TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to Wednesday!

We’re already gearing up for ASOTU CON 2026, and we’re stoked to bring you all the same community and connection but with brand new pizzazz.

It may seem far away now, but you know how time flies when you’re having fun.

Mark your calendars for May 12-15, and be the first to receive updates by signing up here!

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

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A fire at Ford’s top aluminum supplier just iced production for the Expedition, Navigator, and Lightning. The facility supplied 40% of the U.S. aluminum sheet market. Now it’s offline until 2026. Ford’s pulling forward planned downtime, but analysts say the profit hit could still crack a billion.

RJ Scaringe is still holding the line on CarPlay, betting on a fully branded Rivian experience powered by in-car AI. The goal: seamless app control without giving Apple the keys to your data. Some drivers may grumble, but Rivian’s not budging.

Turns out you don’t need an app to hang up on someone. Some Gen Zers are ditching smartphones for chained-up iPhones and Bluetooth rotary phones. It’s a rebellion against screen overload, and yes—someone’s already monetizing the move.

A new study shows 59% of managers think their engagement is up. Only 20% of employees agree. The disconnect? Managers focus on hitting goals, but employees crave communication. If your team isn’t hearing from you, they assume you’ve checked out.

General Motors is writing down $1.6B as it slows EV expansion plans in light of policy shifts and cooling demand. Current Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac EVs stay the course, but future growth may stall while hybrids gain traction.

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer ditches chrome for sleek lines and tech-heavy interiors. First up: a 420-hp twin-turbo I6. Later: a range-extended model with 647 hp and over 140 miles of electric range before the generator kicks in. All the power, none of the towing anxiety.

Data indicates Americans feel confident repairing many things, but their engines isn’t one of those things. Just 29% say they could fix a car problem themselves. Confidence drops even lower among women and younger adults. For dealers, it’s a clear call: lean into service, because DIY is dying.

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.

Click here to learn more.

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There is a lot about your customer’s experience you can’t control.

You aren't the one manufacturing cars or setting prices. If you want to build a lasting relationship, you have to do that while they’re on the lot or at the shop.

In this ASOTU Edge Webinar, we discuss how creating a frictionless pickup/drop-off experience can turn your service department into a profit powerhouse and build lasting trust with your customers.

Watch the replay here.

Thanks for reading along, Friend!