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.
Stellantis sues Iowa dealership over $12M loan scheme, layoffs follow
The automaker claims the dealership engaged in what’s known as “double flooring,” by securing financing on the same vehicles from multiple lenders. ( 3 min. read)
Rising gas prices may renew EV interest, though high costs could limit sales
“Because gasoline prices only began rising sharply late in the week, the shift in shopper behavior is likely still in its early stages,” said Edmunds’ Jessica Caldwell. (3 min. read)
Volkswagen and Porsche profits tumble as tariffs, uncertainty cloud 2026 outlook
Porsche’s operating profit plunged 98% to 90 million euros ($105 million) in 2025, while its margin collapsed to 0.3%, down from 14.5% in 2024 and 18% in its IPO year. (3 min. read)
Toyota eyes $8.3B chipmaker acquisition as global semiconductor shortage looms
The potential deal follows a strategic semiconductor partnership formed in May between Denso and Rohm, focused on integrated circuits used in EVs. (3 min. read)
New data pushes dealers toward outcome-based marketing
Dealers that rely too heavily on soft metrics risk misreading performance and overspending on campaigns that look busy but do not produce vehicles out the door. (3 min. read)
BMW tops 2025 U.S. vehicle exports amid ongoing tariff and EV strategy shifts
The majority of BMW’s U.S. shipments were assembled at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility and exported through the Port of Charleston. (3 min. read)
Broadcast ads still critical to dealer ecosystem despite digital dominating
Broadcast can generate large-scale awareness, which remains difficult for targeted digital tactics to replicate, said Cox Media Group Executive Chairman Steve Pruett. (2 min. read)
Under the plan, an EV would need 70% of the cost of its parts to be manufactured in the bloc, excluding the battery, to qualify for EU subsidies. (3 min. read)
The scheme is known as “bust-out” fraud, in which individuals build up strong credit profiles before securing multiple loans and intentionally defaulting. (4 min. read)
Canada tightens auto import rules to push local production
The plan involves tightening the country’s automotive remission framework, with the goal of rewarding companies that produce and invest in Canada. (3 min. read)
Ford recall highlights growing tech risks in modern vehicles
The recall covers the 2021 through 2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, Maverick, as well as some Ranger and E-Transit vehicles. (3 min. read)
