🚗 Truck Tariffs Toughen Up

TOGETHER WITH

This industry doesn’t need more content.

It needs more conviction.

So ask yourself today: are you creating value, or just filling the feed?

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

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THE UNION

From the Automotive State of the Union

Day two of Q4 Strategy Week brings social media powerhouse Russell Richardson, also known as Russ Flips Whips, to talk about how dealers can turn content into car deals. We get into:

• Q4 is when the value you’ve been posting all year finally turns into real leads. If you’ve been consistent, this is the time to make your ask.

• Getting your whole team involved in content pays off fast. One store saw 60 cars sold and 4M impressions from just one video campaign.

• You don’t need polished videos to win on social. One clip per day on every platform builds confidence, reach, and trust, even if no one goes viral.

Get all of Russ’s top tips in the full episode here.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Trust in F&I Is Strong (But Satisfaction Is Slipping)

According to CDK’s latest F&I Shopper Study, 88% of buyers who trust their F&I Manager say they’ll return to the dealership. But overall satisfaction with the F&I experience dropped from 84% to 79% in just one year. Don’t sleep on perfecting this part of the process for your customers.

Imported Trucks Are Getting Pricier

The U.S. hit foreign-made Class 3–8 trucks with a 25% tariff starting November 1st, citing national security concerns. Buses get a 10% tax. That’s big news for commercial dealers, especially since 43% of these trucks come from countries like Mexico and Canada. Domestic models may become more appealing—and pricing strategy could need a quick refresh.

Carvana’s Same-Day Delivery Lands in San Diego

The company just launched same-day delivery in the San Diego area. For dealers, it’s another signal that convenience is the new competitive edge.

Mercedes-Benz Gets Gold for Child Safety

MBUSA just took home the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award for its work on injury prevention and community outreach. including 43,000+ safety devices distributed, 15,000 kits assembled, and a children’s book delivered to 30,000 families.

TOGETHER WITH VAUTO

Making Smarter Moves

For years, dealer groups have followed a simple strategy when it comes to moving used vehicles between stores: When a car gets too old at one location, it’s time to move it to another.

Patrick Janes (Associate VP at vAuto) and Paul Golias (Corporate Used Vehicle Director at Modern Automotive Network) are here to prove there’s a better process.

Join us TODAY at 2:00pm EDT for an inside look at the practices giving Modern Auto the edge—register now!

(Can’t make it? Sign up anyway and we’ll deliver the webinar directly to your inbox after it premieres.)

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

TIME to Celebrate the Best in the Biz

It’s not every day we get to shout out 47 people at once, but when it’s the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year nominees, we’re happy to make the space.

Each year, Ally, TIME, and NADA join forces to recognize standout professionals in retail auto. These nominees lead with integrity, support their teams, and invest in their communities in ways that go far beyond business.

Congratulations and best of luck to this year’s nominees. You set the bar for what leadership should look like, and why retail auto is an industry we’re proud to be a part of.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

• 🤖 AI: OpenAI has launched it’s own web browser to compete with Google Chrome.

• 💰 Economy: The national average price for a gallon of gas nears $3 for the first time in 4 years.

• 🌎 World: Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minster.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

The Dealer Playbook

When the EV market zigged, Alex Lawrence zagged.

This tech veteran, professor, and co-founder of EV Auto shares how he built one of the first EV-only dealerships in the U.S., and why patience, conviction, and authenticity still win in a market obsessed with speed.

Alex’s story is proof that doing the hard thing, the long thing, and the real thing still works.

Tune in for the full convo here.

Today in History

• 1797: Andre-Jacques Garnerin makes the first parachute descent from a balloon in Paris. 🪂

• 1861: The first telegraph line linking the East and West coasts is completed. 🔗

• 1906: Henry Ford becomes President of Ford Motor Company. 🚘

You’re halfway there, Friend. Let’s finish the week strong!