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- 🚗 Affordability Improves
🚗 Affordability Improves
🚙 All the Facts From Friday and the Truth about Car Dealers
TOGETHER WITH
Happy Monday, Friend!
Did you attend Friday’s webinar with Robert Blessing?
Check out the lower half of today’s email for a write-up, reply, and link to check out how Renew Energy is helping dealers help consumers.
Or… just get an ASOTU CON 2025 ticket and come meet Robert in person this May in Baltimore, MD.
Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi
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Affordability, Tariffs, Used Car Demand, and Tech That’s Not Delivering
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🔥 New-Vehicle Affordability Improves—But Will It Last?
For the first time since 2021, new-car prices are down while incomes are up, pushing the average monthly payment to $748—its lowest in over a year. Buyers now need 37.2 weeks of income to afford a new car, a small but positive shift. Will this trend continue, or is it just a blip?
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🏭 GM Pushes for Tariff Clarity in Meeting with Trump
GM CEO Mary Barra met with President Trump to discuss the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico—which have been temporarily waived for a month. Automakers are holding off on major U.S. investments until they get long-term certainty, warning that ongoing tariff battles could shake up the industry.
Paul and Kyle cover more of the details from Mary’s Trip to DC.
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🚘 Used Car Auctions Heat Up as Buyers Get Tax Refunds
Tax refunds are rolling in, and demand for used cars is surging. Late-model vehicles are seeing strong bidding activity, and full-size truck values are rising for the second straight week. Tariff fears are also pushing buyers toward the used market, making this a space to watch.
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📉 McKinsey: Dealership Tech Investments Aren’t Boosting Productivity
Despite dealers spending big on AI and digital tools, sales per employee are stuck at 2014 levels. McKinsey says the real fix is better compensation plans, coaching, and cutting tech that isn’t delivering. Are we focusing too much on gadgets and not enough on people?
More
Check out more on these stories and several more here.
🥊 Quick Hits
The True Cost of EV Charging—And How Dealers Can Help
Electric vehicles (EVs) are supposed to be cheaper to fuel than gas-powered cars, right? Not always. In today’s ASOTU Edge webinar, Paul J. Daly and Kyle Mountsier sat down with Robert from Renew Energy to talk about the rising cost of EV charging—and what dealerships can do about it.
EV Ownership: More Complicated Than It Looks
Charging an EV at home might seem like the most convenient and affordable option, but for many owners, reality hits hard when they see their electric bill. In states like California, charging can actually cost more per mile than gasoline. And with federal incentives for public chargers drying up, the pressure is mounting for practical, cost-effective home charging solutions.
Robert, an expert in solar energy and EV infrastructure, walked us through the numbers. A 3.28 kW solar system can bring the cost of driving 1,000 miles down to $36 per month—a significant improvement compared to traditional grid electricity. But the real opportunity here isn’t just for EV owners.
A New Revenue Stream for Dealers?
As the industry shifts, dealerships have a chance to offer customers more than just a vehicle—they can help make EV ownership sustainable. Some stores are already bundling home charging solutions into the final sales process, while others are exploring referral programs for solar energy providers.
Robert explained how dealerships can work with companies like Renew Energy to create a long-term value proposition for EV buyers. Not only does this help customers save money, but it also builds dealership loyalty and unlocks new revenue opportunities.
The Key Takeaways
EV charging isn’t always cheaper than gas, especially in high-cost electricity states.
Home solar can dramatically lower charging costs, making EV ownership more viable.
Dealerships can play a role by integrating charging and energy solutions into their sales strategy.
As tax credits and incentives shift, staying ahead of these changes will be critical for dealers looking to add value beyond the car sale.
As the EV landscape continues to evolve, dealers who think beyond the transaction—and into ownership experience—will be the ones who win.
AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE
📺️ More Than Cars: The Truth About Car Dealers
Meet the star of retail auto’s only dealer focused docu-series: YOU!
Who can talk about the dealer model without seeing the people who make it work?
For years now, ASOTU has been all-in on showing dealerships for what they really are: Local businesses more invested in thriving people and strong communities than simply moving metal.
Check out More Than Cars on YouTube, Tubi, or Amazon Prime.
🔁 Today in History
1948: Hells Angels MC is founded. 🏍️
1973: The Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph Burst of Joy is taken, depicting a former prisoner of war being reunited with his family, which came to symbolize the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. 🖼️
1977: The Lamborghini Cheetah debuts. 😻
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