Group 1 eyeing acquisitions in 2025, GM doubles EV market share, VW’s ID.7 not coming to the U.S.

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Hey everyone. My guest today on the CDG Podcast has a $250 million dollar vision for the future of automotive retailing.

Wanna know how he’s going to spend it?

Catch my conversation with CDK Global CEO Brian MacDonald now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.

— CDG

1. Group 1's acquisition path is resolute in the face of consolidation

At last week's Auto Team America buy-sell summit, Group 1 Automotive CEO Daryl Kenningham discussed the company’s strategy for expansion, focusing on “cluster” acquisitions in key markets like Florida, the Carolinas, and Texas.

But with dealership consolidation rising, the opportunities are shrinking.

As for brands—Kenningham also weighed in on potential partnerships, saying Group 1 could be interested in Stellantis stores (if the market is “right”), but not Nissan, due to its crowded dealer network … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

2. GM surges in EV market, but the road ahead isn’t easy

GM is charging into 2025 with double the U.S. EV market share—largely thanks to the Equinox EV (which saw an 85% jump in sales last quarter), as well as Chevy Blazer, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Hummer EV.

Now—GM is the second-largest EV seller in the U.S., behind only Tesla.

But with tax credit rollbacks possibly slowing demand, GM’s ready to pivot, with CEO Mary Barra saying she’d “happily” boost gas vehicle production if needed … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

Courtesy transportation is no longer a nice-to-have.

It’s a need-to-have.

A 2024 Car Dealership Guy poll on X found that 31% of respondents prefer an Uber ride to get home when dropping off a car at the dealership.

With Central from Uber for Business, you can request on-demand courtesy rides for your customers, even if they don’t have the Uber app. Coordinate one-way or round-trip rides, monitor trips in real time, set spend caps, and generate reports in one dashboard.

Uber for Business is an easy way to provide an experience customers love, while reducing the costs associated with maintaining shuttles and limiting the liability of loaner vehicles.

3. VW's ID.7 canceled for U.S. dealers amid 'challenging EV climate'

The move wasn’t exactly a surprise—VW quietly pulled the model from its website weeks ago, and dealers had already raised concerns about its high price and limited appeal in a market dominated by SUVs.

But this decision comes at a pivotal moment. Just days into his presidency, Donald Trump signed several executive orders—casting even more doubt on the future of long-term EV adoption … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

• CEO of major supplier tells automakers it won’t eat tariffs costs.

• Toyota's best SUV updated for the first time in 17 years: What's new.

• Tesla announces all V4 Superchargers can now charge up to 325kW in North America.

• Honda mulling sub-$30,000 EV for America: report.

• Tesla investors want Elon Musk to answer questions about ‘salute,’ role in Trump White House.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG