🚗 More Drama From Nissan

🚙 Foxconn's Plan, Tesla's Dip, and Trucks on Hold

TOGETHER WITH

It’s Friday again, Friend! (We checked twice.)

Time to tidy up what remains and set goals for the person we hope to be by Monday morning.

And if you forget all we at ASOTU believe that person can be, check out the trailer for More Than Cars. It’s a little look at the big world we know dealers are building for their associates, families, and communities.

We’re pretty proud we get to put our names on it.

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

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Today's Email

🛑 EV Delays, Nissan Drama, and Tesla’s PR Gamble

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Sales are cruising toward a post-pandemic high, but dealer profits are still stuck in the slow lane.

EVs are gaining ground, though Tesla’s losing its grip as Hyundai and GM close the gap.

Nissan’s leadership shakeup and a potential Foxconn partnership hint at big moves, while Ford and Stellantis are hitting pause on electric trucks to recalibrate.

Canoo’s in financial limbo, California’s mandating EV-ready homes, and GM is charging ahead with ultra-fast stations.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen retires the legendary VR-6 engine, and Tesla flirts with a PR reboot while its stock takes a nosedive.

Read the full play by play on these stories @ Daily.ASOTU.com

Boost Profits in 2025

Is your dealership using the latest technology to increase finance penetration?

Join Upstart’s Keishawn Batts at NADA for a look at how AI-powered financing could help your dealership approve more car buyers to move more metal.

Discover how to make the financing process faster and simpler, while accessing more flexible financing terms to close more deals.

Don’t miss out—learn more here.

💪 The Final Stretch of 2024

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With inflation deflating and optimism surging, the stock market is well-positioned for continued strength heading into 2025.

  • Post-Election Optimism Fuels Momentum — Investor confidence is riding high after the election, with the NFIB small business optimism index seeing its largest jump in 30 years. This renewed optimism is expected to translate into increased capital spending, benefiting sectors like manufacturing and tech.

  • What to Watch — The Fed’s December cut is likely, but slower easing in 2025 could temper market gains. Analysts expect a choppier third year of the bull market, with moderate but positive returns for well-diversified portfolios.

Edward Jones / FactSet

 

According to the U.S Commerce Department, the economy defied expectations yet again, growing at a 3.1% annualized pace in the third quarter.

  • Stronger Than Expected — The initial estimate of 2.8% growth was revised up, driven by robust exports and consumer spending.

  • Continued Momentum — Q3 growth edged out Q2’s 3% pace, and early Fed estimates suggest Q4 could hit 3.2% growth.

 

Axios / U.S. Commerce Department

December is looking to wrap up a strong year for new-vehicle sales, with rising volumes, record consumer spending, and an optimistic outlook for 2025.

  • Strong Sales Growth  Global December new-vehicle sales are projected at 1,520,000 units, up 7.3% YOY (adjusted for selling days). Retail sales are forecasted at 1,297,400 units, an 11.9% increase from December 2023.

  • Record Spending — Consumers are expected to spend $56.4B on new vehicles in December, the highest monthly total on record. Average retail transaction prices will hit $46,258, up slightly from 2023.

  • Inventory Shifts — Rising inventory levels are driving deeper discounts, with average incentives up 30.7% year-over-year to $3,442. Retail inventory is up 24.7% compared to last December.

  • Profit Dynamics — Retailer profit per unit is forecasted at $2,107, down 19.7% from December 2023 as fewer vehicles sell above MSRP.

J.D. Power

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

⚜️ January 23-26th, 2025 — NADA Show in New Orleans

  • Psst…

    • Are you planning a party for NADA and want more people to know?

    • Are you looking for a party at NADA?

    • OR, would you like to party with ASOTU at NADA?

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

🥊 Quick Hits: Krypto, Strike, and Dial-a-Bot

  • You can call OpenAI now. 📞 

  • Amazon workers go on strike. 🪧 

  • A new Superman movie has a trailer. But, his dog is apparently the star of the teaser. 🐕️ 

🔁 Today in History: LA, Cap, and It’s a Wonderful Life

  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase is completed at a ceremony in New Orleans. 💰️ 

  • 1940: Containing the first appearance of the superhero Captain America, Captain America Comics #1 is published. 🇺🇸 

  • 1946: “It's a Wonderful Life” premieres at the Globe Theatre in New York to mixed reviews. 🎄 

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