🚗 Rare Earth Deal Complete?

TOGETHER WITH

Howdy, Friend!

As soon as we write something about these Chinese magnets, news about the Chinese magnets changes what we thought we knew about Chinese magnets. Knowing stuff is hard, like Monday morning (the exact opposite of easy, like Sunday morning).

Today, we've also got news on GM's flex-fest in the EV world. They're selling them while other folks are sitting on them. GM even has a few billion dollars worth of plans to upgrade plants. So it looks like they expect the good time to roll on.

Then, last, we grabbed some info about the Nissan LEAF. Apparently, it's liquid-cooled now. We emailed asking if that means we can drive it in the creek, but they haven't responded yet (we will let you know if they do).

Thanks for reading today. Writing just isn't worth it if nobody takes a look.

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

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THE NEWS

The China Deal, GM: Making Money to Spend Money, and the New LEAF

Trump Just Dropped a Trade Grenade…

…on the global supply chain by announcing a “done” deal with China that makes them the U.S.'s preferred supplier for rare earths and magnets. Yes, China—the same country we were tariff-sparring with a few weeks ago—is now fronting the raw materials that power our EVs, fighter jets, and probably half your inventory’s drivetrains.

In return? We’re apparently offering up college admissions like they’re baseball cards. The deal’s still waiting on a handshake from Xi, but markets already reacted—oil prices spiked and Wall Street briefly remembered it likes stability.

Why does this matter to you? Because stable rare earth supply means fewer delays, less guesswork, and a better shot at keeping your pipeline flowing. It’s not patriotic to be out of stock.

Meanwhile, GM’s Doing the “Built in America” Thing

They just announced a $4B investment to bring more vehicle production stateside—moving Blazer and Equinox output from Mexico to Michigan and Tennessee.

Oh, and they’re also having the best EV sales year ever, up 94% so far. GM may not have caught Tesla yet, but they’ve definitely got momentum and a diversified product mix.

And Nissan quietly reinvented the LEAF

While everyone else was yelling about AI, Nissan was working with a smaller motor, better torque, smoother suspension, and it's whisper-quiet inside.

Bonus points for heat recycling and tighter urban turns. It’s basically an intro to EVs for customers who think Teslas are too loud...or, too Musk.

➕ More

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

🥊 Quick Hits

• Data scams and hacking are big money, so cybersecurity is big business. One firm just hit $6B. 💾 

• Formula E’s new 210MPH EV is…fast. 🐇 

• Lowes is partnering with MrBeast. (Why? I don’t know. Read the article. I’m too MrBored of YouTubers taking over the world. -Chris)

TOGETHER WITH THE SHOP BY FORDDIRECT

Built for Dealers, Fueled by Innovation

Three minutes. Three bold pitches. One ultimate winner.

That’s the spirit behind Pitch Tank, and this year The Shop by FordDirect brought it to life for ASOTU CON 2025.

Their support helped make one of the event’s most anticipated moments possible. Plus, Beth Hill, General Counsel of FordDirect and COO of The Shop, joined our all-star panel of judges to bring sharp insight to the stage, help identify which ideas had the most promise.

More than a Pitch Tank partner, The Shop is FordDirect’s one-stop marketplace for vetted tools and services built specifically to help dealers save time, drive growth, and stay ahead in a transforming industry. They’re not about pushing products, they’re about cutting through the noise for dealers looking for real-world solutions.

Explore The Shop by FordDirect today for the tools you need, all in one place.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

More Than a Golf Game

Rohrman Automotive Group just raised $117,000 at their 5th Annual Rohrman Restored Golf Challenge, benefiting the Rohrman Restored Foundation—a fund dedicated to supporting employees through health, counseling, education, and financial hardships.

To date, the Foundation has provided $2M+ in aid to over 1,400 Rohrman team members and their families.

“This annual event is an opportunity for us to connect outside the dealership walls and give back to our colleagues,” said CEO Ryan Rohrman.

The support doesn’t stop after the final putt. Employees can contribute through payroll deductions (matched dollar-for-dollar) and the Rohrman family gives personally as well.

One employee put it simply:

“They paid my house payment, truck payment. It was a big relief and help while undergoing treatment!”

This is what happens when a dealership invests in its people.

That’s More Than Cars, y’all.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Healthcare: A Necessity, Not an Expense

It’s easy to ignore healthcare. It’s complex. It’s not glamorous. It rarely takes center stage. But when it’s one of the largest line items on your P&L—and one of the biggest opportunities to show your team you care—it deserves a fresh look.

At ASOTU CON 2025, a group of sharp and savvy dealers shared how they stopped treating benefits like a necessary evil and started using them as a secret weapon.

They’re embracing self-insured plans, smarter wellness strategies, and clear communication that actually engages employees. The result? Lower costs, higher morale, and benefits that truly reflect company values.

If you’ve ever thought of healthcare as just a cost of doing business, it’s time to think again. This session will shift your mindset, equip you with questions you should be asking your broker, and offer a glimpse into what’s possible when benefits become a shared mission.

Watch the full replay—your P&L (and your people) will thank you.

🔁 Today in History

• 1665: Thomas Willett is appointed the first mayor of New York City. 🏙️ 

• 1942: Anne Frank receives a diary for her thirteenth birthday. 🌍️ 

• 1971: The last Lincoln Mark III is produced. 🫂 

If you’ve read this far…