🚗 Happy Father's Day Weekend

Happy Father’s Day Weekend, Friend!

We’re not here to argue for the value of fathers. That part’s obvious. This weekend just gives us a moment to say it plainly: Thank you.

To all the dads, stepdads, granddads, and father-figures—we see you and we appreciate you.

Thanks for showing up. At work, at home, and in all the spaces in between.

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

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ICYMI

Looking Back on the Week

The Daily Pushback Email

• On Monday, wholesale used car prices dipped, but retail stayed strong, giving dealers a juicy margin window. Tesla prepped its robotaxi rollout while Musk and Trump publicly bickered over EV subsidies—sending Tesla stock on a ride of its own. Meanwhile, VW is putting Rivian tech in future EVs and slapping engines in them for good measure. Gimmick or game-changer? Time (and training) will tell. 🎢

   

• Then on Tuesday, rare earth exports got even rarer, with China’s stranglehold forcing automakers into scramble mode. Congress may slash the emissions credit program—spelling a big hit for Tesla, which leans on those credits for up to 40% of its profits. Meanwhile, dealers added 2,100 jobs in May, incentives hit a five-year high, and affordability is back in style. 😎

   

• Wednesday, Lucid and Hyundai showed how prep beats panic—securing U.S. graphite and stockpiling rare earths while others scramble. Credit got a little looser in May, but higher rates and longer loans mean caution is still key. And with U.S. auto imports down 72% last month, dealers should brace for more supply snags. Meanwhile, 56 Raptors hit the dirt for Make-A-Wish. 🦖
   

• Then on Thursday, the U.S. struck a surprise deal making China the preferred rare earth supplier, GM dropped $4B to bring EV production stateside, and Nissan quietly gave the LEAF a glow-up. Plus, Rohrman Auto raised $117K on the golf course to support employees through tough times. ⛳️
   

• Before we knew it, it was Friday. Congress stirred the pot with a budget proposal that could shake up EV credits, loan deductions, and AI rules in cars. Ram’s CEO threw shade at Slate’s $20K truck dream, saying the real deal will be closer to $35K. And in France, some Tesla drivers are trying to break leases over political drama tied to the brand. 🇫🇷 

PODCASTS

Auto Collabs

Glenn Lundy knows how to capture attention, and not just because he brought a robo-dog to ASOTU CON (iykyk).

In this episode with Paul, Kyle, and Michael, he unpacks what it takes to build a brand that stands out without selling out. They dive into the tension between creativity and substance, the hidden fears behind franchise fatigue, and why some dealers quietly resist growth. It’s a sharp, insightful look at leadership and messaging in the modern age.

Watch the episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.

ASOTU CON Sessions

David Kain has spent decades championing dealer success, and in this conversation with Kyle at ASOTU CON, he shares a new vision for how vendors and dealers can win together.

He shares real stories, fresh ideas, and a challenge to vendors to stop pitching and start partnering. If you care about collaboration that actually moves the needle, this conversation is worth your time.

Hit play and see why the future of innovation starts with better conversations.

The Dealer Playbook

Most people don’t burn out from working too hard. They burn out from holding back.

On this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Michael Cirillo sits down with USMC veteran and author of The Bravery Effect, Jill Schulman, to talk about ditching the comfort zone, leading with clarity, and why “positive vibes only” might be doing more harm than good.

If you're aiming for growth with fewer buzzwords, you’ll want to catch this one.

SOMETHING FUN

🐍 LEGO Rolls Out a Shelby Cobra

To celebrate 60 years of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, LEGO has unveiled a new set for enthusiasts who appreciate fast cars and slow builds.

The 1,241-piece model captures the iconic roadster in all its track-day glory, complete with working steering, a detailed V8, and classic white stripes.

It comes fully outfitted with nods to the car’s racing roots: a trunk-mounted toolbox, a seat-mounted fire extinguisher, and a winner’s trophy. There’s even a LEGO $100 bill tucked inside, an homage to Carroll Shelby’s legendary challenge.

It won’t get you to 100 mph in four seconds, but it might buy you a few hours of quiet enjoyment. Which, let’s be honest, is even harder to come by these days, amirite?

Quick Hits

• A runaway zebra named Ed went viral after being on the loose for more than a week in Tennessee. Marketers in Murfeesboro get 10/10 for not sleeping on the moment. 🦓

• Toyota is partnering with Finnish sauna brand, Harvia, to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered heat hut. 🥵

• Azul, a blue-and-white VW 1977 T2 Bus that survived the Palisades Fire, is headed for a glow-up courtesy of Volkswagen. 🚐