🚗 Data: Up, Down, and Both

TOGETHER WITH

March is zipping by, Friend.

I suppose that’s why they didn’t call it "Pause," huh?

We’re already a third of the way through the month—a perfect time to take stock of what’s behind us and set the course for what’s ahead.

Keep Pushing Back,
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🎉 ASOTU CON 2025: Speaker Announcement!

We're excited to welcome Ed Roberts as an ASOTU CON 2025 speaker.🌟 

Ed is an expert on fixed ops, leadership, operations, and so much more.

He's one of the most 'More Than Cars' people we know.

Ready to learn from Ed? Get your ticket now!  

THE NEWS

Data, VW, Toyota, and Nissan

🥴 Used Car Prices: Up, Down, and… Both?

Wholesale used-car prices in February dipped—unless you don’t adjust for seasonality, in which case, they went up. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) hit 204.1, a 0.1% YoY increase, but non-adjusted prices rose 1.4% from January. Retail used sales jumped 8% YoY, inventory is tighter, and tax refund season is ramping up—just slower than usual. Meanwhile, consumer confidence is shaky, and EV values keep sliding (-6.2% YoY).

The used market isn’t crashing, but it’s definitely wobbling.

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💿️ Volkswagen is bringing budget EVs to Europe—and they’re running on Rivian software.

The ID. EVERY1, a $21,500 electric hatchback, will be the first VW model to use Rivian’s software and architecture thanks to a $5.8B joint venture. Production kicks off in 2027, following the ID.2all in 2026. VW gets a software boost, Rivian gets a new revenue stream—everyone wins.

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🇨🇳 Toyota in China

Toyota just dropped its cheapest EV in China—the $20K Bozhi 3X—trying to claw back market share from local giants like BYD. With 10K+ orders in the first hour, it's a strong start, but with a brutal price war raging, Toyota's real challenge is making a profit.

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👨‍💼 Nissan’s New CEO?

Nissan’s board is meeting tomorrow to discuss CEO Makoto Uchida’s future as pressure mounts over weak performance. If he’s out, the next leader will be Nissan’s fourth in six years—hardly a picture of stability. Top contenders? A mix of insiders, strategists, and a potential wildcard from Foxconn.

🥊 Quick Hits

• Walgreens finalizes $10B deal to go private with Sycamore. 💊 

• Google co-founder, Larry Page, reportedly has a new AI startup. 🤖 

• Netflix sets official release date for “Happy Gilmore 2.” ⛳️ 

TOGETHER WITH SPACE AUTO

Space Auto Is Bringing the Future of Retail to ASOTU CON

Our friends at Space Auto believe selling a car shouldn’t mean juggling a dozen apps and plugins. It should just work. So they’ve built a unified dealership + customer platform that provides a seamless experience.

They’re doing more than just showing up—they’re powering the Podcast Stage and joining the conversation with a featured panel appearance. Whether it’s lightning-fast websites, real-time payments, or AI-powered sales assistance, Space Auto is proving that retail can be smarter, simpler, and seamless.

We’re beyond grateful for their partnership in making ASOTU CON the can’t-miss event for dealers who want to simplify, streamline, and sell the easy way.

Get your ticket now and plan to meet Space Auto live at ASOTU CON, May 13-16th in Baltimore!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

DARCARS Brings Care and Comfort to Walter Reed

DARCARS Automotive Group isn’t just about cars—it’s about community. In partnership with Luke’s Wings, they recently hosted a Self Care Lunch for the patients and staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the nation’s premier military medical facility.

Attendees enjoyed a meal and care kits filled with self-care essentials, a small but meaningful way to show appreciation for those who serve.

DARCARS has a strong track record of giving back—whether it’s funding flights to reunite service members with their families, supporting underprivileged students with school supplies, or honoring veterans.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about selling cars—it’s about driving impact.

🔁 Today in History

• 1982: Syzygy—all nine planets recognized at the time (Mercury to Pluto) align on the same side of the Sun. ☄️ 

• 1983: Ford Bronco II goes on sale. 🏇 

• 2000: The Dot-com bubble peaks with the NASDAQ Composite stock market index reaching 5,048.62. 🌐