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It's the second Saturday of June and writer Kristi Canada joins the show. Today, we're talking about how a West Herr dealership rescued a cat out of an engine compartment. Plus one of the service advisors adopted the cat and named him Diesel!

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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We’ve got that Friday feeling as we cover a new KPMG survey that reveals Americans powertrain preferences. We also talk about a Democrat Senator slamming a failed EV charging program, as well as an epic celebration as Ford opens its train station renovation.

Show Notes with links:

• A recent KPMG study reveals that Americans still favor gas vehicles over hybrids or EVs, even when prices and features are the same.
  • Only 20% of respondents would choose an EV over gas or hybrid vehicles.
  • 60% of US consumers want EV charging times of 20 minutes or less, while 41% of auto executives think longer times are acceptable.
  • Consumers prioritize safety, WiFi, and charging locators over self-driving features and in-car entertainment.
  • The preference for gas vehicles persists despite a global push for EV adoption, causing automakers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes to rethink their EV strategies.

• Democratic senator Jeff Merkley has been very vocal in his criticism of the progress of a $5-billion U.S. government program to deploy EV-charging stations which has only seven EV-charging stations operating under the program that was initiated back in 2021.
  • Senator Merkley has labeled the progress as a "vast administrative failure" and is calling for corrective action as he said "That is pathetic. We're now three years into this ...
  • Shailen Bhatt, head of the Federal Highway Administration, acknowledges the slow progress and cites states dealing with multiple programs as a contributing factor.
  • Merkley also criticizes existing rules that prevent EV-charging stations at rest stops.
  • Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expects about 1,000 stations to be operational by year-end and are still aiming for 500,000 nationwide…there are currently about 183k

• Michigan Central Station's six-year makeover concluded with an all-Detroit concert produced by Eminem, drawing thousands to the historic venue.
  • The concert featured performances by Jack White, Diana Ross, Big Sean, and other Detroit stars, celebrating the station's transformation.
  • Eminem surprised the audience by performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, followed by collaborations with Jelly Roll and Trick Trick.
  • The show concluded with Eminem's hit "Not Afraid," as he expressed his love for Detroit.
  • The station's restoration was part of a $950 million project, transforming it into a hub for Ford employees and public spaces.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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Thursday is upon us and we’re breaking down Lithia Motors' strategic layoffs aimed at saving $150 million annually, Virginia's decision to reverse its adoption of California’s strict EV standards, as well as IKEA hiring Roblox workers (you read that right).

Show Notes with links:

• Lithia Motors is targeting $150 million in annual savings through strategic layoffs and other employee cost reductions, primarily focusing on U.S. positions.
  • Senior Director of Finance Jardon Jaramillo described the cuts as "very targeted" rather than a broad reduction as he said "We're not announcing a mass layoff.” "These are changes at the store level," and gave examples including taking action on "underperforming general managers."
  • The layoffs are part of a plan to eliminate $250 million in annual selling, general, and administrative expenses.
  • Additional savings will come from reducing inventory and third-party service provider costs.
  • Changes will include leadership adjustments at the store level, targeting underperforming general managers.
  • They will also be laying off 6 of their 13 communications employees
  • Efforts are also being made to improve storewide adoption of Lithia's online vehicle shopping platform, Driveway.
  • The 60-day plan, launched in May, aims to impact Lithia’s financial results significantly in Q3.
• Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the state’s withdrawal from California's stringent EV standards, citing a lack of legal obligation and insufficient consumer demand.
  • Virginia initially adopted California’s EV standards in 2021 under former Gov. Ralph Northam.
  • Governor Youngkin argues that the government shouldn’t dictate vehicle choices, advocating for less strict federal emissions rules.
  • Only 9% of vehicles sold in Virginia in 2023 were electric, reflecting weak consumer demand.
  • The Alliance for Automotive Innovation supports the move, stating that California’s EV standards may not suit other states due to varying consumer demand.
  • Environmental groups and Virginia Democrats criticized the move as undemocratic and potentially illegal.
  • The Biden administration has granted automakers more time to comply with federal emissions rules, aiming for over half of new-vehicle sales to be electric by the early 2030s.
  • "Virginians deserve the freedom to choose which vehicles best fit the needs of their families and businesses," said Youngkin.
    
    
• IKEA is launching a virtual store in Roblox and will pay players £13.15 or €14.80 per hour to work there. The store, dubbed “The Co-Worker,” will offer immersive career experiences.
• Players can create virtual homes using IKEA furniture and items.
• A limited number of players can apply for paid virtual career roles, with applications open from June 3 to June 16, 2024.
• Applicants must be 18 or older and reside in the UK or Ireland.
• Chosen applicants will complete virtual interviews and receive an hourly IKEA Co-Worker rate

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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