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- #640 -🦠🎸🐐 Germs, Guitars, and Goats
#640 -🦠🎸🐐 Germs, Guitars, and Goats
Electricity Germs, Hydrogen Guitars, and Feeding the Goats
TOGETHER WITH
We’re less than two months away from ASOTU CON 2024!
Our bags are already packed, our LOVE PEOPLE MORE shirts are neatly laid out, ready for action, and our travel is booked.
The hotel told us we are almost out of rooms in the convention center, so if you want to ensure you are within walking distance from all the speakers, panels, sessions, and community-building time, grab one before they are gone.
Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi
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BUSINESS
Business and Tech News
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Wouldn’t it be great if all our power needs were solved by the dirt in our front yard tomorrow? We don’t see it going down like that, but hey, gardening is fun.
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Dirt Power
You can't squeeze blood from a stone, but apparently, you can get electricity from the dirt.
Some researchers at Northwestern University have pioneered a fuel cell technology that extracts electricity from soil microbes, presenting a sustainable and virtually inexhaustible energy source.
Not for EVs (yet). This microbial fuel cell, detailed in a January study, could power low-energy devices, significantly cutting down on toxic battery waste and environmental degradation. Unlike conventional batteries that rely on harmful chemicals, this eco-friendly alternative leverages the natural electron flow from bacteria and fungi in the soil. 🍄
“Shock” Rock
Even saying the word "Metallica" smells a little like a diesel-burning motorcycle, but the band is actually hitting the road in new tour vehicles powered by BEV and hydrogen tech.
The band is going all in on an eco-friendly initiative, starting with a 14-show tour across Europe and eventually including a unique concert in Antarctica.
We expect Lars will still lose his shirt at some point.
Fisker Vs. YouTube, Debt, and also Fisker?
Fisker has been talking about bankruptcy and adjustments a lot lately, but it seems they can't plan their way out of some of their problems.
A tech YouTuber named Marques Brownlee critiqued the Fisker Ocean as the "worst car I've ever tested," citing significant issues despite its attractive design.
Fisker's attempt to delay the review until a major software update could be implemented did not sway Brownlee, who highlighted problems like random blank buttons and unclear solar panel charge status.
Following the review, Fisker's stock price plummeted by 50%, exacerbating its financial troubles.
To add injury to injury, the EV maker just announced it has to halt production for six weeks because it is unable to pay its interest payment.
The company will sell convertible notes in an effort to raise $150M.
They delivered 1,300 units so far this year and have about $200M in inventory.
The company has been in talks with Nissan about investment options, which could lead to the adoption of a traditional dealership model.
Price Cut and Paste
Tesla, who invented cutting EV prices, is jacking up the price of its Model Y. Starting April 1st, what we are calling the "April Fools Sale," will undo some of the company's recent price cuts in the U.S. following similar increases in Europe.
All In Favor?
The UAW is taking another swing at a VW plant in TN. The union filed paperwork needed to hold an election following 4,100 workers in the Tennessee plant signing union cards in the last 3 months.
As the UAW looks to bring more auto workers into its numbers, they are specifically targeting foreign-owned companies operating in the U.S.
Vietnam and Beyond
VinFast didn't get the memo, and instead of adopting Tesla's charging standard and calling it a day, it launched its own V-Green global EV charging brand. They will invest about $400M over two years, starting in Vietnam with VinFast models but expanding to new regions and to include new models over time.
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Tesla is really in a good spot right now. Companies like Fisker are counting their days, while huge names like Ford, GM, and Toyota are reevaluating their push into the EV market or maintaining a healthy orbit.
Of course, they’re all playing their own game. So, as long as they feel better today than they did yesterday, that’s success, right? Right…?
TOGETHER WITH TRADEPENDING
BOOM!
When you hear TradePending, do you think, “That’s the trade tool company”?
You’re mostly right, but they do a whole lot more.
So much more they needed to blow up a truck in the desert to blow up that perception.
From values to offers to payments to video to digital brochures to service offers, they've got a software platform for dealerships that excels at:
Making your website work better.
Making it easier for sales reps to sell.
Growing your service business.
Go ahead, watch that truck go boom! 💥
MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS
Beavers, Goats, Donkeys, and Hearts
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In our corner of the world, consistency is celebrated almost as much as the word is thrown around. We want to celebrate a recent act of kindness that has become a consistent part of who one dealership's team truly is.
Our esteemed friends at Beaver Toyota of Cumming have made their big clean-up trip to Camp Twin Lakes. The camp cares for children facing disabilities, medical conditions, or family circumstances, and they could benefit from a little time in the woods with caring folks.
Through volunteer time, the Beaver team cleaned and sanitized 20 cabins, prepped a flower garden, and cared for the camp's animals, including patching up seven gates so no baby goats escaped.
So now the camp can begin welcoming children into a wholesome time of being kids together.
Shout out to Edwin Lopez, Kristina Montanti, Toni Townsend, Mary Johnson, Tony Keels, Tyler Cochran, Misty Brady, Kevin Kerth, Emily Miller, Sue Whitfield, and the whole Beaver Toyota team. This isn't the first time you've made us proud of the auto industry and we know Georgia is honored by your presence.
Check out the full story here.
AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE
Vehicles for Change @ ASOTU CON
Vehicles for Change really live up to the hype. They work with vehicles to change lives. Last week at NADA, they gave away four cars to deserving families. Simply imagining your life without reliable transportation proves that this is a worthy cause that elevates our whole society along the way.
This year, Vehicles for Change will bring their big hearts to ASOTU CON along with a car to give away to a local family.
Keep your eyes open for your chance to contribute to this wave of goodness this May in Baltimore as we invite the whole community to participate in filling the car with needed things for a family receiving a new chance at life.
Quick Hits
History
1831: The first documented bank heist in U.S. history was when burglars stole $245,000 (1831 values) from the City Bank (now Citibank) on Wall Street. Most of the money was recovered. 💰
1918: The US Congress established time zones and approved daylight saving time. ⏰
1931: Governor Fred B. Balzar signed a bill legalizing gambling in Nevada. 🎰
Thanks for reading, friend! What are you having for lunch today?