🚗 Treading New Ground

🚙 Hitting the Headlines, Worth the Watch, and Rubber Meets Runway

October 04, 2025

Wowee, what a week!

To everyone who showed up, tuned in, sent messages, posted pictures, or simply cheered us on: thank you. Your support means everything to us.

This launch marked a meaningful step in our journey, and your response told us we’re building something that matters.

This is just the beginning. And we’re glad to be building it with you.

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

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ICYMI

Tenor

The Daily Pushback Email

  • On Monday, Ford’s Jim Farley warned of labor shortages in essential industries while Subaru unveiled its “Connection Hub” redesign. Tesla broke with peers by supporting tougher emissions rules, Cox projected 16.1M 2025 sales as buyers raced ahead of tariffs and credit cuts, and Greenwood Chevrolet donated $5K for breast care. 🎀
     

  • Tuesday, U.S. auto sales held stronger than expected but analysts warned of a soft Q4. J.D. Power highlighted brand loyalty resilience amid tariff fears, Toyota posted its 8th straight month of growth, and EVs hit a record 10% Q3 share. 📈
     

  • Then, on Wednesday, we made a big announcement (more on that below)! Plus, Hertz plugged its used inventory into Amazon, South Korea’s record export surge tightened U.S. supply, and BYD slashed prices in Japan to claw market share. ✂️
     

  • By Thursday, Q3 reports showed EVs surging ahead of expiring credits—Ford up 30% and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 sales soaring 152%. September SAAR hit 16.2M with incentives at $3,116. Plus, consumers are growing increasingly wary with sentiment dipping 5% as payments stayed the sticking point. 💰
     

  • Friday, Rivian trimmed its 2025 delivery outlook despite Q3 gains as the lease-credit phaseout shook EV strategies.Tesla topped 497k deliveries, and Toyota teased longer-range bZ EVs. In Louisville, Jeff Wyler Auto graciously gifted a veteran a new truck.🎖️

PODCASTS

More Than Cars Launch

On October 1st, we unveiled something big.

We shared a bold new vision and company structure designed to take the More Than Cars movement even deeper into the industry.

Catch the full announcement here, and learn how dealers, partners, and leaders are shaping the next chapter of automotive together.

An extra special shout-out to everyone to who came out to support us in person! 👇

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Daly

The Dealer Playbook

In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Brad Gelber of West Herr Auto Group joins Michael Cirillo to unpack what really drives effective dealership marketing.

After eight years at West Herr, Brad knows firsthand that culture and leadership shape every campaign, and that authenticity beats production value every time.

They dig into finding your brand voice, why raw iPhone shots can outperform commercials, where AI fits into storytelling, and how to recognize when you’ve landed on a story worth telling.

If you’re tired of posting without purpose, this one’s for you.

Auto Collabs

The first-ever “Banana Ball Championship” is taking place this week, so we had to bust out this oldie but goodie featuring our pal, Jesse Cole.

This episode of Auto Collabs is guaranteed to brighten up your day—check it out here.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Turn Rides Into Revenue

A returning customer can bring over $150,000 in lifetime value—but only if they keep coming back.

On October 8th at 2:00PM EST, Matt Gonzalez from Uber for Business will share how dealers are transforming service experiences with premium pickup and drop-off options that customers love.

The results? Higher CSI scores, fewer lost hours in the waiting room, and loyalty that translates directly into dollars.

SOMETHING FUN

Pumped Up Kicks

@canyaon

Footwear designer Canyaon has unveiled what might be the most literal take on "kicking tires" we’ve ever seen with his new deformed tire shoes.

Complete with….

Canyaon is no stranger to blurring the lines between fashion and fever dream. He’s has made everything from boots that double as cocktail dispensers, to Oxfords holding speakers, to the viral “Toe Slippers.”

They're not street legal. They're barely sidewalk legal. But they do raise one important question: why blend in when you can tread new ground?

Quick Hits

  • Carhartt recently opened its first NYC flagship in Flatiron District, strategically chosen to serve the city’s large population of tradespeople. 🦺

  • North Carolina has enacted the “Right to Race” law which protects racetracks from noise complaints. 🏁

  • American Airlines is rolling out a new AI-powered feature that allows travelers to search for flights based experience rather than location. ✈️

Car dealers on Saturday be like…

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