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Recorded live at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation's The Merge 2025, this candid conversation with Senator Bernie Moreno offers a clear look at how quickly sentiment in the auto industry has shifted. Just eight months ago at the New York Auto Show, many in the room were worried about the direction of the market, from economic uncertainty to concerns over EV mandates. Moreno explains why those predictions didn’t play out, how easing regulatory pressure opened the door for more consumer choice, and why American-made production has risen from 51% to 57% in that short window. His message is straightforward: when the industry has room to adapt, it performs better for consumers and for U.S. jobs.

He also warns that the next wave of disruption—autonomous vehicles—could repeat the same mistakes made during the EV rush if the sector doesn’t apply disciplined guardrails. From data rights to AV safety to harmonizing global vehicle standards, Moreno lays out a pragmatic blueprint for the future. And in a moment every dealer will appreciate, he closes with a direct, heartfelt message to retailers on what truly matters most in navigating this historic era of opportunity.

Timestamped Takeaways:

0:00 Intro — A live conversation with Senator Bernie Moreno at Merge 2025

0:35 Why Panic Spread in New York—and Why It Never Matched Reality

0:48 How Ending EV Mandates Shifted the Market Back to Consumer Choice

1:03 The Quiet Story No One Expected: A Jump to 57% American-Made Vehicles

1:20 Why This Became One of the Most Stable Years Dealers Have Seen

1:47 The Data Question the Industry Has Avoided for Too Long

2:00 Are We Repeating the EV Mistake With Autonomous Vehicles?

2:16 Why Autonomous Semis Could Be the Most Consequential Safety Debate Ahead

2:54 The Push to Harmonize Standards—and What It Means for Affordability

3:18 The Real Threat to the Next Generation: Cars That Are Simply Too Expensive

3:56 Moreno’s Advice to Dealers: Master the Basics, Block Out the Noise

4:13 A Light Moment—And Why Moreno Might Secretly Be Built for Consulting

Connect with Senator Moreno: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-moreno-4251884/

Learn more about the Alliance for Automotive Innovation: https://www.autosinnovate.org/

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