Presented by:
Hey everyone,
Today, I’m joined by Doug Gilmour, Dealer Principal of Malone Ford, on the CDG Podcast.
We get into Doug’s 13-year run at Ford, the 7% profit swing that put him on the map, and the all-in gamble that made his dream a reality.
— CDG
First time reading the CDG Newsletter?
The average used car price is at its highest point in 18 months (just under $25K):
Meaning, car shoppers are paying ~$1,300 more than they were in May 2024.
But dig in segment-by-segment, and it’s a mixed bag.
MoM used car price changes:
Luxury cars: +$400
Luxury SUVs: -$270
Cars (including sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons): -$60
Non-luxury SUVs: -$50
Pickup trucks: +$225
Hybrids/electric vehicles: -$50
Vans and minivans: +$100
(Data source: CarFax)
Inside Van Horn’s AI-powered BDC playbook that’s rewriting dealership follow-up
At Van Horn Automotive Group, AI is reshaping the BDC by automating instant responses so reps can focus on relationships and follow-up.
To make that shift work, BDC manager Brittney Dean restructured the department with a four-week training program, daily “Save-A-Deal” reviews, and clear outbound goals to re-engage past customers.
The result: Sub-minute lead times and a BDC that’s faster, sharper, and more connected than ever.
A quick word from our partner
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According to an Uber survey, 80% of dealerships agree that offering on-demand rides has helped retain customers.
With Uber Central, you can easily request and manage rides for your customers and monitor everything from one dashboard.
Visit t.uber.com/CDGauto today to learn more.
Stellantis confirms Ram will launch first-ever SUV in 2028
Ram is entering new territory with plans to launch its first-ever SUV in 2028, part of a broader Stellantis push to expand the brand beyond trucks.
The Michigan-built model will offer both gas and extended-range electric versions, marking Ram’s return to the SUV space since splitting from Dodge in 2009.
For dealers: It adds another high-volume product alongside pickups as Stellantis leans into near-term growth and profit.
EV sales hit an air pocket after tax credit expiration—dealers brace for a reset
EV sales hit a wall in October after the federal tax credit expired, with big drops at Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai.
Lease volume slipped, too, signaling just how subsidy-sensitive the market still is.
On the ground: That means slower EV turns, higher floorplan costs, and tougher pricing calls as dealers rethink allocation and lean harder into hybrids.
Missed yesterday’s episode of Daily Dealer Live?
Presented by:
Borches on Recent Acquisitions, Hales on Digital Retailing Wins
Featured guests:
Liza Borches, President & CEO of Carter Myers Automotive
Jake Hales, Digital Operations Manager at Gee Automotive Companies
Ally is trimming roughly 2% of total workforce in second round of layoffs this year
