🚗 The Chicken War Just Got Personal (and Nostalgic)

🚙 Tariffs Ease, Toyota Bets on Sedans, and Tesla Locks in Chips

July 29, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

July 29th

Service is proactive.

One definition of service is: to perform routine maintenance or repair work.

Which means that, at least some of the time, service isn’t big or glorious. It may not be praised. It may not even be requested.

But it’s essential to keeping things working.

An engine.
A software system.
A relationship.

They’re all worth serving—quietly, consistently, and well.

Keep Pushing Back,
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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SOMETHING FUN

Any Questions?

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Careers and calling have a way of putting people in each other’s lives who might never cross paths otherwise.

Which is kind of wild, considering we end up sharing our labor, our vision, and a third of our lives with them.

So maybe it’s worth slowing down just enough to know who we’re building with, beyond the to-dos and timelines.

Here are a few questions that might help shift our view: from “co-workers” to teammates, and maybe even from teammates to friends.
Not icebreakers. Just conversation starters for people doing real work, side by side.

  • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

  • What hobby are you most grateful to have?

  • Do you have a hero? Who and why?

  • One movie, book, or album you wish everyone would check out?

  • What did you want to be when you grew up?

From the Automotive State of the Union

Tariffs
The U.S.–EU tariff deal finally landed and it’s a big one. German automakers like VW and BMW are breathing easier as the U.S. drops planned 25% tariffs to 15%. Stocks jumped, but analysts warn that even this “relief” still adds long-term pressure. The ASOTU crew breaks down what this means for production plans, pricing, and dealer inventory strategy in the months ahead.

Also in the mix:

  • Toyota’s next 4 years include electric Highlanders, a Maverick-fighting mini pickup, and a surprising commitment to sedans.

  • ChatGPT and privacy: OpenAI’s CEO says your conversations aren’t confidential, raising big questions for anyone using AI tools at work.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Click to read the full digest.

Yesterday, we dug into how billions in new trade costs are reshaping automaker strategies—and why buyers are suddenly speeding up their timelines. VW is angling for tariff relief by bringing Audi production to the U.S., while a new survey shows middle-income Americans are jumping back into the market before prices rise even higher.

Meanwhile, minimalist EV startup Slate Auto is feeling the pressure as its sub-$20K truck loses the federal tax credit it was built around. Power windows? Optional. A stereo? Extra.

Also inside:

  • Tesla’s $16.5B chip deal anchors AI development in Texas.

  • OEMs are racing the software clock, trying to close a years-long gap with EV-native players.

  • Tariff trade-offs in Japan and the EU could have ripple effects on vehicle supply and pricing.

NADA Show 2026: Save Your Spot

That’s right, folks! It’s official. The moment you’ve all been waiting for


Registration and housing for the NADA Show 2026 is now open.

The Auto Industry Event of the Year returns to Las Vegas February 3–6, but this time, they’re switching things up.

In 2026, the show kicks off on a Tuesday and wraps on Friday, giving attendees a fresh new schedule, but all the same high-value insights you’ve come to expect.

NADA Show 2026 is all about speed and spectacle, with the Welcome Reception set for the brand-new Grand Prix Plaza. And they are quite literally bringing the magic to the mainstage with world-class magician Jon Dorenbos and legendary athlete-turned-entrepreneur Magic Johnson, as well as Molly Fletcher, delivering keynotes.

Remember: Early bird pricing runs through September 5. That’s the best deal you’ll get, so don’t miss out.

SOMETHING ELSE

The Chicken Wars

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The chicken wars are heating up again—but this time, it’s not just about crunch. It’s about memory. McDonald’s brought back the Snack Wrap, Popeyes dropped a diss track, Taco Bell jumped in with crispy burritos, and even White Castle and Wingstop started flexing. But what really moved the needle? Nostalgia.

A familiar flavor, a remembered jingle, a long-missed bite—these things don't just trigger cravings. They tell us, this is what good tastes like. In a crowded market where everything’s loud, fast, and “new,” it’s the things we already trust that feel most valuable.

The lesson?

People often judge quality not by specs or price, but by emotion—by whether it feels like home, like something they loved before. That’s not just marketing. That’s memory in motion. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to reach back and bring something beloved into the now.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

ASOTU CON 2025 Short with Ed Roberts

Why have a customer call other service options when you can handle their request immediately?

đŸ„Š Quick Hits

  • The first 100% effective HIV prevention drug is approved and going global. 💉 

  • China’s DeepMind is capable of translating ancient languages. Which is the sci-fi/paranormal action movie setup we didn’t see coming. đŸ€– 

  • The new Frankenstein movie has some images circulating. 🧟 

🔁 Today in History

  • 1836: Inauguration of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. đŸ„– 

  • 1909: General Motors buys Cadillac. đŸš˜ïž 

  • 1957: Tonight Starring Jack Paar premieres on NBC, launching the modern-day talk show. đŸ“ș 

Have a spectacular day, and let us know: how can we serve you this week?

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