🚗 Ford’s Meltdown Moment

TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to Wednesday!

We’re already gearing up for ASOTU CON 2026, and we’re stoked to bring you all the same community and connection but with brand new pizzazz.

It may seem far away now, but you know how time flies when you’re having fun.

Mark your calendars for May 12-15, and be the first to receive updates by signing up here!

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

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THE UNION

From the Automotive State of the Union

Ford’s Aluminum Fire Drill

A fire at Ford’s top aluminum supplier just iced production for the Expedition, Navigator, and Lightning. The facility supplied 40% of the U.S. aluminum sheet market. Now it’s offline until 2026. Ford’s pulling forward planned downtime, but analysts say the profit hit could still crack a billion.

Rivian Says No Thanks to CarPlay

RJ Scaringe is still holding the line on CarPlay, betting on a fully branded Rivian experience powered by in-car AI. The goal: seamless app control without giving Apple the keys to your data. Some drivers may grumble, but Rivian’s not budging.

Gen Z Goes Full Landline

Turns out you don’t need an app to hang up on someone. Some Gen Zers are ditching smartphones for chained-up iPhones and Bluetooth rotary phones. It’s a rebellion against screen overload, and yes—someone’s already monetizing the move.

From The News w/ ASOTU

The Manager-Employee Gap

A new study shows 59% of managers think their engagement is up. Only 20% of employees agree. The disconnect? Managers focus on hitting goals, but employees crave communication. If your team isn’t hearing from you, they assume you’ve checked out.

GM Scales Back, Takes a $1.6B Hit

General Motors is writing down $1.6B as it slows EV expansion plans in light of policy shifts and cooling demand. Current Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac EVs stay the course, but future growth may stall while hybrids gain traction.

Jeep’s Big SUV, Bigger Powertrain Play

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer ditches chrome for sleek lines and tech-heavy interiors. First up: a 420-hp twin-turbo I6. Later: a range-extended model with 647 hp and over 140 miles of electric range before the generator kicks in. All the power, none of the towing anxiety.

Service Lane, Assemble

Data indicates Americans feel confident repairing many things, but their engines isn’t one of those things. Just 29% say they could fix a car problem themselves. Confidence drops even lower among women and younger adults. For dealers, it’s a clear call: lean into service, because DIY is dying.

TOGETHER WITH UBER FOR BUSINESS

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

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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. 

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Click here to learn more.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

• 🛒 Retail: Americans are expected to spend around $3.9B on candy this Halloween season. 🍫

• 👽 Weird: A manufacturing engineer from California won this year’s World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a 2,346-pound gourd. 🎃

• 🤖 AI: A major Hollywood actors union condemned reports that talent agents were looking to sign AI "actor" Tilly Norwood. 😡

➕ Get weekly AI updates with our AutoIndustry.AI email here.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

There is a lot about your customer’s experience you can’t control.

You aren't the one manufacturing cars or setting prices. If you want to build a lasting relationship, you have to do that while they’re on the lot or at the shop.

In this ASOTU Edge Webinar, we discuss how creating a frictionless pickup/drop-off experience can turn your service department into a profit powerhouse and build lasting trust with your customers.

Watch the replay here.

Today in History

• 1520: King Henry VIII of England orders the installation of bowling lanes in his palace at Whitehall. 🎳

• 1951: I Love Lucy starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz debuts on CBS. 📺

• 1966: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs a bill creating the U.S. Department of Transportation. 🚘

Thanks for reading along, Friend!