🚗 25% on April 2?

TOGETHER WITH

Let’s say, theoretically, you decide to come to ASOTU CON 2025 and take your place in the multi-scope formation of retail auto for generations to come.

When you arrive, you’re offered one of two hats (both hats are black, we wouldn’t waste your time)

One says, “Let’s talk about tariffs,” and the other says, “Please don’t talk to me about tariffs.”

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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THE NEWS

April 2, BYD Eyes Toyota’s Throne, and The Market Reacts

🚨 Tariff Tsunami Hits the Auto Industry

25% import tax lands April 3 on vehicles, May 3 on parts

Trump’s sweeping tariff order is shaking the auto world. The new 25% levy—up from 2.5%—hits nearly all foreign-built vehicles and key components. Analysts predict $4K–$10K price hikes, and Cox Automotive warns that 30% of U.S. vehicle production could be disrupted within a week.

📉 Automakers React: Winners, Losers & Shrugs

• GM stock fell 9%, hit hardest due to its reliance on Mexico and South Korea.

• Ferrari is raising prices by up to $350K on some models.

• Tesla still isn’t safe—Elon called the impact “significant” due to global parts sourcing.

🌍 Global Fallout Begins

Canada is preparing retaliatory tariffs, with PM Mark Carney calling Trump’s move a “direct attack.” Germany slammed the move as a threat to both U.S. and EU economies. Buckle up—this isn’t staying stateside.

⚡ What Else You Need to Know

• GMC expands Sierra EV with off-road AT4 and affordable Elevation trims

• BYD eyes Toyota’s throne with lower costs and rising global sales

• Ford patents a fake manual shifter for EVs (yes, really)

• Geely unifies R&D to lead in smart cockpit innovation

TOGETHER WITH MIA

Keeping Customers Connected 24/7

Even the best-run dealerships miss calls—whether it’s a customer needing to schedule service, set a test drive, or ask a quick question after hours. In today’s always-on market, those missed moments can mean missed opportunities.

That’s where Mia comes in.

Mia is an AI-powered assistant designed to ensure dealerships stay connected. She answers calls instantly, checks inventory, books appointments, and notifies the team—all in a natural, conversational way. No long holds, no phone trees—just seamless support that keeps things moving.

Dealerships using Mia have seen:
📞 30% of service calls turn into booked appointments
💰 $50K in monthly revenue from Mia-set Sales & Service appointments
⏳ 70+ hours of staff time freed up for higher-value interactions

In a fast-moving industry, every connection counts.

Request a demo now!

*Mention ASOTU in your Demo Request, and you’ll get the first month of Mia free!

DATA & INSIGHT

Economic Recap: March 21–28

The Fed is still on the sidelines, holding rates steady at 4.25%–4.5% and signaling two cuts later this year. Inflation is easing, but with policy uncertainty still looming, they're not rushing. Slower quantitative tightening begins in April—less bond runoff means potentially lower yields, which could eventually ease borrowing costs for customers.

Retail auto sales were red hot. J.D. Power says March consumer spending on new vehicles hit a record $54 billion, even with flat incentives and rising inventory. Average transaction prices reached $44,850, up $637 from last year. Profit per unit dropped 8% year-over-year, but climbed slightly from February.

Used market? Still cooking. Retail sales have climbed six weeks straight, driven by bigger tax refunds and stronger wholesale demand. Days-to-turn ticked down to 43, and late-model, nearly-new vehicles are moving fastest.

Is the economy cooling? Technically, yes—but not in a “hide your checkbook” way. Jobless claims remain low, manufacturing is rebounding (thanks in part to auto output), and consumer spending is steady.

People are still buying, still spending, and still driving. Keep your foot on the gas, but watch the blind spots—policy shifts and price pressure could change the lane fast.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Meet ComplyAuto at ASOTU CON!

As a Collaborator Sponsor at this year’s ASOTU CON, ComplyAuto is introducing DealCheck AI, its newest AI-powered solution designed to protect dealership profitability.

Save Deals. Save Money. Save Time.

DealCheck AI streamlines the sales and F&I process by transforming hours of tedious manual checks into instant digital verification—ensuring flawless deals and reducing costly rejections. It helps dealerships eliminate deal kickbacks and compliance headaches while safeguarding their bottom line.

ComplyAuto is the leading compliance automation platform, trusted by 44 out of 50 state dealer associations, delivering full regulatory compliance across Privacy, Cybersecurity, EHS, HR, and F&I. Built by dealers, for dealers.

Dealers can visit ComplyAuto at ASOTU CON 2025 to learn how DealCheck AI can save time and money.

🥊 Quick Hits

• Apple promoted Vanessa Trigub to a new global retail role, streamlining operations amid broader succession planning and leadership transitions. 🍏 

• Inspired by Russian folklore, scientists found 76 new antibiotic compounds in frog skin, some as effective as prescription drugs. 🐸 

• OpenAI’s image generator is better now… still weird, but better if you’re into that sorta thing. 🖌️ 

🔁 Today in History

• 1941 – Construction begins at Ford’s Willow Run 🧑‍✈️ 

• 1979 – A coolant leak at the Three Mile Island's Unit 2 nuclear reactor outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, leads to the core overheating and a partial meltdown. ⚠️ 

• 1990 – United States President George H. W. Bush posthumously awards Jesse Owens the Congressional Gold Medal. 🥇