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Episode #1322: The FTC wants dealers to report rule-breakers, Tesla turns Cybertrucks into grid assets with a simpler V2G play, and Apple announces a historic CEO transition

Show Notes with links:

The FTC is now asking dealers to help police each other on advertising. In a recent NAD webinar, regulators emphasized reporting bad actors and clarified key pricing rules, especially around doc fees and how total vehicle price must be presented.

• • The FTC is encouraging dealers to report competitors who violate ad rules, aiming to level the playing field.
  • Complaints can be submitted directly or through NADA, signaling a more collaborative enforcement approach.
  • Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection clarified that doc fees must be included in the advertised total price—not added later in the deal.
  • Total vehicle price must be displayed more prominently than MSRP in ads across all channels.
  • “[It’s important that] the consumer understands what it is that they’re going to be paying to get the car out the door,” said Christopher Mufarrige.

• The Cybertruck is officially now a grid asset. Tesla and PG&E just approved it for vehicle-to-grid use in California, and the bigger story isn’t just capability—it’s a simpler, cheaper path that could finally make energy-sharing scalable.
  • Unlike Ford and GM setups, Tesla uses an AC-based system—avoiding $6K–$10K DC charger installs.
  • Lower hardware complexity could remove a major barrier for homeowners to join grid programs.
  • Owners opt in to send energy back during peak demand—and get paid for it.
  • With 123 kWh onboard, each Cybertruck adds ~9x the storage of a typical home battery.
  • “Electric vehicles can do more than move people — they can help power homes,” said PG&E’s Jason Glickman.

• One of the most influential CEOs in modern business is stepping aside. Apple announced that Tim Cook will transition to executive chairman this fall, handing the CEO role to longtime insider John Ternus—marking the first major leadership shift since the Steve Jobs era.
  • John Ternus, Apple’s hardware engineering chief, will become CEO on September 1, 2026.
  • Cook will stay on as executive chairman, focusing in part on global policy and regulatory relationships.
  • The move caps a long-planned succession, not a sudden shakeup—Apple signaling stability.
  • Ternus brings a product-first background, having led hardware during Apple’s silicon and device expansion era.
  • “He is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future,” said Tim Cook.

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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