#660 - 🚗 Robotaxi Returns

TOGETHER WITH

ASOTU CON 2024 is about a month away now and we are pretty excited to see you there. The list of participants grows each day and with it, the reasons you should grab your ticket (if you haven’t already).

We’ve got local dealers, dealers from across the country, thought leaders, tech innovators, partners, collaborators, and people working every day to ensure that retail auto remains the best choice for meeting consumer mobility needs.

It’s going to be a good time.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 5 mins}

BUSINESS

Nothing to Fear, Just News.

Let’s face it: most news providers are trying to make you scared of the right thing. Not us!

China is a juggernaut of cheap cars and nifty tech, but they aren’t at the top of every consumer's shopping list.

There are two ways to maintain relevance: Doing what they do better or doing what you do best.

Let’s do a little of both today, friends!

--

Europe in China, China in Europe

In the first quarter, Germany's premium automakers—BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche—witnessed stark sales declines in China by 3.8%, 12%, and 24%, respectively, amid supply chain disruptions and model transitions. The dip, reflecting an ongoing struggle to rebound to pre-pandemic prosperity, is exacerbated by heightened competition and a shift towards electric vehicles. 

Stellantis, on the other hand, faces its own tumult, with CEO cautioning of potential Italian plant closures amid Chinese automotive incursion. While the Italian government courts Tesla and Chinese entities like Chery Auto to invigorate national car production, Stellantis grapples with declining market presence and sales, jeopardizing existing manufacturing facilities.

Robotaxi Returns

Following an accident-involved decision to halt tests, Cruise will resume testing its robotaxis in Phoenix, Arizona, with one important note: 

• Tests will involve vehicles driven manually without passengers 

The company hopes to improve its systems before trying to reintroduce passenger services. 

Land Cruising in a 4Runner. Road Running in a Land Cruiser

Toyota says roads are for cowards with its latest unveiling: a completely redesigned 4Runner SUV, the first in nearly 15 years. The off-road-friendly SUV will be the first of its name with hybrid tech under the hood, pushing Toyota further into the fuel-efficiency conversation and hybrids further into the "powertrain of the future" debate. 

While the 4Runner is getting new tech and going off-road, the Land Cruiser is exploring✨options✨. 

It won't have an off-road choice, but it will let interested shoppers pick from custom options like a minimalist 1958 Editon, aftermarket goodies, or just go for its big bro, the Lexus GX550. As long as it's a Toyota brand, Toyota doesn't mind. 

BMW's Million

BMW delivered its one-millionth EV in Q1 2024. They lead the luxury auto segment.

• Sales Surge: EV deliveries soared by 28% year-over-year, featuring models like the i4 and iX.

• Overall Growth: Despite a modest 1.1% growth in total sales, EV performance stands out.

• Competitive Edge: Outperformed rivals such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen in EV sales.

With more collaboration and innovation already announced, it will be interesting to see how long they hold the front spot among luxury brands transitioning to electric options.  

--

Feeling informed? Feeling Jazzed? Well, luckily, Jazz and information are two things that get better when you share them. so go be sure everybody on your team is up to date and ready to throw DOWN on a sax solo.

TOGETHER WITH TRADEPENDING

Lead Capture vs. Digital Retailing

Being the savvy ASOTU reader that you are, you're already well aware that not every visitor to a dealership's website is on the brink of purchasing a vehicle. Many are simply early-stage browsers, casually exploring their options without the intent of filling out lengthy questionnaires or engaging in an unexpected chat.

Your website should be prepared to cater to every type of visitor, from the tire kickers, to the indecisive chatter-boxes, to the ready-to-buy-ers. Confusing those audiences can muddle your customers’ experience and lead to a slide in your conversion rates.

Insights from TradePending highlight the pitfalls and opportunities lost when dealer websites confuse browsing and buying — check out the stats here.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

Sales models: single point of contact, or traditional? 🤔 

Both models go on trial in this unique session at this year’s ASOTU CON. Two teams will argue their case about how and why their model is best, and where the other fails.

With plenty of objections on both sides, it will be fast-paced, insightful and unlike anything you’ve ever seen at an automotive conference before. Hosted by our very own Kyle Mountsier, it's one session you definitely don't want to miss.

🎟️ Grab your ticket to join the conversation! 🎟️

DATA & INSIGHT

EV-Friendly Housing

2023 marked a significant milestone with over 1.2M U.S. drivers opting for electric vehicles. Not only does it demonstrate an evolution of buyer preferences, but that surge in sales is causing a ripple-effect, accelerating home-charging demands.

A new report from Cox Automotive uncovers the top housing markets for those looking to make the switch to EV ownership:

As EV ownership rises, so is the demand for EV-friendly homes. This trend is beginning to reshape the housing market, with an increasing number of property listings boasting features like dedicated charging stations.

In 2023, 0.9% of homes listed on Realtor.com were described as EV-friendly, a significant rise from just 0.1% five years ago.

Nearly 48% of those accommodating homes were constructed in or after 2010, signaling a trend towards newer, EV-ready abodes; however, older homes were not left behind with 17.8% of listings built before 1970 having adapted to the new charging tech.

👉 Click here to continue reading. 👀

Quick Hits

• Google is adding a video editing tool to its productivity suite. 🎬

• The House is considering expanding warrantless wiretapping rules when the current Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expires in about a week. 📞

• Another Joker movie is coming out, but this time with Lady Gaga, who we kinda expect to just dress as herself. 🤡

History

• 1916: Nash Motors Company is founded. 🚙

• 1947: Jackie Robinson takes to the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in an exhibition match between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees, becoming the first black athlete to play in Major League baseball. ⚾️

• 1976: The Apple I is created. 🍏

Thanks for reading, friend. Take pride in all you do today. If you aren’t proud of it, it isn’t done. Like this email, we aren’t proud of it until this sentence is done. There, that’s better.