🚗 A Warning Sign for EVs?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Fam!

Today we’ve got some news, some history, and some science.

Just three of the things dealers bring to bear through their work each day.

As you know, we have a deep appreciation for the art of meeting mobility needs and are privileged to get up close and personal with many of the great artists of our time.

Occasionally, we bring a camera. 😆

Watch More than Cars: The Truth about Car Dealers on Tubi, Amazon Prime, or YouTube.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

115 Years of Sames Auto Group

Talk about a flip of fate—literally. In 1910, W.J. Sames and his business partner tossed a coin to decide who’d take over their growing ventures. Sames won the auto business, and the rest is Texas history.

Now led by fifth-generation CEO Evelyn Sames, the group spans 13 dealerships and 1,000 employees. To celebrate 115 years, they threw a community bash and gave away a 2025 Ford Bronco to a local family in need.

NADA honored Sames Auto Group for its longevity and community impact, from scholarships to test-drive fundraisers.

As Evelyn put it: “To be both able and generous is a blessing.” A century later, that coin toss is still paying dividends for Laredo and beyond.

THE UNION

From The News w/ ASOTU

Tesla’s European Sales Slump: A Warning Sign for EVs?

Tesla’s grip on Europe is slipping. Registrations fell sharply in August—down 47% in France, 84% in Sweden, and 50% in the Netherlands. Even in growth markets like Spain and Norway, rival BYD surged far faster. With Tesla’s Western European share now just 1.7%, the question is whether this is Tesla’s problem—or a broader warning for global EV demand.

BYD Profits Hit by China’s Price War

While BYD is winning customers overseas, its home market is cutting deep. Q2 profits fell nearly 30% despite revenue growth, hammered by discount wars that have dropped China’s retail car prices 20% in two years. The EV leader’s struggles highlight just how thin margins are in today’s electric race.

Also Worth Noting:

• Japan’s Big Three lean into hybrids and crossovers, with Honda reviving the Prelude and Nissan rebooting the Xterra.

• Cox Automotive Study points to four pillars of car-buyer satisfaction: staff, transparency, informed buyers, and control.

• Reddit Thread reminds rookies that sales is mental—slow down, listen, and don’t stress dry spells.

TOGETHER WITH URBAN SCIENCE

When Timing Is Everything, Speed Wins Deals

Over 80% of dealers say leads matter more today than five years ago. However, it’s also about acting fast. Urban Science’s defection data indicates 70% of showroom leads who buy close within six days. For defections, half are gone within 13 days. Similar patterns in phone/internet leads reinforce one truth: Timing is critical.

These numbers highlight the need for tailored follow-up strategies and well-trained sales teams that move quickly and decisively.

Urban Science’s Dealership Performance solutions deliver next-day, same-brand, competitive defection data at the individual lead level, so your team sells smarter, boosts profitability and drives better results.

🥊 Quick Hits

• Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy… again. ✈️ 

• European factories are regaining lost ground, while Asian activity is shrinking. 🧑‍🏭 

• A new adaptation of Frankenstein is receiving high praise in early reviews. 🎥 

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Conversations that Connected: Reflecting on NAMAD

Mia is back from NAMAD45, and all they can say is, “Wow.”

From the dealers Mia connected with to the ideas they heard, the future of automotive is alive and well. We had a blast partnering with them to create a platform to spotlight the people and perspectives reshaping the industry.

Now, Mia is excited to keep the conversation going, helping dealerships harness AI to connect with customers in smarter, faster, and more human ways.

👉 Want to connect with Mia for a real conversation about AI? Schedule a demo today.

🔁 Today in History

• 1789 – The United States Department of the Treasury is founded. 🇺🇸 

• 1994 – The National Corvette Museum Opens 🏎️ 

• 2008 – Google launches its Google Chrome web browser. 🕸️ 

Until next time, Friend!