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- #550 -✅3️⃣🏇 Keeping Up With Detroit
#550 -✅3️⃣🏇 Keeping Up With Detroit
Appraisals, Affordable Caddies, and Power From The Sky
TOGETHER WITH
Welcome to another week in the ASOTU Community!
We grabbed a few noteworthy bits of news for you to start your week informed. Because, let's face it, in a world that is constantly changing, information is a superpower.
So if you're wondering about used car appraisals, wage shake-ups, or Cadillac's OPTIQ EV, trust we will keep the information coming and the context clear so you can focus on the application.
Thanks for starting another week with us; together, let's...
Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi
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BUSINESS
Some Industry Announcements
Giphy/BBC
Subaru Raises US Wages with Industry Trends:
Context: Following wage increases by GM, Ford, and Stellantis.
Subaru's Action: Increasing wages at Lafayette, Indiana plant.
Comparison: In line with 25% wage increase in UAW deals with Detroit's Big Three.
Broader Industry Impact:
Benefits Review: Subaru is considering enhanced benefits.
On the one hand, it's good to keep up with shifting industry pay standards; on the other, they could afford these raises... why'd they wait?
David Long's All Things Used Cars:
Topic: Intricacies of car appraisal in the used car market.
Highlight: Live appraisal of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
Insights: Importance of accurate appraisal for profitability and customer satisfaction.
Appraising a used car is like hunting for Easter Eggs. Even an amateur will get SOME candy, but the pros know where to look for the big prizes. Luckily, there isn't a single rule in the business against learning from somebody else's experience.
Cadillac's New OPTIQ EV:
Introduction: Affordable electric SUV, below LYRIQ in lineup.
Goal: Compete with Tesla's Model Y.
Launch: Expected next year, starting below $58,590.
Features: Dual electric motors, global availability.
Strategy: Part of Cadillac's all-electric lineup by 2030.
"Affordable Cadillac" is one of those phrases that feels weird to say. Like "humble celebrity" or "philanthropic banker.
GM Integrates BrightDrop:
Overview: BrightDrop, an electric delivery startup, is now part of GM.
Key Developments: Streamlined communication through GM Envolve.
Future Plans: Zevo 600 and 400 production, software integration.
Context: Aligns with GM's EV strategy and industry trends.
Honestly, we already write about BrightDrop as though it is GM wearing those glasses with an attached nose and mustache.
Digital Car Keys Initiative:
Development: Standardization of digital keys via UWB technology.
Consortiums: Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), FiRa Consortium.
Members: Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, major car manufacturers.
Goal: Develop safe, reliable standards for digital car keys.
Technology: UWB, NFC, and Bluetooth for car-smartphone interaction.
Brace yourselves for explaining to customers why their phone is now more important than their keychain. Who do you think customers will call when they have a tech support question and the call center is "experiencing a higher call volume?"
What Do You Think?What's your take on the shift to digital car keys? |
TOGETHER WITH INVOCA
Revolutionizing Phone Call Management: A Brief Recap
In the digital era, phone calls remain crucial in customer interactions, especially for auto dealerships. Customers, increasingly online-savvy, still value the immediacy and personal touch of phone conversations. This blend of digital and offline communication is key in understanding customer journeys and enhancing sales. Our friends at Invoca joined us last week for an insightful webinar exploring the topic for our community’s benefit.
Key takeaways include:
Digital-Offline Connection: Understanding the customer's journey from online activities to phone calls is essential for conversions.
Phone Calls in the Digital Age: Despite digital advancements, phone calls are vital for real-time connection and insights.
AI and Analytics: Utilizing AI to analyze call data provides deeper customer understanding and improves service quality.
Integration with CRM: Syncing call management with CRM systems ensures seamless customer experiences.
Adapting to Consumer Behaviors: Acknowledging evolving consumer patterns, especially in the automotive sector, is critical for effective communication and sales strategies.
Auto dealerships should evaluate their current phone systems, incorporate AI and analytics for better insights, and train staff to manage these technological advancements efficiently.
For a comprehensive understanding of how to adapt your dealership's phone call management to today's digital demands and to stay ahead in customer service and sales, listen to the full replay of the insightful webinar.
TECHNOLOGY
Power Tech Around The World
Giphy/The Brummies
🔆 Portugal's Renewable Marathon: For an impressive six days, Portugal powered its entire country with 100% renewables - a mix of wind, hydro, and solar. This green feat not only cared for the planet but also dropped electricity prices to near zero.
🌬️ Beyond Tradition: Embracing a diverse energy portfolio, Portugal is upping its solar game, enhancing wind power, and pioneering deep-sea floating wind turbines.
🌞 Saudi Arabia's Solar Milestone: The Kingdom has unveiled the world's largest solar power plant, marking a significant shift from its oil-rich history towards sustainable energy.
These global strides highlight the transformative power of renewables, promising a brighter, cleaner future. Stay tuned as we continue to track these exciting developments!
AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE
Coming Soon
TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 21 @ 7:00 pm EST
More Than Cars: Episode 1-3 Mashup Premiere
We're mashing up the best of More than Cars’ Episodes 1 and 2 with an exclusive glimpse into Episode 3 before it’s released — just for YOU.
👁️ See it first 👁️
Podcast
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The Automotive Troublemaker is a quick look at the day’s business, tech, culture, and of course, automotive news.
Quick Hits
History
1789: New Jersey becomes the first U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights. ✍️
1923: Garrett Morgan patents three three-position traffic light 🚦
1985: Microsoft launches its first version of Windows, a multi-tasking graphical user interface GUI for the PC. 💾
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