LIVE from ASOTU CON 25, VW Uber Tag Team, TikTok Selling Cars

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Episode #1043: We’re coming to you live from ASOTU CON 25! Today we’re diving into Volkswagen and Uber’s plan to launch ID. Buzz robotaxis by 2026, TikTok’s surprising power in driving car sales, and what it all means for the future of mobility and marketing. 

Show Notes with links:

• Volkswagen and Uber are teaming up to bring self-driving ID. Buzz microbuses to U.S. streets. Testing starts this year, with full-scale deployment in Los Angeles by 2026.
  • The electric, retro-styled ID. Buzz will serve as the vehicle for Uber’s upcoming autonomous ride-hail service.
  • Human-supervised testing begins in 2025, with LA as the launch city and national rollout planned.
  • VW’s MOIA subsidiary will handle the autonomous tech and platform integration.
  • The deal aligns with VW’s push into urban mobility and Uber’s interest in expanding robotaxi options.
  • “Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility,” said VW’s Christian Senger.
• TikTok’s latest whitepaper dives deep into how the platform influences car buying decisions, debunking the myth that it’s just for dances and pranks. With affluent users and a cultural grip, TikTok is revving its engine as a legit force in automotive marketing.
  • TikTok drives 9.4% of all digital-driven inquiries despite a smaller ad spend.
  • Outperforms other digital channels with 90% higher ROI vs. online video and 12% better than other digital platforms.
  • Full-funnel campaigns see 14% more inquiries and 62% better efficiency with longer, balanced spends.
  • TikTok’s cultural influence makes or breaks brand equity, especially post-sale.
  • “A brand’s failure to fulfill its promises in this post-purchase phase can hurt brand equity seven times more than a positive encounter can benefit it.”

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.

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