Honda Nissan merger doubts, FTC targets Maryland dealer group, Tesla Cybertruck explodes

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Hey everyone. Roughly 90% of dealership reviews were positive in 2024.

But with so many strong ratings — standing out from the crowd can be a challenge.

Recently on the CDG Podcast — I spoke with Matt Murray, Founder / CEO at Widewail, and Jake Hughes, Widewail’s Director of Marketing, to discuss the raw truth about what customers think of dealerships and why customers are the “empty chair in the board room.”

Stream now on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple.

— CDG

The spread between new EV and new ICE inventory is closing up:

In the month following the election — new EV supply fell by 20%.

EV inventories now stand just 8% higher than gas-powered cars — compared to 58% higher in 2023.

Why?

As many predicted — consumers interested in EVs are rushing to make use of Federal tax credits before President-elect Trump likely rolls back the program.

Nothing motivates car buyers quite like a deadline.

(Data source: CoPilot)

1. Making the Honda Nissan merger work will be a heavy lift

Honda and Nissan are teaming up — but not everyone’s convinced it’s a winning formula.

At a recent press event, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe’s hesitation to explain the benefits of the partnership raised eyebrows.

Honda brings hybrid expertise and (modest) EV success to the table, while Nissan offers manufacturing heft and a dealer network in need of a reset.

The stakes? Competing with China’s EV juggernauts and cutting costs to stay relevant.

But as one analyst put it, this merger could be more like “two weak swimmers” struggling to stay afloat … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

2. FTC targets Lindsay Automotive for alleged deceptive practices

The FTC and Maryland Attorney General are taking aim at Lindsay Automotive Group, accusing the dealership of deceptive practices that cost buyers millions.

• The legal complaint outlines years of bait-and-switch pricing, hidden fees, and mandatory financing schemes that added thousands to customers' final bills.

• Nearly 7 in 10 buyers were reportedly charged for extras they didn’t want, like service plans or tire protection.

As the FTC ramps up enforcement, this case sends a clear message — dealerships need to clean up their practices or risk getting caught in the crosshairs … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

Don’t wait for March or April to boost your tax season sales. 

With the Tax Max “file and drive” sales event Tax Max can help a customer access their tax refund same day for a down payment starting January 2!

No need to wait for the IRS. The same day tax refund advance, allows a Tax Max customer to apply for up to $7,000 on the same day they file to use toward their down payment.

No additional work from staff as the entire tax filing process can be completed online and from your customer’s phone.

Tax Max prepares the return, refund sent to dealer for a down payment and the customer gets the car. It’s that simple with Tax Max.

3. Cybertruck explodes outside Trump Hotel, killing driver

A Tesla Cybertruck rented from Colorado exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, leaving one person dead and seven others injured.

Authorities believe fireworks and gasoline in the truck bed, ignited by a device made by the driver, caused the blast.

The explosion occurred just seconds after the truck arrived, prompting an evacuation of the hotel as a precaution.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the incident wasn’t vehicle-related, while the FBI and local police continue their investigation … (Go deeper: 1 min. read)

Bonus: The 2-minute difference that can boost dealership profits

In a world of AI and online sales, phone calls might feel old-school, but they’re still a dealership’s secret weapon.

The catch? Only about 31% of interested callers actually book appointments. The top-performing dealers, hitting 45%, prove that nailing a few key strategies can make all the difference.

Things like offering clear appointment options, confirming details upfront, and keeping calls quick and to the point really move the needle.

But here’s where many dealerships stumble — follow-ups. Nearly 60% of callers don’t hear back after booking, which can mean missed opportunities and no-shows … (Go deeper: 5 min. read)

• Tesla shares slide after it reports first drop in annual deliveries.

• Dealer Herb Chambers gives $100 million for new Boston cancer center.

• 5 predictions for the auto industry In 2025.

• Apple CarPlay 2.0 never showed up in 2024, so what’s next?

• BYD confirms it will launch its top-selling EVs in another key overseas market very soon.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG