Dealers struggle with phone leads, automakers roll back DEI policies, DOGE team takes aim at CFPB

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— CDG

1. The costly mistakes dealers are making with their phone leads

A new report from Car Wars confirms what many in the industry already suspect—phone calls remain one of the most critical parts of the car sales process.

By the numbers:

• After analyzing nearly 3,000 dealerships, the data shows Mondays bring the highest call volume, with peak traffic between 10 AM and 12 PM.

• But connection rates reveal a bigger issue: over 30% of unconnected calls were due to customers hanging up after long hold times, while another 32% went straight to voicemail.

• Despite gradual improvements, dealerships are still losing leads simply because they’re not picking up fast enough.

Big picture: For an industry laser-focused on digital retailing, this report is a reminder that the most valuable customer interactions still happen over the phone … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

2. Automakers retreat further from corporate DEI policies

Automakers are dialing back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts amid shifting political tides.

What’s changed?

• Ford has pulled out of workplace rankings like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, with CEO Jim Farley emphasizing “respect and inclusion” over external benchmarks.

• Toyota is narrowing its DEI focus to STEM education and workforce readiness, while Nissan is cutting ties with groups engaged in political activism.

• Even GM, once a vocal advocate, has scrubbed all mentions of “diversity” from its latest corporate report.

And they’re not alone—companies across industries, from Walmart to Harley-Davidson, are making similar moves … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

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3. Elon Musk’s DOGE team targets the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Elon Musk’s government efficiency team, DOGE, has set off a political firestorm by moving to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Driving the news:

• Reports have surfaced that DOGE staffers gained “read-only” access to CFPB documents last Thursday.

• But by Friday, their access expanded to all systems, including sensitive bank records—granted by White House budget chief Russell Vought.

• As of today, all work orders and funding for the agency have been halted, triggering an eruption of protests.

The CFPB, created after the 2008 financial crisis, has long been controversial, with critics calling it an unaccountable watchdog and supporters arguing it protects consumers from financial abuse.

Bottom line: For auto lenders, its shutdown could mean fewer regulatory hurdles, but with legal battles looming, the industry may face even more uncertainty … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

• EREVs seen as future of fullsize trucks.

• Automobile industry representative reacts to Trump's remarks on tariffs on steel and aluminum.

• BYD puts driver-assistance features in most of its cars for free.

• A $4 million Bugatti and Michael Jordan’s BMW brought car auction company a record year.

• Toyota recalls 106,000 Tacoma pickups in U.S. over brake fluid leak, NHTSA says.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG