🚗 The REPAIR Act Returns

TOGETHER WITH

“Nobody hears what you don’t say.”

So here’s me saying it loud and clear: ASOTU CON 2025 will change the professional trajectory of everyone who shows up.

I’ve been to all three, and each time, I come home with more awareness, practical applications, and lasting connections than from any other single source.

Also, I’m allergic to boredom—and I never get bored when the ASOTU team is involved.

Join us. Be part of the conversation.

And of course…

Keep Pushing Back,
-Chris

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THE NEWS

Carvana, REPAIR Act, and Startup Woes/Wows

Carvana Dips a Toe Into New Car Sales—What’s the Play?

Carvana just made a move (almost) no one saw coming—buying its first-ever franchised dealership, Jerry Seiner Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in Casa Grande, Arizona. This marks a sharp pivot from its used-car-only business model since 2013.

Is Carvana going full franchise dealer?
Not quite. A company spokesperson called it a “small test,” adding, “We don’t expect it to have any noticeable impact to our results for the foreseeable future.”

• The store reopens March 3 as Casa Grande CDJR, retaining all 41 employees.

• No disclosed price on the acquisition.

• Carvana now joins Stellantis’ franchise network, a major shift from its digital-only roots.

So, the gist? Carvana’s move echoes CarMax’s brief foray into franchised sales decades ago. If this “test” turns into a trend, could digital disruptors be eyeing a hybrid dealership model?

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REPAIR Act Returns—What Dealers Need to Know

Lawmakers are reintroducing the REPAIR Act, aiming to expand independent repair shops’ access to OEM repair data, diagnostics, and tools. If passed, it would prevent automakers from restricting critical repair information, giving independent facilities more opportunities to service modern vehicles.

For dealers, this means more competition in fixed ops—but also a chance to reinforce what sets them apart. Factory-trained technicians, OEM-backed parts and warranties, and cutting-edge diagnostic tools aren’t just perks; they’re major trust factors that independent shops can’t always match.

With 70% of U.S. vehicles currently serviced outside dealerships, customer loyalty isn’t a given. Clear communication, strategic marketing, and a premium service experience will be key to keeping customers in the lane.

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EV Startups: Growing Pains or Industry-Wide Challenges?

EV startups are making moves, but not all of them are forward. While legacy automakers continue ramping up EV production, some newer brands are struggling to find their footing in the retail space.

🚔 Tesla’s Cybertruck is hitting the streets as part of a new Las Vegas police fleet—but these weren’t traditional fleet sales. Instead, an anonymous donor covered the cost, raising questions about actual demand.

🔄 Lucid just lost its CEO, took a stock hit, and now plans to “double down on marketing.” But without a steady customer base, is visibility the real issue, or is product-market fit still a challenge?

💰 Polestar secured another $450M in loans but delayed its earnings report yet again. The brand is burning cash to stay afloat, but can it build sustainable retail traction?

For dealers, the takeaway is clear: EV demand isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation, and startups still have a long road to real retail success.

🥊 Quick Hits

• We kinda forgot about Skype. There's no need to remember it now. Microsoft is ending it. ❌ 

• US consumers spending posts first drop in 2 years. 💰️ 

• Currently the cheapest new muscle car in the US is the Dodge Charger. Just $28K makes us wonder if it comes with an engine. 💪 

TOGETHER WITH GUBAGOO

Our Friends at Gubagoo Are Bringing More Than Business Cards to ASOTU CON

Gubagoo is all about real conversations that drive real results—and they’re bringing that same energy to ASOTU CON. As the leader in dealership engagement, Gubagoo helps dealers connect with customers seamlessly across chat, text, video, and more, turning online interactions into confident buyers.

They know that the future of retail auto isn’t just about transactions—it’s about relationships. That’s why they continue to innovate, ensuring dealers can meet customers where they are and create a frictionless, high-trust experience from the first click to the final handshake.

We’re beyond grateful for their partnership in making ASOTU CON the can’t-miss event for dealers who are ready to level up.

See Gubagoo in action at ASOTU CON, May 13-16 in Baltimore!

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Stallone, Vegas Auto Gallery, and a $1M Power Move for Charity

When it comes to luxury cars and big-hearted generosity, Vegas Auto Gallery and Sylvester Stallone just proved they can go the distance. (get it, like in Rocky 🥊 )

At the Power of Love Gala, dealership owner Nick Dossa stepped up in a big way—donating not one, but two 2024 Lotus Emiras to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The original plan? One car. But when bidding turned into a heavyweight showdown, Dossa doubled down, making sure both top bidders drove home in style.

And because high-performance sports cars weren’t enough, Sly added some serious star power—offering an exclusive VIP on-set experience for his hit show "Tulsa King," plus signed bottles of his Carbonadi vodka to sweeten the deal.

While Stallone couldn’t attend in person, his message played loud and clear, encouraging attendees to go big for a great cause. And they did.

By the end of the night, two cars + two VIP experiences = $1 million raised for brain health research.

Nick Dossa summed it up:
"We knew a Lotus would be a hot ticket, but with Stallone’s involvement, it took this auction to another level of greatness. We’re honored to support Larry Ruvo’s incredible charity foundation and give back to the community."

With dealerships like Vegas Auto Gallery showing up for the greater good, it's clear: some auto dealers are about more than just cars—they're about driving change.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ ASOTU CON 2025

It’s time to get your ticket to ASOTU CON 2025, friend. We’ll share more details in these last weeks and months before the event, but if you’re ready to take ownership of your success, you’ll find something at ASOTU CON.

Get The Latest And Best Content On:

• Compliance

• Artificial Intelligence

• Used Cars

• Fixed Ops

• Multi-Rooftop/Group

• Leadership

• Culture

• Finance

• EVs

• Marketing

• Technology

🔁 Today in History

• 1845 – Florida is admitted as the 27th U.S. state. 🐊 

• 1923 – US magazine Time publishes its first issue. 📖 

• 2009 – Maybach pays tribute to its past with the release of Zeppelin 🎩