Tesla’s “Affordable” Illusion, Ford’s RTO Fallout, Mattel Meets AI

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Episode #1166: Tesla’s new “affordable” EVs aren’t quite the bargain they seem, Ford’s return-to-office mandate sparks employee backlash, and Mattel teams up with OpenAI’s Sora 2 to reimagine how toys come to life.

Show Notes with links:

• Tesla’s newest “Standard” versions of the Model 3 and Model Y were meant to bring affordability back to the brand — but the math tells another story. Despite cutting prices, the value gap is slim and the features list is slimmer.
  • The Model 3 starts at $36,990 and the Model Y at $39,990, both roughly $5,000 cheaper than premium trims.
  • The missing features? Autosteer, rear seat heating, power mirrors, LED lightbar, and even a proper glass roof — now covered with a liner.
  • Tesla removed $6,000–$8,000 worth of equipment, yet financed rates make monthly payments just $78 less than the higher-trim versions.
  • When the $7,500 U.S. EV tax credit was still active, Tesla’s premium trims actually cost less than these new “affordable” models — a Model Y Long Range, for example, effectively came in around $37,500 after incentives, versus $39,990 now with no credit.
  • Analysts warn the cars may cannibalize existing sales without attracting new buyers under $30k.
  • “It’s basically a pricing lever, not a product catalyst,” said Shay Boloor of Futurum Equities, calling Tesla’s move more smoke than spark.

• Ford’s big push to bring employees back four days a week isn’t going smoothly. After new attendance rules took effect in September, some workers say they were threatened with termination—even while following the policy.
  • Ford ordered most white-collar staff to return four days a week starting Sept. 1, citing collaboration and growth goals.
  • Automated emails warned some workers they could be fired for low badge-ins, even those meeting approved hybrid schedules.
  • HR leaders admitted the system “caught up people doing the right things” and said future messaging would be revised.
  • Employees cite burnout, overcrowded offices, and frustration over rigid schedules that make cross-time-zone work harder.

• Mattel is teaming up with OpenAI to test Sora 2, the latest AI video-generation tool that turns sketches into lifelike product visuals — and could reinvent how toys are designed and pitched.
  • The partnership lets Mattel designers transform early sketches into video concepts in minutes using OpenAI’s API.
  • CEO Sam Altman said the goal is to “bring product ideas to life more quickly.”
  • The collaboration marks one of the first real-world tests of Sora 2 since OpenAI’s Developer Day showcase.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
1:03 ASOTU Edge Webinar TODAY
2:14 Tesla Debuts "Standard" Model 3 and Model Y
7:40 Ford Struggles with Return-To-Office Mandate
10:58 Ma

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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