🚗 Used Cars Get Their Groove Back

🚙 100th Anniversary, Volume Knobs, and Transformation

September 16, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Science is always trying to suggest that how you start your day matters a lot.

Since everybody skips breakfast these days, we need a new method to start your day on the very best foot.

Why not start it with folks who truly want you to win? 😄 

Check out The Automotive State of the Union podcast on Apple or Spotify. Or tune in live Monday-Friday on ASOTU.be or LinkedIn.

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

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From the Automotive State of the Union

Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier don’t just read headlines; they make important connections across car dealerships, general retail, tech, and culture, all to help automotive leaders think clearly and move faster in a world that refuses to slow down. Catch up on yesterday’s stories:

Automotive News 100th Anniversary Congress

At Automotive News’ 100th Anniversary Congress, legacy met urgency: awards to Mary Barra and Euisun Chung, EV commitment (“...still our North Star”), China’s EV rise warnings, and Asbury’s David Hult touting fixed ops as the 'backbone' and 'bullish' for 6–10 years. Chung on ICE raid: “...make together a better system.”

Tesla

Tesla jumped after Elon Musk bought nearly $1B of stock. Robyn Denholm says: “Elon is back front and center.” Signal from helm—brace for a wild ride.

Grocery Choice Paralysis

Shoppers report “aisle anxiety” from too many choices; curation wins. As Jamie Horst says, certifications are a “shortcut to feeling good.” Dealers: simplify decisions where you can.

From The News w/ ASOTU

Click to read the full digest.

Check out the latest automaker announcements, market data, insight & action, and More than Cars moments in our 5-minute digest. Today we have:

Americans are Feeling the Note

U.S. auto loan debt has hit $1.66T, with delinquencies, repos, and negative equity on the rise. Payments are stretching ($745 median; 20% at $1K+), and even prime borrowers are slipping. Expect more “roll it in” conversations and tighter household budgets—dealers will need empathy-driven F&I strategies.

Used Cars Get Their Groove Back

August used sales reached 1.55M, up 4.9% MoM and 8.1% YoY. CPO keeps climbing, despite supply challenges. With days’ supply at 43, dealers who price to market and spotlight certified value will win payment-sensitive shoppers looking for affordability without sacrificing confidence.

  • Knob or not? J.D. Power finds infotainment still frustrates; BMW confirms drivers love volume knobs.

  • Global EV chessboard: China pushes sales goals, BYD claps back, VW delays Golf EV.

  • Ford HQ shift: Leaving the Glass House for a new innovation hub in Dearborn.

Transform Your Dealership's Operations

Courtesy transportation isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. 

That’s why 80% of dealerships say offering Uber rides helps retain customers. 

With Uber Central, you can book rides on behalf of customers—even if they don’t have the app. It’s a seamless way to elevate service, supplement shuttles or loaners, and streamline parts pickup and delivery. 

Request one-way or round-trip rides, add multiple riders or stops, set spend and distance limits, and track trips in real time. Plus, you'll get monthly reports to keep track of everything. 

Ready to cut shuttle costs and reduce loaner liability? Partner with Uber for Business today.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Quick Hits

  • đŸ€– AI: One third of the internet is bots now according to one Vice article.

  • đŸ‡ș🇾 Policy: Maryland and Montana have recently amended their data privacy laws which will go into effect on October 1st. 🔐

  • đŸŽŹïž Entertainment: They’re making another Frozen movie?

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Support is Powerful, Shared Experience is Transformative

At NAMAD, we sat down with Martha Alvarado, whose 25-year career journey from BDC rep to internet director proves that empathy is more than a buzzword—it’s a strategy. Fresh from the WOCAN luncheon, Martha shared how community reignited her purpose and why breaking barriers isn’t about proving yourself, but paving the way for others.

For dealers, her message is both practical and inspiring: treat the BDC as the hub of the store, coach empathy like a skill, and simplify the choices you present to customers. Martha’s perspective makes it clear—success in this business comes when we love people more than we love cars.

Read the full conversation with Martha for actionable takeaways you can put into practice today.

Today in History

  • 1620: Pilgrims set sail for Virginia from Plymouth, England in the Mayflower. ⚓ 

  • 1908: The birth of General Motors. 🐣 

  • 1920: The first Lincoln automobile is produced. đŸŽ© 

Tuesday is proof that no Monday can stop you!

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