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Episode #1126: Today we’re joined by Steve Greenfield and talking about Hertz vehicles showing up on Amazon, VinFast’s new San Diego dealership kicking off a coast-to-coast franchise push, and how AI is helping Atlas become a surprisingly capable humanoid robot.

• Hertz has partnered with Amazon to list its used vehicles on the retail giant’s platform, giving customers a new way to shop for former rentals online. The move builds on the roughly one-third of Hertz’s vehicle sales that already go directly to consumers.
  • Shoppers can now browse and buy Hertz vehicles on Amazon, then pick them up in Dallas, Houston, L.A., or Seattle—with plans to expand to 45 U.S. locations.
  • Retail sales, add $1,000–$1,500 in value per vehicle for Hertz compared to wholesale channels.
  • Hertz is also expanding its “try before you buy” program to 100 cities and enhancing digital sales through platforms like Carvana and Autotrader.
  • “It is really important as well that we get more net out of what we’re selling,” said Hertz CEO Gil West.

• VinFast’s U.S. dealership network is taking shape with the grand opening of its first California franchise location in San Diego.
  • The new store, operated by Sunroad Automotive Group, offers sales, service, and test drives of the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs.
  • The automaker plans to replace all 15 of its former company-owned California stores and now operates nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states, with the company “recognizing the distinct advantages of this distribution channel” to maximize business efficiency.
  • California remains a key focus for the brand, which calls the state a “top priority” for EV growth.
  • The new location includes full support for warranty, repair, and maintenance using genuine VinFast parts.
  • “This event marks a pivotal moment in our strategy,” said Mike Nolte, VinFast’s U.S. VP of Sales and Marketing.

• Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute are working to make humanoid robots useful in real life by teaching them complex, adaptable behaviors through massive AI models.
  • Many of us are familiar with Boston Dynamics, but Toyota Research Institute (TRI), a Toyota subsidiary, focuses on human-centered AI innovations in automated driving, energy, and materials to improve the human condition.
  • The Atlas robot is being trained with Large Behavior Models (LBMs) to handle complex, long tasks using proprioception (a robot’s internal sense of position and movement), vision, and language prompts.
  • These AI-driven policies allow Atlas to walk, crouch, grasp, and manipulate objects with surprising dexterity—even reacting intelligently when things go wrong.

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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