Episode #1449: The secret is finally out: ASOTU CON West is coming to Los Angeles this November. We’re breaking down the speakers, sessions and why we’re heading west—plus, Carvana’s early new-car success gets us talking about simplicity, flexibility and helping customers get to “yes” faster.

Today’s show is made possible by our friends at AutoHub, helping dealers buy cars from their own customers in minutes, whether they’re in the showroom, service drive, or online. Learn more at AutoHub.io.

Show Notes with links:

• ASOTU CON is heading west for the first time, landing in Los Angeles on November 18 for a one-day event built around some of the most pressing topics dealers are working through right now. The format is intentionally tight: fly in, get practical insight and relationships, and fly out—or stick around for the fun.

  • The agenda centers on five areas: profitability, Voice AI, EVs in 2026, mobile service, and leadership, with dealers joining panels at different stages of implementing these ideas.

  • Steve Greenfield will debut a new talk on the dealership “profitability stack,” while former Toyota COO Jack Hollis will speak on leadership and former Berkshire Hathaway executive Vic Keller will focus on career paths and building an industry people want to join.

  • The event runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Plug’s new West L.A. headquarters, followed by an offsite happy hour at the L.A. Motoring Club. Attendance is capped at 200 seats, and the L.A. Auto Show begins the following day.

  • A big thanks to Plug, Mia, Curbee, Plug and DLRdmv, who backed the first-ever ASOTU CON West before the website, venue details, speakers and full agenda were even announced.

• Carvana’s early new-car success is the proof point: consumers appear willing to pay for a simpler way to get a vehicle. John Possumato argues in an Automotive News op-ed that franchised dealers could push that idea further by removing the pressure to make a long-term ownership decision on day one.

  • A flexible lease would begin with a one-month term, with the customer able to renew, return the vehicle or purchase it later.

  • The proposed model removes several traditional barriers: no down payment, traditional credit threshold or multiyear commitment, with the process handled digitally.

  • The idea positions flexible access as an acquisition channel for shoppers who lack a down payment, don’t meet traditional credit criteria or simply aren’t ready for a six- or seven-year loan.

  • The concept isn’t meant to eliminate ownership; it delays when the customer has to make that decision while allowing the dealership to benefit during the decision period.

  • The Center for Automotive Research forecasts vehicle subscriptions could reach roughly 20–30% of Germany’s market by 2030, which Possumato points to as a potential glimpse of where flexible access could go.