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Automotive State of the Union

With Paul J Daly — the flagship industry show.

The daily pulse of retail automotive, formerly The Automotive Troublemaker.

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Episodes

The full library.

50 episodes · Updated 8 hours ago

  • Episode artwork for “FTC Targets Pricing, High-MPG Cars Heat Up, A $15K Family Golf Cart”
    8 minOct 16, 2026

    FTC Targets Pricing, High-MPG Cars Heat Up, A $15K Family Golf Cart

    Episode #1470: Today we’re talking about Greenway’s proposed FTC settlement over advertised prices and the growing divide in wholesale values between fuel-efficient vehicles and gas guzzlers. Plus, a startup is betting that a $15,000 electric neighborhood vehicle could handle the family’s daily errands. Could your next second car look a lot like a golf cart? Greenway has agreed to a proposed FTC settlement over allegations that its advertised prices were thousands of dollars below what customers actually paid. The case puts the gap between the online price and the showroom price back in the s…

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  • Episode artwork for “Time Dealer of The Year Nominees, Carvana’s Phantom GBPs, The Cadillac That Wouldn't Die”
    EP 147512 minOct 16, 2026

    Time Dealer of The Year Nominees, Carvana’s Phantom GBPs, The Cadillac That Wouldn't Die

    Episode #1475: We're celebrating the dealers nominated for TIME Dealer of the Year, digging into Carvana's hundreds of Google Business Profiles and the mysterious addresses behind some of them, and revisiting a 1956 Cadillac concept that escaped the crusher and sold for nearly half a million dollars. Show Notes with links: The woman who coined the phrase: love people more than cars, Liza Borches, president and CEO of Carter Myers Automotive, has been nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year Award. She joins an impressive national field of dealers being recognized for both dealershi…

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  • Episode artwork for “AI Car Brokers, Pricing Transparency, and the End of Arbitrage with Scott Painter”
    EP 147617 minOct 16, 2026

    AI Car Brokers, Pricing Transparency, and the End of Arbitrage with Scott Painter

    Episode #1476: TrueCar CEO Scott Painter joins Paul and Kyle to talk about consumers shopping by payment, California's new pricing transparency rules, and the rise of AI-powered car brokers. Plus, why he predicts more dealer consolidation and an end to wildly different prices for identical new cars. Painter says consumers are price shoppers but payment buyers, with affordability pushing shoppers toward used cars, smaller vehicles, and longer shopping cycles. TrueCar works with over two-thirds of franchised dealers and is building a shopping experience that connects vehicle pricing, trade-i…

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  • Episode artwork for “Credit Loosens, Glenn Pasch on How AI and Dealership Staff Work Together”
    EP 147419 minOct 14, 2026

    Credit Loosens, Glenn Pasch on How AI and Dealership Staff Work Together

    Episode #1474: It's Wednesday as auto credit availability reaches its highest level in over a decade, even as buyers stretch loan terms to make payments work. Then Glenn Pasch joins us to unpack new research on how dealerships can get AI and their people working better together. Show Notes with links: Auto credit availability improved for the fifth straight month in September, reaching its highest level since April 2015. But as vehicle prices keep rising, more buyers are relying on longer loans, smaller down payments, and negative equity to make the numbers work. The Dealertrack Credit…

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  • Episode artwork for “Beaver Golf Gives Big, Transparency Is Table Stakes”
    EP 147217 minOct 13, 2026

    Beaver Golf Gives Big, Transparency Is Table Stakes

    Episode #1473: It's Tuesday, and we're coming off an absolutely incredible fifth year at the Beaver Golf Tournament, where beautiful weather, an amazing community, and a whole lot of generosity came together to raise over $126,000 for four charities! We're celebrating the people who made it all happen before diving into why transparency has become table stakes for dealerships and what it really means to stand out in today's retail environment. Plus, we're talking about the unique advantage dealers have when they're deeply integrated into the micro communities they serve, and why those loc…

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  • Episode artwork for “Beaver Gives Back, Fain Claims Victory, Carvana Goes the Distance”
    11 minOct 12, 2026

    Beaver Gives Back, Fain Claims Victory, Carvana Goes the Distance

    We’re at the Beaver Toyota and Mazda Charity Golf Tournament, talking about the impact dealerships can have in their communities. Then we’re digging into Shawn Fain’s second-term victory claim and how Carvana is turning its nationwide delivery network into a competitive advantage in new-car retail. We’re at the 5th annual Beaver Toyota/Mazda golf tournament at Hawks Ridge been working with the Beaver team to build stronger relationships with families in their community That includes their partnership with DriveStrong, helping young drivers build confidence behind the wheel. Today’s tourna…

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  • Episode artwork for “Rusty Drewing Gives Kids the Keys”
    8 minOct 10, 2026

