A smaller, electric Hummer is still a design concept in GM’s California studio, but has a good chance of going into production and is seen as a priority project, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private.

GM is spending $35bn to bring EVs to market over the next 3 years

GM has secured 90k reservations for the current Hummer, priced at $110k

As of Sept. 30, they have only delivered 781 vehicles….

TILI: 90k and 781 are different numbers, but let’s add a new line for Europe!

Most of the subscriptions came from outside of the US

“After a challenging first half, we believe we’re on a path to re-accelerate growth,” Netflix said in its quarterly letter to shareholders. “The key is pleasing members.”

Netflix generated about $7.9 billion in revenue in the third quarter, a nearly 6 percent increase from the same period last year.

The company announced they will no longer offer subscriber count as a tracking metric starting in 2023, saying that total revenue is the most important metric moving forward

American retailers use an average of 5.3 digital tools

Of those using less than 3, only 17% are happy with the experience they are providing

Since March of 2020, a record number of consumers began using online ordering and curbside pickup to purchase groceries and say it is a habit they are likely to continue

Despite the evidence that those who win in retail are spending on tech, overall spending on tech in retail dropped in 2021

600 hp , 640 ft/lb of torque, and 300 mi of range

“Celestiq is the purest expression of Cadillac, acknowledging our incredible history and driving us to a bolder and brighter future,” said Cadillac global vice president Rory Harvey in a press release. “It is a completely bespoke work of automotive art, built around the most advanced and innovative technology that we have ever engineered into an automobile.”

Hand built with no more than 6 being made at a time

Concierge design process where approved Dealers advise buyers as they and designers work together to craft a unique vehicle where “Each client will experience a personalized journey to make their vehicle exactly the way they desire.”

Features include standard rear-wheel steering and all-wheel drive, multi zone auto dimming sunroof and a 55” wide hi res display spanning the entirety of the dash

Tili: Is this an EV dev or a brand flex? Yes. 

From AN “FTC alleged Passport advertised certified, reconditioned or inspected cars at specific prices but added extra certification, reconditioning or inspection fees it falsely claimed consumers were required to pay. For example, the FTC cited one case in which a vehicle advertised for $24,050 sold for $26,440 because of illegal add-on fees. “

“...also alleged Passport charged Black and Latino consumers about $291 and $235 more, respectively, in interest than white consumers

The fine will be paid by a combination of the group, as well as its president Everett Hellmuth and vice president Jay Klein

Passport says it disagrees with the allegations in the strongest possible terms but noted that fighting the ruling "...ultimately would have distracted us from the important work we do. "That time, energy and money can be better utilized by continuing to invest in our communities," the dealership group said. "For that reason, we agreed to the settlement announced today."

This is the second run in w the FTC for Passport. In 2018 they sent out 20k+ fake “Urgent recall” notices to drive dealership visits.

The stratospheric growth of F1 in america is prompting a

The documents, which include several internal research papers, slide decks and spreadsheets, indicate that only one third of new hires stay past 90 days with the vast majority of them willfully quitting vs being laid off or fired

A New York Times investigation revealed an annual turnover rate of 150% among hourly employees

Wall Street Journal and National Employment Law Project have both found turnover to be around 100 percent in warehouses , twice the industry average

A major issue cited is the lack of tracking training and promotion data

$8B is the estimated cost of the turnover

Ironically, saw a huge Amazon ad offering free technical training with no college debt featuring a smiling Gen Z’er 

Tili: People need purpose

Millennials = aspirational  Gen Z = intentionally premium

Consumers report no intent to walk away from premiumization in the face of inflation, with 65% planning to purchase premium over the next 12 months

“premium” defined as:  worth the purchase with "added value, proof of value, performance, inclusion and shareability."

Gen Z indicates being willing to work more as opposed to scaling back purchases

The plant made Model Ts for about 8 years before Ford closed operations as a result of the great depression

At one point the factory boasted 200 cars per day and was one of the highest producing sites in the southeast (modern factories produce over 1,000 per day)

It was then turned into a parts warehouse, and later a pallet factory

The prime waterfront real estate will be redeveloped after the buildings removal 

A city-hired photographer will document the building's legacy before it's torn down

Customer service and retention remain the focus of keen operators as they know data shows over 70% of customers choose non-dealership repair shops once warranties expire

Shortage of new cars will exacerbate the issue over the next 36 months

Group 1 is up 16% YoY through through the first half 

#1 Cochran Automotive in the Greater Pittsburgh Area is adding 27k sq ft to expand wholesale parts business

