BofA slashes new model forecast, Nissan bets on back-to-basics LEAF, tariffs delay vehicle production

Hey everyone. Just dropped a new episode of the CDG Podcast with Monik Pamecha, CEO and founder of Toma.

We get into why he embedded inside Oklahoma dealerships for months, how that strategy won over top VCs, and why Toma won’t touch cookie-cutter AI.

Check it out: YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

— CDG

Welcome to the Daily Dealer, a concise rundown of the most important automotive industry headlines that matter to car dealers, automakers, and industry insiders.

The gap in how fast certain vehicles are moving is continuing to grow:

The Subaru WRX, Lexus RX Hybrid, and Toyota Prius PHEV are turning in under 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Porsche Taycan, Audi A8, and Genesis G90 are sitting for 150+.

The punchline: Uneven floorplan pressures are forcing some dealers to rethink their inventory mix.

(Data source: CarEdge / CDG analysis via Joe Cecala)

1. BofA ‘Car Wars’ forecast: automakers are retreating heavily into their core products

Bank of America says the next few years could bring the lightest new-vehicle pipeline in decades.

Their Car Wars report forecasts just 159 new model launches over the next four years—down from 200 in last year’s projection. EV write-offs, canceled programs, and cautious planning are behind the drop.

Zooming out: Even though the model pipeline is shrinking, analysts expect the Detroit Three to hold steady by focusing on what already sells.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

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2. Nissan is building its next-gen LEAF on 15 years of EV lessons

Nissan is rolling out a next-gen LEAF later this month, backed by 15 years of EV data and 700,000 units sold.

The company says it’s a return to fundamentals—less flash, more function. And updates like a lower drag coefficient and simplified cabin suggest a focus on efficiency over excitement.

Still, big questions remain around range, pricing, and trims.

Bottom line: Nissan’s betting that simplicity and utility will resonate in today’s value-conscious market. Whether shoppers agree is another story.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

3. Tariffs causing major setbacks in automaker production planning — S&P Global Mobility

A new S&P Global analysis suggests automakers are losing valuable planning time (up to 18 months) as they navigate changing tariff rules.

The shift is putting pressure on production strategies, especially for companies with limited U.S. manufacturing capacity.

Big picture: Some analysts say it could open the door for Chinese EV brands to gain ground. But how it plays out will depend on how long the current policy climate sticks.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG

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