#570 -⏩🙈🇲🇽 All-Around Auto

PRESENTING

One week till Christmas, Troublemakers!

Our industry continues its journey, and we count down to the festive season.

Today, let's catch a glance into Volvo's unwavering commitment to an all-electric future by 2030, GM's strategic workforce shifts amidst production challenges, Tesla's strategic expansion in Mexico and its new partnership with Uber, and Nio's ambitious plans to introduce the 'Firefly' brand in Europe.

Remember, while holding down the complexities of today's auto industry, you're not alone. We're all in this high-speed, ever-evolving race together.

So have a good time and help others have as good at time as you, but don't forget to...

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 5 mins 41 secs}

BUSINESS

Some Quick Updates

GM's Cruise and Manufacturing Hurdles: GM faces significant workforce reductions following a Cruise robotaxi incident and production challenges, indicating a broader struggle within the company, especially in its electric vehicle initiatives.

• 🤖 Cruise Control Setback: GM's Cruise lays off 900 employees post-incident.

• 🚗 Production Cuts: GM's Michigan layoffs follow the end of Chevrolet Bolt and Camaro production.

• ⏰ Delayed EV Drive Production: Pushed to the end of 2024, affecting Toledo's workforce and electric truck production.

• 📉 EV Race Struggles: GM lags behind in the U.S. EV market as competitors ramp up.

Loyalty is a big part of moving from transaction to relationship. Layoffs at Christmas are a pretty bold way to check consumer loyalty. Ghosts literally visited Scrooge for less.

Volvo's Electric Surge: Volvo CEO Jim Rowan reports strong demand for their electric vehicles, C40 and EX30, amidst economic challenges, confidently driving towards an all-electric future.

• 🔋 Robust EV Orders: The C40 and EX30 are in high demand, countering notions of waning EV interest.

• ⚡ Strategic Electric Transition: Volvo's 2030 all-electric goal is on track despite economic headwinds.

• 🚗 EX90's Upcoming Launch: A premium electric SUV set to enhance Volvo's electric lineup.

All for EVs getting to people who want to drive EVs, but “Strong demand” isn’t a number, and numbers are what Data looks like. You could say there is a “strong demand” for a Playstation 5 in my house right now, but that doesn’t mean my wife is going to let me buy one (If you’re reading this, please let me buy one, we can watch movies on it too, it’s for the whole family.)

Tesla's Moves in Mexico and with Uber: Tesla garners incentives for a new factory in Mexico and partners with Uber, offering discounts to drivers, marking a strategic shift in Tesla's approach to vehicle sales and ride-hailing services.

• 🇲🇽 Tesla's New Factory Incentives: Nuevo Leon offers $153 million for Tesla's upcoming facility.

• 🚗 Uber Partnership: Discounts up to $3,000 on Tesla models for Uber drivers.

• 💡 End-of-Year Delivery Push: Tesla aims to hit record vehicle deliveries in 2023.

Does this mean you can download the Uber Driver app and get the discount?

Nio's European Strategy: Chinese EV maker Nio plans to launch its 'Firefly' brand in Europe by 2025, targeting affordable family cars, as it navigates a competitive market and regulatory scrutiny.

• 🌍 Firefly's European Debut: Set for a 2025 launch targeting family-friendly EVs.

• 💸 Pricing Yet to Be Revealed: Firefly and Alps brands' costs are undisclosed.

• 🇨🇳 China's EV Push in Europe: Nio joins other Chinese EV makers in expanding into Europe.

• 🔍 EU's Regulatory Eye: Potential competition rule breaches under scrutiny.

• 💰 Nio's Cost-Reduction Efforts: Workforce cuts and strategic partnerships aim to boost efficiency. 

Folks are about to reevaluate or double down on what “Made In China” means to them.

PRESENTING ASOTU’S YEAR-END EXTRAVAGANZA

A Toast To The Industry

Join us on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 1 PM for an engaging afternoon with the automotive community. Hosted by Paul, Kyle, and Michael, this event promises insightful reflections on 2023 and thoughtful forecasts for 2024.

Enjoy:

• In-depth discussions on automotive and global trends.

• Networking with industry peers and new faces in the ASOTU community.

• A blend of practical insights and the unique ASOTU energy.

Ideal for dealership professionals, vendor partners, and car enthusiasts. Connect, learn, and share in a setting that combines industry expertise with a welcoming atmosphere. Let's celebrate the past year and welcome the future together!

RSVP Here!

/Positivity

If we tried to tell all the wonderful, charitable, and creative stories happening in dealerships across our industry, we would need a bigger email. But we have just enough space in this email for YOUR story.

Let us help show the community and world what you have going on in your store! 🕊️

DATA & INSIGHT

Transforming Together

The auto retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from traditional, analog methods to a more digitally integrated, customer-centric approach. This evolution was the primary focus of our most recent ASOTU Edge webinar, highlighting the experiences of Colonial VW Subaru and how their partnership with Upstart is helping to transform their customers’ shopping experience.

🔑 We touched on key factors like:

• Covering All the Bases: By creating a seamless blend of positive online and offline customer experiences.

• Challenges in Scale: How larger dealer groups handle the increased complexities of integrating new technologies.

• Digital Integration Benefits: Enhanced customer experiences, streamlined operations, and improved sales efficiency show a notable increase in sales closure rates.

• Implementation Strategy: Involving the entire team in the decision-making process, using the GROW method (Goal, Reality, Obstacles, Way Forward) for goal setting and action planning, and selecting the right technology partner are all equally important for executing effective sales strategies and keeping ahead.

…plus so much more that you don’t want to miss!

👉 Watch the full replay here. 👀

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee:
Michael Herrick

Michael Herrick, nominated for the prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year award, represents the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association. Transitioning from a law career, Herrick took over Liberty Auto Group to protect his employees' futures. As CEO, he now oversees six dealerships in the Cleveland area, offering Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Herrick is lauded for his commitment to employee development and significant philanthropic efforts, including founding a family fund for pediatric and neonatal surgery and supporting various local educational and community initiatives.

The ASOTU team is proud of you, Michael Herrick, for your remarkable automotive industry achievements and profound impact on the community. Your dedication and compassion are truly inspiring. Congratulations on your well-deserved nomination!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• 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 🥳

   

• 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 🤝

Quick Hits

• Super Mario NFT’s sell for $240K at auction. 🍄

• UK’s Prince Harry wins a court case claiming his phone was hacked and the editor of the responsible tabloid knew. 👩‍⚖️

• The streaming platform Twitch allowed “artistic nudity” and then almost instantly reversed the decision. 📺

• Mark Zuckerberg is building a $100M island fortress with a bunker. Just what did he see in everybody’s Facebook habits that has him so afraid? 🏰

History

• 1898: Count Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat of France set the first official automobile land speed record on this day in 1898 when he completed the flying kilometer in an electric Jeantaud in 57 seconds, an average speed of 63.13 km/h (39 mph). 🏁

• 1958: Project SCORE, the world's first communications satellite, is launched. 🛰

• 1966: The popular Dr. Seuss book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is made into an animated television special and shown for the first time on CBS. 🎄