Presented by:
Hey everyone,
Cooking up something special for later in the week, but I need your help.
Who’s the most advanced dealer in leveraging ChatGPT for dealership operations?
Share your rec’s here.
— CDG
First time reading the CDG Newsletter?
One of the fastest-selling EVs in the U.S. now has a stop sale:
Right now, the Subaru Solterra only has 15 days worth of supply on average—the lowest level out of any other model on franchised dealership lots.
(note: this excludes Tesla)
But a recall over faulty defrosters has put sales on hold.
Impeccable timing…
Here are the other fastest-selling EVs on the market:
Honda Prologue: 17 days’ supply
Volkswagen ID.4: 22
Audi Q4 e-tron: 23
Audi Q6 e-tron: 35
(Data source: CarEdge)
Tricolor: The messy collapse of a subprime auto lender explained
Subprime auto lender and used car retailer Tricolor filed for Chapter 7 last week, opting for liquidation after mounting red flags.
Insiders tipped CDG that bankruptcy was imminent as its auto asset back securities started nosediving, eventually reaching as low as 12 cents on the dollar.
Just days earlier, most of Tricolor’s workforce had been put on unpaid leave.
The bombshell: Fifth Third Bancorp (a known warehouse lender to Tricolor) has already disclosed a potential $200M loss allegedly tied to fraud at the retailer. And institutions like JPMorgan and Barclays may also be vulnerable, pending a DOJ investigation.
Big picture: With billions in outstanding loans, Tricolor has a chaotic servicing transition ahead.
A quick word from our partner
This is the data everyone’s talking about – see it live, today.
Foureyes, Urban Science, and Chapman Auto Group are breaking down 8M+ dealership leads in a live session today at 2 p.m. ET – revealing when close rates actually peak, how fast buyers defect, and what most teams are missing.
It’s short, sharp, and already generating buzz across the industry.
Live today @ 2pm ET / 11 a.m. PT
Mercedes-Benz strikes $11B battery deal with LG Energy to power its EV future in the U.S.
The contracts stretch into the mid-2030s and secure large volumes of LG’s 46-series cells, ensuring long-term battery supply for Mercedes’ U.S. operations.
By decade’s end, every Mercedes model (from the S-Class down to entry-level vehicles) will have an electric option.
At the same time, the company will keep next-gen hybrids and combustion vehicles in play that are tailored to local demand and regulations.
Looking ahead: Dealers will be expected to adapt and manage a lineup of vehicles that spans gas, hybrid, and electric for the foreseeable future.
After 70 years, Ford says good-bye to “The Glass House”
Ford is closing a historic chapter, and moving out of its iconic “Glass House” headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
The plan:
The 950,000-square-foot tower, home to Ford since 1956, will be vacated by 2026 and demolished by 2028.
In its place, leadership and product teams will relocate to a new 2.1M-square-foot hub near the Henry Ford Museum, designed to cut wasted travel time and foster tighter collaboration.
Bottom line: After nearly 70 years, Ford is leaving its most visible symbol behind in favor of a modern, integrated hub.
Missed yesterday’s episode of Daily Dealer Live?
Presented by:
Cain on dealer F&I mistakes, Kelly on AI training for deal desk
Featured guests:
Marion Cain, Founder of ACE
David Kelly, Training Director of Brown & Brown Dealer Services
Three opportunities hitting the CDG Job Board right now:
Dean Team Auto Group: Comptroller (Missouri)
AutoNation: HR Business Partner (Colorado)
Oakes Auto: General Manager (Kansas)
