#524 - 🚫 Plan to Ban

TOGETHER WITH

On this most hallowed of spooky holidays, let’s flip the script.

Let’s turn today, typically known for bad luck, into a day of embracing challenges and creating our own fortune.

Have fun, seize the day, and have a happy Friday the 13th, y’all! 👻

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

TODAY’S LOT WALK

• MTCM: The 2023 DVL Awards presented at NAMAD. 🏆

• BUSINESS: UAW members ditch Ford’s Kentucky plant, Tesla ups ages for German employees, and Mercedes out-ranges Tesla. 🔋

• CULTURE: The FTC proposes a ban on hidden “junk fees.” 💸

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MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

2023 DVL Awards

In a celebration of inclusivity and progress, the 2023 Diversity Volume Leadership Awards shined a spotlight on manufacturers reaching out to the burgeoning community of minority vehicle buyers, and outperforming competitors in the process.

Describing the event, Marc Bland, Chief Diversity Officer for S&P Global, explained: “The DVLs were created by me and my brother in the business, Damon Lester of NAMAD, approximately 10 years ago. What we realized was there was a need in the auto industry to focus on diverse consumers including African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. So, we created an award show that would highlight models that sold the most new vehicle units to what we call ‘The Future Majority.’”

Embracing the theme of "The Future Majority," the awards acknowledged the forthcoming shift predicted by the U.S. Census: minorities becoming the majority by 2045.

This year's winners recognize 22 brands, determined by data from the US Census and S&P Global Mobility, that exemplify the vitality of diversity in the automotive landscape.

The winner of the most coveted award of the evening, The Top Overall Future Majority Vehicle, went to the Toyota RAV4 (racking up Toyota’s total to 6 awards from the event). 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

👉 Discover more about the event and explore the complete list of winners on our website here! 👈

TOGETHER WITH TRUECAR

Diversity Over Adversity

Thanks to our pals at TrueCar, Paul and Kyle were able to present The Automotive Troublemaker live from among the palm fronds in Miami for this year’s NAMAD conference (and even managed to snag a quick chat with new President, Perry Watson IV. 🤝

TrueCar has been leading the conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the auto industry for years, constantly examining the unique experiences, opportunities, and challenges faced by traditionally minority populations (like here and here). 🙌

Not only are they first to champion inclusivity and mentorship, but they are also quick to celebrate all of the big and small wins of the community (like here and here). 🥳

Get linked up with the thoughtful group at TrueCar to harness the power of their insight and integrity today!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

The Leading Edge

Join us this morning on Clubhouse at 9:00am EST / 6:00am PST for this week’s episode of David Long’s All Things Used Cars where we break down all the leadership tactics needed to keep you ahead of the pack.

BUSINESS

Industry Round-Up: UAW, Tesla, and Mercedez

🪧✌️🛻

The UAW intensified its month-long strike against Ford by orchestrating a walkout at the Kentucky Truck factory, Ford's largest plant.

Around 8,700 workers joined, marking a significant move in the wave of strikes encompassing 34,000 UAW-represented employees across Ford, GM, and Stellantis.

🇩🇪📈💶

Tesla has announced a pay increase for employees at its German plant, responding to concerns about below-average earnings raised by unions.

Unlike other German carmakers with collective bargaining agreements, Tesla plans to inform its staff in November about the specific pay raise, following last year's 6% wage increase.

⚡️🔋🚙

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new EV Concept CLA Class at the IAA Mobility Auto Show, featuring four new models — a sedan, station wagon, and two SUVs.

These vehicles are touted to have a range of over 466 miles on a single charge, outperforming any Tesla model, which can go under 375 miles. i

The new long-range modes are set to launch in 2025.

CULTURE

A Plan To Ban

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently unveiled a proposal aimed at banning what it deems "hidden and bogus fees,” a plague costing consumers an estimated $80B annually. 💸💸

FTC Chair, Lina Khan, stressed the real financial impact these fees have on people's wallets, emphasizing the need for change. The proposed rule intends to make convenience, booking, and other hidden fees transparent, barring businesses from using misleading practices and ensuring mandatory charges are included in upfront prices.

For car dealerships, this initiative also carries significant weight. While the FTC proposed a rule specifically addressing junk fees in car sales over a year ago, its progress has since remained at a standstill. However, the resurgence of this proposal is likely to have it regaining traction soon. 🛞

Quick Hits

• The aptly named Grazer was announced as the winner of 2023’s Fat Bear Week. 🐻

• SAG-AFTRA suspends negotiations after studio CEOs walk away from the bargaining table and refuse to counter the union’s latest offer. 🙅‍♂️

• Social Security recipients will receive a small bump of 3.2% in their benefits checks next year. 🤏

History

• 1773: The Whirlpool Galaxy discovered by French astronomer, Charles Messier. 🌀🔭😵‍💫

• 1792: The cornerstone is laid for The White House in the newly designated capital city of Washington, D.C. 🧱🇺🇸🏡

• 1967: American Basketball Association debuts. 🗑️🏀⛹️