Mercedes-Benz targets 30% U.S. sales growth with focus on core models and dealers

The luxury automaker’s plan includes investing more than $7 billion in its U.S. footprint to reach 400,000 annual car sales in the U.S.

GM extends EV Plant shutdown as it leans further into gas-powered trucks

The downtime at the Detroit manufacturing facility, which began on March 16, will now run through April 13. (2 min. read)

GM adds sixth production day to meet heavy-duty truck demand

Production at the Flint plant will increase from five to six days a week in June. (3 min. read)

Sky Auto case highlights risks of floorplan missteps as lenders move to seize vehicles

The alleged scheme called “double flooring” involved multiple lenders unknowingly financing the same vehicles. (2 min. read)

Toyota pumps $1B into RAV4, Camry pipeline to ease dealer shortages

The 2026 RAV4 is currently available only with electrified powertrains, and dealers are still awaiting the arrival of the 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. (3 min. read)

Slate Auto bets on customization with $7.8M wrap facility in Kentucky

It will operate as the central shop where the modular two-door, two-passenger pickups will be wrapped in custom colors and finishes chosen by customers. (3 min. read)

Stronger March sales mask year-over-year decline amid distorted comparisons

New-vehicle retail sales are projected to reach 1,120,601, down 13.3% from March 2025 but up 14.3% from February 2026. (3 min. read)

Hyundai plans 36 new models in North America

Hyundai currently sells 25 models in North America, including 20 in the U.S., led by the Tucson, the brand’s best-selling vehicle across all major markets. (3 min. read)

Honda scraps Afeela EV amid broader retreat from electric vehicles

The collapse of the Afeela plan removes a potential flashpoint over direct-to-consumer sales in California. (3 min. read)

Inside Jeep's plans to drive Grand Wagoneer showroom traffic in 2026

“...We got to get Cherokee full throttle. And as soon as that's done mid-year, we'll bring Recon,” said Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf. (3 min. read)

Ford recalls 250,000+ SUVs as mounting callbacks raise dealer concerns

Mexico pushes for zero auto tariffs ahead of USMCA talks

Mexico currently pays a 0% tariff if a vehicle meets USMCA rules of origin and a 25% tariff for non-USMCA-compliant vehicles or content. (3 min. read)

CarMax data echoes findings on gas prices and EV consideration

CarMax found that between March 2 and March 22, searches for EVs and hybrids jumped 12.8% vs February 1 to March 1. (3 min. read)

Dealership partnership dispute ends in $20M verdict, highlighting risks of poor structure

The central dispute involves real estate tied to BMW and Mini dealerships in San Antonio. (3 min. read)

Fatal accident triggers Palisade recall, creating a challenge for dealers

The recall and stop sale create an immediate sales and customer-service challenge around one of Hyundai’s key SUVs. (3 min. read)

Stellantis opens Tesla charging network to BEV owners in push to ease range anxiety

The automaker announced last week that Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Maserati BEV customers can now access Tesla V3 and V4 Superchargers. (3 min. read)

As brand loyalty slips, dealers gain new opportunities to win switching buyers

S&P Global data points to a bigger near-term opportunity in winning shoppers from competing brands, not just retaining existing customers. (4 min. read)

Toyota, Lexus top resale value rankings again in 2026 KBB awards

Toyota led eight of 16 mainstream categories, while Lexus topped three of eight luxury segments, including subcompact, compact, and midsize SUVs. (3 min. read)

Proposed EV fee signals growing headwinds for dealers amid policy shifts

Dealers are facing a U.S. policy environment that continues to double down on gas-powered cars over EVs, adding pressure to a segment already strained. (3 min. read)

EV consideration climbs again as gas prices rise, though buyers remain cautious

Electrified vehicle consideration reached 23.8% on Edmunds for the week of March 9-15, the highest weekly level so far in 2026. (3 min. read)

Auto tariff losses hit $35B with more to come, analysts say

Tariff costs are projected to rise to $45 billion in year two and $52 billion in year three, up 7.3% from year two, according to J.P. Morgan. (3 min. read)

Volvo drops EX30 in U.S., highlighting ongoing challenges for affordable EVs

Volvo dealers were informed March 13 that the automaker will pull both the standard EX30 and Cross Country from its U.S. lineup after the 2026 model year. (3 min. read)

U.S. auto groups press Trump to keep Chinese automakers out

In the letter, five groups representing automakers, dealers, and parts manufacturers raised concerns about the growing global expansion of Chinese car companies. (3 min. read)

DOJ sues California over vehicle emissions rules amid EV debate

The DOJ’s lawsuit, filed March 12, follows a move by the administration last summer that blocked California’s plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

New-vehicle prices rise 3.4% in February as sales rebound, says Kelley Blue Book

"What we’re seeing now looks more like normalization than a new pricing problem," said Erin Keating, executive analyst with Cox Automotive.