#639 -🤖🐶💵 Automatons, Asking, and Affordability

TOGETHER WITH

Monday is the end of the weekend, sure, but it is also the first step on the road BACK to the weekend.

So, if you are feeling recharged from your time off or longing for five more minutes, the best thing we can do today is say, “Hello, Monday, I’ll do my best to take care of you,” and mean it.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

Monday Enthusiasm (and News)

India is the new Detroit, Mercedes is the new iRobot, and Nio is the new family car brand. Well… maybe not, but we can only report what they said, did, and intended.

Have a look and let us know what you think these moves will amount to.

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Mercedes: Robots and Recharges 

Mercedes-Benz is testing humanoid robots, specifically Apptronik's Apollo, for tasks like part delivery and inspection in manufacturing. This initiative, aimed at addressing labor shortages and enhancing efficiency, reflects the broader automotive industry trend towards integrating advanced robotics into production processes without major facility redesigns. Apollo's capabilities in automating physically demanding, repetitive tasks could significantly impact the future of automotive manufacturing and labor dynamics.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX broke its own record by traveling 627 miles on a single charge, showcasing remarkable efficiency and durability, especially through the Arabian desert. Its advanced tech and aerodynamic design outperformed previous tests, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle capability and hinting at the future of Mercedes EVs.

Tesla Going to India

India introduces a strategic initiative to facilitate Tesla and other electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers' entry into the country by reducing import duties contingent upon specific investment and manufacturing commitments. This policy aims to position India as a prime destination for EV manufacturing, requiring substantial investment and the establishment of a local manufacturing facility. The scheme offers a reduced 15% import duty for EVs priced at $35,000 USD or above for a period of five years, with a cap on the number of imported vehicles. This development represents a significant step towards a compromise between Tesla's operational strategy and India's industrial objectives, potentially catalyzing Tesla's expansion into one of the world's largest automotive markets.

Nio Into Affordable and the World

Nio, a Chinese premium electric vehicle maker, announced it will launch a mass-market brand named "Le Dao" in May, targeting families with its first product expected in the third quarter. This move marks Nio's expansion beyond its luxury niche into more accessible pricing, competing with rivals like Xpeng.

VW Sets Up Camp Below $30K

Volkswagen aims to launch an electric GTI in 2026, potentially targeting the US market with a price range of $20,000 to $25,000. This pricing strategy is intended to make the model broadly appealing, avoiding the niche status that a higher price might necessitate. The electric GTI is part of VW's ambitious plan to expand its electric lineup despite the current slowdown in EV sales, underscoring the company's commitment to electrification.

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All the negative feelings we have toward self-driving cars being tested in our neighborhoods ease up when we think about those cars being driven by a humanoid robot. Mercedes, Tesla, Boston Dynamic, etc. Self-Driving cars VS Robo-Chauffeur is a branding jump somebody needs to hurry up and make.

TOGETHER WITH UPSTART

Building Bridges

This week, we will chat with our friend and member of the dealer body, Ron Bouchard, about the work and impact of bridging the digital divide for your team and customers.

The pros at Upstart work directly with Ron and invited him to the webinar series so his success story may benefit the whole retail auto community.

Register now and bring a notepad. It is such to be an informative, insightful, and lively conversation.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Snacks, Books, and Canine Buddies

We love the big and flashy stories of dealers giving back—stories that make you wonder: “Where did they get the money to give away so generously?”

But don’t think we don’t adore the smaller stories. Our friend Gary Rome of Gary Rome Hyundai is going to read to kids in his local elementary school with his partner, Daisey, the dog.

Gary brought snacks along, and the whole class enjoyed the visit.

Some stories make you wonder, “Where do they get the money,” but let’s never forget the ones that ask us, “How did they make the time?”

Loving people more than cars takes both.

Quick Hits

• The standard 6% realtor fee has been abandoned. Home prices are expected to fall below the reach of more Americans. 🏡

• Justin Timberlake released a new album, the first in 6 years and with a new *NSYNC feature. 👨‍🎤

• Despite the warming ocean, Bull Sharks off the coast of Alabama are thriving. 🦈

History

• 1933: Studebaker goes bankrupt 📉

• 1965: Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, leaving his spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes, becomes the first person to walk in space.🔭

• 1968: Gold standard: The U.S. Congress repeals the requirement for a gold reserve to back US currency. 🥇