🚗 Ford Gets Hospitable

🚙 All the News, Transformation, and Transparent Dealers Win

November 07, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Howdy Fam!

Today’s email has it all: news, data, GIFs, and… Three Black Fridays(?)

But, as full as it is, we cannot fit all we have for you in, so be sure we’re keeping up with one another throughout the day.

It’d be a shame if you miss the good stuff the team is making just for you 🙂 

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Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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From the Automotive State of the Union

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Ford gets hospitable.

The brand’s first new dealership design program in 20 years, Signature 2.0, swaps old-school showrooms for open glass spaces, lounge seating, and café tables. The first $12.5 million build—Boulevard Ford in Delaware—centers on a hospitality hub serving snacks and drinks and folds the service lane right into the main experience.

“It’s about truth, transparency, and actually wanting to be there,” said Ford design lead Jennifer Kolstad. GM JB Burnett told Auto Collabs the goal is to meet customers wherever they are in their journey.

Holman goes robotic.

Fleet and retail giant Holman launched Holman Robotics, bundling hardware, software, and support to help companies adopt automation faster—with flexible financing and full lifecycle management.

Retail shifts early.

Walmart plans three Black-Friday-style events (Nov 14-16, Nov 25-30, and Cyber Monday, Dec 1) to stretch consumer spending—another reminder for dealers to move early on value messaging this holiday season.

Transform Your Dealership's Operations

Courtesy transportation isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. 

That’s why 80% of dealerships say offering Uber rides helps retain customers. 

With Uber Central, you can book rides on behalf of customers—even if they don’t have the app. It’s a seamless way to elevate service, supplement shuttles or loaners, and streamline parts pickup and delivery. 

Request one-way or round-trip rides, add multiple riders or stops, set spend and distance limits, and track trips in real time. Plus, you'll get monthly reports to keep track of everything. 

Ready to cut shuttle costs and reduce loaner liability? Partner with Uber for Business today.

The Daily Digest

Japan’s Big Three Pivot Toward India (via Reuters)

Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki are investing billions to make India a global manufacturing hub as they shift away from China.

  • Why it matters: India’s low costs, massive labor base, and pro-industry policies are attracting automakers weary of Chinese competition.

  • Scale: Toyota + Suzuki have pledged $11 B; Suzuki will lift output to 4 M units a year. Toyota plans 15 new/refreshed models and targets a 10% market share by 2030.

  • Honda’s move: India becomes its production + export base for “Zero series” EVs starting 2027.
    Takeaway: India is emerging as Japan’s next core in global supply-chain resilience.

GM, Tesla & Toyota Urge USMCA Extension (via Automotive News)

Automakers want Washington to extend the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement before its 2026 review.

  • Their case: The pact keeps North American production integrated and saves the industry tens of billions yearly.

  • Context: With tariff debates and reshoring rhetoric intensifying, manufacturers are reminding policymakers that “built here” still relies on cross-border parts.

CarMax Shaken by CEO Exit & Weak Outlook (via CNBC)

CarMax shares fell ~10% after CEO Bill Nash resigned and the company issued a soft Q3 forecast.

  • Numbers: Comparable used-unit sales –8 to –12%; EPS $0.18–$0.36.

  • New leadership: Retail veteran David McCreight (Lulu’s, Urban Outfitters) steps in as interim CEO; former CEO Tom Folliard becomes interim chair.

  • Context: Stock –50% YTD vs. Carvana +52%.
    Dealer note: Expect more aggressive used-retail pricing as CarMax tries to steady the ship before its Dec 18 earnings.

J.D. Power: Transparency Still Drives Satisfaction

Tariffs may be speeding purchases, but clear communication keeps customers happiest.

  • 36% say tariffs affected timing; most bought sooner.

  • Explaining trade-in values lifts deal satisfaction from 672 → 800 (on a 1,000-point scale).

  • Top brands: Porsche (premium) and Buick (mass market).
    Dealer takeaway: Honesty and follow-up remain your cheapest CSI boosters.

Wholesale Values Keep Falling (via Black Book)

Seasonal softening deepened to –1.04% WoW, the steepest since early 2022.

  • Hardest hit: Subcompacts –2.44%, compact CUVs –1.67%, compact cars –1.87%.

  • Conversion rate: 58%; days-to-turn ≈ 37.
    Read: Buyers are selective and price-sensitive—plan inventory and floors for a disciplined tax-season market.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

Today in History

  • 1874 – A cartoon by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly is considered the first important use of an elephant as a symbol for the United States Republican Party. 🐘 

  • 1907 – Jesús García saves the entire town of Nacozari de García by driving a burning train full of dynamite six kilometres (3.7 miles) away before it can explode. 🫡 

  • 1929 – In New York City, the Museum of Modern Art opens to the public 🎨 

Our work here is done…

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