Dealers shave time off sales process, Hyundai’s ‘sell like hell’ play, Trump considers reprieve on auto tariffs

Hey, everyone. PSA: Our Auto Tariff Tracker is still live—and if you haven’t circled back lately, it’s worth another look.

It’s where we’re tracking real-time OEM guidance. Plus, what it all means for dealers on the ground—inventory, pricing, strategy, and more.

Bookmark it. Refresh often. And send us your tips if we’re missing anything.

— CDG

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Welcome to The Weekly, your go-to roundup of the top five auto industry headlines of the week. Let’s dive in.

1. Many dealers still misjudge how long their sales process takes, CDK Global says

Dealers have spent years modernizing the sale—but CDK’s latest data shows the real friction is still hiding in plain sight.

What we know: Even as deal times shrink, buyers are still stuck waiting—because of F&I, paperwork, and disconnected systems.

• And while 78% of stores have digital tools, fewer than a third actually integrate them across the full experience.

• The result—is a system that feels efficient from the inside—but often looks broken from the outside.

Need proof? A full 25% of online shoppers still had to re-enter their information once they got to the store.

Looking ahead: The dealers pulling ahead aren’t just speeding up the process—they’re stitching it together. No stalls. No handoffs. No do-overs.

(Go deeper: 4 min. read)

But dealers also need to ensure that they’re staying compliant…

2. FTC’s CARS Rule may be sidelined—but regulatory pressures persist

The FTC’s CARS Rule may be on ice—but enforcement is anything but.

The details: State attorneys general are still on the move, and private litigation over junk fees and disclosures isn’t slowing down.

And just because the federal rule is paused doesn’t mean dealers are in the clear—many of its protections already exist under state law.

Bottom line: Dealers betting on regulatory slowdowns are missing the real threat—state AGs and class action lawyers who don’t need a federal green light to bring the heat.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

While legal pressure builds at the state level, federal trade policy is creating its own kind of uncertainty…

3. President Trump hints at some reprieve on auto tariffs

In a White House meeting Monday, President Trump suggested companies might need “a little time” to shift parts production to the U.S.

No formal policy yet, but the message was clear—tariff terms might not be a “permanent” as the President had previously stated.

Why it matters?

Even a short delay could give automakers time to adjust supply chains—and (maybe) avoid passing steep costs onto buyers.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

While the tariff outlook remains murky, Hyundai isn’t waiting for clarity…

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4. Hyundai’s plan to weather the tariff storm? ’Sell like hell’

Hyundai’s not flinching in the face of tariffs—and CEO Randy Parker made that crystal clear at the New York Auto Forum.

Big picture: The automaker is holding the line on sticker prices and doubling down on its U.S. growth strategy, even as uncertainty looms.

“Our plan is to sell cars, period. Sell like hell,” Parker said.

What we’re watching: The company just launched the Hyundai Assurance program to reassure buyers—and its dealers—that pricing will stay steady for now.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

But holding the line on prices is just one piece of the strategy—Hyundai’s also moving upstream…

5. Hyundai assembles task force to build its own EV batteries — report

A new internal unit, dubbed the “B Task Force,” was quietly formed this month to fast-track Hyundai’s own battery cell development.

Led by top execs across battery design, cell dev, and energy solutions, the task force is Hyundai’s answer to rising global competition—and China’s rapid battery breakthroughs.

Why it matters: Producing batteries in-house could help Hyundai cut costs, protect against tariffs, and bring more pricing flexibility across its EV lineup.

And with its U.S. Metaplant now online and multiple battery joint ventures underway, Hyundai’s push into battery development signals a long-term bet on independence—and scale.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Three opportunities hitting the CDG Job Board right now:

• Hardy Family Automotive: Fleet Sales Office Manager (Georgia)

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• Volvo is tapping dealer wisdom to form its long-term tariff strategy.

• Top U.S. auto leaders: state zero-emission targets are unachievable.

• Brake issues force Ford to recall over 120,000 vehicles.

• EV makers roll out conquest offers as Tesla trade-ins climb.

• Kia to launch EV pickup in U.S., targets 90K annual sales.

That’s a wrap for now—make sure you’re following along on X, LinkedIn and IG for more real-time updates.

Thanks for reading. Hit reply and let me know if you found The Weekly valuable or have any feedback. I’ll see you next weekend.

— CDG

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