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Happy July 4th! Today, Chris Reeves joins Paul and Kyle to celebrating the most amazing industry in the most amazing country in the world.

Here's some fun facts about this July 4th:

• 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel 50+ miles from home between June 28 and July 6, marking a new record.
  • 61.6 million will travel by car, making it the busiest Independence Day on the roads.
  • 5.84 million air travelers are anticipated, with domestic airfare averaging $260 round trip—the lowest in four years.
• A 10-person cookout now averages $99, the highest on record, with beverages and meats comprising 64% of the total cost
• Total fireworks revenue is estimated at $2.3 billion in 2025, with consumer sales at $1.6 billion and professional displays at $700 million.
• Approximately 285 million pounds of fireworks are expected to be consumed, with 95% imported from China.

Plus Chris brings a people-focused story to the show today:

• American teacher Mark Fogel was arrested in Russia 3 years ago, and released in February this year.
• Shults Ford and Dealer Richard Bazzy in Pittsburgh gifted Mark a brand-new F-150 as a celebration of him coming home.

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.

Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/

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Episode #1086: Today we unpack Q2’s early sales surge and late slip, celebrate CARFAX’s workplace wins, and wonder about Chuck E. Cheese’s nostalgic new venture for grown-ups.

Show Notes with links:

• U.S. new-vehicle sales in Q2 were front-loaded, with consumers acting early to capitalize on incentives and avoid potential tariffs. The momentum faded by June, signaling possible headwinds ahead.
  • Roughly 173,000 additional vehicles were sold in March and April, pushing the sales pace above 17 million SAAR.
  • June sales fell 4.3% to 1.26 million units, with SAAR dipping to 15.65 million.
  • GM posted a 7% gain in Q2, with trucks, crossovers, and EVs all showing growth, with EV sales more than doubling YoY.
  • Tesla deliveries declined 13%, amid an aging product lineup and reputational challenges.
  • Ford reported a 14% increase, supported by employee pricing programs and strong hybrid performance.
  • “We blew the doors off the overall industry,” said Andrew Frick, Ford Blue and Model e President.

• CARFAX has once again earned recognition as one of the best places to work in the U.S., sweeping multiple national and regional Top Workplace awards for 2025.
  • They were named a USA Today Top Workplace for the fourth year in a row and also honored by the Washington Post (11th time) and St. Louis Post-Dispatch (4th year).
  • The awards are based on anonymous employee feedback regarding culture and practices.
  • Carfax received additional recognition for leadership, benefits, flexibility, innovation, and values.
  • “Being part of a team… committed to the same playbook, has made my experience… rewarding,” said Angela Coyle, Director of Marketing Operations.
  • Also a special shoutout to our friends at the Rohrman Auto Group, who placed on the USA Today list for the first time ever.

• Chuck E. Cheese is growing up — literally. The company has launched "Chuck’s Arcade," a new concept aimed at adult fans of retro gaming and childhood nostalgia.
  • Chuck’s Arcade features classics like Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat alongside modern games like Halo.
  • Locations include St. Louis, Tulsa, El Paso, and St. Petersburg, with 10 now open across U.S. malls.
  • Each arcade features unique artwork and iconic animatronic mascots from the original brand.
  • Some locations include pizzerias and limited beer/wine service.
  • CEO David McKillips calls it a “natural evolution” to attract lifelong fans and a new generation.

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.

Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/

JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/