🚗 Fresh Month, Fresh Momentum

It’s the first day of the month, and a great day to hit the ground running.

New months don’t guarantee new outcomes, but new habits do. So start strong, stay sharp, and maybe, just maybe, take that leap you’ve been overthinking.

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

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ICYMI

No Cap Recaps

The Daily Pushback Email

• Monday’s highlights saw Nissan eyeing Tesla for an investment lifeline, while Sony-Honda’s Afeela 1 EV left us wondering who it’s actually for. Rivian celebrated its first-ever gross profit but still posted a hefty loss for 2024. Meanwhile, the FBI warned businesses (dealers included) about a new ransomware threat, reminding everyone to tighten up their cybersecurity. 🔒
   

• Tuesday saw auto sales rebounding after a slow January, while Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency slashed NHTSA’s AV oversight team—right as Tesla ramps up robotaxis. Very sus. Plus, Ford ditched traditional PR in favor of a creator-focused media hub, betting on influencers to shape its brand narrative. 🔥

   

• On Wednesday, we discussed Ram’s bold new “gas-powered EV” play with the 2026 Ramcharger. At the Canadian International AutoShow, luxury brands made a comeback, while Japanese automakers pushed back on looming U.S. tariffs. In the EV world, J.D. Power’s latest study showed ownership satisfaction bouncing back—though tax incentives still play a major role in adoption. ⚡
   

• On Thursday, we saw Volkswagen’s ID.4 clawing its way back into the EV race. Plus, GM announced a $6B stock buyback and dividend boost, while Stellantis struggled with a 70% profit drop and shrinking margins. On the community front, Rick Case Automotive stepped up for Heart Month, donating CPR training kits to hospitals to help save lives. ❤️
   

• In a flash, it was Friday. We looked at brand loyalty with GM, Tesla, and Subaru leading the charge. Mitsubishi dealers leaned into used inventory as margins tightened, and Toyota’s production bounced back for the first time in a year. Meanwhile, the economy is showing some instability with the Tooth Fairy’s payouts hitting a new low. 🦷

PODCASTS

The Automotive Troublemaker

We had special guest Steve Greenfield join the Automotive Troublemaker podcast yesterday to talk tariffs, EV distribution shakeups, and OpenAI’s latest brainpower boost.

Steve and Kyle break it all down—get the inside scoop here.

The Dealer Playbook

John Dwyer isn’t just another marketing guru—he’s the guy who pulled Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement for an ad campaign and helped a dealership hit its biggest sales month without dropping prices.

In this episode, he’s spilling his secrets. Why discounting is a losing game, how to use incentives that actually work, and the persistence play that landed him Seinfeld.

If you’re tired of blending in, this is the episode for you. Check out the replay on YouTube, Apple or Spotify.

NADA Show 2025

Our very own Myles Daly got his feet wet (literally, from all the melting ice) for the first time at NADA this year.

Day 1 was a whirlwind, and Myles was in the thick of it—discovering secret editing rooms, DJing exclusive parties, and soaking up all the electric energy of the show.

In just three minutes, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the excitement, the scale, and the experience that makes NADA so extraordinary. Check out the video here!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

• 🦀 May 13-16th — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland. Get the app! 

SOMETHING FUN

Itty-Bitty G-Wagon

Meet the Bodo G-Wagen, the golf cart that asks, “What if a Mercedes G-Class and a caddy cart had a very expensive baby?”

With four doors, power windows, AC, and even a rear entertainment system, it’s got more features than some actual cars—and at $21,900, it costs more, too.

It tops out at 35 mph and goes 80 miles per charge, which is great if your country club is very far away. It’s also got working headlights, turn signals, and a spare tire carrier, just in case your golf cart gets a flat on the way to the 19th.

On the one hand, we can’t find any pictures of this lil’ guy actually holding any golf clubs, so the jury is still out on how helpful it is at, you know, golfing. But, on the other hand—luxury! ✨

Quick Hits

• Linkin Car-Park. Blinker-182. Subprime. Kyle asked LinkedIn for their best 90’s punk-rock bands, but automotive names only and these were just some of our faves. Can you think of more? Join the conversation here. 🤘

• Microsoft says it’s pulling the plug on Skype. ✌️

• Virgin Galactic has confirmed plans to launch a six-person spacecraft next year in a continued effort to expand civilian space travel. 🚀