🚗 Nissan Talks To Tesla

🚙 Data Security and Red Pennies

February 24, 2025

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Welcome to Monday, Friend!

We’ve got some news, a quick feature, and an odd data security warning.

Honestly, ASOTU is a lot like life.
Life, apparently, is like a box of chocolates (you never know what you’re gonna get)

So, in a certain way ASOTU = Chocolate.

Enjoy, and…

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

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Nissan’s New Plan, Afeela 1’s “Why?” and Rivian Turns a Profit…Kinda

Nissan Seeks Tesla Investment After Failed Honda Merger

Nissan is looking for a new investor after its attempted merger with Honda fell apart. A group of Japanese officials, including a former prime minister and a former Tesla board member, is reportedly working to persuade Tesla to take a stake in the struggling automaker.

The appeal? Nissan’s U.S. factories, which could help Tesla expand domestic production amid potential tariff concerns. However, Tesla has historically preferred building its own factories rather than acquiring existing ones.

With Nissan running out of options, the question remains—will Tesla seriously consider the investment, or is this just Japan scrambling for a solution?

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Sony-Honda’s Afeela 1: A Luxury EV Without a Clear Selling Point

Sony-Honda Mobility’s Afeela 1 is stepping into the luxury EV market with a familiar formula—dual motors, 300 miles of range, and a tech-heavy interior. But in a segment packed with established brands offering better specs, lower prices, and stronger retail networks, Afeela’s biggest advantage seems to be PlayStation integration and an AI assistant.

Without a dealer network or standout performance, Sony-Honda is betting on a direct-to-consumer model and buzzwords like “craftsmanship” and “technology.”

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Rivian Reports First “Gross Profit,” But Challenges Remain

Rivian posted $170M in gross profit for Q4, cutting $31K per vehicle in costs. Revenue hit $1.73B, beating estimates, and full-year losses shrank—but they still lost $743M in Q4 and $4.7B in 2024.

🔹 Flat 2025 outlook: 46K–51K deliveries, same as 2024.
🔹 Cash reserves down to $5.29B from $7.85B last year.
🔹 Betting on R2 platform, expected to be 50% cheaper to build.

Despite cost improvements, Rivian faces EV demand uncertainty and a tough 2025. Their direct-sales model keeps dealers out, but shifting policies and economic conditions could shake things up.

A Little More On The Rivian Story.

🥊 Quick Hits

  • Farley says Ford EV team is leaning into simplicity for upcoming models. ⚡️

  • Home sales dropped, prices hit a January record, and buyers are waiting. 🏡

  • Amazon just bought James Bond’s creative control for $1B. 🔫

  • ICYMI: Asbury is acquiring all but one of the dealerships owned by Herb Chambers Companies, The multi-rooftop group is the 14th largest by revenue privately owned U.S. dealership group. 💪

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FBI Warns of New Ransomware Threat

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Oh cool, another dire warning.

On the bright side, chip shortages, COVID, tariffs, and every other kind of challenge hasn’t stopped you—why should hackers?

What’s Going On?

The FBI and CISA have issued an urgent warning about a ransomware group called Ghost, which is actively attacking businesses across multiple industries in 70+ countries. Unlike typical phishing attacks, Ghost exploits unpatched software vulnerabilities in commonly used systems like Microsoft Exchange, Fortinet, and Adobe ColdFusion.

Will It Affect Dealers?

Yes, potentially. Auto dealerships rely on various digital systems, including DMS, CRMs, and email servers—any of which could be vulnerable if not properly updated. If attackers breach these systems, they could lock down operations, steal customer data, or demand ransoms.

What Should Dealers Do?

To protect against Ghost ransomware, the FBI recommends:

  1. Back up your data – Ensure backups are stored separately and cannot be altered by attackers.

  2. Patch your systems – Update all software, operating systems, and firmware immediately.

  3. Segment your network – Prevent ransomware from spreading by limiting internal access between devices.

  4. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Especially for email and admin accounts to stop unauthorized access.

Ghost ransomware is a serious, active threat. Dealers should immediately review their cybersecurity measures to ensure they are protected. Work with IT providers to patch vulnerabilities and implement strong backup and authentication protocols.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

🔁 Today in History

  • 1854: A Penny Red with perforations becomes the first perforated postage stamp to be officially issued for distribution. 📬

  • 1917: During WWI, the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom is given the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany pledges to ensure the return of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona to Mexico if Mexico declares war on the United States. 📝

  • 1973: AMC Levi edition cars debut. 👋

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