🚗 Internet Lead Management Wins

TOGETHER WITH

In case you missed it, Paul J Daly has been on a mission, a saga, even. But the grand finale is almost here.

That’s right, he finally bought his first EV! And soon, he’ll reveal it to the world.

Follow along on LinkedIn to see the new ride… after he wraps up the 12-hour drive home from the dealership.

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

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 4 min and 49 sec}

THE NEWS

Lead Management Data, Xiaomi 73K Dream, and Honda’s Defense

Are You Ghosting Sales Without Knowing It?

1 in 5 online leads get ignored. That’s not a guess—it’s what the latest industry data shows.

And ignoring leads? That’s like watching money walk out the door.

📊 The Pied Piper Internet Lead Effectiveness (ILE) study just dropped, ranking brands on how well dealers respond to website leads.
 
✅ Ford dealers climbed from near-last to above average.
 
🏆 Subaru took the #1 spot with the highest dealer response score ever recorded.
 
💰 And dealers who go from weak to strong ILE scores sell 50% more cars from the same leads.

So, what’s working?

• Speed. Under 30 minutes, or you’re already behind.

• Multi-channel follow-up. Call, text, email—don’t rely on just one.

• Actual answers. Customers ask questions—answer them like a human, not a bot.

The full breakdown is here, so you can ensure your store isn’t leaving deals on the table.

--

Xiaomi Eyes Global EV Market

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi just launched its second EV, the $73K+ SU7 Ultra, and racked up 15,000 orders in a day. Now, the company says it plans to expand EV sales globally “within the next few years.”

But here’s the reality check for U.S. dealers: EV demand here is soft, federal incentives are in question, and tariffs could push that already steep price tag well beyond six figures. Unlike China, where EV adoption is booming, the U.S. market still faces affordability concerns, infrastructure gaps, and inventory challenges.

If Xiaomi does enter the U.S., it won’t just be competing with Tesla and legacy brands—it’ll have to convince skeptical buyers and navigate a tough regulatory landscape. For now, this is one to watch, but not one to worry about.

--

Honda’s Playing Defense?

Honda is shaking up its production plans to stay ahead of shifting trade policies. The next-gen Civic hybrid, originally set for Mexico, will now be built in Indiana starting May 2028—because tariffs are no joke when your second-best-selling model is on the line.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Honda Prologue EV is getting a power and range boost without a major price hike. Sounds great, except inventory is piling up, EV incentives are on shaky ground, and tariffs could hit its Mexico-based production.

Honda is making moves to protect its core business, but between unpredictable policies and soft EV demand, dealers should keep a close eye on how these changes play out.

🥊 Quick Hits

• EU is considering a 3 year extension on automaker emission standards. 🗓️ 

• The Gemini AI will gain “eyes” soon. 👀 

• In some places, the housing market has shifted in favor of buyers. 🛖 

TOGETHER WITH SPACE AUTO

Space Auto Is Bringing the Future of Retail to ASOTU CON

Our friends at Space Auto believe selling a car shouldn’t mean juggling a dozen apps and plugins, it should just work. That’s why they’ve built a unified dealership + customer platform that streamlines websites, digital retail, and CRM into one seamless experience.

And at ASOTU CON, they’re doing more than just showing up—they’re powering the Podcast Stage and joining the conversation with a featured panel appearance. Whether it’s lightning-fast websites, real-time payments, or AI-powered sales assistance, Space Auto is proving that retail can be smarter, simpler, and seamless.

We’re beyond grateful for their partnership in making ASOTU CON the can’t-miss event for dealers who want to simplify, streamline, and sell the easy way.

Get your ticket now and plan to meet Space Auto live at ASOTU CON, May 13-16th in Baltimore!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Easterns Automotive Helps Build Bridges

Car dealerships do more than sell cars—they build communities. And Easterns Automotive Group is proving it!

Through their partnership with Fox 5 DC’s Pay It Forward segment, Easterns recently surprised Building Bridges Foundation with a $2,200 donation. Founded by survivor and advocate Marsha Woodland, Building Bridges is on a mission to support female trauma survivors and educate youth on recognizing the signs of unhealthy relationships.

Easterns has been giving back to the DMV since 1988, and their commitment to the community is in their DNA. Whether it's donating food, supporting local sports, or partnering with organizations like Building Bridges, they step up.

The work Marsha and her team are doing is life-changing—providing trauma-informed services, community education, and crisis intervention to ensure no survivor has to walk alone. They’re also taking proactive steps to break the cycle, equipping young people with the knowledge to identify red flags before they escalate.

This is what More Than Cars looks like. Hats off to Easterns for making a difference, and to Building Bridges for the work they do every day.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ ASOTU CON 2025

It’s time to get your ticket to ASOTU CON 2025, friend. We’ll share more details in these last weeks and months before the event, but if you’re ready to take ownership of your success, you’ll find something at ASOTU CON.

Get The Latest And Best Content On:

• Compliance

• Artificial Intelligence

• Used Cars

• Fixed Ops

• Multi-Rooftop/Group

• Leadership

• Culture

• Finance

• EVs

• Marketing

• Technology

🔁 Today in History

• 1789: In New York City, the first Congress of the United States meets, putting the United States Constitution into effect. 🇺🇸 

• 1902: AAA is founded. 🔧 

• 1957: The S&P 500 stock market index is introduced, replacing the S&P 90. 📈