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- SAT# 54 - 🧀🤖☕️ Don't Worry, Brie Happy
SAT# 54 - 🧀🤖☕️ Don't Worry, Brie Happy
The Week in the Rearview and BMW Invests in Robots
It’s finally here, y’all! The most important holiday of the year — National Cheese Day.
From participating in DGS’s Distinctive Forces in Auto Retail panel to reporting live at WANADA to gearing up for NADA, it’s been a very gouda week for us.
We love being face-to-face with our community and capturing nacho average coverage. It proves that we're a blend of many flavors, but together, we make sure nobody feels prov-alone.
Keep Pushing Back
-Kristi
ICYMI
Giphy/Peleton
The Daily Pushback Email
Friday, we saw CARS hit the brakes, Volvo step on the gas for EVs, and Rivian expand its buffet of options. Plus, shoppers say they were happier with their dealer experience in 2023 than in the past, so good work, everyone. 👏
Thursday we zipped through the tech-savvy lanes of Gen Z car shopping, chilly battery challenges, and a sneak peek into the coolest gizmos and gadgets from CES 2024. 👀
On Wednesday, we swept away the cobwebs and offered a way to recharge your playbook with insights from Todd Caputo on reviving a sales team’s pandemic-dulled skills. 🕸️
Tuesday, we saw Hyundai flaunt its innovative wheels, Toyota aims for a new record, and GM cozy up with Costco. Not to mention, the argument of AI-generated art magically flared up again. 🪄
Monday…who can even remember that far back? Oh, wait. That was the day Stellantis went diving into sodium-ion batteries, new methane taxes were implemented in the US, and automakers reported that the ripple effects of Red Sea conflicts were causing production issues. 🩸
In the wake of COVID-19, the automotive sales landscape has dramatically shifted. That’s why our good pal and seasoned expert, Todd Caputo, owner of Todd Captuo Consulting, provided us with a tailored training manual guide that is sure to be a total game-changer for your dealership.
Check out the full article on LinkedIn, and let us know what tips and tricks you utilize when it comes to re-training your staff.
Auto Collabs Podcast
This week, we caught up with Jeremy Stephens, Remote Service Director for Bozard Ford Lincoln, on his journey from technician to top dog. It's a no-filter chat about tech, challenges, and the future of car care — essential listening for anyone in the industry with big passions and strong convictions.
The Automotive Troublemaker Podcast
ASOTU was live at WANADA when news broke about the FTC’s decision to stay the upcoming CARS Rule. Paul and Kyle discuss what that means with our pal and partner, CEO of Mosaic Compliance Solutions, Jim Ganther.
Watch the full episode here.
SOMETHING FUN
BMW’s Robo-Baristas
Figure/Carscoops
Imagine walking into a car factory and being greeted by an intern with a fresh cup of coffee. ☕️
Now imagine that intern is 132 pounds of hard plastic and metal.
That’s a fantasy not too far from reality at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, SC.
In collaboration with Figure, their new humanoid robots are set to redefine efficiency by mastering car production, and caffeine fixes all in one go, showing off a video of the robot successfully using a Keurig to make a cup of coffee. Hope you like it black!
Designed to mingle safely with the plant's 11,000 actual human workers, these robots are part of a phased integration over the next 12-24 months.
As BMW joins the likes of Tesla and Hyundai in the robotic race, CEO Robert Engelhorn sees this as a strategic move to meet growing consumer demands and propel the auto industry into a new era of productivity (while workers are likely viewing the move through a slightly less rosy lens).
Quick Hits
Marking today’s fromage festivities, Arby’s is selling special “Keys to the Cheese” keychains which will unlock free Cheddar Sauce cups for the rest of the year. 🔑
Ford has abandoned a patent it previously filed that would allow cars to repossess themselves. 📄
Burt's Bees' ranch-flavored lip balm started as a gag but sold out instantly. 🐝
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