Some Industry Announcements

Subaru Raises US Wages with Industry Trends:

• Context: Following wage increases by GM, Ford, and Stellantis.
• Subaru's Action: Increasing wages at Lafayette, Indiana plant.
• Comparison: In line with 25% wage increase in UAW deals with Detroit's Big Three.
• Broader Industry Impact:
• Chrysler and Ford: Ratified new UAW contracts with similar wage increases.
• Negotiation Background: Agreements after weeks of negotiations and strikes.
• Benefits Review: Subaru is considering enhanced benefits.

On the one hand, it's good to keep up with shifting industry pay standards; on the other, they could afford these raises... why'd they wait?

David Long's All Things Used Cars:

• Topic: Intricacies of car appraisal in the used car market.
• Highlight: Live appraisal of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
• Insights: Importance of accurate appraisal for profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Full Replay Here

Appraising a used car is like hunting for Easter Eggs. Even an amateur will get SOME candy, but the pros know where to look for the big prizes. Luckily, there isn't a single rule in the business against learning from somebody else's experience.

Cadillac's New OPTIQ EV:

• Introduction: Affordable electric SUV, below LYRIQ in lineup.
• Goal: Compete with Tesla's Model Y.
• Launch: Expected next year, starting below $58,590.
• Features: Dual electric motors, global availability.
• Strategy: Part of Cadillac's all-electric lineup by 2030.

"Affordable Cadillac" is one of those phrases that feels weird to say. Like "humble celebrity" or "philanthropic banker.

GM Integrates BrightDrop:

• Overview: BrightDrop, an electric delivery startup, is now part of GM.
• Key Developments: Streamlined communication through GM Envolve.
• Future Plans: Zevo 600 and 400 production, software integration.
• Context: Aligns with GM's EV strategy and industry trends.

Honestly, we already write about BrightDrop as though it is GM wearing those glasses with an attached nose and mustache.

Digital Car Keys Initiative:

• Development: Standardization of digital keys via UWB technology.
• Consortiums: Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), FiRa Consortium.
• Members: Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, major car manufacturers.
• Goal: Develop safe, reliable standards for digital car keys.
• Technology: UWB, NFC, and Bluetooth for car-smartphone interaction.

Brace yourselves for explaining to customers why their phone is now more important than their keychain. Who do you think customers will call when they have a tech support question and the call center is "experiencing a higher call volume?"