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Episode #1091: Today we’re covering how dealers are adapting to the end of EV tax credits, Tesla’s push to bring robotaxis to the Bay Area, and the TSA’s surprising move to let travelers keep their shoes on.

Show Notes with links:

• With the federal EV tax credits ending September 30, dealers are shifting strategies to keep momentum in a market suddenly missing key incentives.
  • Liza Borches of Carter Myers Automotive says, “We’re planning marketing campaigns to help [customers] take advantage while they still can.”
  • Joe Jackson, GSM at Bowman Chevrolet in Clarkston, Mich., said they are learning into leasing, “EVs are a lease-heavy vehicle; I expect the leasing to weather this a little bit better than the purchases,”
  • EV Auto’s Alex Lawrence thinks that “adoption [will] increase, but it’s going to be a lumpy line.”
  • Liza and CMA are confident about the future,, saying “We’re committed to educating customers about all the other benefits. Our job is to be proactive, transparent and ready to help customers navigate this shift.”

• Tesla is aiming to bring its experimental robotaxi service to the San Francisco Bay Area within the next two months—pending regulatory approval.
  • Elon Musk confirmed expansion plans on X, following a limited pilot in Austin, Texas.
  • The Austin test fleet, with safety monitors onboard, is set to grow its service area this weekend, with an ultimate goal of 1,000 Robotaxis in several months.
  • Tesla faces tight regulation in California, unlike the light-touch environment in Texas.
  • Approval from the California DMV and CPUC is still needed to charge passengers for rides, although initial approvals were given in March

• A major travel headache is officially over: U.S. travelers no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security, thanks to new TSA technology and a successful pilot program.
  • The change is effective immediately nationwide, per Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
  • Passengers ages 12 to 75 were previously required to remove shoes—a post-9/11 rule spurred by the 2001 “shoe bomber,” but a pilot program showed TSA’s equipment could maintain safety standards without requiring shoe removal.
  • “Most Americans will be very excited... it will be a much more streamlined process,” said Noem.
  • TSA PreCheck still offers added perks like skipping laptop and toiletry removal.
  • TSA is exploring more changes, including special lanes for families and service members, to simplify screenings further.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
0:45 Paul saw Halloween decor at Costco yesterday
2:08 Announcements
2:50 Dealers React To The End of the EV Tax Credit
6:42 A look at Paul and Kyle's bookshelf
7:30 Tesla Eyeing Robotaxi In San Fran
9:43 TSA No Longer

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.
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