🚗 Ford's From/For America Plan

TOGETHER WITH

We keep saying “ASOTU CON is different,” but everybody says that about their show.

However, did you know one of the agenda items is entitled, “How BBQ Can Change the World: Lessons From the Pit for Business and Life?”

Where we will, indeed, eat BBQ.

(Luckily, we’re also bringing back the soccer scarves, amirite?)

Grab your ticket now.

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

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THE NEWS

Ford, Lucid, and Surprise Tariffs

💰 Ford’s Employee Pricing Goes Public

Ford isn’t waiting around. In response to new tariffs, the company is rolling out employee-level A-Plan pricing to all customers through June 2nd. The offer covers nearly all Ford and Lincoln models and stacks with other incentives, like free EV charger installation. With inventory high and shopper intent rising, this bold move positions Ford to scoop up market share while competitors scramble.

Move fast, save big, and maybe grab an F-150 while you're at it.

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🚗 Lucid’s Tesla Breakup Tour Continues

Lucid delivered 3,109 vehicles in Q1, up 44% YoY, with over half of new orders reportedly from ex-Tesla owners. While production still trails demand, especially with vehicles in transit to Saudi Arabia, the brand is gaining traction. Their strategy? Lean into luxury, refinement, and stability. Three things some Tesla fans seem to be reconsidering.

Apparently, quiet cabins and consistent panels are having a moment.

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🚘 Can Automakers Outrun the Tariff Tsunami?

Markets dipped, but auto stocks held steady thanks to key exemptions for Canada and Mexico. Still, European OEMs like Volvo and Stellantis took a hit, and analysts warn the real pricing pain starts when dealer stock runs out. The industry may be calm today, but the second half of the year could be a different story.

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➕ More

As always, you can get more of these and several other stories in our Daily Digest.

TOGETHER WITH STONEEAGLE

Techs Hate Writing Repair Stories — StoneEagle Fixed That

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Technicians hate writing repair stories, but incomplete documentation risks unpaid warranty claims. Pencilwrench by StoneEagle saves time, eliminates frustration, and ensures that dealerships get fully compensated for every repair.

✅ Faster Documentation – A guided checklist builds complete repair stories.
 
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✅ Higher Pay, Happier Techs – Techs earn more with less frustration.

Take Pencilwrench for a Test Drive Today!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🦈 ASOTU CON 2025: Pitch Tank!

Got something the industry needs to hear? Step into the Pitch Tank at ASOTU CON 2025. You’ve got 3 minutes to drop your boldest idea, spark real convo, and turn heads.

No pressure. Just your moment to make waves where it counts. It’s fast, fun, and unforgettable.

Spots are limited and submissions close on April 11th, so don’t wait — submit your pitch today.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Scott Bieler’s Commitment to Community

Remember about a year ago when West Herr’s Scott Bieler announced he was building a center for college students? The press release dropped, we all took a look, and then went back to our day-to-day lives. But every day between then and now, people have been working, planning, collaborating, and adapting to see that project come to life.

And now, the Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence at Villa Maria College is open, a space where students can gather, study, and thrive. It’s a testament to Scott’s commitment to community—proof that his leadership extends beyond the car lot and into the lives of future generations.

In retail, we know that every successful project requires more than just an idea—it takes dedication, teamwork, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Scott’s work on this project shows that when those same strengths are applied outside the dealership, they can transform communities for the better.

🥊 Quick Hits

• AI really is taking all the jobs hobbies. Now, Google’s AI can play Minecraft without being taught how to play Minecraft. ⛏️ 

• Stocks tumble as tariffs come online. This Bloomberg article reports that the new tariffs will wipe $2T from U.S. Stocks. Bipartisan Senate action has voted to rescind some of the tariffs placed on Canada. 📉 

• A Roman-era battlefield has been discovered under a soccer field in Vienna. The fighting is long over, but the artifacts remain. ⚽️ 

🔁 Today in History

• 1973: The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in NYC are officially dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of their construction. 🏢 

• 1975: Microsoft is founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 🖥️ 

• 1996: Jaguar introduces the XK8. 🐈️