Key wholesale trends, Ford patent could snitch on speeders, auto execs look to dealers for growth

Hey everyone. Big newsletter coming out tomorrow and I’m really pumped about this one. CDG followers came through and gave me the nitty-gritty of what’s actually going on at the dealership floor. Tomorrow morning, get ready for a deep dive into the dealership trenches as I break down their experiences and compare them to the overall industry trends. Not already subscribed? You can do it here. Best part — it’s completely free.

— CDG

1. Wholesale used car values normalize, but one segment is bucking the trend

After another decline in early July, wholesale prices have begun to depreciate at more normal rates and predictable market conditions, according to Black Book.

Yet, mid-size cars actually appreciated, with values jumping 0.14% in the last full week of July. While the reasons behind the surge are still unfolding, the demand is there … Read more

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2. Ford patents camera system that can report speeders to the police

Ford is developing technology to transform its police fleet vehicles into rolling informants.

What’s happening: Equipped with sophisticated sensors, cameras and GPS, Ford vehicles could detect and report speeding drivers to law enforcement.

Why it matters: Automakers are already under fire for bad privacy practices and critics say, moves like this further blur the lines between security and surveillance … Read more

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3. Auto execs predict more reliance on dealers for brand success

By and large, automaker executives believe the car business will continue its period of “great stabilization,” according to the 2024 Kerrigan OEM Survey.

But as the automotive industry adjusts to new market realities like higher volumes and lower margins, automakers are placing a renewed emphasis on the dealership model and rethinking their EV goals … Read more

• Ford is freshening the 2025 Maverick with an all-wheel-drive option.

• Detroit Auto Show releases the schedule for its January 2025 return.

• Amazon hits an EV milestone with 15,000 electric delivery vans in service.

• Stellantis says it has no intention of selling the Maserati brand.

• Tesla stock is going to soar 40% over the next year as it corners the EV market, according to Morgan Stanley.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG