GM kills Apple CarPlay aftermarket kit, Rivian R1S earns fifth best-selling EV spot, Elon Musk backlash intensifies

Hey everyone. [Breaking news] Hyundai has announced a $20 billion U.S. investment.

What we know:

• According to CNBC, The investment includes $5B earmarked for a plant in Louisiana, which will create roughly 1,500 new jobs.

• President Trump will reportedly meet with Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung, and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to discuss the investment today.

• Hyundai’s move comes as global companies rush to get ahead of Trump’s April 2 tariff deadline.

— CDG

1. GM blocks dealers from using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto aftermarket kits

General Motors has blocked a dealer from offering an aftermarket kit that restores Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its Ultium EVs.

According to GM:

The kit could disrupt vehicle functions and future software updates.

The issue? 

GM’s move could alienate buyers who prefer mobile integration—especially given that a McKinsey study found that nearly half of car buyers would avoid purchasing a vehicle that lacked Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Want insider knowledge on the most up to date trends in auto retail?

The Haig Report® is auto retail's longest-published and most-trusted quarterly report tracking trends and their impact on dealership values. Since 2014, this report has delivered analysis on dealership performance, market trends, and franchise valuations—offering a clear view of opportunities and challenges in automotive retail.

Join the leaders in the industry who rely on the Haig Report® for:

• Exclusive insights into dealership values and valuation trends

• Franchise insights and outlooks on brand desirability

• Market trends to help you make informed business decisions

• The only report to publish blue sky values every quarter.

Subscribe to receive auto retail's longest published and most trusted report tracking trends and impact on dealership values.

2. Rivian cracks top 5 best-selling EVs in February

Rivian’s R1S landed itself in the top five best-selling EVs in February.

The appeal?

Recent price cuts and its software-driven tech.

And now—the California brand is looking to maintain that momentum (in part) through the launch of its R2 in 2026.

Looking ahead: Rivian's R2 (starting at $45K) positions the automaker to tap into growing demand for affordable EVs. By comparison, Rivian’s R1S Dual Standard model starts at $75,900, the R1S Dual starts at $83,900 and the R1S Tri starts at $105,900, according to Rivian.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

3. Backlash continues against Elon Musk’s political ascent—Tesla caught in the crosshairs

Elon Musk is blurring the lines between business and politics as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

The result?

Noticeable backlash.

And now—Tesla facilities across the U.S. are being hit with a wave of vandalism in the form of Molotov cocktails and firebombs.

Bottom line: To his critics, Musk is pushing too far, too fast. But to his base of supporters—that’s kind of the whole point.

(Go deeper: 2 min. read)

• GM to build new presidential limousine

• Auto suppliers face more dire circumstances than automakers amid Trump tariffs

• BMW is selling more EVs than Audi and Mercedes combined—here’s why

• GM battery partner LG Energy Solution: Auto investments on hold amid policy uncertainty

• Credit scores still key as auto lenders look to alternative data

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG