#510 - 🤝 Let The Collaboration Begin!

TOGETHER WITH

Today, people from across the automotive community will join us in Baltimore for ASOTU CON 2023.

Some are coming from dealerships, others are industry partners, and some are coming equipped with an outsider’s perspective and a leader’s heart.

For the next three days, these terms and titles of separation will take a back seat to the spirit of collaboration that will bring the very best out of our efforts, intentions, and innovations.

We cannot wait to see you here!

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

TODAY’S LOT WALK

• MTCM: David Long and the All Things Used Cars community talk Buy Centers! 🎙

• Business: Strike Expansion, E-Vans, and Toyota picks up the pace. 🚐

• Culture: Coffee’s new trick ☕️

Reading time: 5 mins 7 secs

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

All Things Used Cars

In case you don't know yet, David Long's All Things Used Cars is a weekly conversation on Clubhouse that brings people from all over the industry together to talk about improving their used car business.

Finding, appraising, buying, reconditioning, marketing, selling - the community talks about every part of building and maintaining a strong used car business, which is key to weathering any storm in the new car business. (How is the UAW strike going by the way?)

ASOTU sponsors and supports each room, and we grab the highlight notes so you start your Monday morning with a rapid-fire dose of encouraging insights that could make a difference in your week.

Here are some of the main themes explored in last week's conversation.

1. Stay Disciplined: Like sticking to a diet but for cars. Have a plan, follow it!

2. Train Your Squad: Think of it as "Car Bootcamp". More know-how = more sales.

3. Stay Positive, Be Flexible: Start the day bright and be ready to dance to the market's beat.

4. Know Your Numbers: Metrics are your treasure map. Quality leads over spammy ones, always.

5. Dive into Digital: Surf platforms like Kelley Blue Book and Facebook. The more, the merrier!

6. Be the Customer Whisperer: Understand them, comfort their worries, and be their go-to car guru.

7. Stand Out from the Crowd: Quick payments, unique offers – make them an offer they can't refuse!

8. Keep it Smooth: Think of it as car dating - make selling their car to you a smooth ride.

9. Chat Up & Follow Up: Speedy replies and a lil' nudge now and then keep things rolling.

10. Shop Smart: Buy wisely, and keep those purse strings tight but right.

What did we miss? Hit reply and let us know.

And be sure YOU don’t miss David Long’s All Things Used Cars live from ASOTU CON 2023!

TOGETHER WITH DRIVECENTRIC

AI Selling Software

The Right Automotive Software Makes Selling Easier.

You no longer need to compromise. With DriveCentric, you get the first automotive industry software that integrates GPT-4 powered Artificial Intelligence (AI), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and engagement tools all in one platform.

This user-friendly, customer-centric software allows your sales team to focus on engaging more customers, selling more vehicles, and managers to coach at the moment on the showroom floor.

AI-Powered: Now you can do more with less through the power of ChatGPT-4!
Coach in the Moment: See real-time conversations happening right now and start coaching in the moment.
Full Engagement Suite: Video, Text, Emojis, GIFs, Calls, Live Conferencing, and emails - All from within the CRM and all in one place.
Reporting: Robust reporting is just two clicks away.
Mobile: With a 4.5-star mobile app, everything you need can be done on the go.
Support: Your designated support team is with you every step of the way.

Your CRM should be a tool, not a pain point.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Don’t Miss A Beat!

ASOTU CON 2023 is here at last and we can’t wait to share time, space, and vibes with all our participants!

Of course, we understand not everybody could make the trip, and we don’t want our distant friends to be left out of the conversation.

Keep an eye on LinkedIn so you don’t miss the good things we capture from the show floor!

BUSINESS

UAW Strike Update

Here is an update on the UAW strike. Most of this information was gathered on Friday, so things may have changed over the weekend. Keep checking this email to see updates as they are made available.

• UAW Strike Expansion:

  • UAW approaches extended strike against Detroit automakers: GM, Ford, and Stellantis.

  • The critical strike deadline is set for Friday at noon.

• Key Negotiation Issues:

  • Central topics: hourly pay, retirement benefits, work-life balance, and cost-of-living adjustments.

  • Minimal progress since strike initiation on September 15.

  • Significant disparity between union demands and automaker offers.

• Wage Disputes:

  • UAW demands a major wage increase and aims to eliminate tiered wage structures.

  • Automakers' proposed increases fall short of UAW's expectations.

• Potential Impact:

  • More union members might join the strike, affecting US economic growth and global auto supply.

• Additional Points:

  • UAW reports progress with Ford.

  • GM and Ford have presented wage proposals.

  • GM, Ford, and Stellantis prepare for more US work stoppages.

🚚 Ryder Integrates BrightDrop EVs

Ryder System is actively integrating electric vehicles into its expansive fleet. Deploying its inaugural batch of GM's BrightDrop EVs across four pivotal US markets, Ryder demonstrates a strategic pivot towards sustainable logistics. As they scale their EV footprint, the industry will watch GM's ability to meet demand.

🔥 Toyota's Strategic EV Expansion

Toyota's production strategy electrifies the news. Nikkei reports a significant ramp-up to 600,000 EVs by 2025, starkly contrasting with last year's modest 25K. With an ambitious target of 1.5 million sales by 2026, Toyota's commitment showcases a shifting industry paradigm dealerships must prepare for.

🎉 Hyundai's Investment in EV Infrastructure

Hyundai recognizes the infrastructure challenges for new EV adopters. Hyundai is addressing a crucial component of EV ownership by offering a complimentary home charger and discounted installation for select vehicles. Dealerships can leverage this to showcase Hyundai's comprehensive EV approach, emphasizing long-term value and brand support.

CULTURE

3D Coffee

Coffee already plays a big role in bringing our dreams to life. Imagine trying to make something without a dose of that delicious void-colored bean juice! No thanks.

Now, people have found coffee can bring our ideas to life in another way: 3D printing.

Researchers are using the used grounds from a pot of coffee to 3D print biodegradable, eco-friendly, renewable structures as strong as concrete!

The whole deal is still a very "in the lab" type reality for now, but who knows, someday you may buy coffee at a Starbucks made of coffee. #WhatAWorld

Quick Hits

• Amazon is adding ads to Prime Video in 2024 for people not willing to pay $3 per month. 🤑

• Rolling Stone, a music publication, called NFTs worthless, and people have reacted. 🤘

• Squidgame is getting a reality challenge show called “Squidgame: The Challenge.” 🦑

History

• 1956: The first underwater telephone service from the United States to Europe begins construction using 2,250 miles of cable. ☎️

• 1963: The first ad runs for Chevrolet Chevelle 📺

• 1977: About 4,200 people take part in the first running of the Chicago Marathon.🏃‍♀️