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Welcome to December as we talk about controversial Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares’ abrupt ending. We also talk about a huge partnership between BYD and Apple, as well as Hyundai’s venture into performance. 

Show Notes with links:

• Carlos Tavares has unexpectedly stepped down as Stellantis CEO following escalating tensions with the board over sales declines and stock performance. The leadership change highlights the automaker’s ongoing struggles in key markets like North America.
  • Tavares, known for his cost-cutting expertise, clashed with the board over strategic priorities for addressing sales slumps and rising inventories.
  • The board named Chairman John Elkann to head an interim leadership committee while a new CEO is sought, expected by mid-2025.
  • Stellantis shares have dropped 38% in the past year, with North American sales down 17% while models like the Ram 1500 and Jeep Wagoneer have an average of 112 days supply.
  • Dealers and stakeholders criticized Tavares for his approach, with Detroit dealer Jeff Laethem remarking, “It couldn’t get worse,” as inventory challenges grew.
  • UAW President Shawn Fain added, “He’s leaving behind a mess of painful layoffs and overpriced vehicles sitting on dealership lots.”
    
    
    
• BYD, Tesla’s fiercest EV competitor, has become a crucial partner in Apple’s supply chain, assembling over 30% of Apple’s iPads and expanding its role in producing cutting-edge components like titanium frames for the iPhone Pro.
  • BYD employs approximately 100,000 people and 10,000 engineers dedicated to Apple's supply chain, locally dubbed the "fruit chain," showcasing its significant integration into Apple’s ecosystem.
  • BYD has facilitated Apple’s push to diversify beyond China by establishing production capabilities in Vietnam and India, setting the stage for a broader global supply network.
  • Tim Cook, during his third visit to China this year, highlighted BYD as one of the suppliers “pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” cementing BYD’s role as an innovation leader.
  • BYD is venturing into AI-powered robots for factories in collaboration with Nvidia. Executive Wang Haoyu stated, “We’re raising many fish in a pool... when a fish matures, we can scoop it out,” underscoring their exploratory and adaptive business model.
    
    
    
• Hyundai redefines EV fun with the 2025 Ioniq 5 N. By combining performance, quirky features, and a nostalgic twist, this SUV bridges the gap between electric efficiency and driving exhilaration.
• Powered by 641 HP and 545 lb-ft of torque, it nearly triples the horses and doubles the torque that the standard Ioniq 5 gets.
• Boasts drift modes, launch control, and specialized race-ready settings.
• Features “N e-shift” and “N Active Sound Plus” for fake but fun ICE sensations.
• Engineers balanced performance with durability for track an

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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