🚗 It's Today, Friend!

TOGETHER WITH

Today’s the day….

We’re launching something new.

The next chapter for retail auto. A place where media, creative, and community collide. A place for people who make this industry more than transactions.

This launch isn’t just about us. It’s about showing what’s possible when we tell the real story of auto…together.

You can be there when it happens:

• Watch the launch stream from anywhere.

• Join us in person and experience the energy first-hand.

On 10.1, we go live. We’d love for you to be part of it.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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THE UNION

From The News w/ ASOTU

Hertz + Amazon: Dealers, Are You Worried?

Hertz just plugged its used-car pipeline into Amazon. Customers can now finance, trade, and nearly finish the deal online. With bulk-buy pricing and Amazon’s reach, that’s fewer easy wins for dealers on sub-$35k shoppers.

So how are you speeding recon and stacking value before shoppers “drift away?”

South Korea’s Used Boom Cushion Tariff Pain

August hit a record $5.5B in auto exports, with used units up 35% YoY. Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East are soaking up Hyundais and Kias, which means fewer late-model imports for U.S. rooftops. Where will you source clean inventory if global buyers keep outbidding us?

• EV tax credits expire → GM and Ford lean on leases to pass savings.

• BYD slashes up to 50% in Japan to claw for market share.

• Subaru builds “Connection Hubs” with cafés, merch, and community vibes.

TOGETHER WITH PROTON DEALERSHIP IT

How is Your Defense Against Cyber Threats?

Dealerships are prime targets for cybercriminals. Without a clear understanding of your vulnerabilities, your entire business could be at risk.

The Cyber Score provides you with immediate insights on potential weak points, dark web breaches, and compromised accounts.

Ready to take control of your security?

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

From the Automotive State of the Union

Paul and Michael got straight to the point. Tariffs, EV affordability, and GPT gets a cashier job?

Check out this and many more conversations on The Automotive State of the Union podcast on Apple or Spotify!

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

• 🤖 AI: OpenAI is prepping a TikTok-style app powered by its Sora 2 video model. The feed is all AI-generated clips, complete with likes, comments, and remix options.

• 🎭️ Branding: Brands can win by sparking joy. From Crumbl’s cookie rituals to LEGO nostalgia, creating memorable, shareable moments builds emotional connection, loyalty, and growth. Joy isn’t fluff—it’s competitive advantage.

• 👽 Weird: In San Rafael, California, an unusually aggressive squirrel has attacked multiple residents—sending at least two to the ER. Wildlife experts blame human feeding, urging: stop turning wild animals into pets.

Today in History

• 1908 – Ford Model T automobiles are offered for sale at a price of US$825. 🏭️ 

• 1982 – EPCOT Center (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) opens at Walt Disney World in Florida. 🐭 

• 1982 – Sony and Phillips launch the compact disc in Japan; on the same day, Sony releases the model CDP-101 compact disc player, the first player of its kind. 💿️ 

MoreThanCars.com