#527 - ☀️ Apples to Umbrellas

TOGETHER WITH

Parents across the US still call everything from DVD players to iPads “Nintendos,’ and we’ve all given up trying to correct them.

The importance of keeping ourselves informed and equipped for the future is evident all around us.

Don’t let yourself become somebody we gave up trying to correct. 😆

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

TODAY’S LOT WALK

• MTCM: Gettel Automotive Group stands up for children battling cancer. 🥊

• BUSINESS: Some Q3, a robot, and a delay. 📈📉🤖

• CULTURE: Prensilia celebrates the success of a revolutionary new prosthesis. 🦾

Reading time: 4 min and 28 secs

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Ending Childhood Cancer

ASOTU loves sharing the uplifting stories of dealers' impact on their communities. This one from the Gettel Automotive group needs more attention! 📣

Gettel's Hyundai dealers in Lakewood, Sarasota, and Charlotte County joined the Hope on Wheels initiative that supports causes and people every year. 🎗

A collective contribution of $600,000 was made to Tampa General, St. Joseph's Children's Tampa, and John Hopkins Children's Hospital St. Petersburg.

A portion of every new vehicle sold went towards Pediatric Cancer Research, raising funds and awareness along with Hyundai Dealerships across Tampa Bay,

The group says they are wholeheartedly dedicated to ending childhood cancer, and their actions back up that claim.

TOGETHER WITH FOUREYES

The Data Made Me Do It!

Ever make an oddball decision because the data told you to?

Like the old "devil made me do it" excuse, bad data can lead you astray -- leading to bad decisions and, worse, destroying your customer's experience. That's a heavy price to pay for letting "the data make you do it."

Foureyes' David Steinberg and Ourisman's Jeff Ramsey will be talking through the impact of bad data and what's being done to bring it all together for faster, more effective decision-making.

In short, it's about comparing apples to apples, not apples to... funky umbrellas.

BUSINESS

GM Delays EV Truck Production

GM is postponing its electric truck production at the Michigan-based Orion Township plant until late 2025, citing evolving EV demand. This comes amid slower-than-expected EV growth, with even Ford adjusting shifts for its F-150 Lightning EV. GM's move won't affect its battery plant initiatives.

Volkswagen's Mixed Q3 for EVs

Volkswagen Group set a new record with 209,900 all-electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Q3 2023, a 40.5% increase from last year. However, despite this growth, overall BEV sales are below their targets due to Europe's market reluctance. VW's leading EV model remains the ID.4, with the ID.3 and Audi Q4 e-tron trailing behind. The company's progress suggests they might fall short of achieving one million BEV sales this year.

BYD's SEAL in Australia

BYD is launching its SEAL electric sedan in Australia, priced at AUD 49,888 - a solid $12,000 less than Tesla's Model 3. Unveiled during a livestream, the SEAL is BYD's third EV for the Australian market. Featuring three trims, a 460 km range, and a sleek design, it aims to be a strong Tesla and Polestar competitor.

Lucid's Q3 Delivery Update

Lucid delivered 1,457 Air sedans in Q3, missing Wall Street's 2,000-vehicle estimate, causing a 3% share dip. However, the company is sending over 700 vehicles to Saudi Arabia for final assembly. Lucid's luxury EV has faced demand concerns despite its stellar range and reviews, largely due to its high price. Earnings are set to be revealed on Nov. 7.

Honda's Airport Robot

Honda has unveiled an autonomous work vehicle (AWV) to manage repetitive airport tasks. Currently on trial at Toronto Pearson Airport for perimeter fence checks, the electric AWV can haul cargo, tow baggage, and map areas. Born from Honda's rich robotics history, it showcases AI's potential in diverse tasks.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• TODAY, October 18th @ 1:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm CST:
  More Than Cars Episode 2
  Beaver Toyota of Cumming live stream premiere.

• Wednesday, October 25th @ 2:00 pm EST / 1:00 pm CST:
  ASOTU EDGE 30-Minute Webinar in Partnership with Foureyes
  The Struggle is REAL, y’all. Find out how data is destroying the customer experience. 🤯

CULTURE

Lending a Helping Hand

Scooch over, Steve Austin — there’s a new Six Million Dollar Man in town, and it’s a lady!

Karin, a Swedish woman who lost her right arm two decades ago, has (literally) embraced a new era of prosthetics after the first clinical implementation of a trans-radial neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis — real words that apparently just mean a rad bionic hand that plugs in directly to a person’s nervous and skeletal system. ☠️

Karin says her life has been transformed by the highly integrated limb, offering her not just functionality but relief from persistent phantom limb pain. By rerouting nerves and muscles, this revolutionary prosthesis operates via electrodes implanted in her nervous system, offering her unprecedented control and comfort.

Further enhancing that ease of use, the prosthetic seamlessly attaches to the skeleton through a process called osseointegration, where bone tissue actually melds with titanium to create a strong bond. ⛓️

At the heart of this innovation is Mia Hand, developed by Prensilia. Its unique motor and sensory components empower users to perform 80% of daily activities.

Yet, the company says that this technology is not just about functionality; it's about empowerment.

Said Dr. Francesco Clemente, Managing Director of Prensilia: “Mia Hand was born to be shown and not hidden. We want the users to be proud of what they are, rather than ashamed of what was lost.” 🦾🦾🦾

Quick Hits

• Hawaii has seen a significant reduction in catalytic converter thefts after implementing a law that regulates their sale. 👨‍⚖️

• As part of the “Nike Refurbished” initiative, the company’s online store will now offer a selection of used sneakers. 👟

• Members of the Amish community were shunned after the recent national emergency alert system test ousted them for possessing the forbidden smartphones. 📵

History

• 1648: The first labor organization forms in the North American colonies — the Boston Shoemakers. 👞

• 1867: The US takes formal possession of Alaska from Russia for $7.2M. 🏔️

• 1951: Production begins on the DeSoto Firedome. 🏭