#614 - 🧱👷🧱 Brick by Brick

Weekly Recap, ASOTU Pods, and a DIY Ferrari

February 17, 2024

 

It may not be tomorrow or next week, but we can feel it in the air. Spring is on the horizon, friends!

And you know what that means? The countdown to ASOTU CON has officially begun (t-minus 86 days). We can’t wait to share with you all that we’ve got in the works!

Until then, stay tuned, and as always…

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

ICYMI

Giphy

The Daily Pushback Email

  • Monday was a mix of Super Bowl ad critiques, EV market maneuvers, and a reminder that, in the auto world, the best playbook is still a personal touch.

  • On Tuesday, Honda ventured into hydrogen with its 2025 CR-V, Waymo encountered fiery resistance in San Francisco, Tesla joined forces with Choice Hotels for easier EV trips, and BYD prepared to challenge Hyundai and Kia in South Korea. Plus, we take a look at why vehicle repair costs are spiking.

  • Wednesday, we stirred some debate on love vs. commercialism while Ford flaunted its F-150 Lightning in Norway, Stellantis embraced Tesla's charging tech, and GM aimed for affordability with its Chevy Equinox EV.

  • By Thursday, GM was hinting at a hybrid future, BYD eyed North America, Ford faced a union challenge in the UK, and Rivian's app slip-up revealed charging plans. Amidst these shifts, a Corvette charity raffle at Ciocco and Radio Flyer's first store offered smiles all around.

  • As the week wrapped up, on Friday, the ASOTU crew dove into finalizing ASOTU CON 2024 details while the industry buzzed with Stellantis' profit dip, Lucid's pricing strategy, GM's Super Cruise expansion, and Sacramento's gas station ban.

Auto Collabs Podcast

On our 🥳 100TH EPISODE of Auto Collabs 🥳, we chop it up with our pal, Michael Wood, to discuss his journey from a Poli Sci/Economics grad to a trailblazer in the retail auto world.

From his early days selling timeshares to making big moves at Checkered Flag Auto Group, Michael’s journey is all about mixing things up and putting customers first.

The Automotive Troublemaker Podcast

On Friday, the Automotive Troublemakers talk car prices, Ford’s shift to affordable EVs, and…hey, that book looks familiar! 👇

Coming Up

Will Guidara, best-selling author of Unreasonable Hospitality, will be the keynote speaker for ASOTU CON 2024 in Baltimore this May 14-17th!

Will is a renowned figure in the customer service business, recognized for transforming Eleven Madison Park into the world's top restaurant.

His book Unreasonable Hospitality is an approach rooted in human connection and emphasizes creating extraordinary experiences by giving people more than they expect.

Many of you have already read his book or encountered the ideas, but there is nothing like hearing it straight from the author.

SOMETHING FUN

Built LEGO Tough

Lego / CarScoops

Legoland Florida is about to drop something that’s part LEGO, part Ferrari, and 100% awesome.

Their new Lego Ferrari Build & Race Experience will open on March 8th, and attendees can create their own Ferrari from LEGO and race it against others in a special “virtual race zone.”

Central to the launch is a life-size Ferrari 296 GTS, meticulously assembled from LEGO bricks by a team of 10 over 1,850 hours.

This build isn't all show, either. It features working lights, real Ferrari wheels, and a level of detail that blurs the line between toy and automobile.

Curious about the brick count? So are we, but they’re keeping that one tight to the chest for now. But you can head over to their IG to give your best guess. 🧮

Quick Hits

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