TOGETHER WITH :
Howdy Fam!
We’re keeping some things close to the chest for a big reveal.
But the agenda is taking shape on ASOTUCON.com; check it out here.
The cool thing about handpicked topics and speakers is that if the whole industry gets rocked by huge news the day before the event, you can believe we will already have a top mind on deck, ready to share what they know.
It’s less like summer school and more like summer camp. 😆
Keep Pushing Back,
- Chris with Paul, Kyle & Kristi
Reading time: 4 mins
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EV fees are starting to look more like penalties than policy
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Lawmakers are lining up behind annual EV fees in the $200 to $250 range. Sounds simple. It isn’t.
The average gas driver pays about $95 a year in federal fuel tax. That gap changes the story.
For dealers, this hits affordability, monthly math, and buyer confidence. Especially for customers already on the fence about EVs.
If the goal is road funding, mileage-based models track better. Flat fees feel disconnected from real usage. And when something feels off, shoppers hesitate.
Uber and Rivian just gave robotaxis a much bigger stage
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Uber is putting real money behind autonomy. Up to $1.25B into Rivian.
The plan is 10K autonomous R2 SUVs starting in 2028, with room to grow from there.
This is not a science project anymore. It is structured, milestone-based, and tied to a real platform.
For dealers, this is a watch item, not a panic button. Retail demand is still driven by ownership. But the long game is getting clearer. EV and autonomy are starting to move together.
Nissan’s app shutdown is a warning shot for connected-car trust
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Nissan is pulling app support for some Leaf models. Remote charging, climate control, gone.
Some of these vehicles are not that old. That is where the frustration comes from.
Customers do not separate hardware from software. They bought a car that did something. Now it does less.
That creates tension at trade-in, in service lanes, and in future purchase decisions. Dealers may need to step in and reset expectations. Not just on features, but on how long those features last.
Hyundai loses big in court, and dealers will notice
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A used-car dealership just won nearly $10M against Hyundai.
The court found destroyed evidence and misconduct tied to recall claims. Strong words from the judge.
This hits a nerve for dealers. Recall work, warranty claims, manufacturer relationships, it all depends on trust and process.
When that breaks down, it gets expensive fast. This case is a reminder to document everything, follow the process, and stand your ground when the facts are on your side.
Turn Their Shoppers Into Your Buyers
Relying on paid search to sell cars is getting more expensive (and less predictable).
Cars.com puts your inventory in front of 26 million monthly shoppers who are actively in-market. That’s why referrals from their site to yours convert at an 89% higher rate than traffic from Google Ads.
And here’s what most dealers miss: 64% of Cars.com shoppers don’t visit CarGurus and 69% skip AutoTrader. That’s incremental demand you can’t reach anywhere else.
The EV Reset Is Real. Here’s What It Means for Dealers
The EV story has changed fast.
Incentives faded. New fees are being discussed. And automakers have now written down more than $60B tied to EV plans that moved faster than customer demand.
But this isn’t just about strategy. It’s about the customer standing in your showroom.
They’re still asking:
Is an EV right for me?
Should I wait?
Is a hybrid the better move right now?
The data tells a clear story. EV adoption in the U.S. held around 7.8% in 2025, while OEMs pulled back, shifting toward:
lower-cost EVs
hybrid and mixed powertrain strategies
more disciplined investment
As Paul Daly put it:
“Have we really gone from EV credits to EV fees in like five months?”
That uncertainty is showing up in real conversations every day.
And that puts dealers in a critical role, helping customers sort through real choices with confidence.
👉 Read the full breakdown and get a ready-to-use customer conversation post here
Where rubber meets the road:
Customers are looking for somebody to answer their questions without feeling like a lead.
Make space to invite their questions, online or in person, so you can provide clarity throughout their shopping journey.
Where Generosity Meets Opportunity
Sometimes life just needs a jumpstart.
And that’s what Vehicles for Change makes possible.
Every donation becomes part of that story. It helps someone learn a trade, earn a paycheck, and move forward with a level of independence that most people take for granted.
Donor support is what keeps everything moving. A small, monthly gift can help cover the day-to-day essentials that make the program work—from the repair supplies needed to bring vehicles back to life to the tools and training that prepare someone for a real career in automotive. It all adds up in a very real way.
Support their mission and put someone back in motion today!
1922 – The USS Langley is commissioned as the first United States Navy aircraft carrier.
1988 – End of production for the Pontiac Fiero.
2015 – A solar eclipse, equinox, and a supermoon all occur on the same day.
Happy Friday, Friend!
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