🚗 CarOffer Sunsets

TOGETHER WITH

August 11th.

We have a tie.

50% of people say Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” is worthy of its high rank, while the others gave it a “meh.”

I’m not a taste maker, but I’ll say, I am also torn on it. It has some undeniably catchy songs, blowout performances, and musical excellence, but with 21 songs, for every “Sir Duke” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” there are two or three that don’t have the same staying power. There is something to learn about life here…

Anyway, on to the next. At #5, the Beatles, “Abbey Road.”

Honestly, I applaud Rolling Stone’s willingness to wait until 5 to talk about one of the most talked about albums ever. What do you think?

Keep Pushing Back,
-Chris

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MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Supporting Kids On A Journey

At CMA’s Valley campus, service moved beyond the showroom this week. Miranda Jiggins shared that their team came together to donate 70 Journey bags to local foster youth, each packed with essentials and encouragement for kids in transition.

Miranda helped with the drop-off and gave a heartfelt shoutout to everyone who donated, shipped items to the store, or shared the cause. “You all are the real MVPs,” she wrote.

This is what happens when a dealership becomes part of the community’s support system, not just its sales cycle.

THE UNION

From the Automotive State of the Union

Ford’s New EV Hub Has Ranchero Energy

Ford opened a 250,000 sq-ft EV Development Center in Long Beach, focused on developing affordable, low-complexity electric vehicles.

The team, led by ex-Tesla talent, is working on a mid-size EV pickup (maybe even reviving the Ranchero name). Big move following Ford’s recent delay of larger EV launches.

More from the pod:

• CarGurus to sunset CarOffer by 2025

• Brazil’s auto sector heats up

The News w/ ASOTU

Brazil’s Back

July brought double-digit growth to Brazil’s auto market—+15.7% production, +14.2% sales—fueled by local demand and regional exports. A strong reminder that momentum still exists outside the U.S. EV cycle.

A $16K Unwind Built on Integrity

One sales manager shared how he reversed a complex, costly deal to do right by a customer, because it felt like the right thing to do. Sometimes the best marketing is simply decency in motion.

More in the digest:

• $12B in global tariff impact for automakers

• Japan pressing U.S. for trade clarity

• China’s EV/hybrid dynamics keep shifting

• GM’s new retail design pushes comfort + flexibility

• Lamborghini sues dealer over exotic resellers

🥊 Quick Hits

• AT&T CEO John Stankey’s leaked memo sparks debate on shifting corporate culture, moving from employee loyalty to a focus on competition. 🤑 

• OpenAI beat Grok in a chess tournament. ♟️ 

• They made a sequel to Freaky Friday. We had no idea, but “Freakier Friday” is in theaters now. 🎬️ 

TOGETHER WITH ESi-Q

The Strategy That Sets Top Dealerships Apart

What’s the secret behind the industry’s best-performing dealerships? It’s not inventory or incentives. It’s people.

Great dealerships proactively invest in keeping their pulse on employee engagement, leadership development, and retention. That’s why more dealers on the Automotive News’ Top 150 Best Dealerships to Work For trust ESi-Q to stay ahead of workforce challenges.

They know what works: engaged employees → loyal customers → better performance. 

ESi-Q develops tailored surveys to uncover the real drivers of employee satisfaction and provides dealers with insights to take action to build engaged, high-performing teams.

Ready to make employee experience your competitive advantage?
👉 Read the full blog 
👉 Learn how ESi-Q can help

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

EV Ownership Data Dealers Need To Know in 2025

At ASOTU CON 2025, David Thomas from CDK Global and Jim O'Brill of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association explored the evolving landscape of EV adoption and its impact on dealerships. They shared data-backed thoughts on consumer behaviors, EV sales trends, and the infrastructure challenges that dealers face.

Check out the meme-y writeup here.

Key Session Vibes:

• EV buyers prefer ownership over leasing, despite the financial benefits of leasing.

• 86% of EV owners recommend their vehicle, signaling strong satisfaction.

• 27% of owners travel over 750 miles on road trips, busting the range anxiety myth.

• The disappearance of EV incentives may not drastically affect adoption.

• Service wait times are increasing—an opportunity for dealers to improve efficiency.

• Salespeople influence EV purchases, with 61% of buyers saying they played a key role.

• Charging infrastructure remains a key concern, especially for long-distance travel.

What steps are you taking at your dealership to prepare for the future of EVs?

🔁 Today in History

• 1929: Babe Ruth becomes the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career with a home run at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio. ⚾️ 

• 1965: The Ford Bronco debuts. 🐴 

• 1966: The first Chevrolet Camaro is born. 🥇 

• 1980: Frank Sinatra drives the first 1981 Chrysler Imperial off the assembly line. 🎙️ 

This Monday’s moments are numbered; yours are packed with potential. Which should be afraid of which?