🚗 The February Shuffle

TOGETHER WITH

Did you catch yesterday’s webinar?

It’s a proactive world, don’t get caught reacting.

Even to your Google reviews.

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

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THE NEWS

Used Prices, Chapter 11, and Fixed-AI-Ops

Used Prices: Up, Down, or Just Doing the February Shuffle?

Wholesale used prices dropped (if you squint at the seasonally adjusted data), but unadjusted values rose—just not as much as usual. Meanwhile, EVs keep setting records for depreciation, consumer sentiment is meh, and gas prices are creeping up.

For dealers, this means a slightly tighter wholesale market, stable supply at 27 days, and some wiggle room in pricing strategies. It’s not a crash, not a boom—just another month where the data makes you work for the real story.

Stay sharp. The numbers never tell the whole truth. 💡

Nikola Files for Bankruptcy—Shocked? Neither Are We.

Another EV startup bites the dust. Nikola, once hyped as the next big thing in electric trucks, just filed for Chapter 11 after burning through cash, swapping CEOs like service loaners, and recalling trucks. They’ve got $47M left—which, in trucking, won’t last long.

For dealers, this is just another reminder: flashy EV startups come and go, but the ones with real staying power? Those are the ones actually delivering viable products to market.

Will Nikola be the last EV collapse we see this year? Probably not. Stay tuned.

AI in Fixed Ops: Firefighter or Fireproofing?

Fixed Ops doesn’t need another shiny tech pitch. It needs tools that actually solve problems—like warranty delays that waste time and kill profits.

Kyle Newsom lays out how AI helps by tackling the root causes of inefficiencies, not just their symptoms. From automating SOPs to reducing wasted technician hours, AI can streamline processes, cut losses, and free up your team to focus on what actually matters.

Because when inefficiencies cost $2K per tech every month, the real question isn’t if AI can help—it’s how fast you can put it to work.

🥊 Quick Hits

• The Cybertruck got a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. ⭐️

• The U.S. Department of Transportation has rescinded it’s approval of New York City’s congestion pricing that was instituted just last month. 🍎

• KFC says it’s corporate headquarters is leaving Kentucky for the Lone Star State. Rebranding to Texas Fried Chicken is TBD. 🍗

• Rivian’s big battery plant loan is in peril. 🪫

TOGETHER WITH DAVE CANTIN GROUP

Dave Cantin Group's Blue Carpet and Beyond

DCG's exclusive Blue Carpet Event at NADA 2025 was a top-shelf industry after-party, bringing together top automotive leaders for a night of networking and celebration, oh, and Third Eye Blind! From the VIP entrance to high-level conversations, the event reinforced DCG's role in shaping the future of retail automotive.

Back at home, DCG's Market Outlook Report (MOR) is keeping the party going, providing dealers with key insights on M&A trends, inventory shifts, and EV adoption. The peak truck trend has even caught major media attention, including CNBC, Auto Remarketing, and KBB.

DCG also announced a strategic collaboration with California New Car Dealers Association, becoming its exclusive licensed M&A advisory vendor. This collaboration strengthens market intelligence and dealer support for both organizations.

So, there's really only one question left: Why wait?

Follow DCG on LinkedIn now to keep up with all the trends.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

A New Whip for “Slick Rick”

When quarterback Josh Allen gave his MVP acceptance speech last week, he made sure to shout out someone who rarely gets the spotlight—Roderick “Slick Rick” Morrow, a beloved mailroom employee at One Bills Drive.

After Allen’s speech, Buffalo fans quickly fell in love with Slick Rick. One detail caught everyone’s attention: despite working for the Bills for over a decade, Rick had been taking the bus to work every day.

West Herr Automotive Group knew they couldn’t just stand by on the sidelines, and on Valentine’s Day, they surprised Slick Rick with a Chevy Traverse—his very own set of wheels after years of relying on public transportation.

“It feels like I’m living the dream, and I am!” Rick said, soaking in all the love from the Buffalo community.

Props to West Herr for reminding us what community is all about. Their generosity proves that making a difference doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about noticing the everyday heroes and giving them the recognition they deserve.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

• 🦀 May 13-16th — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland. Get the app!

🔁 Today in History

• 1792: The U.S. postal service is created. Postage is between 6-12 cents, depending on distance. 📬

• 1872: New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art opens. 🖼️

• 1909: The Hudson Motor Car Company (eventually becoming Chrysler) is founded in Detroit, Michigan. 🚘