The automotive industry stands at a pivotal crossroads in 2025, facing transformative changes across trade policies, technology, and market dynamics. In today's episode of Auto Intelligence, industry experts Steve and Claire deliver an in-depth analysis of these fundamental shifts and their implications for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers alike.

Episode Overview:

Trade Policy Transformation
The implementation of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts has catalyzed significant strategic adjustments across the North American automotive ecosystem. General Motors projects a $4-5B impact, while their CFO Paul Jacobson emphasizes the company's enhanced supply chain resilience. The episode explores how major manufacturers are adapting their operations and what these changes mean for the industry's future.

Electric Vehicle Market Dynamics
Q1 2025 data reveals compelling market shifts: Tesla maintains leadership with 44% market share, though experiencing an 8.6% year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, General Motors has emerged as the second-largest EV seller, doubling their sales compared to Q1 2024. Ford's CEO Jim Farley's strategic pivot toward affordable EVs, targeting a $30,000 price point, signals a significant industry direction change.

Software-Defined Vehicle Revolution
The widespread adoption of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) marks a turning point in automotive technology. BMW's new iDrive 10 system and Volkswagen's CARIAD division showcase how AI and advanced computing are reshaping the driving experience. The episode examines how these technological advances are transforming both manufacturing processes and customer expectations.

Global Competition & Manufacturing
Fresh insights from Auto Shanghai 2025 highlight ambitious expansion plans from Chinese automakers NIO and BYD. The episode analyzes how recent trade policies, including 100% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in North America, are influencing global market strategies and manufacturing investments.

Leadership & Strategy
The discussion features strategic perspectives from industry leaders, including GM's Mary Barra's focus on supply chain agility and U.S. sourcing, demonstrating how executive decision-making is adapting to current market challenges.

AI in Automotive Retail
The episode concludes with an examination of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing automotive retail operations. From inventory management to customer engagement, the discussion explores how dealerships are leveraging technology to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.

Looking Ahead
Despite economic headwinds and regulatory uncertainty, the global automotive market shows resilience, with projected 2.7% growth in 2025. The episode provides valuable insights into how industry players are navigating these challenges while preparing for future opportunities.

About Auto Agentic:

Auto Agentic (www.autoagentic.ai) is pioneering AI-driven solutions transforming automotive retail. Founded in 2024, we deliver intelligent, adaptive solutions designed to help dealerships streamline operations, optimize sales performance, and elevate customer experience. With a focus on ethical AI, seamless integrations, and real-time insights, Auto Agentic empowers dealership teams—never replaces them—unlocking new levels of productivity and profitability.

Our suite of intelligent agents handles everything from lead nurturing and inventory optimization to service appointment management and customer follow-ups. By using AI to replace time-consuming tasks and augmenting decision-making with advanced analytics, Auto Agentic helps dealerships stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Available on all major podcast platforms. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.