Adam Simms, owner of Price Simms in the San Fran Bay Area built a commercial fleet center that is seeing continued growth.  "I'm very bullish on the small commercial fleet business," Simms adds "can't invest enough money" in service and parts

Different than ice procedures where there are few ways to get in fast trouble while diagnosing or repairing a vehicle, EVs require extra caution due to extreme voltage at multiple points

Thermal runaway is when a battery cell short circuits and heats up leading to a chemical reaction that is near impossible to stop like in this video of parked electric busses 

The encasement of battery cells in several layers of aluminum make it difficult to direct suppression at the seat of the fire

Physical damage is one of the primary causes while overcharging can also be an issue leading us back to proper equipment, procedure, and critical thinking being essential to continue servicing EVs safely

In an oxymoronic kind of way, Pop-up retail stores are becoming fixtures of the post pandemic retail spac

First deliveries will take place in early 2026.

Models for sales, aftermarket, and service are still not confirmed, though Honda’s online D2C experiment in Japan is most likely to make its way to the US.

Sony Honda Mobility also expects initial sales in Japan to come from North American exports to the automaker’s home country.

#TILI: There is no doubt that the lack of mention of the dealer network from Honda has us concerned, but we know that quality conversations from Honda dealers are an opportunity worth stirring up quickly!

The US FAA is still working on considerations for aircraft certification as well as traffic, take off, and landing rules

This is the first collaboration by an automaker with an established aeronautical corporation.

TILI: So, dealers know how to sell transportation products…ever thought about finding in-roads to conversations with new entrants in this space for delivery and service?

Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters purchased a 2023 expansion team

Sam Querrey, the former world #11 and two-time Wimbledon semi finalist, announced his next chapter: pickleball.

Other notable team owners include LeBron James, Draymond Green, Drew Brees, and Kevin Love.

Recently Carvana became the title sponsor for the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association)

The sport is quickly growing in popularity due to its ease of learning, smaller court sizes, and communal feel.

#TILI: I wonder if there are any growing communities of Pickleball players near dealerships in the US…

Elon announced The Boring Company (responsible for new tunnel drilling tech) was selling perfume called “Burnt Hair”

The perfume sells for $100/bottle and the company sold a million dollars worth already

We must note that back on April 1, 2022, we offered a gift of Elon’s Musk for 267 billion referrals to The ASOTU Daily Push Back

Boring Company, a tunneling firm last valued at $5.7 billion, sold flamethrowers at $500 apiece in early 2018, raising $10 million. He also sold 50,000 Boring Company hats.

#TILI: One thing we know for sure is that Elon has built brand, community, and media content to the point that product is not dependent on sales anymore.

Customers we asked via email "to support keeping Carvana and online, hassle-free car buying available without interruption in Michigan."

The retailer noted they believed the paperwork and legal processes they are being ‘singled out for’ are not in the best interest of the customer.

This is the second time Carvana has taken such action. They saw over 6k people sign a similar petition in Illinois not too long ago.

Carvana also announced they are the premier sponsor for Pickleball a week ago

#TILI: Would the court of public opinion petition to keep you in business?

“To entice customers to join the partnership, members who link their accounts between now and December 31 will earn an additional 500 SkyMiles and, after joining and making one Starbucks purchase, they will accrue 150 stars, enough for a free coffee.”

One of the big reasons for partnerships like this is access to purchase, travel, and behavior data tied to both types of rewards accounts.

The new program was announced days after a shift in the Dunkin’ Donuts reward program sent shockwaves through loyal purchaser social media accounts.

Delta hopes this program, and others they have implemented, will “deliver more moments and interactions that matter” with their customer bas

Tesla Model Y: 134,978 units

Tesla Model 3: 123,634 units

Ford Mustang Mach-E: 25,596 units

Tesla Model S: 20,032 units

Tesla Model X: 19,739 units

Hyundai Ioniq 5: 16,929 units

Kia EV6: 15,612 units

Chevy Bolt EUV: 11,788 units

VW ID.4: 9,127 units

Nissan Leaf: 8,740 units

Ford and Hyundai have taken big strides forward in the last year and GM is also poised to continue their growth as they recently announced an increase in Bolt EV deliveries in Q4

According to Reuters: The Japanese automaker transfer its shares in Nissan Manufacturing Russia LLC to state-owned NAMI, it said. The deal will give Nissan the right to buy back the business within six years, Russia's industry and trade ministry said.

The Nissan deal was "of great significance for the industry," Russia's Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in a statement.

