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Hey everyone,
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Mercedes-Benz slashes EQ prices as it prepares to pause U.S. production
Mercedes-Benz has slashed prices on its EQ lineup by as much as $15,300 as it prepares to halt U.S. production of all but one EV model starting September 1.
The cuts hit the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs, with 2026 models now priced more competitively amid softening demand and declining EV sales—down 50% for Mercedes in the first half of 2025.
Order banks are now closed, and the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is set to expire September 30.
Big picture: The EQ lineup struggled to gain traction. Now, Mercedes is regrouping—betting that the upcoming all-electric CLA can reset the brand’s position in the EV market.
Glenn Lundy on breaking down silos between salespeople and the BDC
Glenn Lundy sees a flaw in the traditional sales structure: top performers are waiting on the lot while the bulk of leads go to undertrained BDC reps.
His fix: Eliminate the BDC title. Everyone becomes either a showroom or frontline salesperson with the same training, tools, and pay structure.
The shift improves response times, levels the playing field, and removes the silos that drag down performance.
Bottom line: Lundy’s model proves dealers don’t need more staff—they need smarter roles. When teams are aligned, lead handling gets sharper, and customer experience gets better.
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Study finds budget shoppers willing to skip tech features for lower car prices
A new AutoPacific survey shows that budget-conscious buyers are rethinking what features actually matter, and it’s not touchscreens or leather seats.
Shoppers in the $25K–$35K range say they’ll take manual controls and cloth interiors if it means lower monthly payments.
But it’s not necessarily about going bare-bones. These buyers still want features like wireless charging, heated seats, and active safety tech—just without the extra cost of bloated trims.
As affordability takes center stage, the demand for simpler, smarter vehicles is rising
EV lease deals ramp up before Sept. 30 tax credit deadline
With EV sales slowing, inventory piling up, and the $7,500 federal tax credit set to expire September 30, nearly every major brand is rolling out aggressive summer lease offers.
Some of the hottest deals:
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5: $149/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
2025 Kia Niro EV: $129 per month for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing
2025 Subaru Solterra: $299 per month for 36 months with $299 due at signing
2025 Volkswagen ID.4: $129/month for 24 months with $2,499 due at signing
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: $189 per month for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing
No surprises: Between high supply and fading incentives, leasing is becoming the go-to move for both dealers and buyers looking to get ahead of the next wave of price resets.
Solid-state battery investments continue to grow across the auto industry
Automakers are doubling down on solid-state batteries as pressure mounts to make EVs more practical (and profitable) without federal support.
Mercedes-Benz just announced a pilot line with Farris Energy. Volkswagen-backed QuantumScape is exploring new production partnerships. Stellantis partner Factorial is using AI to speed up testing. And BMW and Ford are pouring money into U.S.-based Solid Power.
The signal: Solid-state batteries are still in development, but they’re quickly becoming the centerpiece of the post-subsidy EV era.
Missed yesterday’s episode of Daily Dealer Live?
Presented by:
David Thomas on Japan tariffs, Gingrich on tech stack shuffle, Safford Brown on F&I
Featured guests:
David Thomas, Director of Content Marketing at CDK Global
Dennis Gingrich, Sales & Finance Director at the Niello Company
Jesse Hill, Corporate Director of F&I Operations at Safford Automotive Group
