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Hey everyone,
We’re running a quick Dealership Workforce Survey—exclusively for dealership employees from General Manager and below.
We want to hear what’s working at your store/group, what’s not, and what changes you’d like to see for the long haul.
Takes 2 minutes. And you’ll get results once the survey closes.
Survey must be completed by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 8/31. Click here to participate.
*Your individual answers are fully confidential and will not be shared with anyone.
— CDG
First time reading the CDG Newsletter?
Vanguard Kia GM Jason Villa on keeping used car inventory ‘lean and clean’
Jason Villa, general manager of Vanguard Kia of Arlington, says one of his most pressing issues is hitting the right mark with the store’s used car inventory heading into the fourth quarter.
After a strong summer, many dealers instinctually load up on auction cars as they head into Q4.
But with MMR (wholesale values) climbing and supply staying thin, Villa’s keeping his store lean, stocking core models and leaning into niches like lifted trucks and used EVs.
As Villa put it: “Do I need to load the wagon? Am I going to get stuck with these cars or am I gonna make money in January?”
Auto lenders drive used car loan-to-value ratios to new peaks
Loan-to-value ratios on used car loans are climbing fast, and it’s reshaping the risk profile for dealers and lenders alike.
In 2022, 38% of used loans carried LTVs above 120%. By mid-2025, that figure hit 53%.
And during that same period, loans with LTVs above 140% nearly doubled, jumping from 17% to 31%.
The problem: High LTV ratios (100%+) put buyers in a vulnerable financial position, often leading to prolonged debt and limited financial flexibility.
And for lenders, high LTVs often complicate refinancing, and raise delinquency risk.
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Infiniti VP Tiago Castro on simplifying operations and improving dealership profits
Since taking the role in April, Infiniti Americas’ new VP Tiago Castro has been cutting down dealer-facing programs, streamlining communication, and regionalizing incentives and marketing. His aim: fewer distractions, more focus.
On product, Castro said dealer feedback was clear—new vehicles matter most. Infiniti plans to launch one new product per year, while pacing back to 50K deliveries in 2025 and targeting 100K units by 2029.
Bottom line: Infiniti is betting that “do less, but do it well” will earn back dealer trust, and position the brand for steady, sustained growth through the decade.
AI car tech boosts ownership experience while exposing new risks — study
AI features are changing how drivers feel about their cars.
J.D. Power’s latest technology experience study shows smart climate systems, in-vehicle payments and blind spot cameras are among the most in-demand features.
But the technology like biometrics authentication, driver monitoring, and even something as simple as “car wash mode” are tripping up owners.
Bottom line: Automakers that keep AI features seamless (and actually functional) will win loyalty. Those that add tech without clarity, risk frustrating customers and eroding trust.
North Texas Chevy store braces for future EV market risks, leans on culture to win
Alan Brown, GM of Sam Pack’s Five Star Chevrolet, is navigating margin pressure, incentives, and workforce churn with a focus on discipline and culture.
On the sales front, his store is moving eight new Equinox EVs a month—helped by $7,500 tax credits that drop payments into the $220–$240 range. But Brown is already bracing for the long game, worried about residuals and what happens when those credits vanish.
At the end of the day, EV values may stumble, but Brown’s bet is that a loyal workforce and strong culture will carry his dealership through the volatility.
Missed yesterday’s episode of Daily Dealer Live?
Presented by:
Gruwell on hot AZ car market, Flagstaff Chevy on training next-gen of auto techs
Featured guests:
Scott Gruwell, CEO of Courtesy Automotive Group
Mark Harris, Owner/Operator at Flagstaff Chevrolet and Winslow Ford
