 72%, his lowest ever.
  • “There are many ways to achieve growth, but unity under shared values has always been Toyota’s strength,” Toyoda said earlier this year

• Lowe’s is breaking out of the hardware aisle and into the influencer economy with its new Creator Network, headlined by none other than YouTube megastar MrBeast.
  • The network kicked off with over 17,000 beta participants and includes big names like DadSocial and Chris Loves Julia.
  • Creators can earn commissions, access training, and build custom storefronts linking directly to Lowes.com.
  • MrBeast will showcase his favorite tools and DIY picks via a curated storefront featuring obstacle course kits and backyard builds.
  • Lowe’s red vests are also helping construct “BeastCity” for season two of MrBeast’s Beast Games on Amazon Prime.
  • “We wanted to go even bigger and over-the-top... and we found the perfect partner to help us achieve that goal,” said Jeff Housenbold, CEO of MrBeast’s brand team.

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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