🚗 Toyota Revised Guidance

TOGETHER WITH

August 8th.

How may we serve you?

Folks are used to a world where replies don’t matter, comments are ignored, and feedback is just calculated as up or down data points.

Not us.

If it isn’t serving somebody in our community, we don’t want to do it.

So we live for conversation. We thrive in community. And we create content to serve.

So, hit reply. Tell us what you like, don’t like, or think we’re missing in the big, beautiful world of retail auto.

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

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THE UNION

From the Automotive State of the Union

Model T Momentum?

Ford’s calling it their “Model T moment”—a new generation of affordable EVs is coming, including a midsize pickup launching in 2027. It’s powered by a $3B battery plant in Michigan using CATL tech and LFP chemistry.

CyberForce!

Meanwhile, the Air Force is buying Cybertrucks…as target practice. Turns out, they’re too tough to ignore.

Rivian Relaxation

And Rivian opened its latest Adventure Network site in Southampton, NY—complete with free charging, coffee, and curated snacks. A charging station that feels more like a boutique hotel lobby.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Toyota On Tariffs

Toyota revised its full-year profit forecast down by $4 billion after citing a $3 billion direct hit from U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, China’s rare earth exports fell 23% in July, tightening pressure on global EV supply chains.

Kia Pops In July

Kia reported a 12% YoY sales increase in July, with strong growth in electrified and SUV models. The new EV9 posted a 90% month-over-month sales gain, while Sportage, Telluride, and Carnival hit record July sales.

Uber’s Q2

Uber posted $1.36B in Q2 net income and announced a $20B stock buyback, driven by strong performance in ride-hailing and delivery segments.

Also in today’s Digest:

• Used vehicle prices fell 0.5% MoM but remain up 2.9% YoY

• Retail used-vehicle sales rose 2% YoY in July

• Dealers using CarRx report 20–30% MoM growth in service appointments

Markets are moving. Margins are tightening. This is where the numbers are landing.

TOGETHER WITH TRADEPENDING

How Does Your Website Value Cars?

You’re using local market data to value trade-ins. Is your website?

If you don’t know…here’s what to know, from TradePending.

SOMETHING ELSE

What eBay Taught Us About Used Cars

The cars are used, but the moves are timeless…

We came across a great piece in Retail Brew that traces how eBay helped launch the re-commerce movement and what happened when brands decided to own the resale channel themselves.

It’s not hard to see the parallels to retail auto.

Used goods went from listings to experiences. Think StockX for sneakers or Patagonia Worn Wear, platforms with pricing integrity, brand curation, and customer trust baked in.

Dealers already operate the original recommerce model. But as consumer expectations rise, how we present, price, and remarket used cars will matter more than ever.

If resale is becoming a core brand channel across retail, it’s worth asking:

Are you treating used inventory like the brand asset it really is? Hit reply and tell us how!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

What sets thriving dealerships apart?

Three top dealers at ASOTU CON break down how purpose-driven leadership, clear expectations, and small acts of care build loyalty that money can’t buy.

Catch the full replay here.

🥊 Quick Hits

• Apple pledged a $100B U.S. investment. 🍎 

• “Good Boy,” a horror movie about a dog who can see monsters his human cannot perceive, has a poster and all our interest. 🐕️ 

• James Cameron didn’t write the “book” on rogue AI, but he did write the movie. The Terminator creator says weaponized AI could be as spooky as we’re imagining. Honestly, we agree, but we’re not sure the robot movie gives him the credentials to make these calls. 🤖 

🔁 Today in History

• 1876: Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph. 🧾 

• 1986: The last episode of Knight Rider, starring KITT, airs. 📺️ 

• 2018: The ten millionth Ford Mustang is produced. 🥳 

Got that Friday feeling yet?