    Rusty Drewing Gives Kids the Keys

    Episode #1471: On this Saturday, Paul, Kyle and Chris sit down to talk about a BYD dealer in Mexico City with a popcorn machine, why every Rusty is a 3 AM friend, and how Rusty Drewing Automotive donated two ride-on cars to Boone Health so kids can drive themselves to surgery. It’s a reminder that small gestures go a long way. 0:00 Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle 0:36 BYD’s popcorn machine in Mexico City 1:14 Fall in Nashville and the hurricane rain 1:44 How do you say that hurricane’s name? 2:57 Everybody knows a Rusty 3:46 Rusty Drewing Automotive donates ride-on cars to Boone Health 4:49…

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  • Episode artwork for “Porsche Plots Comeback, Toyota Speeds Dev, Cars Sharing Your Data”
    11 minOct 8, 2026

    Porsche Plots Comeback, Toyota Speeds Dev, Cars Sharing Your Data

    Episode #1469: Today we're talking about Porsche's plan to sell fewer cars for bigger profits while passing on a U.S. factory. We also cover Toyota's new Michigan battery testing hub and a study revealing which connected cars are talking to the most third parties. Is your car keeping secrets from you? Porsche is plotting a comeback after operating profits plunged 93% in 2025. New CEO Michael Leiters is betting on exclusive models, higher prices, and major cost cuts to restore profitability. The strategy? Sell fewer cars, but make each one count. New models coming: Electric 718 sports c…

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  • Episode artwork for “Used Cars Get Cheaper, Car Loan Interest Tax Rule Disappoints, FTC Drops Asbury Complaint”
    10 minOct 7, 2026

    Used Cars Get Cheaper, Car Loan Interest Tax Rule Disappoints, FTC Drops Asbury Complaint

    Episode #1468: Used-car asking prices are sliding, dealers and lenders aren’t happy with the final rules for deducting car-loan interest, and the FTC drops its case against Asbury while making clear that dealer price transparency remains on its radar. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, the enterprise AI communication partner trusted by one in four of the top 150 dealer groups in the US. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: Used-car asking prices are moving lower in October, according to OAV.io, an automotive data platform that bills itself as “The Automot…

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  • Episode artwork for “Hyundai Hits Records, Robots Take the Wheel, Gen Alpha Wants Real”
    EP 146712 minOct 6, 2026

    Hyundai Hits Records, Robots Take the Wheel, Gen Alpha Wants Real

    Episode #1467: It’s Tuesday as Q3 sales deliver records for Hyundai and Honda, Tesla and Hyundai take very different roads toward a robotic future, and Gen Alpha tells retailers it wants value, better in-store experiences, and a lot less AI. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, helping dealers capture more revenue and never miss a connection with 24/7 AI-powered phone and text across sales, service, and reception. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: New-vehicle sales were nearly flat in the third quarter, but the results varied widely by automaker. Hyundai…

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  • Episode artwork for “Gas Loses Ground Globally, Chinese Cars Win Over Britain, Students Build a SEMA Showstopper”
    EP 146614 minOct 5, 2026

    Gas Loses Ground Globally, Chinese Cars Win Over Britain, Students Build a SEMA Showstopper

    Episode #1466: Gas-powered cars fall below half of global sales, Chinese brands win over British buyers with premium looks at lower prices, and South Dakota students get their hands dirty restoring a 1976 F-350 for SEMA. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, helping dealers capture more revenue and never miss a connection with 24/7 AI-powered phone and text across sales, service, and reception. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: Gas-powered cars may be regaining traction in the U.S., but globally, pure ICE vehicles fell below half of new-vehicle sales fo…

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  • Episode artwork for “Dealership Employees Chip In, A Student Drives Away In A New Car”
    EP 146510 minOct 3, 2026

    Dealership Employees Chip In, A Student Drives Away In A New Car

    Episode 1465: Chris joins the show to share how City Limits Subaru in Buda, Texas, turned a freshman’s supposed test drive into a much bigger surprise, gifting a new car to a former foster youth headed through his first year at Texas State. Tavaris was named Austin Angels’ 2026 Youth of the Year at the surprise event; the nonprofit supports children, youth, and families navigating foster care. He arrived expecting to test-drive vehicles with his mentor, but his foster mother and dealership employees were waiting to surprise him with a 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport. City Limits Subaru employee…

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  • Episode artwork for “Toyota Markets to the Bots, Small Cars Rally, GM Celebrates Young Techs”
    EP 146411 minOct 2, 2026

    Toyota Markets to the Bots, Small Cars Rally, GM Celebrates Young Techs

    Episode #1464: Toyota is rewriting its marketing playbook for AI agents, affordability is putting smaller cars and SUVs back on shoppers’ radar, and GM is spotlighting the next generation of technicians as the industry works to fill tens of thousands of open roles. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, helping dealers capture more revenue and never miss a connection with 24/7 AI-powered phone and text across sales, service, and reception. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: Toyota says AI agents are quickly replacing traditional search for top-of-funnel v…

