🚗 The Spring Market Sprung

TOGETHER WITH

Welp, it seems to be Wednesday.

Just 48 days from ASOTU CON 2025 in Baltimore.

Here is the thing about ASOTU CON: It is hard to explain how precise the value is because the value is so… all-encompassing? (Maybe that’s not the right word; what am I? A writer?)

Every person who joins us this May will find the exact next steps they need to come home a hero of moving your whole team forward AND be introduced to new things, cross-pollination, and collaborations they may not know they don’t know… ya know?

So, come one, come all. First day in the service lane, 15th year in the showroom, or in the final phases of your succession plan. Everybody contributes at ASOTU CON, and everybody leaves full.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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THE NEWS

Spring Fling, April 2, Charging Network, and the HEMI

📉 Spring Market May Have Already Peaked

Cox Automotive reports slower-than-normal wholesale appreciation in March, with the Manheim Index down 1.1% YoY. Unadjusted prices are up just 1.7%—half the typical seasonal gain. EVs and compact cars saw the steepest value declines, signaling early signs of market plateauing.

🇺🇸 Auto Tariffs Set for April 2

President Trump confirmed a new wave of auto-related tariffs is coming, starting April 2. A 25% tariff on autos and other sectors is on the table, though some countries may be exempt. Dealers should monitor potential cost impacts on inventory and sourcing.

🔌 GM, Pilot & EVgo Expand Charging Network

The trio has now deployed EV fast chargers at 130 sites across 25+ states. Located mostly along highway corridors, these 350kW chargers support most EVs and offer Plug & Charge for GM models—helping reduce long-distance EV range anxiety.

🔥 HEMI Comeback?

Reports suggest Stellantis will resume production of 5.7L, 6.4L, and 6.2L HEMI V8 engines by August. Following the exit of CEO Carlos Tavares, the beloved powertrain could return to Dodge, Ram, and Jeep lineups.

➕ More

Check out more on these stories and many more on our LinkedIn daily digest every morning!

🥊 Quick Hits

• Consumer confidence is down. 🤕 

• Free Gemini users can now access Gems on Android. 💎 

• Malcolm in the Middle will return, but with a new actor for Dewy. 🎥 

TOGETHER WITH SPACE AUTO

People-First. Tech-Forward.

Space Auto is back at ASOTU CON—and they’re not slowing down. In the past year, they’ve launched sharper AI, faster tools, and a platform that connects dealers and customers more directly than ever. No distractions, just a streamlined experience built the way car buying should’ve been all along.

They’re sponsoring the Podcast Booth because, like us, they believe in challenging the status quo and building what’s next. Space Auto unifies retail tech to deliver predictive, personalized journeys powered by AI—for dealerships who demand more. As one dealer put it, “Space Auto helped us increase sales by making the entire buying process more seamless for our clients.”

People-first. Tech-forward. Built for the future of retail.

Get your ticket now and plan to meet Space Auto live at ASOTU CON, May 13-16th in Baltimore!

TECHNOLOGY

Google Isn’t Dead w/ AutoIndustry.AI

You’ve probably seen the takes: “SEO is dead.” “AI killed Google.”

The truth? Car buyers still start—and finish—their journey on Google.

Here’s what matters for dealers:

• Google handles 88% of all search traffic, and usage is still climbing.

• Even AI users go back to Google before making real decisions.

• Local search on Google delivers what shoppers actually need—inventory, reviews, directions, phone numbers.

• AI tools can’t match that accuracy yet, especially at the local level.

• Strong SEO supports both Google and AI visibility.

• Pulling back on SEO opens the door for competitors to take your place—and your leads.

Search is evolving, but it’s not disappearing. If anything, visibility across platforms is more important than ever.

Stay visible. Stay searchable. Stay in the game.
Read the full piece from Dave Spannhake and dig into more relevant insights at AutoIndustry.AI.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Automotive State of the Union

Catch the big news?

The Automotive Troublemaker hit 1000 episodes with a bang and a bit of a rebrand!

Check out episode 1000 for all the great things we covered, learned, and… well… endured along the way. 😆 

Then, subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube to keep up with our next chapter as the Automotive State of the Union podcast.

🔁 Today in History

• 1934 – The United Kingdom's driving test is introduced. 🛞 

• 2008 – Ford sells Jaguar & Land Rover 🤑 

• 1945 – World War II: The Battle of Iwo Jima (the one from the famous photo) ends as the island is officially secured by American forces. 🪖