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Q4 is here, along with the start of spooky season. Today we’re giving you an update on the port strike and hurricane relief efforts, plus we’re sharing how EVs are shifting from luxury to non-luxury. We’ll cap the show by covering Uber’s new partnership with Spirit Halloween.

Show Notes with links:

• Dealerships across the Southeast are assessing damage after Category 4 Hurricane Helene. Many dealerships remain closed, particularly in hard-hit areas like Asheville and Boone, NC.
  • Dealership employees are reporting significant personal losses, including homes and vehicles.
  • CarMax offers up to $1,500 in tax-free financial aid to employees through its disaster relief fund.
• As we reported yesterday, port workers across the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts went on strike this morning, threatening significant disruptions to the automotive supply chain. Key terminals like New York and Houston shut down, halting vehicle shipments.
  • In the last 24 hours, the U.S. Maritime Alliance offered a nearly 50% wage increase to the union, but the International Longshoremen's Association rejected it as "unacceptable." Both parties exchanged new proposals, but negotiations remain at an impasse.
  • The strike could cost the U.S. economy $5 billion per day, stalling car and truck imports..
• The electric vehicle landscape is shifting, with non-luxury EVs growing their market share to 26.6% in Q2 2024, up from 22.7% in 2023, according to Experian.
  • Luxury EVs still dominate, but more affordable models are gaining traction.
  • Ford leads non-luxury market share at 21.9%, behind them are Hyundai: 19.3%, Volkswagen: 11.2%, Kia: 12.5%, Chevrolet: 13.2%.
  • 77.4% of EV owners who replaced their vehicles in 2024 chose another EV.
  • EVs are often used alongside gas-powered vehicles, with 81% of households that own an EV also having a gasoline vehicle. "EVs have become a compelling choice... but consumers are still relying on their gasoline-powered vehicles," said Experian’s Kirsten Von Busch.

• Uber Eats is partnering with Spirit Halloween to offer costumes and decor for on-demand delivery just in time for the spooky season.
  • Spirit Halloween's 1,525 stores are now accessible via Uber Eats, Postmates, and the Uber app.
  • Customers can enjoy the same prices as in-store for deliveries in the US and Canada.
  • This move follows Uber Eats’ recent deal with Olive Garden and expands its retail delivery focus.
  • Beryl Sanders, Uber’s retail partnerships director shared “households across the country are looking to on-demand delivery to get what’s needed—now.”

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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