🚗 Parts, People, and Power

Welcome to the first Summer weekend of the year, Friend!

If winter is the world holding its breath, Summer is the magnificent exhale that follows. Gardens are finally brave enough to show off, pools have remembered their purpose, and somewhere, someone is having the exact perfect picnic they've been planning since February.

May whatever you're planning today feel as perfect as that long-awaited moment.

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

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ICYMI

Speed-Running the News

The Daily Pushback Email

• On Monday, the federal repeal of California’s 2035 gas car ban had automakers breathing easier and 11 states suing before lunch. Used prices are up, unless you drive an EV. Tesla values in particular are tanking. And while China still controls most of the world’s rare earth magnets, India’s stepping in with sand, ambition, and a plan. 💡
   

• Then on Tuesday, fixed ops stole the spotlight. From Murgado’s custom service offers to Holman’s tech upgrades and Kunes’ data-driven moves, dealers are pulling big profits without selling a single car. Meanwhile, some Kia dealers are slicing Niro EV prices by nearly 25%, capitalizing on Tesla’s turf loss. All that, plus Raptor rallies and a fresh Unscripted episode, made for a day packed with real dealer wins. 💪
   

• Wednesday was all about gas, credits, and artificial charm. The Senate floated a plan to yank EV tax credits within 180 days, which could send EV demand on a rollercoaster. Audi walked back their EV-only promise, proving that timelines (like fuel types) are flexible, and TikTok launched AI influencers. 🤖
   

• By Thursday we were talking Tesla tune-ups, tax shake-ups, and tariff headaches. Tesla’s taking another production pause while insiders voice growing distrust. Meanwhile, Toyota’s feeling the heat—U.S. tariffs have already cost them $1.2B. And in brighter news, Herrin-Gear Auto showed what happens when employees are empowered to serve their communities. 🙌
   

• Before we knew it, it was Friday. DK marked one year post-cyberattack with tighter security and a reminder that MFA only works if you actually use it. Waymo is mapping NYC for a future robotaxi invasion, Baidu’s AI livestream hosts are outselling humans, and Honda launched a rocket because, well, Honda. Plus, AutoIndustry.AI dropped a quick prompt framework to help your team stop winging it with AI. 🖼️

PODCASTS

Auto Collabs

In this energizing Auto Collabs episode, Kaylee Felio (aka “The Parts Girl”) shares how she turned a background in fast food into a fast track to leadership in fixed ops. From managing Subway to building a movement with PartsEdge, Kaylee brings sharp insight, systems thinking, and a bold vision for the future of parts departments.

She chats with us about why efficiency matters, what fixed ops really needs, and how she’s reshaping the narrative around leadership in the service lane. If you think parts can’t be powerful, think again.

Check out the replay today!

ASOTU CON Sessions

In this candid conversation at ASOTU CON, David Spisak and Daniel Govaer unpack why so many dealerships struggle to see ROI from their tech investments. Govaer—drawing from 20+ years in the trenches—exposes the pitfalls of chasing flashy tools without clear objectives or buy-in.

The message is clear: buying software doesn’t solve problems—using it does.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of tools that promise big and deliver little, this session is your reality check. Watch the replay here.

The Dealer Playbook

In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Nicole Dolphin of Groupe Touchette flips the script on Fixed Ops. Far from being just “the back end,” Nicole shows how service is the relationship engine of the dealership—where trust is earned, loyalty is built, and long-term customers are made.

Nicole also opens up about her own journey from receptionist to leadership in luxury stores—and what it taught her about leading with empathy.

If you want to turn service into your superpower, hit play now.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

AI Integration Made Easy

In this follow-up to the conversations sparked at ASOTU CON, Luke Morris, Parts & Service Director at Earnhardt CDJR, and Scott Traylor of Mia, unpack what it actually looks like to integrate AI without overwhelming your people or blowing up your processes.

From publishing internal newsletters to spotlight wins, to letting Mia handle the night shift, Luke shares exactly how AI became a trusted part of the team—not a threat to it.

If you’re looking for ways to make AI a calm, confident upgrade—not a culture shock—this is your after-hours blueprint.

Register today!

SOMETHING FUN

The 2026 Mustang Gets a Retro Refresh

Ford’s tapping into full ‘80s energy with the 2026 Mustang FX package—a Fox body throwback complete with Oxford White wheels, retro badges, plaid-ish seat inserts, and a teal paint color called Adriatic Blue Metallic that looks straight out of a VHS tape. Only available on GT Premium trims with the 5.0 V8, this package is for the grown-up version of the kid who had Mustang posters on the wall and a glovebox full of cassette tapes.

There’s even a digital gauge cluster that mimics the original Fox body dials, plus a choice of two old-school wheel styles and subtle touches like blue stitching and a “Mustang GT” dash badge.

Available on both coupes and convertibles, and compatible with or without the Performance Package, the FX offers a cleaner, more curated take on nostalgia.

Quick Hits

• BMW is teaming up with premium baby gear brand Nuna to make a collection of high-end strollers. 👶

• Netflix is opening two immersive Netflix House locations in Philadelphia and Dallas later this year. 🏡

• Ownership of the LA Lakers is shifting in a $10B sale, marking a new high for NBA franchise valuations. 🏀