Nissan is revisiting their alliance with Renault who owns 43% of Nissan as sources close to the matter say they are considering a new electric vehicle venture

NASA sees this as a way to protect against additional threats “the universe may throw at us”

NASA was hoping for a 10 minute difference, but the asteroid slowed its orbit by about 32 minutes

“All of us have a responsibility to protect our home planet. After all, it’s the only one we have,” Nelson said. “This mission shows that NASA is trying to be ready for whatever the universe throws at us.”

Special charging and storage equipment will allow for the storage of power and management of that power to residential homes and will act like a back up generator 

other commercial applications will make allowance for the transfer of power from one vehicle to another to help alleviate periods of stress on the power grid

Travis Hester, head of GMs EV growth initiatives said “We have become an expert battery manufacturer,” he said. “It’s a natural evolution for us to move in here.” as the company moves to leverage their massive investment in battery tech and production capabilities

Tesla and Toyota have been offering similar services. Tesla generated $866M in Q2

TILI: Owning the driveway has more bluesky than ever

In the Summer of 2021 CNN minted reports of key events or artistic interpretations inspired by them, creating digital collectibles that owners could show off somehow or trade with others, like baseball cards.

The program is shutting down its Discord and will not be issuing any type of utility leaving investors, some who have invested 6 figures holding the bag

There will be some sort of “rebate” effort which in many cases will only account for a small percentage of the tokens current value in crypto

The parting Discord message thanked the community for being a part of the ‘experiment’. Users noted that the word ‘experiment’ was never used. 

They are not alone as a lesser known AP attempt at NFTs as well as many other major efforts have shuttered in recent months

TILI: More than the money, the brand is the big loser

“Weeklong deals” will continue all the way through actual Black Friday and will also include the popular “Deal of the Day” 

TILI: The consumer mindset around “sales” has totally changed

If left unchecked the loosening of the fastener could “cause a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.”

Symptoms included, vibrations, noise, and harshness in the front suspension, and changes in steering

This affects 12k of the 14k vehicles produced and spans every model from the RT1 Pickup to the electric delivery vans the company is building for Amazon

“It’s important not to minimize the potential risks involved and why we are volunteering to conduct this recall,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe wrote in an email to customers viewed by CNBC. “In rare circumstances, the nut could loosen fully. I want to reiterate that this is extremely rare, but it does reinforce why we are acting with such urgency and caution.”

You can view Rivans recall page here

After the company lost a proposal in 2019 to gain an exception to the laws in the legislature they began seeking alternate means and were able to open their first center inside an old casino on tribal land north of Santa Fe as the partnered with the First Nation of Nambé Pueblo

Tesla is now opening a second to offer service coverage to Albuquerque thanks to a new partnership with the Santa Ana Pueblo. 

There will also be a sales center and EV chargers

Some state legislators such as Cabinet Secretary,  Ricky Serna, made an appearance at the event to express his sentiment, “This project will yield economic growth, healthy career pathways and contribute to Governor Lujan Grisham's aggressive carbon reduction goals

"There’s a ton of EVs disabled from Ian. As those batteries corrode, fires start," Patronis tweeted Thursday. "That’s a new challenge that our firefighters haven’t faced before. At least on this kind of scale."

Crews are using hundreds of gallons of water attempting to put these fires out

At NAMAD, Mark Bland of S&P Global mentioned that only 50% of fire stations nationwide are equipped with the training and resources to fight these EV fires

Cooler sized robots on 6 wheels would carry packages directly to consumers homes and open its side hatch to allow the packages to be received

The program was about 3 years old and began autonomous deliveries in sidewalks communities in Seattle before expanding the program to Southern California

About 400 amazon employees were assigned to the project and will be offered jobs in other areas of the company

This is a sign that CEO Andy Jassey is reprioritizing funds as sales growth begins to slow from record levels

During his talk at NAMAD, Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, mentioned that historically low unemployment reports would continue to push the fed to raise interest rates at their aggressive pace.

Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect the report, due out Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET, will show that payrolls increased 275,000 in September, while the unemployment rate held at 3.7%. At least as important, estimates are for average hourly earnings to increase 0.3% month over month and 5.1% from a year ago.

One major concern is that both job growth and wage growth are outpacing inflation, leading to supply side recession. The hope is that if jobless claims rise, less aggressive spending would hit the market.

“I don’t think the Fed is going to pivot or pause or anything of that nature before the end of the year, certainly not because of jobs data,” said Shannon Saccocia, Chief Investment Officer at SVB Private Bank.