Gary Gilchrist Reflects on 2024, Rivian’s Best-Selling E-Van, Baristas Push Back

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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Is NADA really only a week away? Today, we’re looking back at Gary Gilchrist’s time as 2024 NADA Chairman, seeing how Rivian became the best selling electric van in the country, and examining Starbucks new code of conduct and how baristas are responding.

Show Notes with links:

• Yesterday, we covered incoming NADA Chairman Tom Castriota’s priorities for 2025, so today, it’s only fitting that we give 2024 Chairman Gary Gilchrist the floor for a bit. As he prepares to hand over leadership, Gilchrist emphasizes the importance of strong dealer advocacy in Washington and continued defense of the franchise system amid direct-sales threats and regulatory changes.
  • On EV Adoption: “[Dealers have] spent millions of dollars in our facilities to make this transformation, but it is the consumer choice, and the consumers are not adopting it. [W]e’re at 7.8% nationally for fleet adoption, so we’ve got a ways to go
  • On the CARS Rule: “NADA has been at the tip of the spear on that. We’ve challenged it, and now we’re just waiting for the ruling. We feel good about it, but obviously we’re waiting to see where the ruling comes.
  • On the IRA Tax Credit potentially going away: “We need that $7,500 tax credit right now as we cut the line down on EV inventory. Let’s give it some time for customers to take advantage of it.”
  • On Scout Motors: “It’s a real simple answer: It will be challenged nationwide.”
  • What he would like to see incoming Chairman Tom Castriota accomplish: 1. Defend the franchise system against direct sales. 2. Strengthen relationships with ATAEs. 3. Monitor government overreach.

• Rivian has taken the top spot in the electric van market, surpassing Ford with its Electric Delivery Van (EDV). Despite facing manufacturing hurdles and supply shortages, Rivian’s partnership with Amazon and expansion into new fleets helped drive record-breaking sales.
  • Rivian delivered 13,423 electric vans in 2024, a 67% increase from 2023, outpacing Ford’s 12,610 E-Transit sales.
  • The EDV’s strong Q4 performance (4,397 units, +84.1% YoY) helped Rivian claim the title of best-selling electric van in the U.S.
  • Rivian’s Normal, IL plant underwent upgrades in April to improve cost efficiency but also faced temporary shutdowns in the summer due to part shortages.

• Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), which represents more than 11,000 baristas, is pushing for clarity and bargaining over Starbucks' new code of conduct. The revised policy ends the company’s open-door policy, sparking concerns over enforcement and its impact on customers.
  • The new policy ends free access to store spaces and restrooms without a purchase, shifting enforcement responsibilities to baristas.
  • SBWU is demanding negotiations over how baristas are expected to enforce the policy and how it will impact their daily responsibilities.
  • Starbucks claims the code of conduct already addresses worker concerns and highlights that the union

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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