#563 - 🧭🗺️🔍 Navigating New Norms

TOGETHER WITH

VW’s independent audit, Toyota’s big plans, and Waymo autonomously presses forward.

Barring the essentials, let’s not get stuck in one opinion too long.

When a company makes a call — good or bad — it could only be a few days before they pivot and check a new direction. Are we quick to embrace the new and see what’s coming on the horizon?

ASOTU thinks we are, and if we stand together, we know we are.

Keep Pushing Back, Friends
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

News Ain’t Evil

Toyota's Electrification and Strategy

• EV Shift: Toyota unveils two new EV concepts, signaling a stronger push into electrification.

• Focus on Europe: Targets six battery-electric cars in Europe by 2026, including urban SUVs and sport crossovers.

• Market Position: Aiming for 30 electric vehicles by 2030 but currently trails behind competitors.

• Strategic Divestments: Sells stake in Harmonic Drive Systems, potentially refocusing on EV development.

• Sales Goals: Plans over 250,000 annual battery EV sales in Europe by 2026.

• Hydrogen Development: Launches a unit in Europe to advance hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Volkswagen's Cost Management and Ethical Practices

• Reduction in Costs: VW plans a 20% cut in administrative costs, focusing on early retirements.

• Savings Target: Aim to reduce expenses by €10 billion ($10.8 billion) by 2026 amid economic challenges.

• Operational Efficiency: Initiatives include faster product cycles and canceling a €800 million R&D project.

• Xinjiang Audit: Independent review finds no forced labor at VW's Chinese plant.

Waymo's Autonomous Vehicle Advancements

• Progressing Smoothly: Waymo advances steadily as competitors like GM's Cruise encounter setbacks.

• Expansion and Growth: Extends operations from Phoenix to San Francisco, with plans for Austin and Buffalo.

• Competitive Advantage: Outperforms Cruise, which has faced operational challenges.

• Innovation in Testing: Employs extensive simulations with 25,000 virtual vehicles to refine AI-driven systems.

• Rising Public Favor: Reports increasing user trips and positive feedback on autonomous ride services.

U.S. EV Market Growth

• Sales Breakthrough: EV sales in the U.S. surpassed 1 million, a 50.7% increase year-over-year.

• Growing Demand: EV sales growth surpasses concerns, with a 50% increase in the U.S. this year.

• Investment Surge: Inflation Reduction Act stimulates $103 billion in new investments in the EV sector.

• Industry Optimism: 2023 marks the most successful year in U.S. EV sales, supported by government policies and infrastructure investments.

TOGETHER WITH AUTOMOTIVEMASTERMIND

Auto’s Analytic Ace

Who is automotiveMastermind?

automotiveMastermind emerges as a pivotal partner for auto dealers aiming to leap into the future. Their platform transcends conventional data analysis tools, providing actionable insights that help dealers generate revenue across their loyalty, service, and conquest portfolios.

Why partner with automotiveMastermind?

• Data Precision: Access precise, predictive insights, making every customer connection more fruitful.

• Actionable Intelligence: They turn complex data into clear, actionable guidance, empowering you to exceed customer expectations.

• User-Friendly Technology: Integrate cutting-edge data solutions into a seamless and efficient way that your team can actually use.

• Dedicated Consultative Services: Their team of seasoned industry experts are dedicated to equipping dealers with the tools and technology they need to succeed.  

Ready to embrace innovation and lead the market? Join forces with automotiveMastermind now and drive your team into a future of customer-centric success.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

A Dunn Deal

Chastang Ford, a steadfast supporter of University of Houston athletics, has recently entered into a dynamic NIL sponsorship (Name, Image, and Likeness) with the university's rising basketball guard, Damian Dunn. ⛹🏾‍♂️

General Manager Patrick Chastang highlighted Dunn's exceptional athletic prowess and leadership both on and off the court, making him an ideal representative for their brand.

The family's influence also extends to strategic roles within the university with Meredith Chastang serving a second term on the UH Board of Visitors and Patrick Chastang actively participating in the Athletic Director's Advisory Council, demonstrating their deep-rooted commitment to shaping the future of UH athletics.

Said Dunn of the partnership: "It's gratifying to know that the Chastang family has supported the Cougars for generations. I know I've picked the right school — and city — when I think about how much love and loyalty Houstonians show the team. I'm looking forward to feeling that on the court this season." 🏀

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee:
Damon Lester

Automotive rockstar and ASOTU bestie, Damon Lester, has been honored as a nominee for the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Award. Representing the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association, Lester is among 49 elite nominees selected for their exceptional dealership success and commitment to community service.

A Temple University alum, Lester began his impactful career at NAMAD, becoming a vocal advocate for diversity in the auto sector. Now vice chair of the association and owner of Nissan of Bowie, Lester's influence extends beyond business success to meaningful community engagement.

Lester's efforts include leading initiatives for youth development and leadership through the Bowie-Mitchellville Diamond Foundation, focusing on mentoring young men in Prince George’s County. His dealership also annually donates an electric vehicle to the Military Warriors Support Foundation, aiding wounded veterans.

Congratulations and best of luck, Damon. We’ll be rooting for you! 👏

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• Wednesday, DECEMBER 13 @ 2:00 PM EST
  ASOTU Edge Webinar with Upstart
  Transforming Car Buying: The Power of Connected Auto Retailing
  Learn how to blend online prowess with in-store digital finesse, alongside top-tier financing and management tools in 30 minutes.
  🧑‍💻 Register now 🧑‍💻

   

• JANUARY + FEBRUARY
  More Than Cars Episodes 3 + 4
  Tired of waiting for new episodes of retail auto’s only docu-series, More Than Cars? Us too. So, we’re dropping new episodes in January and February. Let’s start the new year right!
   👀 Watch episodes 1 and 2 👀

   

• 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 🤝
  🎟️ Secure your ticket 🎟️

Quick Hits

• Something’s up with Google. Reddit results on the search engine have a slur embedded in the URL. 🤬

• A rate cut may be coming! Wall Street is letting itself believe and a slow growth in values is proof. 📈

• Same squid, new game. Squidgame: The Challenge is getting a 2nd season and a video game. 🦑

• Still following Metallica around, huh? Iconic heavy metal band Megadeth has an NFT collection now. 🤘

• Smallest heist in history? A data breach at 23andMe compromises the DNA info of 7M users. 🧬

• Too soon, or about TIME? TIME magazine named Taylor Swift its “Person Of The Year” for 2023. ⏳

History

• 1787: Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the US Constitution. 📜

• 1931: The last Ford Model A rolls out of a Detroit auto plant. ✌️

• 1941: The Imperial Japanese Navy attacks the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii killing more than 2400 people. 💔