🏈 Blocking Florida Style

TOGETHER WITH

Yesterday we shot episode 2 of ‘More Than Cars.’

We laughed. We cried. We ran. We walked. We lifted weights. We made breakfast.

Most importantly, we heard amazing stories of incredible people, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Seems like we don’t have to go far to find stories like that in this industry every day…

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, and Chris

DEALERS

All Things Branding Pt. 2

Last week, David Long and the All Things Used Cars community spoke about the importance of skilled branding in the retail auto industry.

Join us today for part two of the talk on Clubhouse. Come ready to learn, share, or both!

AUTOMOTIVE

Motor Morsels: BenzGPT, Electric Bubble, Tossing Cash, UK’s Little Buddy

Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft are partnering to test the AI ChatGPT in vehicles, marking the first implementation. The technology will enhance the capabilities of Mercedes' voice assistant, "Hey Mercedes." A beta program for U.S. customers is starting, enabling expanded interaction and increased command response.

“As an AI chatbot, I cannot tell you what you should order at Taco Bell, Chris. I don’t have a mouth…”

Unleashing its latest cybernetic bubble on wheels, Porsche introduced the all-electric Mission X concept hypercar. The quirky, but speedy, compact ride promises lightning-fast charging. It claims the title for the fastest road-legal car around the Nürburgring. Retro-futuristic interior and scarab-like doors, anyone?

Them: Affordable, sustainable, easy to charge, please.
Porsche: Fastest and most bubble-like EV imaginable, you say?

Stellantis Ventures, the venture capital branch of Stellantis, plans to invest €100 million in automotive, battery tech startups, and a mobility venture fund. The funding will benefit ten startups, including driver monitoring provider Nauto, battery tech company Electra Vehicles, and electric bike venture Beweelsociety.

When you gamble, it is best to bet on the winner. Even if you also bet on all the losers too, we guess.

The Ark Zero, UK's cheapest EV at $7,650, is the latest from London startup Ark. This eco-friendly, aluminum quadricycle, perfect for drivers, a passenger, and a dog, boasts a 50-mile range, 28 mph top speed, and takes 6-8 hours to charge.

Order now to get a special coat hanger you can use to store the Ark Zero in your closet at night.

TL; DR– Mercedes automates texting while driving, Porsche build an electric Bat-mo-bubble, Stellantis is spreading its battery investments out, and the UK has a new tiny EV with a tiny price.

TOGETHER WITH CALLREVU x Relevant Dealer x ASOTU

Are You G2G with GA4?

Join us on June 28th for an enlightening webinar: "Why is GA4 so different: What every dealer should do to prepare today."

Presented by CallRevu in partnership with Relevant Dealer, we'll explore GA4 in-depth, compare it to Universal Analytics, address data thresholding, proper installs, bounce rates, best practices, and more.

Discover key insights from industry experts like Scott Bleasdell and Steve Laureys.

This is the first of a three-part series you will want to attend! Register today to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

AUTOMOTIVE

New Florida Bill Blocks DTC Car Sales

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis endorsed a law preventing most automakers from adopting a direct-to-consumer sales model, reinforcing the importance of traditional car dealerships. This law was drafted by lobbyists of the Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), initially excluding, but eventually accommodating, electric startups like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid. 🛑

FADA maintains that dealerships act as customer advocates for warranty work and service. Dave Ramba, a FADA representative, argued that bypassing dealers would result in higher prices and poorer service. The law further regulates automakers' influence over dealer inventory and pricing, restricting their ability to favor certain dealerships.🛡️

Telling It Like It Is – Where would OEMs be if all the dealers said, “ok, sure, go direct. Best wishes,” and bailed? We aren’t sure, but Central Florida in June seems like a good metaphor for it.

CULTURE/TECHNOLOGY/WHAT THE KIDS ARE INTO

The Last of Us IRL

Universal's annual Halloween event will bring gamers and HBO fans together for a special and spooky time.

An attraction called "The Last of Us House" will feature this year at the theme park's event in Hollywood and Orlando.

While navigating the attraction, visitors will face the many infected monsters from the game and apparently get to partner with Joel and Elle, the game and tv show's main characters.

Just don't bring any mushrooms.

Telling It Like It Is – This seems fun, but the real terror will almost definitely be the line to get in. Miss us with that noise.

Quick Hits

• An Aboriginal cave painting that once baffled researchers has been traced back to fighting crafts from Indonesia.

• The creator of a wildly popular competitive game, League of Legends, takes a $55M buyout. Also, the company is just one person.

• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 debuts and continues pleasing its historically rather change-adverse audience.

History

• 1903: The paperwork to incorporate Ford Motor Company is signed

• 1978: The popular film Grease, starring John Travolta, premiered.

• 2016: Shanghai Disneyland Park, the first Disney Park in Mainland China, opens to the public.