🚗 Stellantis Makes Nice

TOGETHER WITH

Policy day was great!

We were welcomed with open arms by WANADA and the policy makers who are setting a course for the coming days and years for our retail auto community.

Keep an eye on the regular content streams for more of the in-depth conversations we had on the floor of the event. And check out some of Paul and Kyle’s impressions in the video above.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

😍 Stellantis Charms Dealers, Consumer Confidence Dips, and The Fed Hold Its Breath

🛡️ Stellantis Tries to Rebuild Dealer Trust

After a rocky year with its dealer network, Stellantis is making moves to repair relationships. The company is refocusing on dealer collaboration by offering more affordable Ram 1500 trims, a gas-powered Dodge Charger, and better regional decision-making authority. Stellantis leadership insists these changes are aimed at increasing sales and competitiveness.

📊 Consumer Confidence Dips in January

Consumer confidence dropped by 5.4 points to 104.1 in January, reflecting increasing economic uncertainty. While younger consumers reported the biggest declines in confidence, those over 55 saw a small uptick. Households earning over $125K showed the sharpest decrease, while mid- and lower-income groups saw modest gains. Despite the dip, expectations for personal finances remain positive, and stock market optimism is still holding. For auto dealers, this shift suggests high-income buyers may delay purchases, while mid-tier shoppers could take advantage of seasonal incentives before interest rates climb further.

🌊 Fed Holds Rates Steady as Auto Loans Climb

The Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates unchanged in its first meeting of 2025, signaling a wait-and-see approach to economic shifts. Auto loan rates, however, are still rising, with new car loan rates jumping to 9.25% and used car loans hitting 13.88%. Analysts warn that if inflation picks up, rates could increase further, impacting affordability for buyers. On the flip side, tax refund season could drive temporary demand as consumers lock in deals before potential future rate hikes.

TOGETHER WITH ASCENT DEALER SERVICES

Operation: Big Fan

Ascent Dealer Services is on a bold mission to help dealers enhance every aspect of their F&I operations. Its claim to fame is a strong focus on training and development, hiring only former dealers, GMs, and F&I directors to coach dealership teams.

Ascent Dealer Services believes that while selling a vehicle today is important, ensuring a sale tomorrow is even more crucial. The approach centers on F&I departments offering products that actively engage retail customers with the service department. With a focus on retention-based selling, the company aims to create lifelong raving fans for its dealer partners.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

🐕‍🦺 A Hole-in-One for a Great Cause: Dealers Rally for Canine Companions at NADA 2025

Golf, generosity, and good dogs—what more could you ask for?

At this year’s NADA Show in New Orleans, OPENLANE put the fun in fundraising by auctioning off a Masters Golf Tournament experience, ultimately raising $88,335 for Canine Companions through the NADA Foundation’s Frank E. McCarthy Memorial Program.

For over two decades, NADA and Canine Companions have teamed up to provide expertly trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities—at zero cost to the recipients. These dogs aren’t just pets; they are independence, confidence, and companionship on four legs.

At the auction, Canine Companions graduate Amanda Richardson, alongside her service dog Glamour, shared her story, reminding attendees exactly why events like this matter.

OPENLANE CEO Peter Kelly summed it up best:

And this year’s total? $88K. Just one more testament to the generosity that defines America’s auto dealers.

So, to everyone who raised a paddle, placed a bid, or cheered from the sidelines—cheers to you. You made a difference.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

🍁 February 12-17th — 2025 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.

🦀 May 13-16th — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland. Get the app!
The NADA Show just ended, and we’re already counting the days until we can all get together again! ASOTU CON has improved each year, and we are ready to guarantee this year will be as unique as it is unmissable.

🥊 Quick Hits

• Economic growth has slowed despite more spending. 🦥 

• Google is following the trend in offering voluntary exits to workers. 🍃 

• Costco ups worker pay in more U.S. locations. 🤑 

🔁 Today in History

• 1948: The first automotive tail fins hit the road. 🦈 

• 1959: Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson are killed in a plane crash along with the pilot near Clear Lake, Iowa, an event later known as The Day the Music Died. 🎸 

• 2016: Toyota announces the end of Scion. 🔚