TOGETHER WITH
July 23rd.
There are many ways to say what you’re trying to say.
Depending on your audience, your favorite way isn’t always the best choice.
Send a “👍” to folks from multiple generations and it takes on multiple meanings.
Context rules the world!
Keep Pushing Back,
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi
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MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS
United by More
Before heading into flood-ravaged communities to help with cleanup, over 100 Cavender Auto team members paused for a shared moment of unity.
As Rob Cavender put it, they showed up “with humility, courage, and conviction”—coming together before putting that unity to work for those who need it most.
Check out the original post here.
From the Automotive State of the Union
GM’s Q2 net income dropped 35%, with $1.1B in tariffs dragging results. But, CEO Mary Barra remains bullish, holding the line on full-year profit goals. Meanwhile, GMC announced plug-in hybrids coming to the Sierra and Yukon in 2027, with full EV redesigns by 2028. The pivot signals a more measured, profitable approach to electrification—finally walking, not sprinting, toward EV adoption.
Also discussed:
California’s new tech apprenticeship gives aspiring auto techs a debt-free path into the trade, addressing the skills gap with real-world training and Department of Labor certification.
AI-driven layoffs are quietly reshaping industries, often masked as “optimization.” While retail auto isn’t facing the same pressure yet, big operators may feel it first.
From The News w/ ASOTU
Click to read the full digest.
Auction sourcing is losing ground fast. New data shows wholesale lanes now feed just 18% of dealer inventory (down from 27% in 2019). Meanwhile, private-party acquisition is scaling rapidly, expected to hit 40% of sourcing by year’s end. With rising fees, transport costs, and recon surprises, dealers are shifting from “selling harder” to buying smarter.
In China, regulators briefly floated (and then retracted) a ban on reselling new cars within six months of registration. While the policy didn’t stick, the pressure is real. Automakers like BYD and Chery are already working to curb pre-sale registrations. For U.S. dealers, it’s a cautionary tale: if OEMs come under fire for incentive abuse abroad, domestic programs could soon tighten too.
Also in today’s digest:
A Smarter Way to Drive Retention
The service lane is one of your best chances to build loyalty.
Join Shane Wilson and Levi Baade from Connected Dealer Services on Wednesday, August 6th at 2PM ET for a 30-minute session on how real-time vehicle data is helping dealers reach customers at the right time with the right message.
Learn how CarRx by Elo GPS makes retention easier, smarter, and more consistent.
SOMETHING ELSE
Replace vs. Enhance
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AI-generated content has moved beyond hype—it's transforming the way marketers operate.
HubSpot’s latest data shows that over 50% of marketers now use AI for emails, social media posts, and even video creation. However, concerns about accuracy, bias, and maintaining brand voice still exist.
For dealers, the key point is this:
AI can boost your team’s creativity, but it won’t replace your brand’s voice or core values. Use it to accelerate email campaigns, personalize follow-ups, or craft initial drafts. Just don’t skip the editing. The best outcomes happen when human insight and AI efficiency work hand in hand.
AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE
“They Knew I was Serious about Taking Care of the Customer First”
Looking for ways to go above and beyond isn't just good service, it's the height of hospitality.
And in the auto business, it really does matter.
A car is one of the biggest purchases someone will make in their entire lives.
What happens when we show we care (and empower staff to make decisions while doing it) brings people back and builds retention through trust.
🥊 Quick Hits
🔁 Today in History
1903: The Ford Motor Company sells its first car. 🥇
1829: William Austin Burt patents the typographer, a precursor to the typewriter. ⌨
1962: Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. ⚾
That’s it for now, friend.
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