🚗 Sundae on a Saturday

Welcome to the weekend, Friend!

It’s the first of the month and National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day—because nothing screams “new sales goals” like stress-eating a pint of Rocky Road at 9 AM.

Whether you're stacking appointments, working that end-of-week follow-up, or just trying to keep the team sugar’d up, remember that most big wins start with bold moves.

So grab a spoon, and dig in.

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

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ICYMI

The Week in the Rearview

The Daily Pushback Email

• On Monday, we eased back into the post-NADA groove by reflecting on the energy, connections, and insights from the show. While the cameras captured plenty, the real magic happened behind the scenes with the people who make retail auto what it is. As we unpacked footage (and our suitcases), we share a glimpse of our incredible time at the show. 📸
   

• Then, on Tuesday, we broke down the Fifth Circuit’s ruling against the FTC’s CARS Rule—a procedural win for dealers, but a clear sign that regulatory scrutiny isn’t going anywhere. Plus, we celebrated Raymond L. Farabaugh, winner of the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year Award, proving that great leadership goes far beyond selling cars. 🏆
   

• Wednesday we dug into GM’s full-year earnings, Cox Automotive’s projected 5.2% YOY increase in January’s new-vehicle sales, and Honda’s sub-$30K EV. Meanwhile, a 2025 Market Outlook Report outlined key trends, from steady consumer confidence to surging hybrid adoption. 🔋
   

• On Thursday, we saw the first major regulatory shifts under the new administration as the DOT began rolling back EV and fuel economy mandates. Meanwhile, CDK agreed to a $630M settlement over dealer data restrictions. We also highlighted Adrianna Boyer, a single mother whose life was transformed with the help Vehicles for Change, NADA, and Carter Myers Automotive. 🚘
   

• Friday, we reported live from Public Policy Day in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Toyota held its global sales crown for the fifth year, and Tesla’s Q4 report painted a rough picture with declining revenue and shrinking margins. On Wall Street, stocks rebounded from early-week tech selloffs, and GDP growth stayed strong at 2.8% for 2024. 📊

PODCASTS

Auto Collabs

Mergers and acquisitions aren’t just about buying stores—they’re about building legacies. Dave Cantin went from selling cars at 18 to leading one of the biggest names in dealership M&A. In this episode of Auto Collabs, Dave breaks down how AI, data, and strategic consolidation are changing the game.

Check it out on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.

The Dealer Playbook

Your inventory isn’t your dealership’s biggest advantage. Your people are.

In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Justin Friend of Dealers United breaks down how top dealers are ditching cookie-cutter ads and winning with personality-driven marketing. From turning your team into local celebrities to making customers feel like they already know you before they walk in.

Want to make your dealership impossible to ignore? 🎧 Watch the full episode now!

The Automotive Troublemaker

Live from the NADA stage, we shared the “More Than Cars” mission alongside our guest and friend who defines resilience—Ed Roberts.

From sleeping in his car to leading one of the country’s top dealerships as COO of Bozard Ford Lincoln, his story is proof that the auto industry can change lives.

Learn how he did it and what it means for the future of retail auto in the replay here.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

🍁 February 12-17th — 2025 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.

🦀 May 13-16th — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland. Get the app!
The NADA Show just ended, and we’re already counting the days until we can all get together again! ASOTU CON has improved each year, and we are ready to guarantee this year will be as unique as it is unmissable.

SOMETHING FUN

Bugatti Launches Latest Home Collection

Bugatti’s third Home Collection made its highly anticipated Paris debut at Maison&Objet this year, bringing the brand’s legendary performance ethos into the world of high-end furniture.

Setting the tone was La Voiture Noire, the world’s most exclusive Bugatti, offering visitors a striking welcome. The exhibition also featured the Bugatti Baby II, a 75% scale tribute to the iconic Type 35 race car, marking its 100-year legacy.

Inside, furniture pieces like the TYPE_3 sofa and TYPE_9 mirror reflected Bugatti’s “beauty and beast” philosophy, crafted with a bold mix of carbon fiber, open-pore oak, and sleek aluminum.

With Paris in the rearview, Milan Design Week 2025 is next, where Bugatti Home will continue redefining luxury, proving that speed and sophistication belong in more than just the driver’s seat.

Quick Hits

• Google is testing a new “Ask for Me” feature that uses AI to call local businesses on your behalf. 🤖

• Whoopsie daisy! Drivers in Cleveland are facing costly repairs after diesel and unleaded fuel were accidentally swapped at Circle K. ⛽️

• A man in Sweden was fined nearly $3K for drunk-piloting his drone over a car show. 🇸🇪