Big UAW Votes, Autonomy is Back, Carvana Goes Gaming

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

It’s a notable Wednesday as a looming UAW vote at the Chattanooga VW plant gets under way. We’re also talking about a new set of “trust principles” regarding autonomous vehicles, as well as a brand collab between Carvana and pro gaming.

• The voting begins this morning to determine whether or not to unionize the VW plant in Chattanooga. In a dramatic move yesterday, Southern governors issued cautioning statements directed at the 4300 auto workers at the plant, warning that voting for UAW union representation could threaten their jobs.
  • Southern governors from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas have publicly opposed the unionization, linking it to potential job risks and investment losses.
  • This union drive is part of the UAW's broader strategy to organize nonunion auto factories across the South, affecting nearly 150,000 workers.
  • Volkswagen has expressed neutrality, respecting the workers' right to a democratic vote and ensuring privacy in the voting process.
  • Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said, "We are seeing in the fallout of the Detroit Three strike with those automakers rethinking investments and cutting jobs. Putting businesses in our states in that position is the last thing we want to do."

• In a call back to 2019, it looks like autonomy may be in the sights of industry experts and culture as yesterday the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) published their “Trust Principles.”
  • Self-driving cars like those from Cruise and Waymo have contributed to a growing public skepticism, following several troubling incidents including accidents and traffic disruptions.
  • AVIA aims to enhance community relations and educate the public about AVs, planning to establish a national council with law enforcement and first responders to improve emergency situation responses.
  • Recent events underscore the urgency of building trust; a Cruise vehicle in San Francisco was involved in a serious incident last October, raising concerns over safety and transparency.
  • The industry's broader challenge includes distancing itself from systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving, which are often confused with fully autonomous technologies.

• Carvana is collaborating with NRG and Rocket League influencer Musty for a unique giveaway, offering gamers a chance to win a Tesla Model 3, blending the excitement of esports with a high-stakes prize.
  • Musty will personally deliver the Tesla to the winner, enhancing the connection between virtual gaming achievements and tangible rewards.
  • The giveaway follows the successful Carvana | NRG Combine event, which highlighted emerging talent in the esports arena and awarded a $10,000 prize and a content creator contract.
  • Carvana's Ryan Keeton and NRG's Brandon Tortora emphasize their commitment to memorable experiences and further engaging the esports community.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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