#552 - 🍗🥧🥕 Happy Thanksgiving Eve

TOGETHER WITH

It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Most people are already thinking about pie, football, and Black Friday sales, and that’s a beautiful side effect of the power and success of our industry. That people can take a day off and nothing falls apart.

Of course, the news never takes a day off since the news cannot enjoy pie or football, so we will keep you informed about cyberattacks, Super Bowl ads, and the many moves made across Europe and Asia, even while your feet are up. 🦃

Let’s send this Wednesday off well and, of course…

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 5 mins 29 secs}

BUSINESS

Just Telling It

A Wake-Up Call

• Ransomware Attack: Suspected involvement of Medusa group, causing system disruptions.

• Data Compromise: Sensitive data, including personal information, is potentially stolen.

• CitrixBleed Vulnerability Suspected: A flaw in Citrix NetScaler devices was possibly exploited.

• Widespread Exploitation: Including government and banking sectors.

• Why it Matters: The line between "Data management" and every other industry is getting thinner. Hackers will find the thinnest places to drill their holes. 

Data is the currency of the future. Hackers are outlaws. Dealerships are trains. Not all metaphors work, but this one really tracks if you think about it.

Key Developments in Battery Technology

• Nio & Changan Auto: Joint venture for battery-swapping EVs in China, aiming to standardize batteries and boost Nio's profitability.

• Stellantis & CATL: European factory to produce affordable LFP batteries, which are less powerful but cheaper, enhancing EV accessibility.

• Volkswagen in China: Launches a wholly-owned battery pack plant, advancing in-house EV production.

• Why it Matters: More kinds of batteries mean more kinds of consumers they may appeal to.

Every time a brand sells a battery vehicle, there is a little more gas left for everybody else. It's like a pie, except it is made out of crude oil, going fast, and smog. 

Special Charging Rates for EV Renters

• Exclusive Charging Rates: Special rates for Hertz EV renters who are new EVgo customers, with no fees for a year.

• Enhanced Rental Experience: Diverse EV range and affordable, accessible charging options.

• Fast Charging Network Access: High-power fast chargers up to 350kW in EVgo's network.

• Additional Benefits: Access to EVgo Rewards™ and other perks.

• Why it Matters: If somebody offered you free gas for a year, wouldn't you consider buying their car?

Fear the Greeks, even when they bear gifts = fear the subscription-based economy advocates even when the first one's free.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Rising

• EU Car Sales Surge: 14.6% rise in sales, with electric cars up by 36.3% and hybrids by nearly 39%.

• China's Hybrid Vehicle Boom: Cost-efficiency driving popularity, with some hybrids cheaper than gasoline cars.

• Challenge for Foreign Automakers: Toyota and Honda face competition from Chinese brands.

• Market Dynamics: US hybrids usually sell at a premium, while they can be cheaper in China.

• EV and Hybrid Competition: Impacting sales of gasoline and HEV models.

• Why it Matters: Call them what you want; US, European, and Chinese auto markets are all just a part of the global auto market. What works for a brand in one place will positively affect its strategy elsewhere.

Shoot for full electrification; even if you fall short, you'll sell a bunch of hybrids in Europe. 

No More Super Bowl Ads

• End of a Trend: GM's memorable Super Bowl ads featured celebrities and models like the Chevy Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq.

• Strategic Shift: Aligns with GM's focus on EV profitability, delaying launches of new models like Equinox, Silverado RST, and GMC Sierra Denali EVs.

• Cost-Cutting Measures: Initiatives include a $2B fixed cost program and a "Winning with Simplicity" plan.

• Production Focus: Despite advertising cutback, GM progresses with models like the Blazer EV and Silverado EV.

• Why it Matters: GM isn't the only game in town, but they are a realllly big part of the game. What they do with their chips means something to the whole table. 

The last Super Bowl ad we remember is "Wasssssup," and we all saw how that went. Great power, great responsibility, and all that.

