🚗 Red, Yellow, Green, White?

TOGETHER WITH

We don’t condone violence…

Unless it’s fighting for the retail auto industry. 🥊

(Shout out to Matt Lasher for suiting up and squaring up!)

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

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 4 min and 49 sec}

THE UNION

From the Automotive State of the Union

In yesterday’s episode, Kyle's hanging with our buddy Steve Greenfield, and they dig into some dealer shakeups, charger flops, and AI deals that feel a little too cozy.

California Tightens the Rules

California just passed the CARS Act, and it’s shaking up the playbook for every dealer in the state. Starting in 2026, stores will have to show total prices up front, clearly mark add-ons as optional, and provide used buyers a 3-day cancel window (among other guidelines). The move echoes 70% of the FTC’s tossed-out CARS rule, and other states are expected to follow.

Chargers Work (Until They Don’t)

A new report says nearly one out of three charging attempts fails, even though uptime claims hover around 99%. The issue isn’t cables or cars. It’s bad software handshakes between chargers, vehicles, and payment systems. Until the tech plays nice, public charging will keep testing drivers’ patience.

xAI and Nvidia: Deal or Loophole?

Elon’s looking to raise $20B for xAI, and Nvidia might both invest and supply the chips. Some call it circular financing, others call it smart ecosystem building. Either way, the line between investor and vendor is getting blurry fast.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Believe or Leave Wins Big

Capitol Nissan of Salem rebuilt after a fire and reemerged as Automotive News’ 2025 Best Dealership to Work For. Their secret? Internal promotions, thoughtful getaways, and a “Believe or Leave” mindset that empowers employees to always act in the customer’s best interest.

Jeep’s OTA Misfire

A Uconnect software update left some Jeep drivers stranded mid-drive. The glitch bricked powertrains on the road before Stellantis yanked the update. Dealers should prep service teams with clear comms and recovery steps for affected owners to help manage trust and minimize fallout.

A Fourth Light Ahead?

Researchers are pitching a fourth traffic signal light that would flip on when autonomous cars are controlling the intersection. The goal is to cut delays and make roads smarter, but it may be awhile before we see them out in the wild.

Diesel Deja Vu

More than 1.6M UK drivers are suing automakers for allegedly rigging diesel emissions. Ford, Mercedes, Renault, and others are in court facing claims of defeat devices, and the echoes of VW’s Dieselgate are getting louder by the minute.

TOGETHER WITH ESi-Q

Gen Z Is Here. And Already Leaving.

The 2025 NADA Dealership Workforce Study, powered by ESi-Q, reveals critical workforce shifts: Gen Z now represents the largest share of new dealership hires. Unfortunately, they are also most likely to quit as well.

What's different? Gen Z employees have different demands from their career. In addition to a paycheck, they prioritize a defined career development plan, value-driven leadership, and workplace culture. Traditional retention strategies aren't enough.

The study shows successful dealerships use workforce data to understand what actually motivates their Gen Z employees - then act on it.

ESi-Q helps you measure engagement, uncover generational differences, and build retention strategies that work.

Stop guessing. Start understanding your next-generation workforce.

Connect with ESi-Q today. 

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

• 🛒 Retail: Elon Musk’s other companies SpaceX and xAI are buying up unsold Cybertrucks.

• 🇺🇸 Policy: California has certified a new age verification law requiring device-makers like Apple and Google to confirm users’ ages online.

• 🎨 Art: Dozens of happy little paintings by Bob Ross are heading to auction to support of public television stations who are facing funding cuts.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

We’re heading to AutoMobility LA this November, and we’ve got something special just for our community. 🎁

Use code MoreThanCars for 25% off registration and join us as we explore the future of mobility.

Early bird pricing ends October 15th, so don’t wait—get your ticket today!

Today in History

• 1834: Henry Blair becomes the first African-American granted a U.S. patent for his corn planter. 🌽

• 1947: Chuck Yeager becomes the first pilot to break the sound barrier. 🛩️

• 1965: Oldsmobile debuts the Toronado. 🌪️

You may have a tough day ahead. That’s okay. You’re tougher.