#578 - 🚨📰🤥 Manufactured News?

TOGETHER WITH

Tesla addresses media scrutiny, VinFast makes its U.S. debut, Aston Martin gears up for a new hybrid release, Xiaomi expands into EVs, and Scout Motors, with Volkswagen's backing, files trademarks for a new electric lineup.

Change is one of the few constants in this industry. It challenges us to not only think differently and act boldly but also push the boundaries of what's possible. It keeps us on our toes and it keeps us moving forward. And, the readiness to adapt and evolve is what separates the trailblazers from the snail-pacers.

So, keep changing, keep adapting, and as always…

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

Real News About Fake News?

Tesla's Tangle with Reuters

Tesla counters a controversial Reuters report, defending its customer service and repair integrity.

• 📰 Media Meltdown: Tesla vehemently denies misleading customers about part failures, asserting the story Reuters fabricated the story.

• 🛡️ Rare Rebuttal: With "telemetry" data, Tesla insists issues are collision-related, not defects, highlighting its strong customer retention.

• 🕵️ Skeptical Scrutiny: Amidst the controversy, Tesla remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and truthfulness with regulators.

VinFast's US Arrival

VinFast accelerates into the US market, signaling a new chapter in the EV landscape with its innovative approach and ambitious plans.

• 🇺🇸 Carolina Connection: Partnering with North Carolina's Leith Automotive Group, VinFast marks its US entry near its upcoming $4 billion plant.

• 🔄 Hybrid Strategy: Adopting a unique sales approach, VinFast combines direct-to-consumer and dealership models, eyeing expansive national coverage.

• 🏁 Rapid Rollout: Despite market pressures, VinFast shows promising traction with global sales and a robust dealer network, poised for significant expansion.

Aston Martin's Hybrid Valhalla

Revving up for a 2024 debut, Aston Martin's Valhalla is the epitome of luxury racing, combining F1-level performance with a dash of exclusivity.

• 🏁 Elite Engineering: With a 1,012 PS hybrid all-wheel drive, this limited edition (only 999 units) beast promises unprecedented speed and power.

• 🎨 Striking Aesthetics: Flaunting a fresh look with a broader grille and side air intakes, it's a visual nod to its supercar siblings.

• 🌟 Supercar Sibling: Sharing DNA with the Aston Martin DB12 and likened to the electric Rimac Nevera, Valhalla may become a hybrid supercar icon.

Xiaomi's EV Debut

Xiaomi takes a bold leap from smartphones to electric vehicles, challenging industry giants with the groundbreaking SU7.

• 🚀 High-Stakes Entry: Investing over 10 billion yuan, Xiaomi is ready to rival Tesla and Porsche with superior tech and acceleration.

• 📱 Smart Ecosystem: More than a car, the SU7 is part of a 'Human x Car x Home' vision, integrating seamlessly with smart devices.

• 🌐 Ambitious Aspirations: Eyeing leadership in autonomous driving and safety, Xiaomi's EV boasts an 800-kilometer range, ready for a 2024 launch.

Scout's EV Naming Odyssey

Scout Motors ignites a naming revolution, hinting at a future lineup of robust electric vehicles with a flurry of trademark filings.

• 📜 Trademark Torrent: Backed by Volkswagen, Scout files 50 trademarks in 2023, from "Reaper" to "Scythe," foreshadowing an adventurous EV fleet.

• 🏞️ Historic Homage: Revisiting classic names like "Scout II" while introducing new ones, Scout blends legacy with a futuristic vision.

• 🚚 Future Fleet: With names that promise durability and power, Scout prepares to unleash its SUVs and pickups post-2026 from its South Carolina plant. 

TOGETHER WITH CONGRUENT

Story time w/ ASOTU and Congruent

ASOTU email team: What do you want to tell our readers?

Congruent creative team: Don’t think about a fluffy little puppy doing that cute pounce thing they do. And definitely don’t smile about it.

ASOTU email team: Too late. Why would you want us to write that?

Congruent creative team: If we can make you do what we want and smile with only words, just imagine what we could do with pictures and videos, too.

