#714 - 🚗 Take To The Sky

TOGETHER WITH

Tuesday, again, Friend!

Today’s email has some possible industry-changing news as Toyota considers a leadership change, some fresh starts at Stellantis’s Polish plant, and a GIF of a drone dressed like a ghost.

Something for everybody.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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

BUSINESS

What’s Happening Today?

As the kids say: Oof.

You really stepped in it when the company named (kinda) after your grandfather is thinking about firing you from being the boss. So many layers of crazy.

--

Toyota: Toyoda Vs. Shareholders?

Toyota's Chairman Akio Toyoda is under pressure as shareholders demand a vote against his reappointment amid a scandal involving fraudulent vehicle certification tests. Two major proxy groups, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, have advised voting against Toyoda. ISS criticized Toyoda for not reshuffling the board, while Glass Lewis blamed him for inadequate internal controls. Despite the controversy, Toyota's financial performance remains strong, with doubled profits in the last fiscal year and significant sales.

Stellantis Plant in Poland Takes a "Leap"

Leapmotor, in collaboration with Stellantis, has started producing electric vehicles at Stellantis' Tychy plant in Poland.

• The joint venture, where Stellantis holds a 51% stake, rolled out the first units of Leapmotor's T03 small EV.

• Mass production is scheduled for September.

• This initiative marks the first time a legacy Western automaker has exclusive rights to build, export, and sell Chinese EVs outside China.

• The partnership plans to introduce a second model, the A12 SUV, in 2025.

Rivian Takes to the Sky

Rivian is developing a drone to replace human spotters for off-roading. The drone will guide drivers over obstacles using sensors like radar, lidar, and sonar.

It will communicate with the vehicle and provide directions through lights or an in-vehicle display. This innovation aims to enhance off-road driving safety and efficiency. What do you think about this development? Hit reply and share your thoughts!

Volvo's Truck Wins

Volvo's electric Class 8 truck, the FM Electric, showcased its capabilities during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Danish engineering company Danfoss drove the truck 800 miles from Denmark to France, aiming to dispel myths about the range of heavy-duty electric vehicles.

The journey, part of the world's largest electric road trip organized by GodEnergi, highlighted the truck's endurance and efficiency. Equipped with Danfoss components, the Volvo FM Electric demonstrated the practicality of long-distance electric trucking.

-- 

The real question is: Can that drone skip the coffee line and grab my drink? I’m tired of being behind all these bagel orders. Just put the good stuff in the cup, and lemme leave!

TOGETHER WITH TRADEPENDING

Does Video Influence Sales? Does The Pope Wear a Funny Hat? Does a Bear...You Get the Idea.

If you had a way to double, triple, or quadruple the engagement rate in all of those emails and texts you're sending to your buyers, you’d do that, right?

Check out the latest stats from TradePending on how incorporating personalized video into your sales team's process just makes selling easier.

And yes, a bear does use the restroom in the woods.

Click here to learn more.

CULTURE

Court to Hear TikTok Challenge on September 16

A U.S. appeals court will hear arguments on September 16 regarding a law that mandates TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a ban.

TikTok and ByteDance are contesting the law, claiming it infringes on free speech and individual liberty. The court's decision could significantly impact TikTok's 150 million U.S. users. China has indicated it would block any forced sale, adding complexity to the case. This hearing may delay any potential ban, allowing TikTok to remain available.

Robo-You? The company recently announced it will begin running ads with AI avatars of the platform's most popular influencers. With time, you can have a robot version of yourself selling things like app games, meal boxes, and movie tickets. If you work hard enough, that is. 

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Webinar: June 26th

Quick Hits

• Life imitates art: Scientists have developed an “amber-like” polymer to preserve DNA for long terms. 🦖 

• Disney+ says its new “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” will be released in November. 🕷️ 

• The report shows China is about 15 years ahead of the US in terms of nuclear power. ⚛️ 

History

• 1923: The first Kalamazoo Checker is built (big yellow taxi) 🚕 

• 1928: Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic as a passenger. 60 years later, Sally Ride became the first American woman to fly into space. 👩‍✈️ 

• 1948: Columbia Records unveils its record, the 33 1/3. 🎵 

Thanks for reading, friend! We kept it short today, but we tried to cover a range of topics. Check out our social links below to get more news, community, and vibes throughout the day.