🚗 Farley's Future Vision

🚙 Taking Action and Talking Unscripted!

July 01, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Howdy fam!

What does national security have to do with windshield wipers? According to Ford CEO Jim Farley, everything. From rare earth shortages to manufacturing muscle, he says it’s time to stop outsourcing America’s industrial backbone—and he’s not waiting on Congress to catch up.

We’re also tracking Nissan’s financial juggling act, Ram’s unapologetic return to form, and why a well-loved Model 3 might be the most compelling thing on your lot right now.

Let’s see the whole field—because seeing clearly makes every step stronger!

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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Ideas, Pay Later, and Ram’s Comeback

Ford’s Farley: “What, is Google going to make the tanks?”

At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ford CEO Jim Farley didn’t hold back. He’s calling for tariffs, trade shifts, and a full rethink of U.S. manufacturing strength.

His pitch? Rebuild the industrial base, invest in skilled labor, and stop relying on foreign supply chains for critical components like rare-earth magnets, which recently caused three-week stoppages at Ford plants.

Farley’s not just talking cars; he’s tying national security to domestic production and daring policymakers to act.

Nissan’s CFO Playbook: Delay Now, Pay Later

Nissan’s trying to conserve cash with a controversial offer to suppliers: wait longer for payment, get a little extra for your trouble. It’s voluntary (for now), but it signals serious strain.

The company posted a $4.5B annual loss, plans to slash 15% of its workforce, and expects worse free cash flow this quarter than last year.

Used EVs Take the Lead

Americans are expected to buy over 100,000 used EVs this quarter—a record, and a 45% spike YoY. Why? Price, availability, and practicality.

A used Model 3 is going for under $25K, and many buyers are skipping the new-EV complexity and jumping straight into affordable pre-owned options.

Ram’s Comeback Is Loud—and Working

With sales down 41% since 2019, Ram is launching a full-blown renaissance.

CEO Tim Kuniskis is bringing back the Hemi, doubling down on NASCAR, and betting big on emotional connection.

Retail sales are already up 28% in 2025, and the brand is aiming to claw back market share with a plan that’s gutsy, clear, and unapologetically loud.

Global Supply Chains Still on Edge

China’s rare earth export pause rattled global production lines, idling Ford and halting European plants.

VinFast responded by opening a new factory in Vietnam, but delivered just 56K vehicles so far this year.

These aren’t distant headlines—they’re real-time reminders that parts, pricing, and production are still fragile.

➕ More

We’ve got more on these and several other stories in our Daily Digest.

🥊 Quick Hits

  • A self-driving Tesla delivered itself 15 miles to the home of its new owner. Don’t miss a payment, friend, this car can repo itself too. 🤖 

  • Trade talks between the US and Canada have become more hopeful now that Canada has scrapped a tax plan. 🇨🇦 

  • UCLA student Andre Mai went viral for “flexing” his use of ChatGPT at graduation, but it spotlit the deep confusion around AI in education. 💻️ 

Amplify is Back. Are You Ready to Take Action and Drive Our Industry Forward?

Retail automotive is evolving—and dealers leading the charge aren’t just reacting to change, they’re creating it.

Amplify 2025 is a chance to join other industry innovators driving change.

This isn’t your average conference. It’s a high-impact, hands-on experience built for dealers who are ready to take action. You’ll experience practical workshop sessions, inspiring keynotes, and real-world insights from some of the most forward-thinking minds in the industry.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your strategy, optimize your tools, or connect with others pushing the industry forward, Amplify is where ideas turn into action.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Unscripted @ ASOTU CON 2025

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of ASOTU Unscripted, host Errol Bomar sits down with Landon Garside, a former high school drumline teacher turned automotive professional and now marketing strategist.

Landon shares how personal transitions—including a divorce and career burnout—led him into the automotive industry by what seemed like chance.

But a decade-old positive buying experience at a dealership planted the seed, and a people-centered mindset ultimately propelled him forward. From sales to marketing, Landon's journey is all about doing what's right, even when it isn’t profitable in the moment.

🔁 Today in History

  • 1908: SOS is adopted as the international distress signal. 🆘 

  • 1963: ZIP codes are introduced for the United States mail. 📫️ 

  • 2005: The final Ford Thunderbird is produced. 🦅

Thanks for reading with us, Friend! Enjoy your day and…

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