# @asotu on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=7K_RiufrOpo
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68727958-asotu-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/642fe40d66.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-24T13:58:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** ASOTU | More Than Cars (@asotu) — https://gondola.cc/asotu

## Caption

Episode #1405: Tesla posts record deliveries while doubling down on AI, Ford embraces Apple to make affordable EVs more compelling, and a coalition of industry giants launches a nationwide effort to solve the technician shortage

https://www.wardsauto.com/news/tesla-reports-strong-q2-deliveries-and-revenue-weaker-profits-amid-big-spe/825982/
Tesla delivered its strongest second quarter ever, but beneath the headline numbers, the company is pouring billions into robotaxis, AI, and humanoid robots—leaving profits and free cash flow under pressure.
-Tesla delivered 480,126 vehicles in Q2, up 25% year over year, while revenue climbed to a record $28.2 billion, surpassing $100 billion in trailing 12-month revenue for the first time.
-Despite the record sales, free cash flow fell to negative $1.1 billion as Tesla spent $5.8 billion during the quarter on AI infrastructure, Robotaxi expansion, Cybercab production, and Optimus development.
-Tesla says its Robotaxi fleet has now logged more than 380,000 driverless miles across six cities with "zero notable incidents," while Full Self-Driving subscriptions reached 1.48 million, up 56% from a year ago.
-The company is also expanding battery production, charging infrastructure, and chip development.
-Elon Musk: "This is a massive capital expenditure year, but I'm confident that all the things that we are investing in will yield incredible returns."

https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/apple-maps-to-be-embedded-in-new-ford-ev-line-as-farley-bets-on-simple-truly-attainable-tech
Ford just revealed that its upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform will integrate Apple Maps directly into the vehicle. It's a notable contrast to rivals trying to pull away from Apple's ecosystem.
-Ford's new UEV platform launches in 2027, anchored by a midsize electric pickup targeting a $30,000 starting price.
-Apple Maps will be embedded directly into the vehicle display, providing native navigation and real-time traffic through Apple's MapKit for Automotive SDK.
-The partnership also supports Ford's next-generation BlueCruise and Latitude AI programs, using Apple's mapping data to strengthen hands-free driving and autonomous development.
-Unlike GM's push away from CarPlay or Lucid's embrace of smartphone mirroring, Ford is taking a middle path—keeping CarPlay while leveraging Apple behind the scenes.
-Jim Farley: "Our new midsize electric vehicle will be priced around $30,000 and redefines what advanced technology can be—simple, useful, and truly attainable for more customers."

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/21/blackrock-carhartt-ford-google-skilled-trades.html
Finding qualified technicians isn't just a dealership problem anymore. Ford, BlackRock, Google, and Carhartt are joining forces to tackle the growing skilled labor shortage, launching a nationwide effort to expand apprenticeships and encourage more Americans to pursue careers in the trades.
-The new Alliance for America's Skilled Trades will partner with labor unions, trade associations, and employers to expand apprenticeship programs and create more pathways into skilled careers.
-The effort comes as experienced tradespeople retire faster than they're being replaced, creating shortages in fields like automotive service, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and construction.
-Rising demand, stronger wages, and growing uncertainty around white-collar jobs in the AI era are driving more students toward certificate and associate degree programs instead of traditional four-year colleges.
-"Building the physical infrastructure for America's future requires significantly increasing the pipeline of skilled tradespeople across the country—a challenge that can only be addressed with collective action." — Ruth Porat, President and CIO, Alphabet/Google


0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
3:08 Tesla Reports $28.2B in Revenue, Spending Billions on AI
6:35 Ford Integrates Apple Maps To New UEV Platform
9:25 Ford, BlackRock, Google and Carhartt Join Forces To Create Alliance for America's Skilled Trades

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.
Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/automotive-state-of-the-union/id1588099481
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2LYfBYnIDxU2gcDhKx9QXC?si=4c3ac53109d94ba

## Stats

- **Views:** 69
- **Likes:** 2
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Graphic Designer |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Senior Social Media Manager |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Creator |
| Rob Downes | @designedbydownes | https://gondola.cc/designedbydownes | Creative |

## Tags

1405

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