🚗 40% Consider College Alternatives

🚙 The White House Invests $521M

August 28, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Wednesday morning,

It's not quite the middle of the week, but its the beginning of the middle of the week, to be sure. Remember: in a five-day workweek, the real halfway point is lunchtime on the fifth day.

In Today’s Email:

  • College Is Out, The Service Lane Is In?

  • Webinar: Connected and Consistent w/ Upstart

  • And We dig into the day’s big stories: Charging, China, and New Partnerships

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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🎓 Graduation and Beyond 🔧

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With 40% of 2024 high school graduates opting out of college, the automotive retail industry has a golden opportunity to attract young talent.

Offering hands-on experience, clear paths to advancement, and the chance to start earning immediately, auto retail is an ideal alternative to the traditional college route. Success stories abound—like Carmen Hinton, who rose from receptionist to service manager, proving that the industry is a launchpad for those willing to work hard.

It’s not just about knowing cars; it’s about connecting with people and delivering great customer experiences. Dealerships can attract the next generation by engaging with local schools, offering internships, and showcasing the benefits of a career in auto retail.

Want to know more? Check out the full article (read time: 2 min 33 sec) to see how we can help build a bright future for our industry and the next generation of workers.

Connected and Consistent

Catch part two of the 2024 Dealership Dynamics Webinar, where Chad Bouchard, GM of Ron Bouchard Honda and Kia, shares how Upstart is transforming their dealership.

Chad breaks down how integrating Upstart’s tools has streamlined everything from online sales to in-store financing, making the car-buying process smoother for both customers and the sales team.

You’ll get a peek into what dealers are expecting in 2024, hear about smart retailing practices, and find out how to tackle financing challenges head-on. Chad also talks about how Upstart’s AI-powered solutions are helping his team close more deals and keep customers happy, all while maintaining a consistent experience across their locations.

If you’re looking to stay ahead, check out the full webinar and check out this case study by the good folks at Upstart!

Headlines Simplified

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The recent developments in the automotive industry highlight key trends that U.S. auto dealers should keep an eye on.

The Biden administration's $521M investment in EV charging infrastructure across 30 states is crucial for expanding access, especially in underserved areas, which could drive EV adoption and increase demand for electric vehicles at dealerships.

Stellantis is also making strides in simplifying EV ownership with flexible home charging options, which could attract more buyers to electric models.

On the industry collaboration front, partnerships like Volkswagen's with Xpeng and Toyota's with BMW signal a growing focus on advanced technologies and alternative energy sources. These collaborations could influence future vehicle offerings and competitive dynamics in the U.S. market.

Additionally, the entry of affordable, advanced Chinese EVs, such as XPeng's Mona M03, into global markets poses a potential challenge for U.S. dealers, emphasizing the need to stay ahead in technology and pricing strategies.

Check out more of today’s news, headlines, facts, and data here (read time: 2 min 37 sec).

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🍎 September 16th — The Welcome Conference in NYC.

⚜️ January 23-26th, 2025 — NADA Show in New Orleans.

🦀 May 13-16th, 2025 — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland.

In The Dirt w/ Kerri Wise & Ashley Cavazos

Kerri Wise, Ashley Lopez Cavazos and Kyle Mountsier share on how Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN) connects female automotive professionals in this tight knit community.

WOCAN was created to connect, inspire and develop women of color within this great industry.

From leadership courses to events throughout the year, WOCAN has created a community that creates positive change together.

Special thanks to our friends at TrueCar, Inc. for making our National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) coverage possible.

Check out the full conversation here.

Quick Hits

  • Millions turn to YouTube videos to dry out wet phones, but while they may help a bit, experts say they're not a complete solution. Just keep your phone dry. 🌊 

  • A third Sonic the Hedgehog movie is coming — here’s the trailer. 🍿 

  • A new OpenAi update is coming. Code-named “Strawberry,” it claims higher reasoning skills. 🍓 

History

  • 1898: Caleb Bradham's beverage "Brad's Drink" is renamed "Pepsi-Cola." 🥤 

  • 1937: Toyota Motor Company is established. 🚘️ 

  • 1963: MLK’s "I Have A Dream Speech." 🎤 

Thanks for reading, friend! Everybody has a personal definition of “best” and “worst” day. We are hoping today is much closer to your best than your worst.

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