In this forward-looking ASOTU CON 2025 session, Kyle Mountsier sits down with Arianne Walker from Amazon Autos and two standout students from Northwood University, Chase Southwick and Hanna Wood, to explore the evolving automotive landscape through the lens of the next generation. From fresh insights into customer experience to the rising role of digital fluency and social media savvy, this episode highlights the vital importance of welcoming new voices into the industry.

The discussion spans personal stories of how these students chose a path in automotive, the real-world training they're receiving, and how they're already making an impact—whether in service-to-sales roles or going viral on TikTok. Arianne shares how Amazon’s involvement is less about brand exposure and more about nurturing industry growth through partnership. Together, they unpack the critical balance between tech and human connection, underscoring that the future of auto is collaborative, transparent, and deeply people-focused.

Learn more about Amazon Autos at https://sell.amazon.com/programs/autos

Learn more about SpaceAuto at https://space.auto/

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

1:08 Why Amazon supports next-gen industry talent

2:16 Chase's journey from weather to wheels

3:28 Hanna's return to ASOTU CON with deeper goals

4:37 Social media fluency as a modern power tool

6:36 Chase: Tech should enhance—not replace—human connections

9:08 Arianne: Amazon is dealer-focused, not dealer-replacing