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  • Episode artwork for “CarMax’s Comeback, The EV U-Turn, Ionna’s Power Play”
    EP 146313 minOct 1, 2026

    CarMax’s Comeback, The EV U-Turn, Ionna’s Power Play

    Episode #1463: CarMax starts showing results from its four-part turnaround, more EV households are switching back to gasoline, and automaker-backed Ionna more than doubles its charging network while betting that EV drivers want faster charging with less app friction. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, the AI that connects with more than 40 dealer systems to eliminate data silos and create a seamless customer experience tailored to every store. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: CarMax CEO Keith Barr says the company’s “Shift into Gear” reorganization is…

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  • Episode artwork for “Detroit Playing The Long Game, Old Batteries Go New, Uncle Sam Gets a Chatbot”
    12 minSep 30, 2026

    Detroit Playing The Long Game, Old Batteries Go New, Uncle Sam Gets a Chatbot

    Episode #1462: Jim Farley and Mark Reuss talk long-term bets at Automotive News Congress, GM puts recycled battery materials into customer-bound EVs, and America.gov gives the federal government a new AI-powered front door for information and services. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, the AI that connects with more than 40 dealer systems to eliminate data silos and create a seamless customer experience tailored to every store. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: Jim Farley and Mark Reuss used the Automotive News Congress stage to emphasize long-term be…

    AppleSpotifyYouTubeEpisode page
  • Episode artwork for “Fuel Rules Retreat, Nissan Goes Hybrid, Ford’s Flying Cowboy”
    EP 146113 minSep 29, 2026

    Fuel Rules Retreat, Nissan Goes Hybrid, Ford’s Flying Cowboy

    Episode #1461: Washington lowers the bar on fuel economy, Nissan bets big on hybrids and U.S. production, and Ford deploys a two-foot-tall flying cowboy to solve a pigeon problem at its massive Hermosillo plant. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, the AI that connects with more than 40 dealer systems to eliminate data silos and create a seamless customer experience tailored to every store. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: The Trump administration has finalized sharply lower fuel-economy standards, dropping the 2031 fleetwide target from 50.4 mpg under…

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  • Episode artwork for “No Ceiling, No Bad Days, No Substitute for People”
    EP 146010 minSep 28, 2026

    No Ceiling, No Bad Days, No Substitute for People

    Episode #1460: It’s Monday, and we’re trading the headlines for three stories from The Truth About Car Dealers—a career that started from a DoorDash delivery, the discipline behind 100 calls a day, and the trust that comes from simply caring for someone’s car. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at Mia, helping dealers capture more revenue and never miss a connection with 24/7 AI-powered phone and text across sales, service, and reception. Learn more at Mia.inc. Show Notes with links: Today’s show steps away from the headlines for three conversations from The Truth Abou…

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  • Episode artwork for “Hyundai Dealers Bring Hope On Wheels to Childhood Cancer Survivors”
    10 minSep 26, 2026

    Hyundai Dealers Bring Hope On Wheels to Childhood Cancer Survivors

    Episode #1460: Today, Chris Reeves joins the show to talk about the menagerie of animals that Xi Jingping brought from China and how dealers are giving back to their hospitals. Before Sunday’s Norfolk Tides game, childhood cancer survivors left colorful handprints on a car as part of Childhood Cancer Survivor Day, celebrating patients and families alongside CHKD, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, and local Hyundai Dealers. The families participating were among the dozens who come to CHKD each year and learn their child has cancer. Survivor Angelo Sumner threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Hyun…

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  • Episode artwork for “Trump & Xi Talk Trade, Diesel Squeezes Truck Sales, Toyoda Says Row Together”
    EP 145810 minSep 25, 2026

    Trump & Xi Talk Trade, Diesel Squeezes Truck Sales, Toyoda Says Row Together

    Episode #1458: Diesel prices are putting pressure on the truck market, Akio Toyoda calls for an industry where everyone can win, and Trump and Xi extend their trade truce while talking AI, exchanging pandas, and leaving automotive out of the conversation. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at AutoHub, empowering dealers to buy cars from their own customers in minutes, whether they’re in the showroom, service drive, or online. Learn more at AutoHub.io. Show Notes with links: Diesel prices are becoming a new pressure point for the truck market, with heavy-duty pickup inve…

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  • Episode artwork for “China Already Banned the Types of Cars America Is Trying to Ban with John Bozzella”
    EP 145716 minSep 24, 2026

    China Already Banned the Types of Cars America Is Trying to Ban with John Bozzella

    Episode #1457: John Bozzella from the Alliance of Automotive Innovation joins the show for a timely conversation about one of the biggest questions facing the U.S. auto industry. With Washington’s attention squarely on China, they dig into what’s happening, what’s at stake, and why the next moves matter. Today’s show is made possible by our friends at AutoHub, helping dealers buy cars from their own customers in minutes, whether they’re in the showroom, service drive, or online. Learn more at AutoHub.io. Show Notes: John Bozzella of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation says the…

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