# @asotu on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=eMJi26Itq90
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68728001-asotu-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2264043dc5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-21T13:38:21.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** ASOTU | More Than Cars (@asotu) — https://gondola.cc/asotu

## Caption

Episode #1402: Polestar dealers demand answers as the EV brand abandons the U.S., Stellantis recruits new leaders to revive Jeep and Ram, and back-to-school shoppers prove convenience is the new value as families spend more but shop smarter.

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/chinese-owned-ev-maker-polestar-wont-appeal-u-s-ban-leaving-dealers-in-the-lurch-c5336a5b?mod=autos_news_article_pos1
Polestar is officially hitting the brakes on the U.S. market after deciding not to appeal a federal ban on future vehicle sales. The move leaves 32 dealers, current owners, and millions in franchise investments caught in the middle of an uncertain exit.
-Polestar confirmed it won't appeal the Commerce Department's decision blocking future U.S. sales over connected-vehicle national security concerns, instead shifting investment toward Europe.
-Dealers who invested heavily in facilities, staffing, and training say they're frustrated by the lack of transparency, especially since Volvo, also majority-owned by Geely, received approval to continue selling in the U.S.
-Consumers may also feel the impact as Polestar clears inventory with discounts up to $25,000, raising concerns about resale values for existing owners.
-State franchise laws could require Polestar to compensate dealers despite the government action, creating another hurdle as the brand winds down U.S. operations.
-"We deserve some answers," said Dealer Matthew Haiken as he figures out how to move Polestar employees into his Volvo store, even fielding job inquiries from staff at Polestar's U.S. headquarters. 

https://www.autonews.com/stellantis/an-stellantis-jeep-ram-new-ceos-0720/
Stellantis is reshuffling the leadership deck at two of its biggest brands, tapping experienced industry executives to steer Jeep and Ram through ambitious product launches and an aggressive push to reclaim market share in North America.
-Matt VanDyke, former president of Shift Digital and a longtime Ford marketing executive, takes over as Ram CEO after helping lead successful campaigns for F-Series, Bronco, Lincoln, and FordDirect.
-Former AutoNation brand president Branden Coté will become Jeep CEO, adding deep retail and luxury brand experience from AutoNation, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, and Canoo.
-The leadership moves support Stellantis' five-year growth plan, with Ram targeting 60% North American growth and Jeep aiming for a 15% increase as both brands expand their lineups.
-Outgoing Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf is stepping away following a cancer diagnosis but is expected to return to a new leadership role after medical leave.
-"Sometimes the greatest act of leadership is knowing when to put the team's needs ahead of your own." — Bob Broderdorf

https://www.forbes.com/sites/naveenjaggi/2026/07/16/back-to-school-spending-is-up-and-so-are-parents-expectations/
Back-to-school spending is still climbing, but parents are taking a more deliberate approach this year. A new JLL survey shows families are waiting longer to shop, consolidating purchases, and rewarding retailers that make the experience simple, convenient, and reliable.
-Parents plan to spend an average of $489 per child, up nearly 12% from last year, with middle-income families driving much of the growth.
-Inflation remains a concern for nearly two-thirds of shoppers, but value now means more than low prices, it also means convenience, trusted inventory, and one-stop shopping.
-Families are returning to a more traditional shopping calendar, with July reclaiming its spot as the busiest back-to-school month after last year's early buying rush.
-Brick-and-mortar remains the preferred channel, with more than three-quarters of parents planning to shop in stores while consolidating trips around major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
-"Parents aren't looking for more choices—they're looking for fewer obstacles." — James Cook, Director of Retail Research, JLL

0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
3:12 Polestar Won't Appeal US Ruling on Chinese Tech
5:09 Stellantis Appoints New Heads of Jeep and Ram
7:28 Back-To-School Prices Cost Up To $489 per Child

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:** 82
- **Likes:** 0
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| 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

1402

---
Copyright (c) Gondola