🚗 Amazon Dives into Used Cars

TOGETHER WITH

Happy Friday Eve, friend!

Fun fact: Did you know that “March Madness” is trademarked? Cause some of us didn’t! (*ahem, Kristi, ahem*)

So anywho, Round 1 of Mythical March Motor Madness is in the books. 🤭

Ecto-1 and the General Lee went head-to-head, and we’ve got a winner. Who took it? You’ll have to check our LinkedIn to find out.

Now it’s time for Match 2: The A-Team Van vs. The Mystery Machine. One’s all about sweet spoilers and quick getaways. The other is a hippie’s dream. Who gets your vote?
 

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

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THE NEWS

Amazon, Japan, and BYD

💾 Amazon Dives into Used Car Sales

Amazon Autos started with Hyundai, but now it's moving into used vehicles, giving dealers a new way to sell inventory online. They're also experimenting with F&I product sales—without the high-pressure tactics. Will this be a game-changer or just another digital listing service?

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💰 Japanese Automakers Brace for Tariffs

A potential 25% tariff on Japanese auto exports to the U.S. has Toyota, Honda, and Nissan scrambling. Subaru, Mazda, and Mitsubishi are at the highest risk, while Toyota and Honda hope their U.S. production footprint will soften the blow. With no exemptions in sight, how will this shake up the market?

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⚡ BYD: Super Fast Charging, Super Slow Expansion

BYD claims its new battery tech can add 249 miles of range in just five minutes—a potential game-changer. Meanwhile, its Mexico plant is stalled as China fears U.S. automakers could access its technology. Is BYD set to dominate the EV world, or will trade tensions keep it in check?

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➕ Much More

Learn more about these stories and several more in our daily digest.

TOGETHER WITH MIA

Keeping Customers Connected, 24/7

Even the best-run dealerships miss calls—whether it’s a customer needing to schedule service, set a test drive, or ask a quick question after hours. In today’s always-on market, those missed moments can mean missed opportunities.

That’s where Mia comes in.

Mia is an AI-powered assistant designed to ensure dealerships stay connected. She answers calls instantly, checks inventory, books appointments, and notifies the team—all in a natural, conversational way. No long holds, no phone trees—just seamless support that keeps things moving.

Dealerships using Mia have seen:
📞 30% of service calls turn into booked appointments
💰 $50K in monthly revenue from Mia-set Sales & Service appointments
⏳ 70+ hours of staff time freed up for higher-value interactions

In a fast-moving industry, every connection counts.

Request a demo now!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Next Gen Techs Go Under the Hood

Charlotte Motor Speedway turned into a proving ground for the next generation of auto techs as high school students from across the region put their skills to the test at the Greater Charlotte Automobile Dealers Association's 2025 Auto Tech Competition and Career Fair on Tuesday.

With support and donations from local franchise dealers, students worked on actual vehicles, diagnosing issues in a high-stakes timed challenge. Students also participated in mock job interviews, connected with industry pros, and explored career paths in an industry that’s actively seeking fresh talent.

“South Carolina alone has 80 high school automotive programs, and North Carolina has over 100,” said Mark Adams, an automotive instructor at Nation Ford High School. “The best way for dealers to find new talent is to connect with these programs and train students early.”

And those students? They’re all in. “Ever since I was a kid, I loved working on cars with my dad,” one competitor shared. “Now, I get to turn that passion into a career.”

Special thanks to our VIP Correspondent, Todd Caputo, who was on-site to capture the action. Stay tuned on LinkedIn for even more event interviews soon!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

📺️ More Than Cars: The Truth About Car Dealers

With 30+ locations across an 80-mile radius and a team of over 3,000 employees, West Herr Auto Group is deeply rooted in Western New York, from Buffalo to Syracuse. This close-knit footprint has helped shape a strong, people-first culture, where leadership’s deep care and empathy for employees empower them to take exceptional care of their customers.

During their time with West Herr, Paul and Kyle witnessed firsthand the powerful stories of resilience, community impact, and the personal journeys that make this group more than just a dealership.

Catch these stories and more in our docu-series More Than Cars—streaming now on YouTube, Tubi, or Amazon Prime.

ASOTU EDGE

Webinar w/ Activator!

🥊 Quick Hits

• Kagi, a new search engine with a $10 monthly fee, says it can deliver what Google has let slip away. 🔍️ 

• Happy Gilmore 2 has a trailer now. ⛳️ 

• Yesterday: Fed holds interest rates steady, still sees two cuts coming this year

🔁 Today in History

• 1916: Albert Einstein submits his paper, "The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity," to the journal Annalen der Physik. 📕 

• 1988: End of production for the Pontiac Fiero. 🏎️ 

• 2015: A solar eclipse, equinox, and a supermoon all occur on the same day. 🌕️