Episode #1398: Today we're talking about TikTok's evolution into a serious dealership marketing and recruiting tool, Hyundai doubling down on humanoid robots with Boston Dynamics, and why America's malls are quietly making a comeback as shoppers look for more than just stores.

Show Notes with links:

• TikTok has moved beyond dealership experimentation and into the mainstream marketing mix. Dealers are using the platform to reach younger shoppers, showcase inventory, promote service offers and recruit technicians.

  • TikTok launched Automotive Ads in 2025, matching users with relevant vehicles, pricing, offers and live dealer inventory.

  • Dealers say the platform is especially effective for reaching shoppers early in the buying journey and building awareness through short-form video.

  • As TikTok becomes a bigger sales tool, dealers can't forget compliance. The FTC says social media posts are advertisements and expects the same pricing and disclosure standards as any other marketing.

  • The service lane is seeing benefits too, with dealers using TikTok to promote maintenance specials and drive fixed-ops traffic.

  • Rohrman Fixed Ops Director Austin Conroy said, “I don’t have an issue with hiring technicians anymore.”

• Hyundai is going all-in on bringing robots to the factory floor. The move could reshape manufacturing, but it's also raising fresh questions about the future of automotive jobs.

  • Hyundai is buying SoftBank's remaining stake in Boston Dynamics, making the robotics company a wholly owned subsidiary.

  • The 3rd largest automaker in the world plans to deploy Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot at its Georgia plant beginning in 2028, starting with parts sequencing before expanding into assembly work by 2030.

  • The announcement comes as Hyundai's South Korean union ramps up strikes, arguing increased investment in robotics and AI threatens future manufacturing jobs.

  • Union leaders estimate nearly 2,000 workers will retire annually through 2032 and warn that failing to replace them could shrink union membership by roughly 40%.

• New data shows shopping centers are seeing more visitors across the board in 2026, with consumers continuing to seek out destinations that combine shopping, dining and entertainment in one trip.

  • Open-air shopping centers led the way in the first half of 2026, with visits up 4.7%, while indoor malls and outlet centers also posted year-over-year gains.

  • June continued the trend, marking another month of increased foot traffic across all three mall formats.

  • The growth isn't being driven solely by higher-income shoppers. Data suggests a broader mix of consumers is returning to malls despite continued caution around discretionary spending.

  • Researchers say malls are benefiting from their mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment, giving shoppers more reasons to make a single trip.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

2:54 TikTok Becoming An Essential Marketing Tool For Dealers

4:55 Hyundai Completes Boston Dynamics Takeover

7:43 Mall Traffic Increasing in First Half of 2026