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It’s the Friday before the Big Game, and with Paul and Elena Ciccotelli hosting, that means we’re wearing green. Today, we’re covering the Super Bowl Charity Smackdown to support Vehicles for Change and welcome some special guests to talk about it. Plus, we take a look at Ram’s upcoming Super Bowl ad.

Show Notes with links:

• The auto industry is getting competitive, but this time, it's not about sales—it's about football and charity. ASOTU and a team of industry partners are turning the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl showdown into a friendly (but fierce) wager for Vehicles for Change, an organization that trains formerly incarcerated individuals as ASE-certified techs and provides free cars to those in need.
  • How it works: Go to ASOTU.Com/superbowl  - Pick a team, pledge a donation—and if your team loses, you donate.
  • Winners get bragging rights for a year, but donating even if you win makes you even cooler. Trash talk is encouraged (but keep it classy).
  • Industry leaders, including Danny Zaslavsky, Paul Anton Faletti Jr., and Brandiss Drummer, Paul and David Regn are putting their pride on the line with jersey bets and chants.
  • Thanks to Steve Greenfield, Automotive Ventures, NCM Associates, VINCUE, Stream Companies and Vehicles for Change for helping bring all this together really quickly

• Stellantis is the only automaker with a Super Bowl ad this year, and they’re going big with Ram with a modern twist on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” starring Glen Powell.
  • Directed by David Leitch ("Deadpool 2," "John Wick"), the ad blends humor, action, and adventure.
  • Powell tests out the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, Ram 2500 Rebel, and Ram 1500 RHO, picking the one that’s “just right” for the job.
  • The spot features fire-breathing dragons, volcano jumps, and a little bedtime storytelling.
  • Stellantis says the message is about power of choice—gas, hybrid, or electric, depending on your needs.
  • Ram is also releasing merch inspired by the ad, including plush dragons, T-shirts, and even dragon-wing hot sauce.

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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