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It’s a great week to be in the car biz as we discuss the latest movement in the UAW negotiations. We also take a look at the rising political rhetoric around EV’s, before we weigh in on whether or not the Cybertruck is actually ‘bulletproof’.
- In their seventh offer since the beginning of the month, GM is claiming 'substantial movement' in its latest offer to UAW members, joining Stellantis in proposing a 23% wage hike. As the strike enters its sixth week, both automakers aim for over $40 per hour wages by 2027, reflecting industry shifts and pressures amid ongoing negotiations. This amount matches what Ford has already proposed earlier last week.
- UAW President Shawn Fain seemed to agree, saying the offer was “serious movement” as he reminded everyone that he could expand the strike at any moment.
- ”The bottom line is we’ve got cards left to play, and they’ve got money left to spend,” and continued that the UAW is after “not just a good contract, not just a record contract, but a contract that turns the tide.”
- Stating that this is the most significant offer ever proposed by GM to the UAW, the company emphasized their recognition of team members' dedication and contributions. "It's time to conclude negotiations, bring our team back, and focus on ensuring GM's success, securing quality U.S. jobs for many future decades.”
- Fain also took the opportunity to respond to Bill Ford’s comments last week regarding Ford and the UAW banding together to beat ‘non-union’ automakers by saying, “"The days of the UAW and Ford being a team to fight other companies are over.”
- The retail auto industry has found itself in the center of culture once again as EV adoption and government incentives have become a political campaigning point. Amid rising EV prices and labor strikes, President Biden's pro-EV stance faces challenges from Republican contenders, further polarizing the electric vehicle debate.
- In the U.S., for every five Democrats owning an EV, there are two Republicans, highlighting a political and ideological divide in electric vehicle adoption.
- The demographics of EV ownership also reveal an economic disparity:
- the median household income of EV buyers is $186,000, up from the typical new car buyers, $122k
- That number is up recently from the $90k mark it had been for decades
- Late last week, a post on the popular "Tesla owners silicon valley" account showcased Tesla's test-turned-publicity-stunt on the Cybertruck's bulletproof claims.
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the Al Capone-style barrage. Impressively, the vehicle's exterior resisted penetration, with his comment on the post “We emptied the entire drum magazine of a Tommy gun into the driver door Al Capone style. No bullets penetrated into the passenger compartment.”
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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