Hyundai CEO positive about Trump-Musk connection, wholesale used car prices edge down, Scout Motors’ confident outlook

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

Hey everyone. I'm speaking at an exclusive panel discussion featuring some of the industry’s most influential leaders, top-performing dealerships, and OEMs.

Broadcasted from Washington, D.C., this event will address the most pressing challenges and emerging trends shaping automotive retail today.

Today at 1:00 p.m. EST

*Sign up to attend here.

— CDG

EV buyer satisfaction outpaced gas-powered cars in 2024:

82% of new EV buyers were “highly satisfied” with their purchase experience compared to just 75% of new ICE buyers.

The key driver?

EV buyers are more likely to complete some of the car buying steps online —

Spending much less time with the dealer negotiating and finalizing paperwork.

Sure — most customers don’t actually want a 100% online car buying process but it’s clear that fluid online to in-store interactions are setting a new standard.

(Data source: Cox Automotive)

1. Dec. wholesale used car prices signal end to volatile depreciation swings

For the full month of December, wholesale used vehicle prices reversed course and dipped compared to the previous month.

The Manheim Used Vehicle Index rose 0.4% year-over-year, but prices for several segments saw modest declines month-over-month:

• Compact cars: -1.1%

• Midsize cars: -0.6%

• SUVs: -0.7%.

• Pickups: -0.5%

• Luxury segment: -1.5%

Analysts note that late-December price drops were likely influenced by the holiday calendar, capping a year of uneven but increasingly typical market performance … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

2. Hyundai CEO optimistic about Trump-Musk relationship

Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz sees Elon Musk’s close ties to President-elect Trump as an opportunity, not a threat, for the auto industry.

In a recent interview, Munoz dismissed concerns that the new administration’s policies might favor Tesla over other automakers, arguing instead that Musk’s influence could benefit the entire EV space.

And even if Trump follows through on plans to roll back EV tax credits, Munoz says it won’t slow Hyundai’s momentum.

The automaker has already ramped up its U.S. EV production with the $7.5 billion “metaplant” in Georgia and plans to invest $90 billion globally by 2030 to deliver a fleet of new EV and hybrid models … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before:

A prospect asks, “Can you tell me when you get a limited edition in black with a moonroof?”

The salesperson says, “Absolutely!”

… but the prospect never hears from the salesperson again.

Learning more about a prospect’s criteria should be the first step towards a sale, not a dead end.

Coming soon! Foureyes takes vehicle matchmaking to the next level.

Book time with Foureyes at NADA to learn more and see what’s new!

3. VW's Scout receives 50K reservations, gears up for dealer lawsuits

Volkswagen’s Scout Motors has hit the ground running, collecting over 50,000 refundable reservations for its electric Terra pickup and Traveler SUV ahead of their 2027 official launch.

Starting under $60,000, the vehicles will be offered as all-electric or extended-range electric models, combining batteries with small gas-powered engines.

But there’s a catch: Scout plans to sell directly to consumers, skipping traditional dealerships — a move that’s sparked backlash from Volkswagen’s U.S. dealer network.

State and national dealer associations argue this violates franchise laws and have already threatened legal action, claiming Scout’s vehicles compete directly with their offerings … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

Enjoying this newsletter?
You’ll love CDG Bites!

All the insights. Under 5 minutes. Every weekday.

Stream now on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple.

• China makes more cars than it needs. Now, it’s shakeout time.

• Detroit Auto Show: History and 2025 highlights.

• Honda could tap Nissan for short-term benefits in U.S. pickups, SUVs, production capacity.

• Auto manufacturer websites need updating.

• Best selling cars of 2000 show how much and how little the auto industry has changed.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG