🚗 Margin Pressure Meets Motivation

🚙 Today's Top Headlines, Modernizing Your Data, and the 88% Problem

October 29, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

 

Welcome to Wednesday, Friend!

Thanks to our incredibly talented creative team, we got a peek at the latest designs and visuals for ASOTU CON 2026 this week and not to toot our own horn but…

TOOT. TOOT.

We’re very excited to show you what’s been brewing behind the curtain. Until then, you can sign up here to be the first in line for updates.

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

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From the Automotive State of the Union

Fox hat. Need we say more?

Check out Paul rocking his latest souvenir, courtesy of Kazakhstan, in this episode. He and Kyle also dive into:

EV Sales Hit the Brakes

October deliveries are expected to drop 43 percent from last year, with market share falling to 5.2%. Gas and hybrids are filling the gap as buyers adjust to life without the $7,500 tax credit.

Most EVs Charge at Home

Forget the charger hunt. 83% of EV charging in the U.S. happens right at home. It’s low drama, low cost, and the kind of stat that changes how you think about EV ownership.

Amazon Sends Mixed Signals

The tech giant is putting $2.5B into workforce training while reportedly laying off up to 30K corporate workers. The message? Learn fast and stay adaptable. You never know when you’re gonna need it.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Click here to read the full digest.

Profits Rise, But Margins Are Shrinking

Q3 results show average U.S. franchised dealerships posted a 7% YOY increase in net pretax profit. The data covers more than 4,000 dealerships and shows profitability normalizing at a higher level than pre‑pandemic, even while margins tighten.

Consumer Confidence Slips in October

The Consumer Confidence Index dipped slightly in October, one point down from 95.6 in September and well below last year’s 109.5. While consumers feel a bit better about the present economy, their outlook for income, jobs, and business conditions dropped to 71.5. Inflation and affordability remain the top concerns.

NADA Launches Tech Apprenticeship Program

Starting February, NADA and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence will roll out a certified apprenticeship program for service technicians. With the U.S. needing upwards of 76K new techs annually, the program offers structured training, mentorship, and funding options for dealerships ready to build their workforce.

Gen Z Is Anxious About AI

New survey data reveal many young Americans view AI as limiting their career options rather than expanding them. Only 41% said they’ve been taught how to use AI responsibly, even though three‑quarters believe it’s a key workplace skill. As AI becomes more integrated in service bays and sales floors, mentorship may need to include tech readiness alongside traditional skill sets.

AI Can’t Fix Bad Data

In this session, Dave Steinberg of Foureyes and Daniel Kim of Barnes Crossing break down how to modernize your data plumbing so AI actually drives results instead of risk.

Learn how to connect your data end-to-end, reduce waste, and build a foundation where AI can finally deliver on its promise of scale, efficiency, and smarter selling. Because if your data doesn’t flow, neither will your customer experience.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 5th at 2:00pm EST and register today!

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Start with the data before the discussion.

This Auto Collabs episode with David Steinberg lays the foundation for the insights he’ll expand on in next week’s webinar, unpacking how dealers can turn lead data into smarter processes, stronger follow-up, and measurable growth.

Today in History

  • 1390: The first trial for witchcraft in held in Paris. 🪄

  • 1929: The New York Stock Exchange crashes (known today as "Black Tuesday") triggering the Great Depression. 📉

  • 1969: The first, early “internet” connection (ARPANET) was made between Stanford and UCLA Universities. 🛜

Forever the scariest jack-o-lanterns. What are you carving into your pumpkins this year?

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