#739 - 🚗 Pitch Perfect

TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to Wednesday,

We have some region-by-region news, some technology, and an unsolved mystery from Germany.

First, check out some insight from Michael Cirillo and join the conversation on LinkedIn.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Pitch Perfect

When asked, “Why don’t you pitch your product/service?” Michael Cirillo said listening is a better way to start than talking.

While some can’t help but pitch their amazing product, you form a stronger relationship by listening and let problems reveal themselves.

Relationships enrich the business journey and lead to long-term growth.

There’s room for all styles in business. This is what works for Michael.

What works for you? Let’s chat! Share your thoughts on the matter in a comment on LinkedIn.

BUSINESS

Global Gist: EU, China, Japan, and North America

Europe: Potential Tariff Reductions for German Automakers

The European Commission may lower import tariffs on China-made electric vehicles for Volkswagen and BMW. This move would reduce tariffs from 37.6% to 20.8%, benefiting BMW's China-made electric Mini and Volkswagen's Cupra Tavascan. This decision is pending and has implications for Europe's auto industry, which is wary of potential retaliatory measures from China.

China: Challenges and Opportunities for Foreign Automakers

Foreign carmakers face stiff competition in China's booming electric vehicle market, dominated by domestic brands. Despite new tariffs, consultancy AlixPartners expects Chinese brands to capture over 70% of the domestic new energy vehicle market by 2030 and a significant global market share. Chinese automakers are also localizing European production to mitigate tariff impacts, with BYD opening factories in Hungary and Thailand.

What do you think?

Japan: BYD's Growing Presence

Chinese automaker BYD is making inroads in Japan's auto market, which is traditionally dominated by local giants like Toyota. BYD's EV sales rose 184% in the first half of 2024, driven by models like the Atto 3 and Dolphin. Despite lower government subsidies, BYD plans to expand its sales outlets and sell 30,000 vehicles in Japan by 2025.

North America: GM's EV Production Goals in Doubt

GM's goal to produce 1M all-electric vehicles in North America by 2025 is uncertain. CEO Mary Barra cited slower-than-expected market demand as a key factor. GM continues to adjust its EV plans based on consumer interest, with more details expected in its upcoming quarterly report. 

TOGETHER WITH AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATORS TOUR

Two Great Cities, One Great Tour

Finally, a day event that offers a hands-on, immersive experience with platforms and systems you can take back to your store the next day to immediately upgrade your game!

Introducing the Automotive Innovators Tour hosted by Gray Scott, a 2024 40 Under 40 Honoree, and Brian Pasch, a leading automotive consultant. If you've considered what AI would look like in your operations and want a hands-on experience, this is the event for you.

Why Attend?

• Solve a monthly business objective using AI.

• Ensure your scheduling process is frictionless.

• Jump into audience creation using in-house databases.

This is not a sit-back-and-listen event. Join for a full day of focused learning, including breakfast, lunch, and happy hour.

Check out these two opportunities and agendas to elevate your game:

• July 23rd, 2024, in Chicago, IL (we hear there is going to be some fire Chicago chow)

• August 7th, 2024 in Atlanta, GA

BUSINESS CONT’D

Oddities: Robots, Mugs, and Glutes

Sometimes we find news with one foot in the automotive world and the other somewhere weird. These are some of those.

Mystery at Tesla: 65,000 Coffee Mugs Missing

Tesla's German Gigafactory has reported the baffling disappearance of 65,000 coffee mugs, despite having only 12,000 employees. This equates to about 77 daily thefts since the factory's opening in 2022.

Plant manager Andre Thierig warned that continued mug thefts could lead to the removal of cutlery from break rooms. This incident adds to a list of controversies at the factory, which has faced allegations of safety violations and environmental breaches.

Humanoid Robots: The Future of Car Manufacturing

Robotics startup Figure released a video last week showing its 01 humanoid robot performing tasks at a BMW car plant. The 01 robot demonstrated moving multiple components with precision, showcasing its potential to handle repetitive, low-skill tasks. The robot uses neural networks to learn tasks and can work in human-designed spaces without requiring costly factory redesigns. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both signed agreements with robotics startups to explore these innovations, while Tesla is developing its own humanoid robot, Optimus.

Toyota's Workout Seat: Exercise While You Sit

Toyota has unveiled a new seat designed to give you a workout while sitting. The seat tilts and moves subtly, causing muscles to tense and relax, akin to using a balance ball for core training. This innovative design engages inner muscles throughout the body, potentially reducing back pain and improving muscle coordination without the need for traditional exercise.

Quick Hits

• Mr. Gatti’s Pizza is going to open 92 new locations inside Walmarts across four states. 🍕 

• Prime Day is coming. Will the deals matter with prices so high? 🤷 

• The U.S. will test some Japanese wind turbines that generate electricity even at wind speeds as low as 7 mph. ⚡️ 

History

• 1850: Vega becomes the first star (other than the Sun) to be photographed. 🤩 

• 1955: Disneyland opens in Anaheim, California. 🎢 

• 1985: The Ford Aerostar begins production. 🚌 

Thanks for reading, friend! I hope you had a good time with today’s email. If not, there is always tomorrow.