🚗 Anybody Need a Limo?

We are just weeks away from NADA in NOLA, and the ASOTU crew is pretty hyped.

Yes, we will learn and network and observe the emergence of retail auto’s bold future, but also… we’re gonna party.

Check out our list of NADA Parties, and let us know which one you’re attending.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

⚜️ January 23-26th, 2025 — NADA Show in New Orleans. Find the best parties here!

📝 January 30, 2025 — Public Policy Day with WANADA and the Washington, D.C. Auto Show.

🦀 May 13-16th, 2025 — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland.

ICYMI

New Year, Same Recap

• On Monday, we Memed it Up. It was all about Hertz’s EV purge (Tesla deals, anyone?), VW’s Scout brand facing legal drama, and China’s NIO putting EV competitors on ice with their cold-weather champ. Plus, we shared data-driven secrets for turning service drives into sales gold.

• On Tuesday, we Closed the Year with a Bang. Honda and Nissan? Not so fast—Honda’s CEO isn’t buying the merger hype. CarMax flexed its used car muscle, showing the market’s mixed signals, while Stellantis gave Ohio workers a holiday gift by scrapping layoffs. Plus, dealerships proved their hearts are as big as their inventories, leading the way in holiday giving.

• On Wednesday, we kicked off 2025 with a bang. U.S. auto sales hit a five-year high, but affordability still looms large. VW fumbled with an EV privacy breach, and BYD faced forced labor accusations in Brazil. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 kept its throne as the best-selling vehicle, hybrids dominated, and Tesla’s Model Y stood out in the EV game.

• On Thursday, Tesla soared in stock but stumbled in sales predictions, while GM silently recalled EVs for a pedestrian safety hiccup. EV sales are expected to jump in 2025, but tariffs and subsidies could play spoiler. Lexus took the crown (again) in online reputation rankings, and a dealership in Ohio warmed hearts with its 19th annual Christmas car giveaway.

• On Friday, new year predictions ranged from flying cars to Jeep drama, with Stellantis facing calls to split up. GM’s struggles in China signal a changing EV landscape, while economic trends show cautious optimism. Oh, and someone predicted VW might acquire Rivian—bold move!

PODCASTS

Now We’re Here

In this episode of Now We're Here, Damon Lester chats with Durran Cage, founder of Cage Automotive, about his journey from military brat to automotive innovator.

From simplifying CRMs to fostering tech-savvy teams, Durran shares insights on leadership, balance, and even his passion for cooking.

Tune in for inspiration and laughs!

SOMETHING FUN

🇺🇸 A Presidential Ride Up for Grabs

Ever wanted to own a piece of presidential history? On January 18, 2025, a rare armored 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, originally built for President Bill Clinton, will cross the auction block at Mecum Kissimmee.

This isn’t your typical Fleetwood. Designed with a taller roof, bulletproof doors, and a Chevrolet Big-Block V-8 under the hood, this limo embodies safety and power. With features like an onboard oxygen system, fire suppression tech, and run-flat tires, it’s clear the U.S. Government spared no expense—reportedly $6 million for three such limos.

What sets this particular one apart is its light use, showing just 626 miles on the odometer. Unlike its siblings—one housed in the Clinton Museum and another retained by the CIA—this piece of history is available to the public. Mecum hasn’t listed a price, but for the right bidder, this could be the ultimate addition to their collection.

🥊 Quick Hits: Baby B, Mice VR, and Robo-Teachers

• Apparently, Gen B started at midnight January 1, 2025. 👶 

• Scientists built tiny VR goggles for mice. 🐭 

• If you think it is hard to get personalized education now, just you wait. Arizona school’s curriculum will be taught by AI, not teachers. 🍎 

🔁 Today in History: FL, Mercury, and Sputnik

• 1900: The first car in Florida arrives. 🐊 

• 1958: Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, falls to Earth from orbit. 🛰️ 

• 2011: The last Mercury automobile is manufactured. 🔚