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Episode #1174: Gov. Newsom vetoes a dealer doc fee hike, Tesla unleashes “Mad Max” mode amid mounting scrutiny, and Home Depot opens free training lanes to fuel America’s next generation of skilled pros.

Show Notes with links:

• California dealers were ready for a long-overdue bump to their doc fee cap, but Gov. Gavin Newsom hit the veto button — just a week after tightening dealership disclosure rules with the new CARS Act.
  • The proposed bill would’ve raised the $85 doc fee cap to 1% of the sale price, up to $260.
  • Newsom said “no,” citing affordability for consumers in an already pricey state.
  • Dealers argue new transparency rules in the CARS Act will increase their workload — not lighten it.
  • The CNCDA’s Brian Maas called out the contradiction, saying the new law “imposes substantial advertising and disclosure burdens on dealers.”
  • Newsom fired back that dealers shouldn’t charge “hundreds more for only minutes of data entry.”
• While under multiple investigations for its driver-assist tech, Tesla has decided to lean into chaos — literally — by reintroducing “Mad Max” mode in its latest Full Self-Driving (Supervised) update.
  • The FSD v14.1.2 update lets cars drive faster and change lanes more aggressively than the previous “Hurry” mode.
  • The feature revives Tesla’s 2018 “Mad Max” driving style, which Elon Musk once described as ideal for navigating Los Angeles traffic.
  • Early users have already reported cars rolling stop signs and speeding up to 15 mph over posted limits.
  • This comes as NHTSA runs four separate probes into Tesla’s FSD and the California DMV sues over its name.
• As the skilled labor gap keeps growing, The Home Depot is rolling up its sleeves with Path to Pro — a nationwide program offering free training and connections to jobs in construction and the trades.
  • PathToPro.com lays out career paths and resources for anyone interested in the skilled trades.
  • The free, on-demand Skills Program offers virtual training in English and Spanish — no cap on enrollment.
  • The Path to Pro Network connects jobseekers with hiring Home Depot Pros, who can post and review candidates for free.
  • It’s designed for anyone 18+ who wants to learn, upskill, or transition into construction.
  • “We aim to help build the next generation of trades professionals,” said Jenna Arca, Home Depot’s Director of Workforce Development.

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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