🚗 GM's Full Year

TOGETHER WITH

Well Well Well, look who made it to Wednesday!

As we near the end of January, full-year financial reports and Q4 reports are popping up, and we’re seeing good things at the automaker level. Most of the “setbacks” are smaller growth than projected, which hardly seems like a setback when you think about it. Overall, the industry seems to be at a good temperature.

But. you aren’t a thermometer; you’re a thermostat.

How are you setting the tone and temp for your team 29 days into 2025? What is a successful month for you?

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

_{Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here!
Reading time: 3 min}

BUSINESS

🗓️ January Data w/ Cox, GM's Full Year, and Honda's Sub-30K EV

🗓️ GM’s Year-End Results, Equinox, and EV Profitability

General Motors closed 2024 beating Wall Street forecasts, with Q4 revenue up 11% to $47.7 billion. Full-year net income, however, fell to $6 billion—a 40.7% decline driven by China restructuring costs and the shutdown of Cruise’s robotaxi operations.

EV production reached 189,000 units, and GM sold 114,432 of those, including the well-received Equinox EV.

Threatened 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada imports could impact pricing. Still, GM’s strong North American truck and SUV sales underscored its overall profitability and EV momentum.

📊 Cox Automotive’s January Forecast

Cox Automotive projects a 5.2% year-over-year increase in U.S. new-vehicle sales for January 2025, despite harsh winter conditions. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) is estimated at 15.8 million, higher than January 2024’s 15.0 million but down from December’s 16.8 million—reflecting typical seasonal slowdowns. Inventory levels dipped below 3 million for the first time since October, yet still outpace last year. Cox maintains a 16.3 million sales outlook for 2025, barring major disruptions such as new tariffs or credit policy changes.

🤑 Honda’s Affordable EV Plans

Honda is reportedly developing a sub-$30,000 electric vehicle for the U.S. market, potentially launching by 2026. While final details are unconfirmed, the automaker’s aim is to leverage lower battery and production costs to meet mainstream buyers’ demand for more budget-friendly EVs.

This initiative could expand Honda’s electric lineup beyond its current offerings and accelerate U.S. EV adoption, particularly among first-time buyers. If successful, Honda’s entry-level price point may reshape competition within the under-$30k segment.

Read the Full Digest

Get the full scoop on these stories and more. Dive into the latest trends shaping the auto industry—read here!

TOGETHER WITH DAVE CANTIN GROUP

Market Vibe Checks And MOR(e)

The Market Outlook Report (MOR) by Dave Cantin Group and Kaiser Associates is like a backstage pass to understanding the seismic shifts in U.S. retail automotive. From rising EV adoption to dealership M&A trends poised for a banner year, this report unpacks the data that matters most for dealers, OEMs, and industry leaders.

What’s the vibe for 2025? Steady consumer confidence but tighter wallets, more affordable sedans stealing the show, and strategic M&A heating up. And EVs? They’re here to stay, with hybrids thriving and infrastructure improving.

If you’re serious about staying ahead of the curve in this "new normal," this report is a must-read.

Don’t take our word for it! David Cantin joined us for a chat on Auto Collabs, so hear more from the man himself!

Check it out now! 

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Chatting with Ed Roberts @ NADA

It’s no secret we love the retail auto industry.

But what does that mean? We are fond of building where cars are sold and services? Sure, I guess.

But, to us, we love the opportunities. We love knowing any person in the US could ask around and eventually find work in a dealership. And for some, that is the beginning of a lifelong career of service, financial stability, and personal growth.

Ed shared some about his time in the industry and why content like ASOTU’s docu-series, “More Than Cars,” matter.

Always a pleasure, Ed.

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

🗓️ Coming Soon

📝 January 30th — Public Policy Day with WANADA and the Washington, D.C. Auto Show.

🦀 May 13-16th — ASOTU CON in Baltimore, Maryland. Get the app!

• The NADA show just ended, and we’re already counting the days until we can all get together again! ASOTU CON has improved each year, and we are ready to guarantee this year will be as unique as it is unmissable.

🥊 Quick Hits: Confidence, Caution, and Disney Seas

• Consumer confidence drops as new admin enters White House. 🥚 

• Economic impact aside, people are urging security caution about China’s DeepSeek. 🔒️ 

• Moana 2 is streaming now. (Are your kids as excited as mine?) ⛵️ 

🔁 Today in History: Nevermore, Patent, and Opel

• 1845 – "The Raven" is published in The Evening Mirror in New York, the first publication with the name of the author, Edgar Allan Poe.

• 1886 – The automobile is patented

• 1929 – GM begins its overtake of Opel