TOGETHER WITH AUTOMOTIVE VENTURES

Upgrade Your Knowledge

Stay ahead in the fast-paced automotive industry with Automotive Ventures' monthly Auto Intel Report.

Benefit from Steve Greenfield's expert analysis of the latest industry news, technology trends, and investment activities, all distilled into digestible, valuable insights.

Upgrade your industry knowledge - subscribe to the Auto Intel Report now!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Weaving Compassion into the Holiday Season

Zeigler Auto Group is back with its fifth annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Canned Food Drive, blending festive fashion with philanthropy.

Until December 22, 2023, all Zeigler dealerships across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin are collecting non-perishable food items, with each store choosing a local charity beneficiary.

Since its inception in 2019, the drive has consistently grown, reflecting Zeigler Auto Group's commitment to community support and making sure no one goes hungry during the holiday season.

Even amidst the 2020 pandemic, Zeigler's efforts were undeterred, collecting 13,500 items. Last year, the group amassed a remarkable 29,195 items, with Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates leading for the third consecutive year.

CEO Aaron Zeigler celebrates this event as a cornerstone of community involvement and friendly competition among their extensive dealer group. The winning dealership gets the unique honor of donning ugly sweaters at a special party, a coveted prize for their commendable efforts.

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee: Trevin Reed

Trevin Reed, an active member of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association, has been nominated as one of the 49 distinguished nominees for this year’s TIME Dealer of the Year Award.

Co-owner of the Reed Automotive Group, Reed is a remarkable example of leadership and community involvement. A former U.S. Marine with a degree in business administration, he's not only climbed the ranks in his family's business but also passionately contributes back to his community.

His efforts range from supporting needy families with school supplies to aiding veterans through his foundation. Reed's dedication to team building and community service truly sets him apart.

A well-deserved congratulations and best of luck, Trevin! 👏

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2024

  NADA 2024 in Las Vegas

  Are you going to NADA and itching for some eye-catching media coverage? We're your dream team for content creation.

  🎥 Let’s link up 🎥 
   

• MAY 14 - 17, 2024

  ASOTU CON 2024 in Baltimore

  Next year, we’re elevating the focus on context, connection, and dynamic conversations. Unlike traditional conferences, we’re going beyond a passive listening experience, turning every attendee, speaker, and exhibitor into a crucial part of the larger dialogue.
  🤝 Partner with us 🤝

CULTURE

Teacup Cooper

If you’re looking to re-live your cozy coupe era, this tiny whip may be just the car for you!

This micro MINI Cooper measures a mere 5.9 feet long x 3.7 feet wide and looks like a regular MINI that just shrank in the wash (three times smaller, to be precise).

But don't let its itty-bitty size fool you; the mini MINI Cooper is more than just a toy, it’s a fully operational car that the makers claim can comfortably fit two people — a bold claim depending on who you are inviting along for the ride.

Quick Hits

• The Sam Altman drama continues as OpenAI negotiates his possible return. 😵‍💫

• The TSA is bracing for the “busiest ever” holiday season as inclement weather is likely to hit central, northeast, and mid-Atlantic regions before and after Thanksgiving. ☔️

• A Louisiana pipeline has been leaking more than 1.1M gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. 🛢️

Merch Sale: Midnight Black Friday

You already love people more than cars; let us help you show it, and we will double your investment with a dope buy-one-get-one sale on tees and hats.

Update your Christmas List now and get ready for our Black Friday sale 🔥👊

Kicks off at midnight Thursday and runs until Monday!

PS: These make epic dealership-wide gifts for the holidays. 😉

History

• 1927: The first snowmobile patent is granted to Carl Eliason of Sayner, Wisconsin. ☃️

• 1963: US President John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Texas, while riding in an open-topped Lincoln Continental. 🇺🇸

• 1984: Fred Rogers of "Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood" presents one of his iconic sweaters to the Smithsonian Institution. 🏡