🚗 UAW Vs Stellantis

🚙 Tax Credits and Tariffs

August 21, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Welcome back, Friend!

Each day, we try to find a walkable line between avoiding the noise leading up to November and keeping the community informed. So, today we have some politics in the email. You can check out the full digest here for more from around the auto world.

In Today’s Email:

  • The UAW threatens a strike. Stellantis says they can’t strike but will hold off until things are sorted.

  • Trump talks about EV tax credits.

  • The EU takes another step toward deciding its tariff plan for Chinese-made EVs.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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Reading time: 3 mins

An Update From the Front

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Left or right, right or wrong, it's hard to do any business in the U-S-of-A without keeping an eye on politics. In the auto industry, this rings especially true.

UAW vs. Stellantis

The UAW is threatening a national strike against Stellantis, accusing the automaker of breaking commitments at the Belvidere, Illinois plant. Stellantis has delayed—but not canceled—the reopening, citing market conditions and claiming the union cannot legally strike over the issue.

Trump and EV Tax Credits

Former President Trump recently questioned the fairness of EV tax credits, suggesting they may harm American jobs. In a meeting with Elon Musk, Trump discussed these concerns, while Musk emphasized the importance of the credits for maintaining U.S. leadership in the EV market.

TOGETHER WITH UPSTART

A How to Guide on How to Guide

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Today’s car buyers crave efficiency and transparency — it’s time to stop letting outdated processes cost you deals.

Things like showing multiple vehicle options and payment plans side by side can significantly build trust, streamline sales, and boost customer satisfaction.

Learn how to guide customers to the right vehicle and price in the latest blog from Upstart.

“Buying a Car Shouldn’t Have to Be Miserable”

This morning on The Automotive Troublemaker Paul and Jordan talked about Rohrman Toyota’s feature in Automotive News. Which is just what you expect after the ASOTU Bump. 😆

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At Bob Rohrman Toyota in Lafayette, Indiana, General Manager Zac Kinch has transformed car buying into a fun and memorable experience, believing that "buying a car shouldn’t have to be miserable."

Through unique promotions like $99 cars on Black Friday and events featuring dunk tanks and mechanical bulls, the dealership boosts sales while creating a positive, engaging environment.

This approach has not only doubled employee tenure but also attracted thousands of social media followers. For customers like Israel Hartnell, who camped out to snag a $99 Corolla, the experience is unforgettable—showing that at Bob Rohrman Toyota, car buying is a blast.

EU Tariffs and EV Imports

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The European Commission has revised tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, offering significant reductions for automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen. Tesla's tariff dropped from 20.8% to 9%, while Volkswagen's Cupra Tavascan saw its tariff lowered from 37.6% to 21.3%.

These adjustments aim to balance competition within the EU market but still impose a maximum 37.6% tariff on non-cooperating companies. The new tariffs, combined with existing duties, create a complex trade landscape as Tesla and Volkswagen navigate the changes to stay competitive in Europe.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

See You There

🌴 August 20-24th — NAMAD Conference in Miami, FL.

🍎 September 16th — The Welcome Conference in NYC.

🦀 May 13-16th, 2025 — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland.

Quick Hits

  • Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in overweight or obese pre-diabetic adults by 94% after three years of weekly injections. 🧪 

  • Lowe's cut its full-year outlook due to weaker home improvement sales, citing high inflation and interest rates causing consumers to delay major purchases. 👷 

  • Disney has dropped its attempt to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit, allowing a case involving a fatal allergic reaction at Disney Springs to proceed in court. 🧑‍⚖️ 

History

  • 1911: The Mona Lisa is stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a Louvre employee.

  • 1959: Hawaii becomes the 50th state in the United States.

  • 2002: Porsche Cayenne production begins.

Thanks for reading, friend! Check out the rest of today’s daily digest on Daily.ASOTU.com.

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