🚗 From Land to Sea

We all know that the best part of the selling cars isn’t the paperwork. It’s in handing over the keys, the smiles, and leaving customers with a special feeling they can’t get anywhere else.

Most folks don’t remember the lot walk, or the coffee bar. They remember the vibe. The atmosphere. That one thoughtful thing no one else would’ve thought to do.

It’s not magic. It’s care. And it sticks.

If you want to be unforgettable, skip the script. Make the moment weirdly personal. Make it human. That’s how customers become fans.

Go make some fans today.

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

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ICYMI

Recaps for Days

The Daily Pushback Email

• On Monday, CarMax came in hot with a Q1 flex—net income up 38%, and four straight quarters of same-store growth. Hyundai and Renault are poking at in-wheel hub motors, Tesla’s building city-sized batteries in China, and Audi might set up shop in the U.S. Oh, and if you thought charging stations were a cost burden, some dealers are raking in $60K a month. 🔌
   

• Then on Tuesday, Stellantis’ new CEO chose vibes over upheaval—trimming exec roles but keeping all 14 brand bosses (yes, even Fiat). Meanwhile, Toyota’s prices are climbing $208 next month, EV loan rates aren’t budging, and Tesla’s robotaxi beta is… bumpy. Also: Japan might dodge the rare-earth drama thanks to smart stockpiling, and why your customers may start talking like ChatGPT. 🤖
   

• Wednesday Ford pushed forward with its $3B battery plant in Michigan—tax credits or not—signaling a bet on affordable U.S.-built EVs. Meanwhile, Gen Z’s AI usage raised some red flags for dealers managing digital-savvy teams, and Nissan’s new CEO promised big changes (and big cuts). In Naperville, Castle CDJR got quacking with a rubber duck race that turned heads and raised spirits. 🐥
   

• By Thursday, vans took the spotlight as Amazon added 5,000 EVs to its Euro fleet and minivan wholesale prices finally tapped the brakes. A federal judge kept EV charger funding alive (for now) while Anthropic’s AI study raised eyebrows with some sinister AI behavior under pressure. Meanwhile, Cox dropped its mid-year review, and dealers took a collective breath as wholesale price drops started to chill. 😮‍💨
   

• On Friday, Penske reminded us that people-first still wins, BMW doubled down on gas to fund its EV future, and BYD’s global EV takeover started losing steam. Apple’s new CarPlay wants every screen in the car, but not every OEM is on board. And if your team still thinks AI means chaos, Earnhardt CDJR’s story says otherwise. Oh, and CMA’s food drive? Massive success. Friday feeling = confirmed. 🥫

PODCASTS

ASOTU Edge Webinar

AI doesn’t have to be a culture shock. In this ASOTU conversation, Scott Traylor of Mia Luke Morris of Earnhardt CDJR and Scott Traylor of Mia unpack how they brought conversational AI into the store without alienating the team or torching the process.

You’ll hear exactly how they used Mia to boost appointment volume, capture after-hours ROs averaging $850, and even turn AI call transcripts into staff training gold. If you’re wondering how to get employee buy-in, improve customer response times, and stop missing calls, this is your blueprint.

Watch the replay and learn how you can gain the AI advantage at your store today.

Auto Collabs

Jade Terreberry grew up in the car business, spent a decade in commercial real estate, and came back to help dealers lead with data. In this episode, she shares how her dealership roots and analytic mindset shape her work at Cox Automotive.

Jade talks through how to use audience segmentation, attribution, and real-time feedback to close decision-making gaps. She makes a clear case for partnerships built on trust, transparency, and consistent communication—not just flashy tools.

She believes innovation starts with accountability and ends with action. Dealers who want to make smarter choices and stretch their marketing dollars will walk away with real strategies they can use.

Catch the full episode and learn how to lead with insight, not instinct.

ASOTU CON Sessions

Kielan Whitner went from Syracuse linebacker to GM at Townsend Nissan in just seven years. Impressive, right?

In this ASOTU CON Session, he breaks down what real leadership looks like on the ground—accessible, empathetic, and allergic to negativity. He shares how a clear career path, consistent culture enforcement, and starting in service shaped his rise.

Enjoy the full conversation here.

SOMETHING FUN

Ferrari’s Flying Yacht

Ferrari just revealed their latest project, and surprise! It’s not a car.

It’s a 100-foot sailboat that literally lifts out of the water and “flies” across the ocean.

Dubbed the Hypersail, this yacht will run on solar, wind, and kinetic energy. No gas, no engine, all power. It’s being built by Ferrari’s team with sailing legend Giovanni Soldini and designed by naval architect rockstar, Guillaume Verdier, who typically builds race boats for the America’s Cup.

It’s fast. It’s wild. And it’s launching in 2026. Until then, we’ll just be over here trying not to capsize a paddleboard.

Quick Hits

• President Trump has ended trade negotiations with Canada and says he will assign them a tariff rate within the next week. 🇨🇦

• As part of a multi-year deal, Sonic the Hedgehog has become the official gaming partner of McLaren Racing. 🏎️

• A star-studded $50M wedding is underway the weekend for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez on a private island in Venice. Guess our invitation got lost in the mail. 💒

If you made it this far…