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- đź“° December 2: VW Strikes, Tesla Surges, China Rises
đź“° December 2: VW Strikes, Tesla Surges, China Rises
The Gist
Volkswagen is wrestling with strikes, layoffs, and labor drama, while Tesla cozies up to the president-elect to fuel a $1.1 trillion market cap surge. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers like BYD and Xiaomi are smashing delivery records and redefining the EV game—don’t sleep on their growing U.S. ambitions.
On the flipside, Stellantis is in freefall after its CEO’s abrupt resignation, and Porsche just learned that even luxury EVs aren’t immune to software recalls (too-bright headlights, anyone?). Uber is taking to the water in India, and GAC is showing off high-tech SUVs designed with U.S. buyers in mind.
It’s clear the automotive world is speeding into uncharted territory. Dive into the details, the drama, and what it all means for U.S. dealers—only at ASOTU.
Fuel for Thought
🪲 VW vs VW?
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Volkswagen’s Cost-Cutting Chaos Sparks Strikes
Volkswagen is grappling with a labor crisis as bold cost-cutting measures clash with union demands. Strikes have hit nine plants in Germany as management pushes for plant closures, wage cuts, and fewer physical prototypes. Unions are fighting back with demands for job security, better wages, and collaborative solutions.
With negotiations looming on December 9, can VW steer through this storm or will strikes bring Europe’s largest automaker to a halt?
Dive into the drama and what it means for dealers—only at ASOTU.
đźš— China Still Buzzing Along
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Chinese automakers like BYD, Xiaomi, and Leapmotor are shattering delivery targets, dominating global EV headlines. These record-breaking milestones spotlight China's rapid ascent as a leader in the electric vehicle market, with implications that U.S. dealers can’t ignore.
BYD’s Breakneck Pace: Delivered 504,003 cars in November, hitting a cumulative 3.74 million this year, already beyond their 3.6 million goal.
Leapmotor's Leap: November deliveries up 117% year-over-year, crossing 251,207 vehicles—past their annual goal.
Xiaomi’s Newcomer Momentum: Their SU7 SUV launch hit big, revising targets from 100K to 130K.
Zeekr’s Surge: Delivered 27,011 units in November, a 106% increase YoY, with their SUV poised to drive more interest.
Tesla’s Price War: Slashed Model Y prices to 239,900 yuan to compete in China’s growing market.
China’s dominance is growing, and their price wars could set expectations that ripple globally. What happens when their strategies hit U.S. shores?
🛞 Tesla Keeps Climbing
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Tesla’s market cap skyrocketed by 38.1% in November, hitting $1.1 trillion. Why? Maybe it’s Elon Musk cozying up to the president-elect or the promise of lighter federal regulations. Whatever the reason, Tesla keeps proving it knows how to stay in the spotlight.
Why are they climbing?
Market Cap Gains: “What’s a mere 38% surge among friends?” Tesla leaves Alphabet and Apple eating electric dust this November.
Federal Help on the Horizon: Self-driving cars may get an easier path, thanks to lighter federal oversight. Advantage, Tesla.
So what’s the drama?
Wait, Trump? Musk’s ties to Trump’s policies for EVs have everyone talking. But are Tesla’s gains more about connections than tech leadership?
Will it Trickles Down? What does this mean for everyday dealers? Federal leniency could mean new opportunities—or fiercer competition from tech-first disruptors.
🛠️ Stellantis Loses More Than Market Share
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Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares suddenly resigned amid plummeting profits and mounting dealer dissatisfaction. It’s not just a leadership change—it’s a crisis for one of the world's largest automakers.
Profit Freefall: Net profits dropped by 48% in H1 2024 compared to 2023.
Leadership Turmoil: Tavares left "immediately," citing disagreements with the board.
Dealership Gripes: Dealers have been vocal about Stellantis’ lack of affordable vehicles, a sore spot as competitors ramp up value-packed EV offerings.
What’s Next?: The board promises a new CEO by mid-2025, but dealers are left navigating the fallout.
Stellantis’ struggle underscores a growing divide between manufacturers and dealers. Can this gap be bridged, or will it widen in the age of EVs?
🌊 Uber Finds a New Wave?
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Uber brings water transport to Kashmir’s Dal Lake. What’s next—air taxis on the Appalachian Trail?
The Charm: Uber’s Shikara service lets tourists pre-book scenic boat rides, blending old-world charm with tech-savvy convenience.
The Skepticism: Locals are split. Will it boost business or just add bureaucracy?
Innovation comes in all forms. Could mobility trends like this reshape how U.S. customers think about transport and convenience?
đźš™ GAC Seeks American Dollars
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GAC unveiled three EVs targeting global markets, including America’s SUV-loving customers. They’re not just coming—they’re coming prepared.
S7: AI-driven lighting, Northern Lights-inspired taillights, and rooftop LiDAR for autonomy.
AION UT: Spacious interiors, sleek design, and functional luxury appeal to younger buyers.
HYPTEC HL: Second-row massage chairs, 800V supercharging, and top-tier materials scream luxury.
China isn’t just producing EVs—they’re redefining the market. U.S. dealers should take note: the competition just got a lot smarter, sleeker, and more luxurious.
🌟 Porsche Discovered a New Way Getting EVs Right is Hard
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Porsche recalls 2,941 Macan EVs for overly bright headlights. Yes, you read that right—too bright. While it’s a minor fix, it still highlights the complexity of EV manufacturing.
Why does this matter?
Software Glitch: Miscalibrated headlights could blind oncoming drivers. A fix requires a trip to the service center.
Lesson for Dealers: Even luxury brands aren’t immune to software hiccups. This serves as a reminder of the importance of robust post-sale support.
What’s the upside?
For U.S. dealers, recalls like this aren’t just a headache—they’re a chance to showcase superior service and build customer trust.
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