Auto Collabs
Collaboration through connection.
Hosted by Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier, and Michael Cirillo, Auto Collabs is your connect point to the human side of the retail automotive industry: what motivates its leaders, how they navigate change, and what keeps them pushing forward. It’s beyond-the-business-card conversations with real people powering dealerships, technology platforms, and everything in between.
From the team behind the More Than Cars movement, this podcast is built on one big belief: thriving people create thriving businesses. With candid conversations, industry insight, and just enough unfiltered banter to keep things interesting, Auto Collabs delivers authentic stories that inspire real collaboration.
// 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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