Car Dealership Guy

[NEWS] Canadian autoworkers are lending Ford and GM a helping hand: As the April 2 tariff deadline nears—Canada’s Unifor is teaming up with Ford and GM to move engines and vehicles across the U.S. border. The goal is simple—protect jobs on both sides. Bottom line: This last-minute push could help keep vehicle prices stable—for now. Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Uber for Business: https://lnkd.in/ec4NquN7 (Data source: Unifor Local 200 President John D’Agnolo via Detroit Free Press)

[NEWS] Stellantis is slimming down leadership to boost local-level focus: From 30 execs to just nine—the new interim committee is all about quicker, more responsive decisions. Their aim? Make up for lost ground in 2025 after a tough 2024. We're talking sky-high inventories, frustrated dealers, and shrinking (7.8%) market share. But now, the tide is (seemingly) turning. Is Stellantis on the right path? We’ll see… Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Uber for Business: https://lnkd.in/eW9D55_R (Data source: CFO Doug Ostermann, Wolfe Research Virtual Auto Summit)

Headlines say EV sales are declining... But the data tells a different story. David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global, shares why repeat buyers are keeping EV adoption on track. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform—brought to you by DriveHRIS and PayJunction

SCOOP: Subaru is warning dealers of potential price hikes Starting April 2, U.S. auto tariffs could kick in — and Subaru says it won’t guarantee current pricing on pipeline or sold orders. Sold orders will still accepted, but prices may change. More updates to come. (Source: Subaru internal letter sent to all dealers)

Amazon and Starbucks have figured out personalized shopping – why haven’t car dealers? 52% of car shoppers say they’ll spend *more* if a brand or dealership provides a personalized experience. The crazy part? That number jumps 17% for Gen Z and Millennials. Where I see the biggest opportunities: - Matching lifestyle with the right models/features - More personalized deals for budget-conscious buyers - Predictively timing their next purchase Dealers who crack the code will generate more sales—and consumers will be happier. _______ Data via CDG partner: Cox Automotive Inc. Learn more about car shoppers in “The Evolving Consumer” ebook here: https://cox.auto/uh9UD.

[NEWS] Auto Dealership Partners (ADP) has won a major legal victory against Ford: Here are the details... An Arkansas judge ruled Ford misused its right of first refusal to block ADP’s purchase of a Penske Ford store—rerouting it to someone else. On top of that— The judge said there was “overwhelming evidence” that Ford engaged in “deceit and fraud in its actions with ADP.” The award? $18M. Dealer principal Larry Crain Jr. called it a win for fairness in the industry. And despite it all—ADP says they are still committed to the automaker. Ford plans to appeal. Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Uber for Business: https://lnkd.in/eJxJqqKM (Data sources: Circuit Court Of Pulaski County, Arkansas Sixth Division)

Some Tesla owners are feeling the sting of elevated insurance costs: An analysis of over 50 vehicles shows that full insurance coverage on four Tesla models (3, X, S, and Y) is about 70% higher than the overall average. Why? Tesla’s complex battery systems and proprietary tech make repairs more expensive—lowering the threshold for total losses. On top of that— Tesla’s Model Y had the most insurance claims in 2024 at 31.4%, followed by the Model 3 at 29.9%. And the vandalism? It's too early to say if that will affect premiums or not. But at the end of the day—averages don't tell the whole story. And the insurance rate drivers get depends on a lot more than just vehicle type. Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Uber for Business: https://lnkd.in/eZEeUzDZ (Data sources: Insurify / Mitchell International)

Everyone’s focused on retail car sales— But the real *cracks* may be showing in fleet and small business demand. David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global, breaks down what could hit the market in the short term. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your favorite platform—brought to you by DriveHRIS and PayJunction

[NEWS] Stellantis is making moves to dodge price hikes from tariffs: The strategy? Pulling parts from Mexico and moving them to U.S. plants— While also working with retailers to gather potentially affected orders and speed up deliveries. Stellantis’ moves should keep costs under control—for now. But the real question remains: how long will these strategies hold? Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Uber for Business: https://lnkd.in/eBNYrg3J (Data source: CFO Doug Ostermann, Wolfe Research Virtual Auto Summit)

[NEWS] The race to dominate the self-driving car market is accelerating: But consumers (and regulators) could be pumping the breaks. Tesla is pushing ahead with its robotaxi service, Google's Waymo is mapping airports, and GM now has full control over Cruise. But the real hurdle? Skepticism. Nearly 83% of consumers want more safety statistics regarding the technology before riding— While 86% say they want to be able to take control of the vehicle if needed. Until consumers are convinced that the tech is truly safe—widespread adoption may remain a steeper uphill climb. Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Uber for Business: https://lnkd.in/eJZs7vQD (Data source: J.D. Power)