🚗 All-Stars, AI, and Affordability

TOGETHER WITH

Happy Tuesday, Friend!

It may seem counter-intuitive, but you don’t have to lose for someone else to win.

In fact, most of the good stuff—ideas, trust, momentum—shows up when we stop hoarding and start helping.

That’s the kind of rising tide we want to be a part of.

Keep Pushing Back,
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Big Thanks for Quiet Dedication

Some heroes wear uniforms. Some wear name tags, scrubs, or school IDs. Some just show up when it matters most.

This year, Hyundai and the Western Mass Hyundai Dealers are proud to bring back “Salute to Heroes ,” a campaign designed to spotlight the everyday heroes who rarely make news but absolutely deserve the headlines.

One deserving hero will receive a brand-new Hyundai Tucson, fully quipped with top of the line safety features to protect the people who spend their lives protecting others.

“It’s one of the most meaningful things we get to do,” said Carla Cosenzi , President of Country Nissan. “From teachers and nurses to veterans, first responders, and volunteers, these individuals truly make a difference.”

THE UNION

From the Automotive State of the Union

All-Star Moves
Automotive News’ 2025 All-Stars list is out, and it’s packed with familiar names doing big things. Grace Kerber and Ben Bushen (aka the brains behind The Dealership ) turned whiteboard sketches into real roles at GM. Bill Cariss is scaling Holman’s venture arm with a $240M fund move. And Teddy Morse has grown Ed Morse Auto from 12 to over 50 stores, cowboy boots and all. Innovation, grit, and a little bit of swagger—this year’s list delivers.

SellMyRide Recruits Heavy Hitters
Chip Perry calls it the best private-party sourcing tool in 25 years. SellMyRide , backed by Steve Greenfield’s Automotive Ventures, wants to give dealers exclusive access to local inventory—with built-in lead nurturing and zero Carvana vibes.

AI Is Already Selling to Your Customers
53% of U.S. shoppers use ChatGPT-like tools monthly for product research. Traffic from AI referrals is rising, bounce rates are dropping, and bots might be your new toughest lead. Welcome to the SEO-to-SBO era: search bot optimization.

From The News w/ ASOTU

America the Beautiful (and Functional)

The White House just named Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia as the nation’s first Chief Design Officer. His new National Design Studio will reimagine federal websites—less DMV, more Apple Store.

If Uncle Sam is leveling up UX, your shoppers expect you to keep pace.

August Auto Sales Heat Up

New-vehicle sales jumped 8.2% last month to 1.48M units, pushing retail spending to a record $54.6B. EVs grabbed 12% of the market as buyers rushed to beat the $7,500 tax credit deadline.

But affordability remains a drag. The average monthly payment hit $743, the highest ever for August.

Also in today’s Digest:

• Seven-year loans are becoming the norm.

• NHTSA investigates 1.4M Honda and Acura vehicles for possible engine failures.

• Mercedes in talks to source engines from BMW for their next-gen hybrids.

TOGETHER WITH NADA

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

If NADA knows how to do one thing, it’s roll out a red carpet you can’t wait to walk.

February 3–6, the auto industry’s biggest event returns to Vegas, and it all kicks off with a Welcome Reception that hits harder than the first double espresso of the morning.

On opening night from 7–10PM, attendees will trade handshakes for high-octane experiences at an immersive raceway-inspired bash. With pit-stop challenges, custom cocktails and a backdrop courtesy of the Las Vegas Strip, the vibe is fast, fun and fully connected.

Whether you’re a seasoned NADA vet or a first-timer ready to jump in, this is the night to get geared up, plugged in, and ready for an exhilarating week of insights and memories.

Save your spot today!

SOMETHING ELSE

Paws and Effect

Hertz just rolled out a squad of Golden Retrievers to select airports, and it’s kind of genius.

Aptly dubbed the “Gold Squad ,” these tail-wagging ambassadors are stationed at high-traffic terminals like DFW to offer cuddles, calm, and emotional support to stressed-out travelers.

According to YouGov , 70% of Americans say booking a vacation is stressful, with transfers and rentals topping the list. Hertz flipped that moment from frustrating to feel-good. And with 17M travelers expected this Labor Day weekend alone, Hertz knew people needed more than just a faster checkout. They needed a muzzle to nuzzle.

Customers get a moment of calm. Staff get better moods at the counter. Everyone wins.

So here’s the question: what could this look like in a dealership?

The sales floor gets chaotic. Service lanes are a pressure cooker. Why not borrow the concept? Maybe it’s therapy dogs. Maybe it’s weighted blankets, or massage chairs, or fidget spinners.

Whatever it is, the best customer experience starts simply by helping people feel comfortable.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Conversations that Connect: ASOTU + Mia Live at NAMAD

The retail automotive industry thrives on conversations that lead to lasting connections.

That’s why Mia is excited to partner with us to bring dealers and industry leaders together on our NAMAD podcast stage.

These live conversations will spotlight the diverse ideas and people reshaping our industry, and they’re proud to help us amplify them.

Not at NAMAD? No problem. Be sure to follow Mia on social media , where you’ll be able to catch insights designed to help your dealership grow and adapt.

🥊 Quick Hits

• The IRS has updated the terms of the phase-out of the federal tax credit for EV to give buyers a little more time to secure the tax credit. 😮‍💨

• Illinois law now defines low-speed e-bikes and tricycles as bicycles, providing riders clearer protections in the event of accidents and insurance claims. 🚲

• Elon Musk is suing Apple and OpenAI over alleged AI competition suppression. 😡 

🔁 Today in History

• 1682: English astronomer Edmond Halley first observes the comet named after him. ☄️

• 1920: The 19th Amendment is certified formally adding it to the Constitution and granting women the right to vote. 🗳️

• 1959: The British Motor Corporation introduces the original Mini. 🚙

Thanks for hanging with us today, Friend!