GM reaches settlement with FTC, 2025 car market outlook, ChargePoint’s new anti-theft EV charging cable

Prefer to listen to this newsletter? Click here for the audio version.

Hey everyone. Happy Friday.

If you haven’t already checked them out—Car Dealership Guy had *three* big podcasts go out this week:

• Life as a master auto technician: misconceptions, compensation and more

• The 2025 wholesale car market explained – key insights and what’s ahead

• Transforming dealership salespeople into social media powerhouses

Catch up all the expert insights today.

— CDG

More and more Americans owe more on their auto loans than their cars are worth:

24.9% of vehicle trade-ins toward new car purchases had negative equity last quarter—an increase of 4.5% year-over-year.

And while it’s true that negative equity isn’t exactly a new problem for the auto industry—

The fallout can last years for consumers.

On average—buyers whose trade-ins had negative equity added $12,388 more to their total amount financed than the industry average.

Brutal.

(Data source: Edmunds)

1. GM settles with FTC over claims of selling driver data without consent

GM has reached a settlement with the FTC over allegations that it shared sensitive driver data with third parties without consumer consent.

The claims center on GM’s OnStar "Smart Driver" program, which the FTC says misled customers into sharing geolocation and behavior data—like speeding and late-night driving—ultimately sold to consumer reporting agencies and insurers.

Big picture: While GM denies wrongdoing and says it ended these practices in early 2024—the settlement bars the company from disclosing such data for five years … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

2. 2025 auto market: affordable new car inventory rises, used car supply shrinks

Dealers are preparing for another year of market twists, according to Cars.com’s 2024 Auto Market Year-In-Review report.

While new vehicle prices have stabilized, rising monthly payments and tough financing conditions are pushing buyers toward more affordable options.

The good news? Sub-$30,000 new car inventory surged by 64% year-over-year as automakers ramp up incentives.

On the used side, declining trade-in values and a tighter supply of newer preowned vehicles could complicate affordability. Though falling used EV prices could offer some buyers relief.

Bottom line—there is a lot to be optimistic about in today’s car market—but the road in 2025 will not be a straight path forward … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

In today's automotive landscape, car buyers invest more time than ever in researching, considering, and comparing options. But for dealers, the challenge lies in pinpointing the audience ready to make a purchase.

Enter Premier by Edmunds.

Premier offers dealers a groundbreaking way to connect with in-market car shoppers precisely when, where, and how they prefer. With over 20 million monthly visits, Edmunds.com is the go-to destination for buyers seeking market insights, expert advice, and budget tools to make informed decisions.

Through Edmunds Premier, dealers gain access to this highly coveted audience. Simply list your new and used inventory on Edmunds, and watch as qualified, in-market traffic flows directly to your vehicle detail pages on your website.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your dealership's visibility and sales performance. You can sign up for Premier today at Edmunds.com/CDG.

3. ChargePoint rolls out new anti-cable theft innovations for EV chargers

ChargePoint is unveiling two new solutions to tackle the growing issue of EV charger vandalism, including cable theft.

Driving the news: The company has introduced a cut-resistant charging cable, designed with materials to deter theft while remaining user-friendly, and an alarm system that detects tampering in real time using existing charger speakers, screens, and lights.

With copper theft driving much of the vandalism, ChargePoint’s efforts aim to enhance security and protect public charging infrastructure … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

• NHTSA opens preliminary probe into more than 870,000 GM vehicles for engine failures.

• Volkswagen looking to deepen partnership with U.S. EV maker Rivian, Spiegel reports.

• Detroit Axle workers ‘OK’ possible strike.

• As Biden heads out, $43.7M goes to 25 EV charging accelerator projects.

• Mercedes boss wants the EU to drop emissions fines.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG