TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to Thursday, friend!

Now that the holidays are officially in the rearview, it’s time to start turning those resolutions into reality.

Maybe it’s about crushing those sales goals, rethinking tired strategies, or finding new ways to keep the momentum going strong. Whatever it is, you’ve got this—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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

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BUSINESS

🔇 Tesla's Soaring Slump, Bold EV Predictions, and GM's Silent Recall

Tesla Sales: Stock Soars, Sales Stumble

Tesla’s market valuation surged post-election, but analysts predict a 2024 sales shortfall. Political ties to Trump may alienate some customers, while global competitors like BYD and Volkswagen are ramping up. Musk’s 2025 growth forecast hinges on affordability-focused Model 3 and Y updates, but skepticism remains.

EV Predictions: Growth on the Horizon

Global EV sales are expected to jump 30% in 2025, with the U.S. rising 36% and India leading with 117% growth. However, tariff uncertainties and potential federal subsidy cuts threaten progress. Central and Western Europe are also poised for significant expansion, despite challenges in the broader auto market.

GM Recall: Silence Isn’t Always Golden

GM is recalling 7,606 Chevy Equinox EVs for failing federal noise standards designed to protect pedestrians. A free software update is coming in January, but sales remain unaffected, with over 9,700 units sold in Q3. The Equinox’s affordability and range continue to attract buyers despite this unique hiccup.

Read the Full Digest
Get the full scoop on these stories and more. Dive into the latest trends shaping the auto industry—read now!

TOGETHER WITH WIDEWAIL

Lexus Wins OEM Online Reputation Rankings Again

Widewail’s Automotive Brand Reputation Scorecard Report is back for 2025. Included is a detailed reputation and topic analysis scorecard for each OEM and, for the first time, 150 of the top dealer groups.

Widewail ranked each OEM based on a custom reputation healthscore:

1. Lexus (97/100)
2. Toyota (96/100) +1 spot in 2024 rankings vs. 2023
3. Honda (95/100) +1 in 2024 rankings vs. 2023
4. BMW (95/100) -2 in 2024 rankings vs. 2023
…
29. Genesis (67/100)

This report is based on 8.1M Google reviews across 18k dealership locations. Using AI topic and sentiment analysis technology, Widewail has analyzed every review from 2024 to determine which brands are providing the best experience in the eyes of its customers and why.

Key Takeaways:

Lexus wins again. Find out what it’s doing to set itself apart. - One unsuspecting brand has charged up the ranks. We highlight where this brand excels. - Poor communication is the #1 topic in negative reviews in 2024. See which singular luxury brand is struggling with this topic.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Nineteen Years of Christmas Cheer

Just days before Christmas, Sally & Assoc. Auto Sales carried on its beloved tradition of giving back with the 19th annual Christmas car giveaway.

This year, the dealership gifted a Toyota Sienna minivan to the Sheren family in Alliance, Ohio marking another chapter in nearly two decades of holiday generosity.

The Sherens were nominated for the giveaway after their previous vehicle broke down during the move to Alliance.

The dealership’s owners, Jake and Andrea Sponseller and Ryan and Kelly Wittensoldner, personally delivered the minivan to the family, but the surprise didn’t end there. A chain of community members carried gifts, including crafts, clothing, household items, and gift cards, into the Sherens’ home. Local businesses and community donors also contributed, raising $1,000 to support the family.

With the Sienna comes a year of free oil changes—a practical touch for a family getting back on their feet. For the Sherens, this holiday season is one to remember, filled with hope, generosity, and a fresh start.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

⚜️ January 23-26th, 2025 — NADA Show in New Orleans. Find the best parties here!

📝 January 30, 2025 — Public Policy Day with WANADA at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show.

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

🥊 Quick Hits: Budgetsm Holograms, and Colors

• AP found that shoppers on a budget ruled 2024, defining what worked—and what flopped—in retail. 🛒

• Hyundai Mobis is expected to introduce the world’s first full-windshield holographic display at this year’s CES. 🪟

• Paint brands have announced their Color of the Year predictions for 2025. 🌈

🔁 Today in History: Suspense, AC, and the Neon

• 1841: The first U.S major wire-cable suspension bridge for general traffic is opened in Philadelphia. 🌉

• 1906: Willis Carrier receives a U.S. patent for the world's first air conditioner. ❄️

• 1994: Chrysler rolls out the Dodge Neon for purchase. 🛞