🚗 GM's Q2 Drama

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.

THE UNION

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

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:

• Solid-state batteries are gaining momentum again—dealers should prep for customer questions.

• J.D. Power finds over 30% of OEM websites fail at the basics; satisfaction drops sharply.

• Tesla settles its DTC lawsuit in Louisiana, potentially emboldening more EV players.

TOGETHER WITH CARRX BY ELO GPS

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.

Save your seat today!

SOMETHING ELSE

Replace vs. Enhance

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

• Conditions in the housing market are increasingly tilting toward buyers. 🛖 

• Beef prices are jumping over the moon. 🐄 

• Are you gonna see the new Superman movie? DC has let me (Chris) down before, but I think I’m ready to get hurt again. 🦸 

🔁 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.