#770 - 🚗 Hybrids Take The Lead

TOGETHER WITH

Ready or not, it is Thursday, my Friend.

Sometimes, something new comes along and steals the show. Other times, something new makes you grateful for what you’ve already got. A third sort of situation has something new appear that you only want to get about halfway into.

Anyway…hybrids, amirite?

Today’s Email:

• Hybrids take the lead.

• Ford reconsiders.

• Hydrogen goes big.

• Stellantis hires new talent and explains missing old forecasts.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

A Tale of Three Powertrains: Hybrids, EVs, and Hydrogen

Automotive tech is constantly evolving, with three emerging powertrain technologies vying for dominance: hybrids, EVs, and hydrogen fuel cells.

Hybrids Take the Lead

Hybrids have become the preferred choice for many consumers, leading to the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) study. Brands like Toyota and Subaru topped the charts with 83 points each, reflecting the high value placed on the convenience and reliability of hybrids. Consumers appreciate hybrids' extended range and ease of fueling, especially compared to the dependability concerns that continue to plague EVs.

Ford's Shift in EV Strategy

Recognizing these consumer trends, Ford is recalibrating its approach to EVs, slowing its all-electric plans in favor of hybrids. The company is investing $400M to refocus on more affordable and practical hybrid models while still planning for future electric offerings like a commercial van 2026 and a cutting-edge electric truck, Project T3, in 2027.

Hydrogen's Resurgence

Meanwhile, once sidelined in the consumer market, hydrogen fuel cells are finding new life in heavy-duty applications. Despite an 82% drop in consumer sales in 2024, hydrogen is gaining traction in sectors like trucking and marine transportation, bolstered by $7B in government support. 

TOGETHER WITH DEALERON

Seeing and Knowing The Person Behind The Click w/ Tina Cuatto

In this episode of Auto Collabs, Tina Cuatto, Director of Product Management at DealerOn, sits down with the crew to talk about the future of website personalization in the automotive industry.

From her unique journey that started at the Smithsonian to leading innovative tech solutions, Tina shares how she's helping dealerships create more tailored, intuitive online experiences.

Hear about:

• How personalized content can significantly boost conversion rates.

• The importance of trust and transparency in digital interactions.

• And why understanding your customers' journey is just as important online as it is in person.

Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation and then check out DealerOn for more!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

The WOCAN Ally of the Year Winner is…

We are honored to share that Paul and Kyle, you know, from ASOTU, were awarded the ‘Ally of the Year’ by the Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN). This recognition was unexpected, and we are deeply grateful for the acknowledgment.

Our commitment has always been to support and uplift the incredible individuals within our industry, and it’s a privilege to be recognized for these efforts.

We’d also like to extend our congratulations to the other award recipients:

• WOCAN Member of the Year: Mabel Peralta

• Trailblazer Award: Subi Ghosh

• Rising Star Award: Carmen Hinton

• Pinnacle Award: Jenell Ross

We’re excited to announce that we have several interviews from the WOCAN Annual Luncheon that we’ll be releasing soon, so stay tuned for more from these wonderful leaders of the retail auto community!

BUSINESS CONT’D

Stellantis: Profits and Poaching?

Stellantis and Rivian are at a pivotal moment, with their paths crossing as Rivian's VP of Manufacturing, Tim Fallon, departs to lead Stellantis' EV production for Jeep and Dodge. Fallon, instrumental in scaling Rivian's EV output, will spearhead Stellantis' launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona EV.

Meanwhile, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is addressing declining profits in North America, where sales of key brands like Ram and Jeep have dropped over 33% since 2019. As Stellantis strategizes its recovery, Rivian continues its push to produce 57,000 vehicles in 2024. 

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

See You There

🌴 August 20-24th — NAMAD Conference in Miami, FL.

🍎 September 16th — The Welcome Conference in NYC.

🦀 May 13-16th, 2025 — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland.

Quick Hits

• The price of gold has soared, making a standard 400-ounce bar worth $1M for the first time, reflecting economic uncertainty and investor interest. 🥇 

• Civilization VII introduces a new Ages system and uncoupled leaders/civilizations, offering fresh strategic depth while retaining familiar turn-based gameplay, appealing to both veterans and newcomers. ⚔️ 

• Researchers at the University of Texas have developed an AI that successfully predicted 70% of earthquakes in a trial. 🤖 

History

• 1791: The Haitian slave revolution, the only successful instance in history where enslaved people freed themselves to establish a nation, begins in Saint-Domingue, Haiti. 🇭🇹

• 1902: Cadillac is formed. 👶

• 1989: Nolan Ryan strikes out Rickey Henderson to become the first Major League Baseball pitcher to record 5,000 strikeouts. ⚾️

Thanks for reading, friend! Check out more of today’s biggest stories at Daily.ASOTU.com.