🚗 How Fast Is Fast Enough?

🚙 Robo-Berries, Porsche, and Summer Jobs

July 09, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Wednesday, July 9th.

Speed is a new certainty.

Whether it’s EV credits expiring, factories evolving, or tariffs hitting the parts bin, everyone’s making moves. The question isn’t if you’ll need to adjust. It’s how fast you can adjust well. You don’t have to rush. But you can’t afford to wait.

Patience is a virtue, but hesitation is not.

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

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Credits, Tariffs, and Plant Plans

From the Automotive State of the Union

EV Tax Credit Ticking Clock

The $7,500 EV tax credit ends September 30th, and the countdown has begun. Dealers are already seeing a pre-deadline demand spike, with analysts warning that inventories may dry up fast. Slate's once-sub-$20K truck just crept into “mid-20s” pricing after losing eligibility (and we expect more models to follow). Bottom line: the next 84 days could be a bit chaotic in the EV aisle.

Toyota’s Kentucky Flex Factory

In Georgetown, Toyota just turned its oldest U.S. plant into one of the most advanced. The $1.8B "K-Flex" upgrade allows hybrids, EVs, and ICE vehicles to roll down the same line—sideways, no less. It’s a big signal: automation is here, but retention and retraining are still part of the plan.

Prime Day Meets Cautious Consumers

Amazon Prime Day (now a 4-day marathon) is live, but it’s not all impulse buys. Shoppers are buying essentials, not splurges thanks to tariffs, tight budgets, and summer slowdown vibes. Smart retailers are moving inventory while watching margins closely. Sound familiar?

From the News w/ ASOTU

Tariffs Jam Up Service Lanes

New 25% tariffs on Japanese and Korean parts land August 1. We’re talking sensors, electronics, and common repair items. This will hit fixed ops hard—delay that RO today, and it could be a parts shortage story tomorrow.

Nissan’s Urgent Pivot

Facing overcapacity and tariff exposure, Nissan is in talks with Foxconn to rescue a Japanese factory. It’s fast decision-making under pressure—expect more OEMs to get creative or get caught.

Ford’s Battery Plant Squeaks In

After some policy whiplash, Ford’s Michigan EV battery plant qualifies for federal tax credits. Production starts in 2026, but it’s a reminder: speed isn’t just about build time—it’s about timing policy windows.

Porsche Flexes Both Speed & Loyalty

Record sales. Limited-edition manual 911 Club Coupe. Porsche is winning by combining operational speed with brand precision. Not bad for a 70-year-old club.

đŸ„Š Quick Hits

  • Lucid Air nabs Guinness World Record for longest distance traveled by an EV after traveling from Switzerland to Germany at 745.7 miles. 237 more than the EPA rating for the EV. đŸ—ș 

  • Finally, new tech we can really sink our teeth into—Dyson built a robot strawberry farm with 1,100-pound wheels, UV bots, and bug-launchers. Yes, seriously. 🍓 

  • Apple’s AI pro is moving to Meta following an 8-ish digit package offer. 🧠 

Faster Rides, Happier Guests

Every minute a customer waits for a ride is a minute your service lane slows down. And when your techs are waiting too? That’s revenue walking out the door.

That’s where today’s ASOTU Edge webinar comes in.

In just 30 minutes, we’re unpacking how Uber for Business is helping top dealers replace loaners and shuttles with smarter, on-demand transportation that costs less and runs smoother. No fleet headaches. No budget creep. Just a faster way to keep service moving and customers happy.

It’s short. It’s sharp. And it’s happening today.

Grab your spot, and see how the right ride strategy can change the game for fixed ops.

CULTURE

Where Did the Summer Jobs Go?

Teen employment is hitting a 15-year low. According to Morning Brew, only 34.5% of 16–19-year-olds are working or looking for work, with fewer new seasonal jobs than we've seen in over a decade. Why? Automation, cautious hiring, and adults scooping up entry-level roles are all playing a part.

Dealers have long been a first-job launchpad—lots of techs, BDC help, and service runners. But if teens aren’t applying (or aren’t getting hired), we risk losing a generation of future fixed ops directors, GMs, and sales pros before they even start.

If you’ve been struggling to fill entry-level roles this summer, you're not alone. But maybe it’s time to look at how we reintroduce the store as the place where careers start



or just post videos of money on TikTok with your dealership’s address?

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

The Most Important Person In the World

🔁 Today in History

  • 1776: George Washington orders the Declaration of Independence to be read out to members of the Continental Army in Manhattan, while thousands of British troops on Staten Island prepare for the Battle of Long Island. đŸ‡ș🇾 

  • 1877: The inaugural Wimbledon Championships begins. đŸŽŸ 

  • 2009: The last Chrysler PT Cruiser is built. đŸ«‚ 

That’s all for today, Friend


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