Market Pulse

A rare signal from Tesla suggests underwhelming Q4 performance

While Tesla’s stock hit record highs this month, buoyed by enthusiasm for its planned robotaxi network, its core EV business has stumbled. (3 min. read)

Ford CEO Jim Farley clashes with Sen. Ted Cruz over January hearing

Farley informed Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz via that letter that he has a scheduling conflict on the day of the hearing. (3 min. read)

Nissan pulls the plug on its most affordable new car in the U.S.

For many buyers, a lightly used vehicle with better features, stronger brand perception, and similar monthly payments made more sense than a brand-new base Versa. (2 min read)

Porsche issues uncommon recall of more than 173K vehicles over rearview cameras

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Podcast Recaps

“We 3x'd fixed revenue!” – How dealers are leaning into service for the next cycle

Featuring Nathan Shaver, Managing Partner at Shaver Auto Group

Tensions boil as Colorado clears path for Scout Motors’ direct-to-consumer sales model

Currently, Scout Motors is being sued in California and Florida on the grounds that its intended distribution model violates state franchise laws. (5 min. read)

Tariff impact grows for German carmakers as U.S. market tightens

“15% tariff on every exported vehicle will result in billions of dollars in additional costs for us when exporting vehicles to the United States,” said Jürgen Mindel, a spokesperson for the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). (3 min. read)

Higher-end vehicles make up majority of discontinued models for 2026

Many automakers are retreating from broad “premium for premium’s sake” models, and instead promising much more “affordable” vehicles. (2 min. read)

2Autogroup acquires Texas Hyundai store from Bolton Automotive

CDG News alerts (1 min. read)

Dealer Strategies

Security director for Zeigler Auto Group warns of growing dealership fraud risks

“Not a day goes by that I don't see a fraud trying to come through Zeigler Auto Group,” said Karianne Thomas. (3 min. read)

Dealers face year-end inventory glut as 2024/2025 models pile up

“If dealers are struggling to move an older, leftover 2024 or 2025 model, it can be an opportunity for buyers who want new car peace of mind and warranty coverage at a reduced price,” said iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer. (3 min read)

Waymo speeds up safety, software updates ahead of 2026 expansion

Following a power outage in San Francisco that left its self-driving vehicles stalled on the streets, Waymo is now taking steps to address the issue. (3 min. read)

Hanania Automotive acquires Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Florida

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Toyota is recalling over 55K hybrid cars for potential power loss, fire risk

CDG News alert (1 min. read)