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Episode #1146: Automotive News's 100th anniversary Congress celebrated industry icons and looked towards the future, Elon Musk bets big on Tesla, shoppers get overwhelmed by too many choices (sound familiar?)

Show Notes with links:

• At its 100th anniversary Congress, Automotive News celebrated legacy while tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges—from EV adoption to geopolitical threats.
  • Centennial Awards went to GM’s Mary Barra and Hyundai’s Euisun Chung for transformational leadership.
  • Chung addressed the ICE worker raid, signaling cross-government cooperation: “I hope we can make together a better system for that.”
  • Barra emphasized EV commitment despite headwinds: “From an EV perspective, that is still our North Star.”
  • Industry insiders warned of China’s dominance—EV share grew from 6% to 50% in five years, while foreign brands lost half their market share.
  • Asbury CEO David Hult called fixed ops the “backbone” of the dealership, with aging vehicles and tech shifts fueling long-term growth saying he’s “really bullish on the next six to 10 years.”

• Tesla stock surged after CEO Elon Musk disclosed a nearly $1B stock buy, calming investor nerves amid political distractions and sagging EV demand.
  • Musk bought 2.57M shares on Friday, spending between $372 and $396 each.
  • Tesla shares jumped over 8% in premarket trading Monday, continuing a late-week rally.
  • Despite a 2% year-to-date dip, the stock is on pace for its third straight daily gain.
  • Investor concerns had grown over Musk’s political focus and waning EV demand.
  • Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm pushed back: “Elon is back front and center at the company.”

• A new survey reveals grocery shoppers are overwhelmed by too many choices—and many now treat food labels like vehicle window stickers.
  • 36% of Americans report “aisle anxiety,” triggered by too many options and crowded stores.
  • Shoppers spend an average of 4 minutes per item, with 71% trying to be more intentional.
  • Retailers like Trader Joe’s and Aldi combat “choice paralysis” by limiting SKUs per category.
  • Certifications matter: 40% research products for health, ethics, and sustainability—but many confuse terms like “natural” and “organic.”
  • “When consumers see a trusted certification, it’s like a shortcut to feeling good about their decision,” said Jamie Horst, Traditional Medicinals’ Chief Purpose Officer.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

2:45 Announcements: Upcoming Webinar

3:17 Automotive New 100th Anniversary Congress

6:12 Elon Musk Buys $1B of Tesla Stock

8:39 36% Of Americans Have "Aisle Anxiety"

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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