#760 - 🚗 Stuff Happened All Week

🚙 We Interviewed The Star Of "The Dealership"

August 10, 2024

You made it to the weekend, friends!

Whether you’re on the clock or taking a breather today, we hope for you a totally stress free Saturday.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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ICYMI

Last Week: Some Stuff Happened

  • Monday, we dove into how US auto dealers are engaging with data. We also explored Audi's evolving strategies in the electric vehicle market, China's booming EV sales, and Ford's BlueCruise expansion in Europe. Plus, we shared updates on NASA's efforts to ensure a safe return for the Starliner crew. 🚀

    We also asked you all: “What’s your biggest data-related challenge at your dealership?” There was a very mixed response, but it seem ensuring data accuracy and consistency leads in dealer struggles:
     

  • Tuesday, we covered Ford's fleet success and new tech, Honda's profit surge amid currency challenges, and Lamborghini's extravagant swimwear collection. We also discussed Leapmotor's European expansion, the high lease costs for the GMC Sierra EV, and Lego's new Mercedes G-Class set. The newsletter wrapped up with a heartwarming story about Wilson Automotive Group's charitable donations. 💰
     

  • On Wednesday, we explored resilience in the face of challenges, from Hurricane Debby’s impact on Florida to Audi’s Costco discounts and the growing issue of vehicle inventory surpluses. Then, we looked at Toyota’s new production center in Texas, which supports differently-abled workers, and the touching story of a paralyzed woman receiving a life-changing accessible van from Toyota of Montgomery. 🚐
     

  • Thursday centered on reliability, highlighting Ford’s Mustang Mach-E setting a new EV range record and the skepticism surrounding Tesla’s Autopilot safety data. We also explored the challenges of unreliable EV charging infrastructure, where ghost and zombie chargers are misleading drivers. 🧟

    We asked you all “Does union support influence your perception of a candidate?” and “no” won in a landslide:
     

  • Friday started with UAW President Shawn Fain’s criticism of Donald Trump’s ties to Elon Musk while endorsing Kamala Harris. We also covered the growing concerns over EV fire safety in cities, Ford's declining sales in Europe, and Lucid Motors' strong Q2 performance. Hyundai's new EV plant in Thailand and insights on the FTC’s CARS Rule were also highlighted. 🚘

    We asked you all “If re-elected, do you see Trump’s sudden support of EVs as a challenge for U.S. Retail Auto?” This time, “yes” took the landslide.
     

PODCASTS

Auto Collabs

In this episode, Greg Uland, VP of Marketing at Reynolds and Reynolds, discusses the importance of in-person events like Amplify, sharing insights on innovation, networking, and what to expect at the upcoming event.

Read more or listen to the full convo as an audio-only podcast here. 

ASOTU Edge w/ Mosaic

Paul and Kyle join Jim Ganther from Mosaic Compliance Solutions to discuss the CARS Rule review, its potential impact on dealers, and how to prepare for the operational changes it may bring.

Watch the full replay here.

The Automotive Troublemaker

In this episode, the spotlight is on Mohawk Chevrolet's hit TikTok series, "The Dealership," which parodies "The Office" and even features GM CEO Mary Barra endorsing a humorous rebrand idea for the Silverado. With over 300,000 views in just 24 hours, the series shows the impact of creative, low-budget content. The episode also covers an EV charger reliability study and Elon Musk's decision to close X's San Francisco headquarters.

Listen in on your favorite podcast app here.

SOMETHING FUN

Dad Builds Miniature Apple Car for His Kids

Following the cancellation of Apple's $10B car project, Vietnamese woodworker and content creator Truong Van Dao (better known as ND – Woodworking Art on YT) decided craft one himself.

The wooden, hand-carved vehicle is complete with light-up Apple logos and consoles. Plus, it’s fully functional, allowing his son and daughter to enjoy rides down the road.

This isn't Dao's first automotive masterpiece either. You may remember our story after he created a wooden version of the Tesla Cybertruck, but he’s built plenty of other popular rides like the Ferrari GTO 250, Ford F-150 Raptor, and Rolls-Royce 6×6.

Who needs billion-dollar budgets when you've got a little timber and a whole lotta dad's love?

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

👨‍⚖️ August 19th — Paul and Kyle judging the Automotive Amplifiers Contest with Reynolds & Reynolds in Leesburg, VA.

🌴 August 20-24th — NAMAD Conference in Miami, FL.

🍎 September 16th — The Welcome Conference in NYC.

Quick Hits

  • Auto insurance companies are buying up driving data, but what about homeowners’ insurance sending drones? Are we living in the future? Is it worth it?? 🤖 

  • Astronauts were sent into space for an 8-day trip, but they may be there well into 2025. 🧑‍🚀 

  • A robot has performed the first fully automated dentist procedure. 🪥 

History

  • 1897: The first-ever Auto Club is formed as the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland (RAC). 🥇 

  • 1907: The Peking to Paris race is won after two months and 10,000 miles. 🍾 

  • 1948: Candid Camera makes its television debut after being on the radio for a year as The Candid Microphone. 📸 

Thanks for reading, friend! Enjoy your Saturday. Serving your community and family, or just mowing the grass: it all matters.

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