#590 -🏋️‍♀️🥋🧹 Training Off The Dust

TOGETHER WITH

Vans, Robots, and Solar Cars are in the headlines right now, but our attention is on what our friend Todd Caputo has to say about training the pandemic dust off our sales skills and teams.

Take a look at what Todd has to say below, and hit reply to share how your team has navigated this return to “normal” (whatever that means).

Wisdom hoarded is wisdom wasted, friends! Let’s grow!

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

Stories and News

Electric Vans

London is the first city to use Ford-designed all-electric ambulances. In addition to the 12 new electric ambulances, the city already uses 42 Ford Mach-E emergency vehicles as part of its $39M investment to make its emergency vehicles more environmentally friendly. 

• The vans were designed with specialist guidance to meet all first responder needs. 

  • They can cover a 12-hour shift without losing heat, vents, or AC.

  • They also feature advanced capabilities like scanning systems unavailable in previous EMS vehicles. 

Vans...so hot right now. Ram's first EV in the US is the ProMaster van. It's essentially a city delivery van with a cargo option, 162-mile range, and 268 horsepower. The van will play a role in Stellantis' "50% electric by 2030" US goal by competing in the sub-market against the Ford Transit and the Rivian delivery van because, let's face it, a contract with Amazon is worth more than getting families to soccer practice. 

Ok, look, we all know the government tries to not waste money and always does. In contrast, businesses try to make money and usually do, so the fact they are both flirting with electrifying their fleets means... ? 

Batteries

Hydrogen, Hybrids, Sodium-Ion, and Solid-State. There is no shortage of ideas that could make our current lithium-ion limitation era a flash in the pan on the grand mobility timeline. 

• VW is working with QuantumScape to develop "semi-solid state cells" that would boost EV range by up to 43%. Prototypes of the tech actually appeared back in 2022, but they continue to work on a full and sustainable option. 

• BMW and Blue Solutions are developing solid-state batteries using a combination of Polymer electrolytes and ultra-thin lithium metal anodes. This cuts the charging time and bumps the range by about 30%. They have their sights set on a gigafactory by 2029 to get into mass production. 

Why the delay? Well, getting the combination of materials correct is tricky. Some have called it the "Holy Grail" of electric mobility. You get a fuller picture if you think of that scene in Indiana Jones. 

• If used in incorrect ways/proportions, some of the critical components could produce an adverse reaction. Luckily, these mad scientist moments happen in the controlled environment of a lab, but they have led to delays and reduced ambitions for many brands, including Toyota. 

Tesla

You may think Elon Musk is the only one making choices for Tesla, but actually, he currently owns about 13% of the company's stock. Now, the current "Formerly Twitter" owner says he needs to bump that up to about 25% to properly facilitate Tesla's dreams of becoming a main name in AI. 

Why? He says some of the stakeholders aren't at stake when decisions are made (Great pun, Chris. Thanks, Chris 🙏). Musk says if Tesla is going to realize its destiny as an AI/Robotics company, he needs more power, while remaining “overrulable”, of course. 

Hertz

The Hertz EV sell-off will send a ripple through the used car market. We talked last week about the car rental company selling 20K EVs due to the high repair cost and low demand among renters. 

Since most of the soon-to-be re-homed EVs are Teslas with high mileage and cosmetic damage, the prices aren't expected to be up to snuff with those in the used EV market, which will drive used values down overall. 

Love people more opportunity? Start letting them know when you call to buy their car that the prices may drop soon. So if you can, sell now and buy later. 

Lightyear

Lightyear, named for its focus on solar EVs, is giving up on solar EVs. The company will shift efforts from bringing its Lightyear 0 and Lightyear 2 to market and instead work to develop onboard solar charging systems for other OEMs. 

• A new MIT Ph.D. CEO and a new, seasoned CFO will redirect the company amid the shift, but the former CEO will stay on to leverage their automotive tech IP and seek partners.

• The company's time has been marred by fund shortages and bankruptcy. 

Now, Aptera Motors has the solar EV market mostly to itself, but it is also dealing with the oldest enemy in business — being broker than a glow stick at a rave in a cave. 

. . .

Are chances higher that Tesla will become a robot butler company, or that OEMs and automakers across the industry will start slapping Lightyear solar panels on all their EVs?

TOGETHER WITH AUTOMOTIVEMASTERMIND

2024 Is Here!

2024 is here, y'all! With buyer preferences shifting and new faces in the market, understanding your customers has never been more critical for staying ahead.

Leveraging data from its parent company, S&P Global Mobility, automotiveMastermind is tracking four emerging buyer personas in the market, and tailoring your dealership to their experience is going to determine success in the new year.

Luckily, with the company's Mastermind platform, connecting effectively with each unique shopper is a breeze. Mastermind equips dealers with the insights to understand and engage these varied customers, transforming any potential challenges into opportunities for growth.

Navigate this complex market with ease. Contact automotiveMastermind to help attract and retain buyers in 2024 and beyond! 

THE AUTOMOTIVE PUSHBACK

Training Your Sales Consultants: A Targeted Training Manual for 2024 Challenges

In the wake of COVID-19, the automotive sales landscape has dramatically shifted.

That’s why our good pal, Todd Caputo, provided us with a tailored training manual guide that is sure to be a total game-changer for your dealership. Designed to retrain sales teams in essential skills lost during the pandemic, it offers comprehensive guidance on customer engagement, mastering the sales process, and leveraging digital tools.

Some of the key focuses include advanced prospecting techniques, negotiation skills, product expertise, and exceptional customer service. This manual is not just a tool, but a commitment to providing excellence in this rapidly evolving market.

Dive into the full article here to help empower your sales team for success in 2024.

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee: Michael Carroll

Michael Carroll, nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award, is making a splash in Washington State. Growing up in the car biz, he's got it in his blood. After learning the ropes in every dealership department, Michael's now the proud owner of Jack Carroll's Skagit Hyundai.

But it's not just about cars for Michael. He's big on community spirit too, from fun events like Berry Dairy Days to helping families at Christmas with the Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund. His creative approach to giving back, like fixing cars for those in need, shows his big heart.

Cheers to you, Michael! The ASOTU team is all about your mix of family business know-how and community dedication. You're living the more than cars vibes!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• TODAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 @ 12:00 - 5:00 pm EST
  Disruptive Forces in Automotive Retail: How to Effectively Navigate the EV Transformation
  Leading experts like David Spisak unveil the latest trends and strategies in electric vehicle technology, market dynamics, and consumer preferences in this dynamic online forum. Join ASOTU’s Paul J Daly for this FREE event. It is a must-attend for anyone eager to stay ahead of the EV curve!
  🔌 Register here 🔌 
   

• TOMORROW, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
  Public Policy Day at WANADA
  At this year’s Washington Auto Show, we're mixing serious auto insights with serious fun. With our friends at Mosaic, 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

• Jetblue has been blocked from acquiring Spirit by a judge following claims it would reduce competition. 👎

• Microsoft launched its AI chatbot for $20 a month. ✍️

• The cast of Cheers reunited for the Emmy Awards. 🍻

History

• 1920: Alcohol Prohibition begins in the United States as the Volstead Act goes into effect. 🍷

• 1949: The first Volkswagen Beetle (designed by Ferdinand Porsche at the request of Adolf Hitler) arrives in the U.S. from Germany. 🪲

• 1953: The Chevrolet Corvette debuts. 70 years later, they announced the hybrid E-Ray in 2023. 🏎