🚗 Ready to Dish

TOGETHER WITH

Next week at NADA, we’re stepping out of the kitchen and into the dining room—finally sharing what we’ve been working on behind the scenes.

It’s been months of planning, tweaking, and perfecting, and we can’t wait to show all of you what’s been cooking.

Want a sneak peek at what’s on the menu? Check out the Automotive Troublemaker podcast where we dish on the ideas and energy we’ll be bringing to NOLA in just a few days.

Stay tuned, Friend!

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

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ICYMI

Highlights from the Week

The Daily Pushback Email

• On Monday, we explored how U.S. restrictions on Chinese auto tech could reshape global supply chains. Meanwhile, Jim Colon’s visionary leadership at Marysville Toyota stood out as a shining example of blending business innovation with heartfelt community impact. Plus, we spotlighted salt-battery breakthroughs poised to revolutionize sustainable EVs. 🧂
   

• Then, on Tuesday, we discussed the proposed Honda-Nissan merger and its potential $50B impact. We also examined political efforts to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, and Porsche’s steep sales drop in China, raising questions for the global luxury auto market. We also introduced Claude, an AI program that could help streamline dealership operations. 🦾
   

• On Wednesday, we highlighted BEV growth as it captured 8.1% of the U.S. market in 2024. Meanwhile, Biden’s finalized ban on Chinese cars by 2027 raised questions for supply chains, and eBay’s acquisition of Caramel marked a bold move to rival Amazon in online car sales. We then dug into Consumer Reports’ latest survey revealing that fuel economy still reigns as the top priority for car buyers. 🛒
   

• Thursday, we spotlighted safety tech challenges, with an IIHS study revealing AEB systems often fail to detect pedestrians at night. Amazon made a major move toward sustainability with its order of over 200 Mercedes-Benz electric semis. Then, we celebrated the 49 nominees for the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year award—leaders who excel in business and community impact. 🏆

   

• Yesterday, we saw hybrids leading the charge as total electrified vehicles hit 20% of U.S. sales, and Toyota retained its crown as the world’s largest automaker for the fifth year. Plus, the stock market’s midweek rally gave hope, and retail sales surged thanks to strong holiday spending and resilient car sales. 📈

TOGETHER WITH TRADEPENDING

Wish you could keep your dealership's brand top-of-mind all year without lifting a finger?

Enter Value Watch, TradePending’s newest product.

Value Watch sends automated monthly emails/texts to consumers from your dealership, tracking their vehicle’s value over time, driving business to your service department, and doing so without million-dollar ad budgets.

Be one of the very first to see Value Watch at NADA 2025. Book a meeting and actually show up, and we'll send you a pair of custom Vans!

PODCASTS

Auto Collabs

In this episode of Auto Collabs, Bobby Gaudreau, VP of Sales & Marketing at Activator Dealer Solutions, connects his passion for ultra-running with his drive to shake up automotive marketing.

He shares how tackling a 50-mile race like the Squamish 50 mirrors the grit and vision needed to transform Customer Data Platforms. Bobby breaks down how Activator is making dealership data work smarter while keeping a human touch front and center.

Don’t miss it—watch the full replay here.

The Automotive Troublemaker

Incoming NADA President Tom Castriota is gearing up to tackle big challenges in 2025, from making EVs affordable for everyday buyers to protecting the franchise model we all know and love. Meanwhile, eBay is making waves with its latest move—acquiring Caramel to simplify used car sales and build trust in the process. And just when you thought AI couldn’t get any smarter, ChatGPT drops its new “Tasks” feature to handle your to-do list.

Tune in for the full scoop from the Automotive Troublemakers on YouTube, Spotify or Apple.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

⚜️ January 23-26th — NADA Show in New Orleans. Find the all best parties here!

📝 January 30th — Public Policy Day with WANADA and the Washington, D.C. Auto Show.

🦀 May 13-16th — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland.

SOMETHING FUN

🐉 A Myth in Motion

When luxury meets legend, you get the Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon, a one-off masterpiece commissioned to honor Chinese culture and the Year of the Dragon.

The heart of the car’s story lies in The Gallery, a dashboard masterpiece crafted from 297 pieces of four different woods. The intricate marquetry depicts two dragons swirling through clouds, guarding a pearl symbolized by a bespoke Rolls-Royce clock.

Inside, bold Ardent Red leather envelops the cabin, complemented by embroidered headrests bearing the client’s family name in ancient Chinese calligraphy.

Above, a custom Starlight headliner adds celestial drama with 1,344 fiber-optic lights, forming abstract red-and-white dragons accented by 24 shooting stars. Meanwhile, the exterior is finished in understated Iced Diamond Black, letting the interior steal the spotlight.

Rolls-Royce’s artisans didn’t just build a car—they built a myth on wheels. And while it may not breathe fire, it’s sure to leave onlookers fired up.

Quick Hits

• The U.S. Supreme Court decided on Friday to uphold the TikTok ban going into effect tomorrow. 🚫

• Apple is hitting pause on a glitchy AI feature that was sending out bogus news alerts to some iPhone users. 🤥

• Falling debris from SpaceX's exploded Starship rocket briefly delayed and diverted airline traffic on Thursday. 🚀