Ford boosts cost-cutting commitment, Porsche struggles in China, EPA moves to block CARB waiver

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Hey everyone. Lots of murmurs about Dallas-based Yendo—

Which offers credit cards backed by vehicle equity, giving customers a financing option when traditional lenders say no.

My take:

The people who need this, are likely not qualified for it.

The people who don’t need it, are likely very qualified for it.

— CDG

Stellantis is no longer leading the pack in most over-supplied brands:

While inventories for the automaker’s Chrysler, Ram, Jeep and Dodge brands are still higher than the nationwide average market days’ supply of 96—

Lower prices and more incentives are keeping supply in check.

Meanwhile, other brands—including Ford, Lincoln, Buick—are watching inventories rise…

Here’s new car availability (days’ supply) from least available to most:

(Data/graph source: Cox Automotive / Erin Keating)

Ford is tightening its belt, and middle management is feeling it—stock bonuses are getting slashed in half this year.

But that’s just one piece of the cost-cutting puzzle. The automaker is trimming thousands of jobs in Europe, scaling back EV ambitions, and even asking suppliers to help lower costs.

With EV losses hitting $5.1 billion last year, Ford is leaning harder on gas-powered profits to stay afloat.

Bottom line: Cutting back on EV investments may stabilize the balance sheet for now, but it raises a bigger question—what does Ford’s long-term positioning look like? … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

Porsche is losing ground in China, with sales plunging 28% in 2024—its third straight year of decline.

The reason? A wave of homegrown EVs that match Porsche on innovation while massively undercutting it on price.

For years—Porsche thrived on its brand cachet, but high-tech, lower-cost players are proving that prestige alone may not be enough … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

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The Trump administration is challenging California’s authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards, sending three key waivers—including its 2035 zero-emission mandate—to Congress for potential repeal.

If overturned, more than a dozen states following California’s lead would also lose the ability to enforce stricter pollution rules, forcing automakers to rethink billions in investments.

At the same time, the administration is scrutinizing the $7,500 EV tax credit, exploring ways to tighten eligibility and limit automaker access.

The real test? Whether automakers can absorb the costs of changing incentives and regulations. If they can adjust pricing and streamline production, mass-market EVs should remain competitive—but for brands relying on subsidies and premium pricing, 2025 could be a painful adjustment year … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG