Do You Prefer Speed or Space In Your Ride?

TOGETHER WITH

In the morning at most dealerships across the country, a technician, service writer, or parts manager is rolling up the doors as the first on site. Its that quiet time in the morning when the first person walks into the shop or store that most of us never get the opportunity to see. If you are lucky, you have been there to hear the first lift get raised off the ground or the tapping on a keyboard prepping the stock order.

Sometimes locking up in sales for the last deal of the night gets all the glory. Remember, someone opened the doors too ;)Keep Pushing Back-Paul, Kyle, & Chris

DEALERS

Tommy Car Supports Christina’s House

Christina's House is a ministry dedicated to providing education, encouragement, support, and transitional housing to women and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Donations ensure the group can continue serving families on the path to self-sufficiency.

President at Tommy Car, Carla Cosenzi, recently presented the group with a check for $1,000 to support the critical work of lifting more families out of poverty.

Telling it like it is - Seeing beyond somebody’s unfortunate circumstances to a person worth helping is wonderful, but helping them see their own dignity despite their circumstances is uniquely beautiful. We are happy we got to share this story, thank you Tommy Car.

AUTOMOTIVE

Mining: Iran’s Discovery, Congo’s Surplus, and Canada’s New Rules

Reports from Iran say the nation is sitting on top of what could be the world's 2nd largest lithium deposit. The first largest is a 9.2M ton deposit in Chile. The nation's Ministry of Industry estimates 8.5 tones of the EV battery "white gold” rests under a province to its west.

A flood of cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo will raise the global supply of the rechargable battery material by 24% to around 210K tonnes. Demand for the metal is expected to rise only 8% this year to about 205K tonnes.

Supply > Demand. The expected 5K surplus this year and a 4K surplus next year could drop the price of cobalt by $13K a tonne to just over $50K in 2024.

Junior mining companies in Canada are anxious about the country's new stance on overseas investments in the industry. The Investment Canada Act (ICA) allows lawmakers to block or unwind any mineral investment the ministry sees as threatening national security.

Closing the door. In the past, the Toronto exchange has been a place where junior mining companies can raise funds. In the ICA changes as proposed, this spring the Canadian government will essentially decide what companies can trade in Toronto.

TL: DR - Iran strikes (white) gold, Congo is, like, really good at digging, yall, and Canada would like Canadians to invest in local miners only, please.

TOGETHER WITH VUMO

The Total Experience

Now more than ever, customers begin shopping online days or weeks before coming to kick the tires. This means providing a superior customer experience starts before they walk in your door.

VUMO gives dealers greater control of the online experience they offer customers by bringing high-quality inventory imaging to their stores.

The easy-to-use equipment sets up quickly indoors or outdoors to take crisp 360 photos of vehicles in minutes. Enhanced by AI, the platform then removes any background distractions, ensuring your customer's experience starts with the clarity, quality, and care they deserve and you want to deliver.

Deliver a superior total experience now! Schedule a call with VUMO now and get a special ASOTU price!

AUTOMOTIVE

Smash Like, and Subscribe to…Your Car?

Most new cars are now connected to the internet full-time, allowing automakers to communicate with them long after purchase. Along with this enhanced connection, OEMs are experimenting with subscription-based services for features such as heated steering wheels/seats, speakers, horsepower, and suspension, all of which are increasingly controlled by software.

This development could completely change how cars are built. Instead of multiple models offering different trim levels, manufacturers could create a single model with luxury features becoming available as paid monthly add-ons. Brands like BMW, Mercedes, GM, and Hyundai are among the companies that are already offering subscription services.

Pump the brakes (while it's still free!). Dealers and drivers aren't so keen on the idea, but for different reasons:

A 2022 Cox Automotive study found that a mere 25% of shoppers would consider purchasing a car that required ongoing subscription fees.

Many dealer groups are similarly against the move because of the revenue hit dealerships would take every year. They are even working to involve state legislatures in the matter.

Telling it like it is - What do you think about subscription-based car features? Hit reply and let us know!

TECHNOLOGY

EVs Growing Up: Big, Fast, Light

KIA's first XL EV SUV is nearing its debut. The EV9 is similar in size to a Cadillac Escalade, which, so far, has somewhat limited representation in electrified selection.

Kia’s new EV is as big as its name is small.

The Pininfarina Batista set a new acceleration record for EVs with an 8.55-second quarter mile. Last week, a demonstration at the Dubai Autodrome also showcased the car's 1.79 second 0-60 time and 4.49 second 0-120mph time.

This EV is slightly faster than an F1 race car. Pit stops are going to be so weird if the future of racing includes a 15-minute fast-charger session.

Former Fugee Wyclef Jean launched the lightest EV supercar, the Attucks Apex APO. The "ultra-advances aerodynamic" carbon fiber chassis and a 650 hp rear motor deliver a 2.3 second 0-60 time.

Anybody, like Mr. Jean, who has gone from rocking long braided hair to a shaved head knows more about aerodynamics than money can buy.

Quick Hits

• “Boy Meets World” becomes “Man Meets Congress.”

• TikTok introduced a new feature called Series that allows certain content creators to charge followers for longer videos.

• Fans of Bill Hader shed a collective tear as it was announced that his HBO hit “Barry” will end with Season 4.

• Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters gives and gives again.

Podcasting Central

We don't know everything, but we do know podcasting. Spotify your game? Check out the daily 15 minute show that rolls around retail and auto news to keep you up to date with a bit of jam and energy daily!

History

• 1884: Susan B. Anthony addresses the US House Judiciary Committee arguing for an amendment to the Constitution granting women the right to vote.

• 1936: The first stock car race is held in Daytona Beach, Florida.

• 1950: The iconic Volkswagen Type 2 Bus begins production.