#567 -👨‍⚖️👎🌳 CARS In the USA

TOGETHER WITH

From the challenges of labor disputes in major brands to the strategic shifts by giants like GM and Ford, our industry is constantly evolving. These changes are not just market trends; they're opportunities for us to enhance our service and expertise.

With knowledge, community, and a little love, you are already head and shoulders above the competition.

Keep caring, and...

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

So Much News

National Moves

Labor Tensions Rise

• Union-Busting Allegations: Workers at Honda, Hyundai, and VW accuse management of unfair labor practices.

• Organizing Rights Upheld: Despite challenges, unionization efforts persevere under federally protected rights.

Legislative Update

• CARS Act Passed: The US House opposes Biden's EV mandate, with the bill now heading to the Senate.

• Implications for EPA: The Act could restrict EPA from future emissions regulations.

EV Infrastructure Developments

• First Biden-Funded Charger: A significant step for EV adoption, the first government-funded charger opened in Ohio.

• Slow and Steady: Despite a slow pace, 26 states have begun deploying chargers under the NEVI program.

Investments and Changes

Renault's Nissan Stake Reduction

• Downsizing Holdings: Renault plans to reduce its stake in Nissan, aiming to lower it to 15% from 43%.

• Strategic Overhaul: This move is part of Renault's broader business strategy, including an IPO for its EV unit Ampere.

Honda's Strategic Shifts

• E Minicar Discontinued in Europe: Honda ceases sales of its electric E Minicar, falling short of its sales targets.

• Future Focus: Shifting gears, Honda now eyes new EV models like the e:Ny1 SUV.

GM's Hydrogen Innovation

• Hydrogen-Powered Trucks: GM collaborates with Komatsu, using Hydrotec fuel cells in heavy-duty mining trucks.

• Environmental Impact: A green initiative, these trucks will only emit water vapor.

Ford's Production Pivot

• F-150 Lightning Production Cut: Ford halves its 2024 production plans for the electric F-150 Lightning.

• Market Responsiveness: Adjustments made in response to the current market demand and sales trends.

New and Coming Soon

Corvette E-Ray's Exciting Launch

• GM Unveils Hybrid Corvette: The Corvette E-Ray debuts, becoming the quickest Corvette model yet.

• Pricing Announced: Starting at $104,900 for the coupe version.

Volvo and ChargePoint's Joint Venture

• Charging Network Expansion: Volvo and ChargePoint establish 50 new DC fast chargers at Starbucks locations.

• Convenient Road-Tripping: These chargers, placed along a 1,350-mile route, facilitate long-distance EV travel.

Nissan Note's Refresh

• Mid-Cycle Update: The Nissan Note gets a facelift with a new front fascia and unique interior features like a swivel passenger seat.

• Hybrid Powertrain: Available in both FWD and AWD, starting at around $15,800. 

TOGETHER WITH UPSTART

Roadmap to Success

This isn't just a glimpse into the future of car buying — it’s a roadmap to mastering the digital domain of auto retail. 🗺️

Join our 30-minute webinar TODAY at 2:00 pm EST with Upstart Auto Retail to:

⭐️ Learn how to blend online prowess with in-store digital finesse, alongside top-tier financing and management tools.

⭐️ Discover how to deliver an omni-channel experience that keeps pace with the fast-moving expectations of today’s consumers.

⭐️ Dive into the mechanics of strategic partnerships that power successful dealership transformations.

⭐️ See how Colonial VW and Colonial Subaru accelerated their sales team's adoption of cutting-edge tools with training that's as efficient as it is effective.

Forget the shiny new tech; this is about getting your team up to speed, quickly and competently. Register now! 👈

DATA & INSIGHT

CR’s Most and Least Reliable Cars

Consumer Reports recently released the top ten most and least reliable vehicles among all 2024 models. On a scale from 1-100, here’s how some of the newest cars and SUVs stacked up:

💪 10 Most Reliable Vehicles:

• Toyota 4Runner — 87

• Toyota Camry Hybrid — 87

• Toyota Camry — 86

• Toyota RAV4 Prime — 84

• BMW X5 — 82

• Subaru Forester — 82

• Toyota RAV4 — 80

• Acura RDX — 80

• Toyota Corolla — 77

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid — 75

⚠️ 10 Least Reliable Vehicles:

• Jeep Wrangler — 27

• Jeep Grand Cherokee — 26

• Volkswagen Jetta — 25

• Nissan Frontier — 23

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L — 23

• Rivian R1T — 22

• Volvo XC60 PHEV — 21

• Ford F-150 Hybrid — 19

• Volkswagen Taos — 18

• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — 14

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee:
Gary Housley

Gary Housley, from high school auto parts clerk to a titan in the auto industry, just landed a nomination for the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Award.

Representing New Mexico's finest, Housley stands out not just for skyrocketing sales but for his heart-led community service.

From delivering Meals on Wheels to supporting the UNM Children's Hospital with annual Christmas events, he embodies the spirit of giving back.

Congratulations and best of luck, Gary! 👏

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• TODAY, 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 🧑‍💻
   

• Thursday, DECEMBER 22 @ 1:00 PM EST
  The 3rd Annual ASOTU Year End Extravaganza
  We’re capping off this wild year with our annual Year End Extravaganza! Join us in re-living 2023’s greatest hits, and planning for big moves in 2024.
  🥳 Experience the Extravaganza 🥳
   

• 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 🤝

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

A Car Full of Joy

Davis Acura in Langhorne has teamed up with the Toys for Tots program to help collect toys for families struggling to bring presents home for their children during the holidays. 🎁

As part of their efforts, the dealership ditched the collection boxes and instead challenged themselves to fill a car in the showroom to the brim with donations.

With the help of employees and customers, not only did they exceed their goal by stuffing 201 toys into the festive Acura, but they even had an overflow of plushies to ride on top.
Even Santa doesn’t pack his sleigh that tight!

The toys will be redistributed to children across the Philadelphia area this holiday season, putting smiles on faces and warming hearts all around. ❤️‍🔥

Quick Hits

• Group 1 Automotive is installing thousands of solar panels on the roofs of their dealerships. ☀️

• Mercedes-Benz is building its first residential tower in Dubai. 🇦🇪

• Inflation cooled in November, but elevated housing costs stuck around. 🏡

History

• 1939: The first Lincoln Continental leaves the factory. 🥇

• 1957: The last first-generation Ford Thunderbird rolls off the assembly line. ✌️

• 2003: Seattle rescues iconic pieces from the Hat ‘n’ Boots gas station. 🤠