#596 - 🗣️💬💥 Conversations Spark Change

TOGETHER WITH

Every voice holds power, including yours. Whether you're addressing a crowd of thousands or engaged in a one-on-one meeting, your contribution is the driving force behind the strength and perseverance of the automotive industry.

Change can begin with a single conversation, and you’re exactly the right person to kick it off.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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NADA 2024

Yo, Looking For A Party?

BUSINESS

Let’s Get Into It

May Day 2028

Shawn Fain, the fiery leader of the United Auto Workers, is stirring up a storm with his call for a colossal general strike in May 2028, aiming to unite workers across America.

🚩 Strike Call Echoes Through Labor Ranks — In a charged address at the UAW national political conference, Fain didn't just talk shop. He lit a fuse for action, urging members to unite for a massive walkout in 2028. "We want everybody walking out," he proclaimed, setting sights on a nationwide demonstration akin to those in other countries.

🔨 A Master Plan for Maximum Impact — The UAW has smartly lined up its major contract expirations with the U.S.'s big three automakers for May 1, 2028. The date, known globally as International Solidarity Day, is chosen for maximum effect, as Fain nudges other unions to join this synchronized labor showdown.

👥 Fain's Political Punch — After much consideration, the union finally decided to endorse President Biden for re-election during a union conference in Washington D.C. yesterday.

Welcome, Welcome!

We know what it’s like to have something you’ve worked hard to build not work out. That feeling sucks.

The silver lining is that there is an entire community of Auto Dealers who love people more than they love cars. They are ready to welcome you and your Vroomates as their next, greatest team member!

We’re just here to connect the dots and tell you that we have your back. 👊

Let's work to open new doors and continue driving positive change in the automotive industry, together.

Welcome into the fold, Vroom folks!

Check out the list of Vroom employees who may be looking for help here.

USPS Goes Electric

The United States Postal Service is not just delivering mail anymore; they're now delivering a statement on sustainability with their latest green initiative.

🚐 The New Mail Carriers on the Block — Say goodbye to the old-school mail vans and hello to USPS's shiny fleet of Ford E-Transits. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, these babies boast triple the cargo capacity of their predecessors.

🔌 Charging Up the Future — USPS is sparking a revolution at its South Atlanta hub with new EV charging stations. Manufactured by Siemens, these chargers are like overnight powerhouses getting the fleet ready for eco-friendly deliveries at the crack of dawn.

🌿 Green Fleet Goals — The postal service’s ambitious plan is to roll out about 9,250 by the end of 2024, and 45K by the end of 2028. Ultimately, they intend to have about 66K in their fleet.

Tesla’s Redwood Plan

Tesla is slated to expand further into the EV market with plans to launch a new, affordable model codenamed "Redwood.”

🌿 Redwood Roll Out — Tesla is setting the stage for a mid-2025 production start for “Redwood,” a highly anticipated affordable compact crossover. With requests for quotes sent to suppliers and a forecasted production volume of 10K vehicles weekly, Tesla is gearing up for a major addition to its EV family.

💡 Affordable EV Vision — Elon Musk's vision of affordable EVs and self-driving robotaxis is taking shape with the new developments. This model, positioned as a $25,000 entry-level car, is poised to compete with cheaper ICE cars and budget-friendly EVs, and challenge rivals like China's BYD.

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DATA & INSIGHT

Hybrids Hit the Sweet Spot for Buyers

Electric vehicles have been stealing the limelight for the past several years, but it’s hybrids that have recently emerged as the savvy middle-ground choice for consumers. 

Americans bought a record 1.2M EVs last year, a gain of about 46% and a 7.6% share of all new car sales, according to KBB. But hybrid sales rose even faster — up 65% to more than 1.2M and lifting their market share to 8%.

Why the sudden hype for hybrids? Well, it turns out that EVs come with some, shall we say, complexities. Sky-high prices and the eternal scavenger hunt for charging stations come to mind and are making car buyers think twice before committing to an all-electric vehicle.

Plus, these days it seems the price tag speaks louder than eco-credentials, and hybrids are playing the affordability card well, with many models starting around the $30,000 mark.

EVs? They're still hobnobbing in that primo luxury territory. 

In the grand scheme of things, hybrids are like the bridge over troubled waters — a necessary detour on the road to an all-electric future. They're a pragmatic choice, reducing emissions without asking drivers to change their entire lifestyle.

As for EVs, they're still the endgame for most automakers. But hybrids are proving that sometimes the road most traveled is also the one most sensible.

Check out the full article here.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

Join us at the NADA Live Stage for the ASOTU Docu-series "More Than Cars" Preview and Community Meet-up!

📸 Wear your Love People More Than Cars T-shirt and join the ASOTU Crew for a group photo.

🥰 Get your free More Than Cars metal badge pin to show that you are part of the community that's pushing back on the negative dealer narrative.

👏 Support Paul and Kyle as they go on stage with Andrew Guelcher from Mohawk Chevrolet (Episode 4, sponsored by UVeye) to showcase how their dealership puts people first.

🤗 Meet other community members face-to-face.

See you there!

Quick Hits

• "Oppenheimer," "Barbie," "Poor Things" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" lead with the most number of Oscar nominations. 🏆

• A California woman was arrested after stealing $2500 worth of Stanley mugs. 🥤

• OREO is releasing a galaxy-inspired cookie and the chance for a fan to go to space. 🚀

History

• 1870: The soda fountain is patented by Gustavus Dows. 🫧

• 1961: Walt Disney's animated film "101 Dalmatians" is released in the U.S. 🐾

• 1979: Robert Nicholas Williams becomes the first human killed by a robot while working at the Ford Motor Company's Michigan Casting Center. 🤖