🚗 Doc Fees Denied

🚙 New Rules from CA, Free Trade Training, and a Strategic Inventory Shuffle

October 20, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

 

Welcome to a new week, Friend!

It’s officially Spooky Season.

Hit reply and let us know: What should we add to our Halloween playlist? 👻

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

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From the Automotive State of the Union

Newsom Shuts Down Dealer Fee Bump

California dealers pushed to raise the $85 doc fee cap to $260. Governor Newsom vetoed it, saying it's too much for consumers. Dealers argue they’re already juggling heavier disclosure requirements under the new CARS Act and this would have helped offset that. No dice.

Tesla Cranks Up the Chaos

Tesla brought back "Mad Max" mode in its Full Self-Driving update. It drives faster, changes lanes more aggressively, and is already getting noticed for rolling stop signs and speeding. This is all happening while regulators are still knee-deep in investigations.

Home Depot Launches Free Trade Training

Home Depot’s new “Path to Pro” program gives anyone 18 or older free access to virtual training in the trades. It includes a job board and connects learners with pros who are hiring. It’s all online, totally free, and open to anyone ready to learn.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Click to read the full digest.

Used-Car Sales Tap the Brakes

Retail used-vehicle sales fell 5.2% in September, even as inventory grew. Cox Automotive points to rising rates (now averaging over 14%) and seasonal slowdowns. Affordability is still the name of the game heading into Q4.

Tariff Relief May Be Coming

After months of lobbying from Ford and GM, the White House is expected to extend tariff relief for automakers. The move would help offset the steep 25% parts tariff and keep costs in check. GM shares jumped nearly 4% on the news.

Germany Revives EV Incentives

Germany is rebooting its EV subsidies in 2026 with a €4B plan focused on affordability. The new program offers up to €4,000 for EVs under €45K and includes used models for the first time. Income caps apply, and luxury brands are left out.

Lost the Sale? Learn What Defection Data Reveals

Every lost sale leaves behind valuable clues.

In Urban Science’s latest article, they explore how defection (lost sales) insights, updated daily, can help dealers identify gaps in their sales process, refine strategies and improve sales execution.

Learn:
-Why visibility into lost sales is critical for lead conversion.
-How to distinguish between issues with lead quality and sales execution.
-What defection insights can tell us about buyer behavior.
-Tactics to enhance follow-up, training and competitive positioning.
-How daily defection data can reveal hidden opportunities for growth.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

  • 🤖 AI: A Michigan woman used ChatGPT to generate the lottery numbers that earned her a $100K prize.

  • 🛒 Retail: Consumers are budgeting nearly $900 per person this holiday season.

  • 👽 Wild: Thieves stole jewelry from the Louvre Museum worth millions on Sunday morning.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Most groups wait until a car overstays its welcome before moving it. Modern Automotive Group has built a smarter approach that treats inventory movement as strategy.

This ASOTU Edge Webinar, you’ll learn how Modern sets clear triggers, finds the best home for every unit, structures store-to-store transfers that feel fair, and keeps managers engaged without turning every move into a fight.

If you’re still moving cars the old way, this is what better looks like.

Today in History

  • 1803: The U.S. Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase. ⚜️

  • 1817: The first Mississippi showboat leaves Nashville on its maiden voyage. ⚓️

  • 1973: Queen Elizabeth II opens the Sydney Opera House after 14 years of construction. 🇦🇺

Every Monday is a fresh start. What will you do with yours?

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