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Our Automaker Tariff Tracker just got a fresh update—17 OEMs and counting.
It’s packed with scoops and crowdsourced insights straight from the front lines.
— CDG
Ford CEO Jim Farley: China’s EV costs, tech, and quality “far superior” to the West
Ford CEO Jim Farley has been making regular trips to China, and he’s coming back with a warning: their EV game is on another level.
From AI copilots to facial recognition and seamless phone integration, Farley says the tech, cost, and quality of Chinese EVs are “far superior” to what he sees in the West. And with double the manufacturing capacity they need at home, China is positioned to flood global markets without slowing down.
Ford’s answer: A skunkworks team in California, led by former Tesla engineers, working outside the traditional org chart to build what Farley calls the “Model T of EVs”—a truly affordable electric car that can compete globally.
This finance manager became a dealer group owner in 4 years—here's what it actually cost him
Four years ago, Gerry Raymond was in upper management at big-name dealer groups—now he owns three stores, with two more closing soon. But getting there took more than experience.
Raymond worked seven days a week, skipped vacations, and poured everything (financially and personally) into chasing ownership. When his first deal came together, he refinanced his home three times and borrowed whatever he could to get it done.
His approach: Focus on people over processes. He shuffled around the team, left pay plans intact, and built a culture around trust and buy-in.
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Nissan ask suppliers for more flexible payment terms
Nissan is leaning on suppliers to free up cash—another sign that its financial pressures may be deeper than they appear.
According to Reuters, the automaker offered flexible payment options to vendors, including delayed terms or early payments financed through HSBC.
The goal for Nissan is to ease short-term cash strain without adding extra cost to suppliers.
Big picture: Nissan may still have cash in the bank, but these payment delays suggest a turnaround that’s still on shaky ground, and more difficult decisions likely ahead.
Inside the father-son partnership driving Morgan Auto Group’s explosive growth
Larry Morgan left corporate life behind, bet everything on a 30-store tire chain, and turned it into 630 stores within a decade. After selling Tires Plus, he didn’t retire. He got into auto retail.
Today, Morgan Auto Group has 76 stores and $11B in revenue, but the foundation was simple: family, trust, and promoting from within.
Morgan runs the group alongside his son, Brett, and credits much of their success to that partnership.
And Many top leaders at the company started on the ground floor, including their VP of fixed ops and former CFO.
Bottom line: Morgan’s story is a reminder that the best-run dealerships are built on people, not titles. And that the American dream still runs strong in auto retail.
June sales confirm what’s working: hybrids, trucks, and familiar nameplates
Ford led the way with a strong quarter (up 14% YoY) driven by F-Series, Maverick, and a rebound from Ranger. Lincoln posted its best Q2 since 2007, and Ford’s hybrid mix is up 15% YTD.
Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai also rode hybrid demand to record first-half runs, while Kia’s hybrids surged 70% through June. Subaru and Mazda saw softer results, with mixed performance across their lineups.
The signal: No breakout hits, just steady gains from the same playbook.
Three opportunities hitting the CDG Job Board right now:
Hoffman Auto Group: CFO (Connecticut)
Leif Auto Group: Service Director (Texas)
Libertyville Lincoln: Sales Consultant (Illinois)
Looking to hire? It’s 100% free.
Bad leadership is the largest threat to auto retail, says GM Brian Benstock
City Kia’s service department reset: More bays, faster recon, zero backlog
Tech integration gaps are costing dealers time and deals
Tim Kuniskis to lead Stellantis American brands and revival of SRT
Nearly 20% of car buyers elected for $1,000+ monthly payments in Q2, reaching record high
