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It’s a great Thursday to be in the retail auto industry and we’ve got the one and only Ben Hadley on the show today. We’re covering how Tesla is pushing back against Canadian tariffs, how Gen Z and Millennials are driving more than previous generations and how the most disappointing national park responded to its ranking.

Show Notes with links:

• Tesla has reportedly lobbied the Canadian government for lower tariffs on China-made electric vehicles before Canada announced a 100% duty. 
  • This comes as Canada states an over-abundance of Chinese imported EVs and decided to align with the U.S. to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs starting October 1.
  • Tesla requested a lower tariff rate, similar to the 9% imposed by the EU on its vehicles.
  • Tesla has been exporting Model 3 and Model Y from Shanghai to Canada.
  • Canadian EV imports from China surged by 460% in 2023, driven largely by Tesla shipments.
  • A government source noted Tesla's approach, but no comment has been made by the company.

• A new survey from Enterprise Mobility reveals that Gen Z and millennials are driving more than previous generations, challenging the notion that younger people are less interested in cars.
  • Gen Z and millennials report driving more now than five years ago.
  • 73% of Americans still see privately owned vehicles as their top transportation choice in the next decade.
  • While excited about autonomous vehicles, 72% of respondents prefer being in control of their car.
  • EV adoption faces challenges, with 68% citing inadequate charging infrastructure as a major barrier.
  • The survey shows most commuters are unaware of alternative transportation solutions like car sharing and vanpooling.

• After Mammoth Cave National Park was listed as the 3rd most disappointing US tourist attraction in an online study, they flipped the script on bad reviews, embracing its reputation as a "disappointing" tourist attraction with a viral, tongue-in-cheek social media post.
  • The post reads: “Come experience what has disappointed millions of people for over 225 years!” “Visit our website and choose from one of our many activities that will leave you unfulfilled! You can be disappointed by a “dry hole with very few stalagmites and stalactites” or discover nothing “other than trees” on over 80+ miles of trails.” “A world of regret awaits you at Mammoth Cave!”
  • Established as a national park in 1941, Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system.
  • Despite negative reviews, the park has a 4.7-star rating on Google.

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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