#674 - 🚗 Dreams and Shelter

TOGETHER WITH

Good Morning, Troublemakers!

It’s the last Monday of April, and that means somebody somewhere is shopping for their dream deal. Dreams are usually for people who are sleeping, or maybe Disney princesses, but today, you get to help make one come true.

Happy Serving, friend.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

Monday Dreams

Each day and each article moves the questions a little bit. We used to wonder, “Will EVs someday become as common as ICE? More common? The only option??”

But, as news comes in from around the world and from automaker projections, it seems, at the very least, we are heading for a world where EVs are always on the table. Loyalty to brand, dealership, and even style of vehicles may experience a shake-up as new options, challenges, and benefits roll out.

Ultimately, what has always been true still is: Treat the customer right, and they will do business with you and maybe tell their friends.

No matter if you’re selling gas-powered beasts, fancy little battery rides, or some sort of flintstone foot-propelled-dinosaur-wagon.

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Huawei Is Putting More Focus On Selling EVs. 

At the recent Beijing auto show, Huawei made headlines with its rapid advancements in smart car technology. The company showcased its Qiankun system, which was developed in partnership with leading automakers like Audi. This move signifies Huawei's deepening engagement in the automotive sector and could have profound implications for the global auto industry.

• Market Influence Expansion: Huawei's venture into smart car technology could alter competitive dynamics worldwide, particularly in China. This might push global automakers to forge partnerships with Chinese tech giants to access the market and integrate cutting-edge technologies.

• Advancements in EVs: Huawei's innovations are expected to spur further developments and cost reductions in electric vehicles (EVs), making advanced features more commonplace and potentially boosting EV adoption globally.

• Supply Chain Shifts: With Huawei's demonstrated capability in manufacturing critical components like ADAS system chips, we might see a realignment in global auto supply chains, influencing where and how automakers source their technology.

Hertz Sells More EVs

Well, would you look at that? It's not just automakers who are desperate to sell EVs. 🥁

Hertz plans to offload 10,000 electric vehicles from its rental fleet in 2024 due to significant depreciation losses and a strategic shift following challenges in the EV rental market. 

This move highlights the difficulties of managing an EV fleet and could lead other rental companies to reassess their strategies. The influx of used, low-mileage EVs into the market could make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable, influencing consumer perceptions and potentially accelerating the adoption of EVs.

Honda Wants to Sell More EVs

Honda has made a significant move in the electric vehicle sector by planning an $11 billion investment in Ontario, Canada, to establish a comprehensive EV value chain, including new assembly and battery plants for all-electric and fuel cell-powered vehicles.

What does this mean for Honda? A few things. 

• They're looking to be a major player in the North American EV game. 

• The way EVs are done is going to be influenced by how Honda does business. Their innovative and affordable approach will bring some simple, quality, cheap options to the EV market that could lead to a shake-up of existing shares. 

• Following the semi-protectionistic auto manufacturing rules in the US, the supply chain is shifting to favor more locally sourced, built, and sold vehicle options. Canada today, USA tomorrow? 

What does it mean for dealers right-now-today in the US? It means the shape of competition, which never settles, is approaching a new season of unsettledness.

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All these tech companies are breaking into auto, while auto companies are looking to leverage tech to meet consumer wants, needs, and demands.

So…

TOGETHER WITH GUBAGOO

Simplify Sales Successfully

Struggling to enhance your systems and sales? Ken Garff Automotive Group was, too. Outdated customer experiences and tedious manual processes were just the start. Their solution? Gubagoo’s Offer Builder.

The Problem? Customers saw one price online and another at the dealership which just left them feeling deceived and frustrated – no bueno. Plus, the staff was drowning in paperwork causing operations to slow to a snail’s pace.

The Fix? In 2021, Ken Garff turned to Offer Builder. Now, payment options are clear and consistent, whether online or in-store. This tool streamlined operations and cut down the confusion, making buying a car as easy as pie.

The Wins:

Sales Conversions = Skyrocketed to a two-year high.

Customer Choices = 26% lock-in payment deals online.

Seal the Deal = 40% of virtual visitors submit offers.

Why it Works: Simple sells. With transparent pricing, customers are happier and sales teams are empowered. Jack Furbush, Director of Digital Sales, says for them it’s all about making car buying straightforward. No jumping through hoops, just results.

Want the full scoop on how Gubagoo’s Offer Builder transformed Ken Garff’s sales process? Download the full case study here!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Special Delivery

The team at Bill Knight Automotive took their services on the road last week to deliver their talents right where they’re needed most.

The automotive team drove both their Ford and Lincoln Mobile units to the Domestic Violence Intervention (DVIS) Shelter in Tulsa to provide essential car maintenance to shelter residents and staff like free oil changes and wiper blade replacements.

The DVIS shelter is a lifeline for more than 90 survivors at a time and serves as a safe haven for those retreating from an abusive home life. The facility offers comprehensive support tailored to ensure a nurturing environment for a diverse group of survivors, and they even have a licensed daycare and kennels for pets.

"They appreciated the free services but loved that we came to them as it is hard for those in the shelter and the employees to take the time for car maintenance," shared Bill Knight on LinkedIn, expressing immense pride in his team.

Cheers to Bill Knight Automotive for driving positive change right where it counts, and making a huge difference in their community — one oil change at a time.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

ASOTU CON 2024: 15 Days Away!

Look at all these banners and billboards! Hit reply and send us a link to where you’ve posted yours.

Coming to ASOTU CON and don’t have one yet? Hit reply and let us know; we know just where to get them. 😉

Quick Hits

• According to a new U.S. federal ruling, airlines will be forced to give refunds to passengers for things like delayed flights or bag delivery. ✈️

• OREO and Sour Patch Kids are giving us a mash-up that we’re pretty sure nobody asked for. 🍋

• Two Massachusetts residents are trying to talk the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) into putting googly eyes on the T train. 👀

History

• 1553: Flemish woman introduces the practice of starching linen into England. 👕

• 1882: The "Elektromote" — the precursor to the trolleybus — is tested by Werner von Siemens in Berlin. 🚎

• 2004: Oldsmobile builds its final car, ending 107 years of production. 🛑 

Thanks for reading, friend! Tomorrow will make two weeks until ASOTU CON 2024 begins. We are sure you are as excited as us, but just to share how excited we are, we have already packed our toothbrushes. It’s minty gum from here till Baltimore.