Auto Collabs
The walls are closing in on Franchised Retail Auto Dealers as the industry is moving at break-neck velocity toward a new way of doing business. The convergence of economic and social volatility, new entrants like Tesla and Carvana, and the new rules of retail are putting Auto Dealers in a crucible that will either destroy them or refine them.Auto Collabs brings you deep into real-talk conversations with the brightest operators and innovators in the Retail Auto Industry who believe the Dealer network is the single greatest way to serve the transportation needs of communities across the country. The only way Retail Auto Dealers and Industry Partners will survive is by committing to innovate together, so let’s get started. Welcome to Auto Collabs. // Auto Collabs is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn more at https://www.asotu.com
Auto Collabs
A Journalist’s Perspective On Automotive with Brian Armstead | Public Policy Day 2025
During the DC Auto Show, Paul and Kyle hosted a podcast stage at Public Policy Day, and interviewed policy makers and industry experts.
In this episode, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with longtime automotive journalist Brian Armstead to discuss his journey in the industry.
With decades of experience writing for major publications like Forbes, US News & World Report, and The Washington Post, plus radio and TV appearances, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge about the automotive world. He shares how his childhood passion for cars led him to become one of the most respected voices in automotive journalism, covering everything from consumer trends to OEM strategies.
The conversation also dives into the state of the industry, including the shift away from full EV adoption, the challenges with charging infrastructure, and how manufacturers are adapting to evolving consumer demand.
Brian shares insights on dealership dynamics, policy changes, and his favorite EVs on the market today (including a luxury pick you won’t expect!). Plus, he reflects on his work with NAMAD and the importance of diverse representation in the auto industry. If you love cars, industry insights, and great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen!
Timestamped Takeaways
0:00 Intro
0:25 Brian’s journey from car enthusiast to top automotive journalist
3:00 Breaking into the industry: Writing, radio, and big breaks
5:39 The dealer connection: How Brian engages with the retail side
6:32 Why manufacturers are pulling back on full EV adoption
7:49 The biggest EV challenges: Infrastructure, insurance, and consumer hesitation
8:25 One in five charging attempts fail—how this impacts adoption
9:33 Brian’s favorite EVs, from the Rolls-Royce Spectre to Hyundai and Chevy
12:10 The impact of NAMAD and diverse leadership in auto retail
Thanks to Ascent Dealer Services for making our Public Policy Day coverage happen!
https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/
Brian Armstead is a Freelance Automotive and Lifestyle Journalist
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-armstead-b33110114/
https://muckrack.com/brian-armstead/articles
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