🚗 Q1 w/ CarMax

TOGETHER WITH

Howdy Fam, new day, new week, let’s get to it!

We read a lot each week, and things seem to revolve around a few topics, with doing business well playing the center, and they each orbit.

But, we hope you do stop to smell the roses, or in this case, the data, tech, and big global plays.

You may never sell an EV with wheels that charge the battery, but if we enjoy reading about them, it’s time well used.

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

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THE NEWS

Q1, Charging Wheels, and Audi’s Tariff Dodge

Check out The Automotive State of the Union for more on the CarMax Q1 report w/ Paul and Kyle. 👆️ 

🧾 CarMax Breaks Records

CarMax just dropped a monster Q1: net income up 38%, $7.5B in revenue, and a record $2,407 gross profit per used unit. Same-store sales? Up for the fourth straight quarter. Say what you will about big-box used retailers, but CarMax keeps executing. If you’re still sleeping on what they’re building, you’re missing out on lessons in pricing, efficiency, and tech leverage.

🚗 Used EVs Up, New EVs... Still Waiting

Cox data shows a hot used EV market (32% YoY growth), while new EV sales continue limping along. Translation: Affordability wins. Your inventory mix and messaging need to be tuned accordingly.

🛠️ Hub Motors Might Actually Matter

Hyundai and Renault are flirting with EV in-wheel motors. If they figure it out, EVs get simpler, cheaper, and roomier. Big “if,” but watch this space.

🌍 Tariff Tug-of-War Intensifies

Audi’s eyeing a $4.6B U.S. plant. China’s BYD just dumped 22K EVs in Brazil. Everyone’s dodging something. Dealers, stay nimble—this global trade game impacts your lot faster than you think.

🔋 Tesla Builds China’s Biggest Battery

While everyone argues about EV sales, Tesla’s quietly powering cities. Mobility ain’t just about wheels—it’s about energy.

➕ More

We’ve got more on these and several other stories in our Daily Digest.

🥊 Quick Hits

• Meta is trying to put computers on faces again. This time, Oakley sunglasses. 😎 

• PowerWash 2, a game about powerwashing, is coming soon. 🧼 

• Even Goodwill is feeling the burn, which is wild since their products are free. 🆓 

TOGETHER WITH CARNOW

Performance Over Promises

Let’s be honest—promises don’t close deals. Performance does.

CarNow isn’t just about flashy features or marketing buzz. It’s about helping dealers actually sell more. One store moved from a 3% close rate to 30% in just a month by switching to our full platform setup. That’s the kind of lift you can’t ignore. From Chat & Messaging to ReConnect’s assisted follow-up, it all just works - and it works together.

Curious what that kind of performance could look like for you?

Take a Look at the Numbers

ASOTU CON 2025

💥 EV Charging: THE CREAM RISES TO THE TOP

At ASOTU CON 2025, we didn’t tiptoe around EV infrastructure. We body-slammed the outdated mindset that charging is just a cost center.

In EV Power For Life, panelists Robert Blessing (Renew Energy), Alex Lawrence (EV Auto), and Michael Wood (Checkered Flag Auto Group)—with Paul J Daly on the mic—broke down how charging is becoming a dealer's secret weapon.

We're talkin’ $60K/month in net income from charger installs, F&I-ready home charging solutions, and a smarter approach to customer loyalty.

From plug-in hybrids as EV gateways to QR codes that turn chargers into service schedulers, this one’s packed with real moves dealers can actually use.

This ain’t fluff. It’s the future—already happening.

Watch the video here, or read the full write-up here (BROTHER!)

🔁 Today in History

• 1868: Christopher Latham Sholes received a patent for an invention he called the "Type-Writer.” 📎 

• 1991: Sonic the Hedgehog is released in North America on the Sega Genesis platform, beginning the popular video game franchise. 🕹️ 

• 2016: The UK votes in a referendum to leave the European Union. 🇬🇧 

In case we don’t catch you on LinkedIn…