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Tuesday of NADA week means our bags are packed for New Orleans! Today, we’re talking about President Trump’s plans for tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, Stellantis’s plan to revive sales and market share, and how consumers prefer to shop on marketplaces rather than brand websites.

Show Notes with links:

• President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to impose 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian imports, citing concerns over drug trafficking and illegal immigration. With a February 1 deadline in mind, the proposed tariffs have set off alarm bells across the automotive industry and beyond.
  • The tariffs would affect $97 billion worth of auto parts and 4 million finished vehicles, increasing average new-car prices by about $3,000.
  • Detroit automakers face major disruption, as Stellantis imports 40% of its U.S. vehicle sales, GM 30%, and Ford 25%.
  • Both Canada and Mexico have threatened retaliatory tariffs against American goods, potentially leading to a broader trade war.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Florida to emphasize that Canada is not the problem, while Mexico has increased enforcement efforts to appease Trump.
  • Trump also indicated he was still considering a universal tariff on all foreign imports to the U.S., but said he was “not ready for that yet.”

• With the departure of CEO Carlos Tavares, Stellantis is reviving popular models, reintroducing incentives, and refocusing on affordability. The company hopes these changes will reverse plummeting sales and rebuild relationships with dealers and suppliers.
  • Jeep is bringing back the Cherokee-sized SUV, a key nameplate that once made up 17% of the brand’s sales.
  • Dodge is reviving the gas-powered Charger, reversing its shift away from internal combustion engines.
  • Ram is delaying its all-electric pickup, opting instead for a hybrid model with a gas backup.
  • Stellantis’s market share fell from 12.5% to 8% under Tavares, prompting a strategic overhaul.
  • “We need to be sure that in the next 12 months, we see a clear path to go to double-digit [market share],” said Stellantis COO Antonio Filosa.

• A new global study highlights just how dominant online marketplaces have become for shoppers in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands—leaving traditional brand-owned websites in the dust.
  • 63% of consumers prefer marketplaces over shopping directly from brands.
  • 47% use marketplaces for product discovery rather than Google or other search engines.
  • 59% of U.S. shoppers browse marketplaces for fun, but that often leads to impulse buys.
  • 56% admit to making unplanned purchases, while 13% do so often.
  • “Retailers must embrace a multichannel strategy to stay competitive—or risk being left behind. It’s not just about being on Amazon anymore,” said ChannelEngine CEO Jorrit Steinz

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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It’s the biggest week in retail auto as the industry prepares to descend on New Orleans. Today, we’re previewing what you can expect at the Show on the mainstage, plus we’re talking about Canoo filing for bankruptcy and looking at how much range EVs actually have during the winter.

Show Notes with links:

• Every year, the NADA Mainstage is a must-attend while at the Show, and this year is no different. These sessions start at 8:45AM Friday through Sunday and feature leadership, humor and knowledge from outside of automotive.
  • Friday, January 24 kicks off with Best-Selling Author & Executive Coach, Ryan Leak discussing strategies for self-leadership and team empowerment. He’ll help dealers answer key questions like “What am I like as a leader?” and offer practical tools for fostering a high-performing team. Plus, 2024 NADA Chairman Gary Gilchrist will speak.
  • Saturday, January 25 features Frank Caliendo, Comedian, Actor & Impressionist bringing his signature humor to the NADA stage. He’s famous for spot-on impressions of sports figures, celebrities, and politicians. Then, incoming 2025 NADA Chairman Tom Castriota will speak and the highly anticipated Time Dealer of the Year ceremony.
    • Our friends who have been nominated this year: Andy Guelcher of Mohawk Chevy and Mohawk Honda, Andrew Walser of the amazing Walser automotive Group, Julie Herrera of Toyota of Cedar Park, Shaun Del Grande of Del Grande Dealer Group
  • Sunday, January 26 wraps up with Legendary Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K). He’ll share lessons on leadership and teamwork from his Hall of Fame career, and provide insights into building a winning team culture.

• EV startup Canoo Inc. has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, halting operations immediately and liquidating its assets. Despite efforts to secure foreign investment, the company struggled with cash flow, weak demand, and failed funding attempts.
  • Known for its microbus-inspired cargo vans, Canoo supplied government and commercial fleets, including NASA, the Department of Defense, and Walmart.
  • Production began in Oklahoma (Nov. 2023), with $100M in potential incentives, but cut 23% of its workforce within a year.
  • The company reported a $165M net loss in 2024, generating just $1.5M in revenue—less than the $1.7M spent on its CEO’s private jet in 2023.
  • CEO Tony Aquila: “We are truly disappointed that things turned out as they did.”

• The latest 2025 Scandinavian winter EV test results are in. While all vehicles lose range in cold weather, EVs feel the impact —and this year's test saw some unexpected results.
  • The Polestar 3 lost just 5% of its expected range, outperforming models with longer official ratings.
  • Tesla’s Model 3 flopped, losing 24% range, falling short of its 702km expectations,
  • 4 out of the top 5 performers were China-made, including two BYD models: 5. BYD Sealion 7 4. Lotus Emeya 3. Mini Countryman 2. BYD Tang 1. Polestar 3
  • Peugeot E-3008 was the biggest loser, losing 32% of its range, an extreme drop given the t

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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It's the last weekend before the 2025 NADA Show and so we're looking ahead to next week. Head Writer Chris Reeves gives us the rundown on what to expect, what to look for and what to avoid.

Plus, Paul and Kyle tell us what they want to achieve.

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Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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