#575 - 💪⏳👋 End of an Era

TOGETHER WITH

If you’re reading this, congratulations! That means you survived another holiday season with that one annoying family member you have to grit your teeth around, eating far too much and then going back for seconds (then thirds), and falling asleep uncomfortably on the sofa while watching “Elf” that’s been playing on repeat all day.

Your prize is an even more jam-packed week of festive funzies as everyone ramps up for the new year.

Keep embracing those perfectly imperfect moments that make the holidays so special, friends! And, as always…

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 4 min and 36 sec}

BUSINESS

Hot Off the Presses

End of the Line

Dodge has decided to bid adieu to their popular Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 models with pizzazz by wrapping up production with a show-stopping pitch-black SRT Demon 170. This last hurrah is about more than just a car, it's a tribute to a legacy spanning nearly two decades.

✌️ End of an Icon: The final ever example of the Dodge Challenger and Charger (at least, as we know them today) rolled off the production line in Ontario, Canada, on December 22nd.

🖤 Pitch Black Powerhouse: The last SRT Demon 170 boasts a heart-thumping 1,025 hp on E85 fuel, and a staggering speed of a quarter-mile in 8.9 seconds.

This may not be the last we hear of the iconic models. Word on the street is we could see the Charger EV as early as 2024.

Cummins’ Costly Compliance Fees

Truck engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. is navigating through a pricey environmental compliance storm that will likely cost them around $2.04B in total charges.

🛻 Ram Concerns: The fine stems from regulatory scrutiny over undisclosed emission control devices in certain Ram truck models.

💰 Emissions Compliance Fallout: The charge includes a $1.675B fine, the largest civil penalty ever under the Clean Air Act, addressing emissions issues in Dodge Ram trucks. According to the Department of Justice, the company agreed to pay the fine to the U.S. and the State of California to settle the claims, marking the second-largest environmental penalty in the history of the nation (BP keeps the record for the largest fine after their massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico).

😤 No Sir, Not Here: Though the company has agreed to the fee, a spokesperson for Cummins said they have “seen no evidence that anyone acted in bad faith and [do] not admit any wrongdoing."

🤐 Lips Sealed: RAM-owner Stellantis has yet to speak on the matter.

We don’t know about you, but we probably wouldn’t fork over billions if we didn’t do anything wrong. But, you do you, Cummins.

More Tesla Recalls…

Tesla has initiated yet another recall affecting approximately 120,423 Model S and Model X vehicles in response to concerns about the vehicles' doors potentially unlocking during a crash.

🔧 Software Solution: The recall, primarily involving 2021-2023 models, is being addressed with an over-the-air software update, negating the need for physical repairs at service centers.

🚪 Door Safety Concerns: The issue, identified during a routine crash test, revealed that a cabin door unlatched after impact increasing the likelihood and severity of injury.

🔍 NHTSA's Oversight: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Tesla's solution involves an OTA update to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

⚡ Quick Action: Tesla has been proactive in addressing the issue, with owner notification letters expected to be mailed by February 17, 2024.

🔁 Repeat Offender: This recall follows another recent Tesla recall of 2.03M vehicles to install new safeguards in its flawed Autopilot system.

Stay safe, Tesla drivers! “Auto Updates” may be your best friend for a while.

TOGETHER WITH MORE THAN CARS

More Than A Mashup

New episodes of More Than Cars are on their way, y’all — make sure you’re caught up on Episodes 1 and 2!

Or, snag the highlights from our More Than Cars Mashup. There, you’ll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at three teams who make loving people more than you love cars look easy: Audi Grapevine, Beaver Toyota, and West Herr Automotive Group.

Tell us what you think, and then let us know who we should feature next!

/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

Dissecting the FTC’s CARS Rule

The FTC's new CARS Rule going into effect on July 30, 2024, will reshape the way some dealerships operate in order to curb consumer concerns over a perceived lack of transparency and deceptive sales tactics within the industry.

The Rule lays out four basic principles:

Another critical component of the rule is the 24-month record-keeping requirement, obligating dealers to keep extensive documentation of all sales and marketing material, and all customer interactions (deals, conversations, paperwork, etc).

While there have been mixed reactions within the industry, it’s safe to say that most dealers and groups are none too happy with the new regulations, including NADA President and CEO, Mike Stanton.

So, how can dealerships prep? They may want to start by getting the team up to speed on the new ruling (send them here for our deep dive!) and set up a solid system for keeping all those records in check. A lot can change between now and then, but staying ahead of the game will help keep things smooth for your team and your customers.

Stick with us, we’ll always keep you in the know. 😎

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee:
Tim Glockner

Tim Glockner from Ohio is yet another exceptional dealer nominated for the prestigious 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Award. Among 49 chosen from over 16,000, he's recognized for his successful dealership and deep commitment to community service.

Glockner's story is rich in family legacy, dating all the way back to 1847. Today, he leads the Glockner Family of Dealerships, encompassing several stores and brands. His journey from humble dealership tasks to business leadership showcases his dedication and hard work.

Beyond business, Glockner champions community initiatives through the Glockner Family Foundation. His contributions significantly impact local education, healthcare, and cultural events, highlighting his commitment to the community.

Bravo and best of luck, Tim! 👏

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• 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 🤝

Quick Hits

• Microsoft is shelling out $76M for a pumpkin farm in Wisconsin. 🎃

• Apple has halted US sales of their Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches over a patent dispute. Unfortunately, that means no repairs either. ⌚️

• Chipmaker Nvidia and its employees donated $15M to non-profit organizations supporting civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas war. ⛑️

• A Maryland lottery winner says she pulled the numbers from a car repair form. 🛠️

History

• 1933: The Nissan Motor Company is established in Japan. 🇯🇵

• 1941: Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. 🦃

• 1963: The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "I Saw Her Standing There" are released in the US, marking the beginning of Beatlemania on an international level. 🪲