ASOTU email team: You should consider doing this for a living.

Congruent creative team: We’ll give it a shot.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Book Fair's Fortunate Plot Twist

At Santa Fe Trail Elementary's book fair earlier this month, Ronnie Vargas of Bob Sight Ford quickly identified a pressing issue after over-hearing a few conversations: parents expressing concern over the affordability of books as the holiday season approached. 📚

Recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, Vargas contacted the management at Bob Sight Ford with a proposal to buy out the entire book fair. The dealership readily agreed to this generous offer and allocated nearly $8K towards the cause. The decision turned the book fair into a full-on celebration, enabling students and their families to freely choose books without any financial strain.

After years of many of these kids hearing "no," Vargas said getting to tell them "yes" was an unmatched feeling. He said it was by far one of the coolest moments of his life, but what made everything worth it was the gratitude he witnessed.

Bob Sight Ford's decision to fund the book fair not only provided immediate relief to families but also emphasized the value of reading and education. It serves as a powerful example of how dealerships positively impact their communities, particularly in times of need. ❤️‍🔥

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee:
Rolen E. Ferris

Rolen E. Ferris is one of the 49 remarkable dealers nominated for the prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year Award. From an ambitious 18-year-old starting in car sales to forming a powerhouse partnership with racing legend Bobby Rahal and heading a group that includes 13 dealerships, Ferris's story is nothing short of inspirational.

His most remarkable achievement, however, lies in his commitment to community service. Ferris's fight against childhood hunger, marked by a generous donation of $5.5M to local food banks, truly sets him apart. His extensive support also covers a range of causes, from local schools to health and animal welfare charities.

Rolen is more than a business leader, he's a local hero serving as an inspiring example of what true leadership looks like.

Congratulations and best of luck, Rolen! 👏

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

EPA's 2023 Automotive Trends Report

The EPA released a report showing the impact of 2022 model vehicles on emissions and fuel economy. The details show a trajectory toward cleaner air and more fuel for those itches electric and hybrid tech cannot scratch. Here is the full report and some details. 

• Record Low Emissions: New vehicles in 2022 averaged 337 g/mile in CO2 emissions, the lowest ever recorded, about a 10 g/mile decrease from the previous year.

• Fuel Economy at an All-Time High: Average fuel economy rose to 26 mpg, up by 0.6 mpg. This is the most significant yearly improvement in the past nine years.

• Long-Term Trends: Since 2004, US passenger fleet emissions have dropped by 27% (123 g/mile), and fuel economy has increased by 35% (6.7 mpg). MY2023 is projected to continue this positive trend.

• Vehicle Categories: Most vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, showed improved efficiency. However, minivans saw an increase in emissions by 17 g/mile.

• Market Preferences: Despite efficiency gains, 63% of all new vehicles in 2022 were larger models like truck SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans/vans, traditionally less fuel-efficient.

• Manufacturer Performance: Korean brands led in efficiency and emissions, with significant improvements noted from Toyota. Mazda, however, showed a decline due to a shift towards larger SUVs.

• Looking Ahead: The trend towards larger and heavier vehicles continues, posing challenges to future efficiency and emission improvements.

While there's significant progress in vehicle efficiency and emissions, the preference for larger vehicles and the need for further improvements remain challenges. 

Quick Hits

• Netflix is still on top. The losses of rival streaming services add up to about $5B. Companies are thinking about alternatives. 🍿

• It’s nice to leave mysteries for the archeologists of 3023. Shakira's hometown has revealed a 21-foot statue of the singer striking a mid-dance pose. 💃

• NASA dropped a trailer for 2024. Not a movie, but their plans and missions through the next year. 🪐

History

• 1607: According to John Smith, Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan leader Wahunsenacawh, successfully pleads for his life after tribal leaders attempt to execute him. ☠️

• 1845: The United States annexes the Republic of Texas and admits it as the 28th state. 🤠

• 1913: Cecil B. DeMille starts filming Hollywood's first feature film, The Squaw Man. 🎥