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- #741 - 🚗 Up Close and Personal
#741 - 🚗 Up Close and Personal
SUVs, CARS, and Mobiles
TOGETHER WITH
Friday FTW!
In your experience, do people come to your store with a “It’s almost the weekend” cheer or “It’s been a long week” reserve on a Friday?
Today’s email includes news from auto brands and their SUVs, an 88th birthday celebration, and the US vs China automotive battle spilling over into software.
Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi
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Reading time: 5 mins
BUSINESS
SUVs: F-Series Fords, V8 Escalades, Chinese VWs, and High-Tech Hondas
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Batteries, gas, hydrogen, or whatever comes next, SUVs are big money. In 2021, SUVs accounted for 46% of new vehicle sales in the US, up from 38% in 2016, driven by factors like rising fuel costs and the popularity of active lifestyles.
In 2024, the SUV market remains diverse and competitive. For example, the Toyota RAV4 leads with 248,295 units sold YTD, a 32.77% increase. Ford, GM, Volkswagen, and Honda are each taking distinct approaches with their new SUV models, reflecting their long-term bets and consumer aspirations. Ford focuses on heavy-duty trucks, GM enhances luxury with its Cadillac Escalade, Volkswagen targets tech-savvy consumers in China, and Honda banks on brand loyalty and accessible pricing. These strategies underscore the enduring appeal of SUVs in a diverse and evolving market.
Ford Steps Back From EV Ledge
Ford is shifting from its aggressive EV strategy and doubling down on heavy-duty trucks. The F-Series Super Duty trucks are aimed at business users who rely on power and durability. By expanding production capacity in Canada, Ford is betting that robust demand for heavy-duty, gas-powered trucks will persist, even as it maintains a cautious approach to EVs.
When you’re trying to sell vehicles to families, you can’t lose with safety… and the best defense is a good offense… so you really can’t lose with raw and magnificent power. Ford should let me write their commercials.
Gophy
General Motors V8 Cadillacs
GM is enhancing its Cadillac Escalade V-Series, emphasizing luxury and performance. With advanced tech features and a powerful V8 engine, GM hopes to cater to high-end customers seeking sophistication and power in their SUVs. These flagship models' focus on high profitability underscores GM's strategy to balance innovation with luxury.
VW's Chinese Crossover
Volkswagen, meanwhile, is targeting the Chinese market with the ID.UNYX in an electric crossover with AI-powered features. This model exemplifies Volkswagen's "In China, For China" approach, betting on localized innovation to regain market share. The ID.UNYX's futuristic design and tech appeal to tech-savvy consumers seeking modernity and connectivity.
We know crossovers aren't SUVs, but look at it, it's just a shrunk SUV if you squint.
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Honda's Low Price High Tech Plan
Honda's Prologue SUV is banking on brand loyalty and accessible pricing. Built on GM's Ultium platform, it combines sporty performance with wide market availability. By positioning itself as a reliable and accessible option, Honda aims to attract repeat customers and compete effectively in the growing EV market.
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Each automaker is betting on a unique aspect of consumer demand: Ford on power and reliability, GM on luxury and performance, Volkswagen on tech innovation, and Honda on accessibility and brand loyalty. What are you betting on?
TOGETHER WITH MOSAIC
Webinar Invitation: Stay Ahead of the CARS Rule
The CARS Rule is under review at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, with oral arguments scheduled for October 7th. A decision on its fate could come by the end of the year.
Don't miss this opportunity! Join Paul and Kyle from ASOTU and Jim Ganther from Mosaic Compliance Solutions on Wednesday, August 7th, at 2 PM EST for an essential webinar on what to expect and how to stay ahead.
What will likely emerge from the court, and how will it impact dealers? This webinar will cover potential outcomes and the operational changes dealers must implement as soon as next year. Learn how to navigate these changes effectively and ensure your dealership remains compliant.
Register here to secure your spot!
CULTURE
Hot Diggity Dawg
Did you see?
Yesterday was the 88th birthday of the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile.
Check out the full timeline of everybody’s favorite meat-shaped vehicle here.
BUSINESS CONT’D
U.S. Eyeing New Rules to Keep Chinese Software Out of Cars
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Who: The U.S. Department of Commerce, with statements from Alan Estevez, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
What: The U.S. plans to issue new rules limiting the use of Chinese software and components in vehicles, focusing on key driver components that manage software and data.
When: The proposed rules are expected in August 2024.
How: The rules would require certain vehicle software to be made in the U.S. or by allied countries, reflecting national security concerns over data collection by connected vehicles.
What does it mean? This move mirrors earlier actions against companies like Huawei and aims to protect U.S. security and privacy. It underscores the administration's tough stance on China's growing auto industry and its impact on domestic manufacturers.
Quick Hits
History
64: The Great Fire of Rome (the one Nero blamed early Christians for) causes widespread devastation and rages on for six days, destroying half of the city. 🔥
1934: A patent is filed for retractable headlights for Cord. 🔦
1977: The world's first Global Positioning System (GPS) signal is transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NTS-2) and received at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at 12:41 a.m. Eastern time (ET). 🛰️
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