#586 - 🛰📶🚙 Downloadable Down Lows

TOGETHER WITH

BMW, Tesla, Honda, Mercedes, Google. Today’s email has news from several heavy hitters in our industry.

Each bit may enjoy 15 minutes of fame or shape the next 15 years of automotive conversations.

Let’s stay aware but not get distracted by the big and distant noises.

The things you do today for the people in your store, on your team, or trusting you for expert care matter.

And we’re proud to support you while you do them.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

Business 🤝 Technology 🤝 Collaboration

BMW

BMW has nailed its 2023 sales target, setting a record for the Group. Now, they say they're on track for their 2024 EV goals.

• Over 2.5M units sold in 2023, with BEVs accounting for the targeted 15%.  

• Full-year sales increased by 6.5%, while Q4 alone saw a 10.3% jump.

• The company has a 9.4% increase in US sales, while China experienced the slowest growth at 4.2%.

What about Germany? Glad you asked. In Germany, BMW is retooling its Munich headquarters for all-electric production starting in 2027. 

• A $700M+ investment will go toward transforming the plant for exclusive EV production by the end of 2027 with new buildings, new assembly lines, and a body shop. 

• ICE production will move to Great Britain and Austria.

• The brand has not announced an end date for Munice ICE production. 

Honda

Honda's new Sony car isn't all they have been showcasing lately. In addition to showing off their 33% sales increase in the US, they revealed two concept cars called "The Space-Hub" and "Saloon." They preview the brand's electric lineup, which is expected to launch in North America in 2026.

New Platform. Both concepts use the "Thin, light, and wise" Honda 0 Series. They will debut in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America after the 2026 North American release.  

Cowboys vs. Aliens?? Each concept features autonomous driving features and yoke steering wheels that can be hidden in the dash. The company says charging a 0 Series battery from 15% to 80% should take 10-15 minutes. 

Saloon: Features a sleek, futuristic design reminiscent of the "Tron" movies, neon lighting, and a redesigned Honda logo. It has a minimalistic digital cockpit and a yoke steering wheel. Access is through a falcon wing door.

Space-Hub: Resembles a minivan/shuttle with similar design characteristics to the Saloon, but larger. It offers lounge-type seating in a spacious back area.

Tesla

Tesla is also enjoying some nice 2023 stats. Apples to Oranges, the brand outpaces several well-established automakers in the US market. 

• US sales increased 25% in 2023 compared to 2022 with a total of 654,888.

• Tesla's sales accounted for 4.2% of the total US market (a 0.4% increase from 2022), more than VW, Subary, or BMW. 

Enough about 2023. The company has plans for 2024, including more Cybertrucks, the updated "Juniper" Model Y, and the recently launched Model 3 refresh that will begin delivering this month. 

• The Refresh Model 3 has redesigned interior elements, rear-wheel drive, dual motor options, and a top speed cut from 140 to 125. 

Mercedes

MBUX Sound Drive. Ever wish your car would make more choices for you? We neither, but apparently Mercedes-Benz asked somebody who does because they are working with Black Eyed Pea, Will.i.am on a feature that will sync in-car music with driving functions like acceleration and steering. 

Lucky for us, it is an opt-in feature. 

Hey, Mercedes? The company is also upgrading its MBUX Virtual Assistant with, you guessed it, generative AI. The voice will come with 4 options: natural, predictive, personal, and empathetic, which should be one of the choices you select from when calling customer service. 

Press 1 for "Cares about your silly problem."
Press 2 for "Doesn't care but can also probably fix the problem." 

Google

Determining the exact range of an EV battery is evidently even more of a guess than determining MPG because nobody seems to trust or experience the ranges advertised by manufacturers. 

As with most of life's little problems, Google has the answer. The tech giant will add real-time battery information to its Google Maps app. 

• The service will be compatible with Andriod Auto (which syncs with Android devices).

• Ford's Mach E and F-150 Lightning will be the first to offer the feature in the next few months. More brands will follow shortly. 

• The tool will help plan trips, display battery life in real-time, and provide an expected remaining charge amount upon your arrival time.

--

The ability to provide whole new experiences to customers with the push of a button and a decent wifi signal is more real each day.

How do dealers stay in meaningful contact with “constantly connected” people in a way that respects their need to own their boundaries, unplug from time to time, and set the tone of their consumer relationships?

You may think this is a really good place for a simple answer, but complicated opportunities take thoughtful answers and teamwork. So, let’s keep the conversation going and our eyes on the changing seasons.

TOGETHER WITH WIDEWAIL

The REV Data Newsletter

Join Widewail’s audience of visual thinkers and data-driven automotive marketing pros. Their free data newsletter covers automotive reputation in a whole new way. It takes less than 5 minutes to read every 3 weeks, and it's completely free.

Data they’ve reported on so far:

• Import dealers generate 65% more Google reviews than domestic dealers. Why? Lexus, primarily.

• The topic most often mentioned in positive dealership reviews? Personnel, by name. 54% of the time.

• 34 dealers in the US averaged >200 monthly Google reviews in 2023. 76% come from Florida, Texas, and California. The most-represented brand? Toyota, accounting for 47% of the list.

Get the visuals, data, and insights you need to understand the automotive reputation and make informed decisions.

Subscribe to the REV.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Fueling Education with Gettel

The Gettel Automotive Group is always eager to support education in their community. Lately, they’ve really ramped up those efforts.

With their recent $50,000 donation to auto tech programs in Florida, a hefty $25,000 was steered towards The Professionals Academy Magnet at Lofton High and Parrish Community High School to assist students working towards a future in automotive.

But wait, there’s more!

Their recent 11th annual Pack a Backpack Drive was not only a success in terms of participation, but the Foundation also doubled down by donating $30,000 to various educational programs across multiple counties in Florida and Georgia.

It’s only a drop in the bucket for what Gettel has done and will continue to do to keep their community learning, growing, and thriving. We love to see it. 😍

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee: Sean Coughlin

Sean Coughlin's journey in the auto industry is a tale of remarkable aspiration and transformation. Starting with no prior experience, he's now a shining nominee for the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Award.

Under his guidance, the Premier Collection has grown to span an impressive seven dealerships.

But, Sean's impact goes far beyond the showroom. He is all about meaningful community connections and making a difference in the Greater New York area. He's made significant contributions in his community over the years by partnering with charities from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to local animal rescues, and even making a massive $1.5M commitment to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

We appreciate all that you do, Sean, and wish you the best of luck! 👏

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• JANUARY 18, 2024
  Public Policy Day at WANADA
  At this year’s Washington Auto Show, we're mixing serious auto insights with serious fun. We’re talking with big names about big topics in the industry, and we want YOU to be part of the conversation.
  ✨ Get in on our exclusive coverage ✨
   
  

• 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 🎥

Quick Hits

• Fruit Stripe gum has been discontinued after 54 years. 🦓

• OpenAI will let users buy/sell custom GPTs in the generative AI chatbot platform. 🤖

• Microsoft’s market surge and Apple’s matching slump could see the title of “world’s most valuable company” change hands soon. ⚖️

• A Linda Ronstadt biopic is coming, with Selena Gomez playing the titular role. 🎤

History

• 1908: The Grand Canyon is established as a national monument. 🏞️

• 1964: First government report by US Surgeon General Luther Terry warning that smoking may be hazardous is published. 🚬

• 1989: A non-running prototype of the Dodge Viper makes its first appearance at the North American International Auto Show. 🐍