#708 - 🚗 GM Goes Bulk?

TOGETHER WITH

Howdy, Friend, and welcome to Tuesday.

We’ve got some facts, some news, some data, and some truth for you. Of course, that’s what every content creator likes to say, but we also have a genuine drive for your life to be better today than it was yesterday.

Despite claims, we feel pretty confident we are unique in that regard.

Enjoy the email and the rest of your day!

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

Grabbing Some Facts

Facts are like dots on a page. You can connect them to make images, but if you aren’t careful, you’ll make a UFO from a bowl of oranges.

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All at once, several Japanese automakers are dealing with scandals from their ICE-y past while trying to charge up their EV future.

Honda
Despite being late to the EV transition, Honda is making strides with an $11 billion investment in a Canadian EV hub and a $700 million investment in Ohio to produce both internal combustion engines and battery electric vehicles on the same line.

Recently, Honda was implicated in a test fraud investigation involving irregularities in noise testing for 22 models, all of which are no longer in production.

Toyota
Toyota is facing a setback due to a test fraud scandal, which led to a 5.4% drop in its stock value and the suspension of domestic shipments for three models. The Japanese Transport Ministry's investigation revealed that Toyota had falsified data in crash tests.

This scandal has also prompted central Japanese banks to divest their shareholdings in the automaker.

Mazda
Similarly, Mazda's stock dropped 7.7% due to the test fraud scandal. Due to doctored software in engine tests, the company has suspended production of affected models, including the Roadster RF and Mazda2. The Japanese Transport Ministry scrutinizes Mazda, along with other automakers, for certification irregularities.

Biden Administration Relaxes Vehicle Emission Rules

The White House recently relaxed some of its vehicle emission rules. The new rules still aim to move the U.S. auto industry in a sustainable direction but allow for more flexibility.

• New Rule: Fuel economy to increase 2% annually for 2027-2031 passenger cars; and 2029-2031 for light trucks.

• Impact: Expected average fuel economy of 50.4 mpg by 2031.

• Original Proposal: 55 mpg by 2026 for passenger cars; 4% annual increase for light trucks.

• Context: Part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, balancing industry needs and environmental goals. 

GM's EV Strategy Leverages Costco's Reach

General Motors is tapping into Costco's customer base to boost its EV sales.

GM offers members special pricing on EV models like the Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac Lyriq through the Costco Auto Program. This partnership allows GM to access Costco's loyal and, often, affluent members, providing compelling incentives to make EV purchases more attractive.

Collaborations like this are only going to become more common. Who do you think will buddy up next? Will Tesla revive the Circuit City brand to create CyberCity?

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Does this mean we can invite Costco’s hotdogs to NADA?

TOGETHER WITH ACTIVATOR

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/MTCM

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Hit the button below and tell us how you’ve seen the retail auto world show itself about being More Than Cars.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Cozy Coupes are Back!

It’s that time of year again! 🚗

You know Summer is right around the corner when West Herr Auto Group busts out their ultra-creative Cozy Coupes to help support the WNY Foster Closet, and we daresay this year even managed to top last year’s tiny showstoppers.

This past Saturday, the WNY Foster Closet organization teamed up with several local groups for the fun-filled event at the local ice cream hub: The Pink Cow. The day was packed with activities like basket raffles, face painting, and even a bounce house.

The highlight of the event though was the auction of West Herr's uniquely designed Cozy Coupes, featuring themes like the Buffalo Bills, the Sabres, Spiderman, Barbie, and Garfield. All proceeds from the auction went towards purchasing sneakers for students to start the school year with brand-new shoes.

We love it when this event rolls around every year. Thank you, team West Herr, for ensuring every student starts the school year off on the right foot.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

MTC: E3

Have you seen the most recent episode of More Than Cars yet?

Paul and Kyle ventured to West Herr Automotive Group for their annual company picnic and got way more than a grilled hotdog and ants.

Check out the full episode here, and plan to catch more of the behind-the-scenes human-centered whole story of retail auto in future episodes of More Than Cars.

Quick Hits

• Nokia made the first-ever call using 3D Spatial Sound. ☎️ 

• A new fast-charging sodium-ion battery uses anodes made from trees. 🌲 

• Insurance companies aren’t done trying to grab driver data. 🥷 

History

• 1892: The Limelight Department, one of the world's first film studios, is officially established in Melbourne, Australia. 📽️ 

• 1986: The movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” premiers, and the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT becomes an unintended star of the movie. 🏎️ 

• 1998: Compaq Computer pays the U.S. $9B for the Digital Equipment Corporation. 🤑 

Thanks for reading, friend! Don’t be shy — post, tag, reply, and comment on anything you have to say. Life is too short to wait for invitations to every conversation.