🚗 Stay Gold

You made it to Saturday, Friend!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, don’t forget to remember the reason for the season….

PRESENTS! 🧸🎁🚂

We’re joking, of course. But seriously, what are you hoping St. Nick brings you this year?

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

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ICYMI

Spin Through the Weekly Highlights

The Daily Pushback Email

• On Monday, Amazon redefined dealership roles by selling Hyundais online, while Toyota invested in green production and Rivian powered up Michigan’s first NEVI chargers. Meanwhile, Blair County dealerships proved collaboration fuels community impact with a holiday food drive. 🥫

   

• Then, on Tuesday, the Manheim Index showed rising wholesale prices, Ford and EVgo secured federal loans, and Hyundai bet on hydrogen trucks in Georgia. Meanwhile, San Marcos Toyota inspired students to consider auto tech careers, creating future talent while addressing industry shortages—a win-win for the next generation and dealerships alike. 🛠️

   

• Wednesday, Honda’s Prelude returned with hybrid swagger, Tesla faced a tech meltdown, Waymo took robotaxis international, and California got a clean air win. Plus, we share Cox Automotive’s must-know year end trends. 💡

   

• We were stoked for Thursday because we got to host our 4th annual YEE (more on that below!). We also got to highlight Veteran dealership owner and philanthropist, Herb Chambers, who donated $100M to revolutionize cancer care at Mass General in Boston. 🏥

   

• Before we knew it, it was the last Friday before Christmas. Nissan’s leadership shuffle hinted at big changes, Tesla grappled with EV market pressure, and Foxconn eyed auto partnerships. We also looked into December’s record sales which are are driving major optimism into 2025. 📈

PODCASTS

4th Annual Year End Extravaganza

We revisit the biggest moments of 2024, recognize the people and stories that made this year unforgettable, and set the stage for an even brighter 2025 in this year’s YEE.

Watch the replay on LinkedIn.

Auto Collabs

Why do dealership customers leave bad reviews?

Matt Murray of Widewail breaks it down with insights from over 8M Google reviews—and the answer might surprise you.

Find out more on Apple, YouTube, or Spotify.

The Automotive Troublemaker

On Wednesday, Paul and Michael discuss the potential merger between Nissan and Honda, how Chevy’s EV Equinox apparently doesn’t make enough noise and how the FTC is cracking down on junk hotel fees.

Check out the episode on Apple, YouTube, or Spotify.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

First Stop Party at NADA Show 2025

Allow us to be the go-to first stop before you dive into New Orleans’ nightlife after spending all day at the NADA Show!

Join us at Sazerac House on Friday, January 24th from 5:30-7:30pm to launch your night with energy, connections, and cocktails. 🥂

Expect good drinks, great company, and a chance to connect with industry leaders. Let’s set the stage for an unforgettable evening—starting here!

SOMETHING FUN

A Showstopper with a Story

At Miami Art Week, a jaw-dropping Pagani Zonda replica crafted from 100,000 Uruguayan coins was unveiled as a tribute to soccer legend Lionel Messi.

Commissioned by car enthusiast Jorge Gomez and created by artist Joaquin Arbiza, the golden Zonda features Messi’s face on the hood and showcases intricate details, from spoilers to wheel arches.

While it doesn’t have the original’s 200 mph speed—it maxes out at 1 mph when pushed—the craftsmanship shines. Brought to life by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Arbiza, more than 500,000 soldering points were required to create this shimmering masterpiece.

This eye-catching beauty may not make for an ideal getaway car, but just think, you’d never be without toll change again.

Quick Hits

• By September 2027, all new vehicles will be required to sound an alarm if back-seat passengers aren’t buckled up. 🚨

• After nearly 40 years in business, Party City is closing down all of its stores. 🥺

• Starbucks employees in LA, Chicago, and Seattle began a coordinated five-day strike on Friday morning after failing to agree on a new contract before the end of the year. 🪧