ASOTU | More Than Cars

Happy Sunday everyone! 😀 Here's your news recap of the week, ASOTU style: In our Daily Pushback email, we covered some hot topics Mon-Fri. 🟠On Monday: new-vehicle affordability showed signs of improvement, with prices down and incomes up. Plus, GM CEO Mary Barra met with Trump to push for tariff clarity, and a McKinsey report revealed that dealership tech investments aren’t boosting productivity, pointing to a need for better training and compensation. 🟡On Tuesday: the used-car market saw its biggest jump in years, surging 16% in February. Then, Tesla’s Autopilot got fooled by a painted road, reigniting the camera vs. LiDAR debate, and BYD blew minds with a five-minute EV charger. Meanwhile in Alabama, Howard Bentley Buick GMC showed what More Than Cars really means, smashing records in support of United Way. 🟢On Wednesday: a cyberattack hit over 100 dealerships through a third-party provider, exposing vulnerabilities in website security. Audi slashed 7,500 jobs while eyeing U.S. tariffs, and Tesla’s used car values continued their freefall, dropping faster than any other brand. Plus, Family Nissan in New York saw an ugly moment at another dealership and chose to respond with something good—gifting a car to a young woman who deserved better. 🔵On Thursday: Amazon shook up the used-car space by offering a new way for dealers to sell inventory online. Plus, Japan’s automakers braced for potential 25% U.S. tariffs, with Toyota and Honda banking on their U.S. plants to soften the impact. 🟣Finally, Friday: Looming tariffs on Canadian and Mexican auto parts could drive service costs up 15% by April 2nd, plus AutoCanada is pulling the plug on its U.S. operations, offloading its Illinois dealerships after years of losses. In the markets, investors are backing away from U.S. stocks, luxury EVs like BMW and Rivian are gaining ground, and Tesla’s resale values continue to slide. 👉Want your daily dose of automotive news delivered straight to your inbox?? Sign up to the Daily Pushback: https://bit.ly/4idjvRH #Automotive #Autonews #Carsales #Cardealership

Yesterday on The Troublemaker Podcast we asked: Is there really a technician shortage??! (the answer might surprise you.) On the pod, we're joined by our good friends Todd Caputo, Ahmad Halawi from the GCADA and George Arrants from ASE to talk about how the technician shortage is a national concern with a local solution, and how they built a competition that fosters recruitment. We also recapped the Greater Charlotte Automobile Dealers Association Auto Tech Competition that brought over 300 high schoolers to Charlotte Motor Speedway to compete on diagnosing issues in a high-stakes timed challenge. Students also participated in mock job interviews, connected with industry pros, and explored career paths in an industry that’s actively seeking fresh talent. Get the full audio experience over on Spotify: https://apple.co/4l871Nd #Automotive #Autonews #Cardealership #Carsales #Mechangic #Technicianlife

Are you making dope tech? 🚗 😁 Are your services challenging the status quo? Pitch Tank was made for you! This year Pitch Tank is back at ASOTU CON and better than ever. 💪 We are taking submissions now for companies and products that want to be considered for the semifinals on stage at ASOTU CON. Judges are standing by to lock in our participants! Thanks to The Shop by FordDirect for making this year’s Pitch Tank possible!! This is your chance to be heard and fast-track your product’s growth trajectory. Submissions are due by March 28th, and the in-person event will be held on May 14th at ASOTU CON. Submit your product now: asotucon.com/pitchtank 👈 #automotive #tech #startup #automotiveindustry #autonews

For half a century, BMW’s Art Cars have transformed automobiles into rolling canvases, blending speed, design, and artistic expression like no other. To mark the milestone, the BMW Art Car World Tour is taking these legendary works on a multi-continent exhibition. Showcasing pieces from artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, and more at prestigious museums and art events worldwide. The tour kicked off in Vienna on Thursday. Meanwhile, Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8, the latest Art Car and the first to compete in Le Mans, was unveiled at Art Basel Hong Kong. As BMW Group gears up for its next 50 years, the Art Car series continues to drive the intersection of art, technology, and performance—one masterpiece at a time. #BMW #Automotive #Automotiveindustry #Autonews

General Motors and NVIDIA are joining forces. 🤝 Integrating AI into GM's vehicles, factories, and robotics. Paul and Kyle covered the details during The Morning Show 👇 Watch the full news cast here: https://lnkd.in/gfnR4kne #ASOTU #Automotive #Autonews #Autoretail #AI #Nvidia

We've got our first TWO winners for Mythical Motor Madness!!! 🥊 Surprise, surprise!!! Round 1 went to the ECTO-1 ghostbusters wagon. 👻 Who would have guessed?! Round 2 Match 2 went to The A-Team Van (taking the trophy from the Mystery Machine.) 🔍 We've got a few more rounds until the final winners will face off and the best car of March will be revealed. Did your picks win? Let us know how you feel in the comments. 😂 #automotive #autobattles

Want to be favored by Google vehicle ads? Erin Richmond, CEO of sMedia has the answer. It's hiding in clean data, allowing dealers to optimize the feed and campaign parameters to get their ads seen by a wider audience. Learn more from sMedia on the ASOTU Channel: https://bit.ly/4iWUdae #Marketing #Data #Automotive #Automotiveindustry #Autonews #Carsales #Cardealership

Why is the automotive world so behind with inventory management? Every e-commerce store has it figured out already.... When someone buys, the product becomes "unavailable." Brian Kramer shares why a cohesive tech stack is so important. P.S. The ASOTU CON podcasting booth is happening again this year. From May 13-16th, meet the industry's top leaders all in one place. Learn more about the event and grab your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4jzPexv #ASOTUCON #Inventorymanagement #Cardealership #Acquisition #Autoretail #Carsales #Automotive

Will Paul buy solar charging for his new EV?    You won't believe how cheap the price is per month!    Imagine driving 1,000 miles for only $36? Gas would never.    With Renew Energy, it's possible (and dealers get exclusive referral benefits.)    Watch the full webinar with Renew Energy here: https://bit.ly/4hgg9fl   #Automotive #Ev #EVnews #EVcommunity #Automotiveindustry #Cardealership #Solarenergy #Evcharging 

Retail auto can change lives. ASOTU CON 2025, is a catalyst for that kind of change. It's an event like no other. 👇 From AI and sales, to tech, marketing, leadership, and culture, we're covering it all with top industry operators leading the way. With a curated agenda of keynotes, panels, and powerful conversations, you’ll leave with the connections and insights that will drive your success—well beyond the event. And the best part? It’s all happening at the stunning Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, from May 13th–16th.💥 Will you be a part of pushing the future of the industry forward? Don’t wait—tickets are going fast. 🎟Secure yours now at https://bit.ly/4jzPexv #ASOTUCON2025 #Leadership #Innovation #Automotive #Automotiveindustry #Autonews #Carsales #Cardealership