Market Pulse

J.D. Power: 58% of owners say software updates make no difference to their vehicle

Four of the top five vehicle dependability problems are tied to mobile phone integration.(3 min. read)

President Trump eliminates federal power to regulate vehicle emissions

Trump has repeatedly called the Clean Air Act’s engagement finding “a scam.” (3 min. read)

Honda appoints Eiji Fujimura new CEO of American market

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Podcast Recaps

The profit squeeze: Five costs dealers are reducing—and why it matters

Featuring Donald Kemp, General Sales Manager at Stowasser Buick GMC

Wyatt Auto Group acquires third dealership

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Automakers are resisting wide-scale MSRP increases despite huge tariff costs

Instead, automakers are defending sales volume and affordability through content cuts, supply-chain moves, and destination fees. (4 min. read)

Toyota electrifies its high-volume Highlander for the U.S. market

The new Highlander is Toyota’s fourth BEV in its U.S. lineup and the automaker’s first three-row battery electric model to be sold in the U.S. (4 min. read)

The Breakdown

New-car market strengths/weaknesses, dealer tech stack refinement, and OEM accountability

3 big takeaways from the 2026 NADA Show

Anna del Villar, +1

Ford doubles down on trucks for 2026 as it readies sub-$40K push for 2027

“We are planning, by the end of the decade, to have five new vehicles, starting with the UEV... that would be under $40,000," said CFO Sherry House. (4 min. read)

Ash Savage

New Country Motor Car Group divests dealerships selling Toyota, Lexus and Audi

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

PART Act moves one step closer to becoming law

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Dealer Strategies

As Carvana expands, dealer Matt Bowers urges operators to stay disciplined

“It’s not the business I’m in,” Bowers said on Daily Dealer Live. “What they’re doing feels more like distribution than retail.” (4 min. read)

Ash Savage

New-car prices rise again, fueled by pickup truck and SUV demand

The average MSRP for full-size pickups topped $70,000 for the fifth consecutive month, according to Cox Automotive. (3 min. read)

President Trump to finalize rollback of key EPA climate rule on Thursday

“This week at the White House, President Trump will be taking the most significant deregulatory actions in history to further unleash American energy dominance and drive down costs,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. (3 min. read)

Toyota is recalling over 141K vehicles for rear doors that might open while driving

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Anna del Villar