Market Pulse

13 OEMs agree to provide matching funds for California’s $135M EV program

First-time EV buyers could qualify for a $3,500 rebate. (3 min. read)

Loan approvals rise to 73%, while negative equity on trade-ins hits $6,884

The underwater amount pushes payments to $944. (3 min. read)

Volvo eyes second-half recovery despite China slowdown and Iran-related headwinds

The automaker issued the outlook Friday. (3 min. read)

Toyota, Nissan push for parts standardization to cut costs and speed innovation

“We have a strong sense of crisis that the Japanese auto industry is in a massive period of transition,” said Toyota CEO Koji Sato.

The Weekly

Brookville Auto Group acquires Chevy dealership + 3-year-old Rogues lead vehicle sales through Manheim

A look at this week's top stories.

More than 90% of CarGurus listings now include disclosed fees

Digital retailing site notes dealer response to mid-July deadline. (2 min. read)

Dealership communication issues mentioned in 42% of negative Google reviews

The number of reviews for dealerships was down 15% YoY. (3 min. read)

AI execution gap emerges as new competitive battleground for U.S. dealers

Focus is shifting to integrated AI platforms that connect CRM, DMS, inventory, F&I, marketing, service scheduling, and follow-up workflows. (3 min. read)

South Korea auto exports hit record June as EV and hybrid demand surges

Exports to North America increased 12.3% and shipments to Latin America climbed 5.1%. (3 min. read)

Stellantis sends infraction letters to some dealers, lists timeline to get websites in compliance

CDG News alert (2 min. read)

Julie Walker

3-year-old Rogues lead vehicle sales through Manheim lanes in June

The SUV outpaces the Dodge Ram and Nissan Altima (2 min. read)

Mitsubishi expands U.S. distribution network with new Texas port partnership

The new Texas partnership is designed to improve efficiency and speed vehicle deliveries to dealer partners across the Gulf Coast and Midwest. (3 min. read)

Hyundai strike highlights growing labor tensions over automation and job security

The union also wants Hyundai to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65. (3 min. read)

Mexico reports progress on USMCA ahead of new round of talks

A third round of negotiations will take place on July 30 in Mexico (2 min. read).

Podcast Recaps

"Stop missing calls!" The 90% service scheduling secret most dealers are ignoring

Featuring Mike Martucci, General Manager at Jim Ellis Kia, and Kevin Esmezyan, Chief Product Officer at Matador AI