5 notable dealership buy/sell deals, tariffs pause for U.S. automakers, strong new car supply in Feb.

Hey everyone. One TikTok made this dealer rethink his entire sales strategy:

Now—half of his leads come from online content…

Recently, I spoke to Doug Horner, General Manager of North Olmsted Mercedes-Benz on the CDG Podcast, who discussed his popular Benzs and Bowties social media accounts, why he’s intentionally leaving $50K on table with every G-Wagon he sells, and what finally pushed him to start creating content.

Stream it now on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple.

— CDG

1. Eide Automotive, Lithia, and Van Tuyl bet big on Subaru in latest buy-sell deals

2025 is shaping up to be another big year for the dealership mergers and acquisitions market. Private equity, family offices, and major dealer groups are keeping the deal flow strong, driving further industry consolidation.

• In Houston, Tony T Automotive Group has acquired Gulfgate Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram, a store with deep roots in minority dealer advocacy.

• Up north, Eide Automotive Group expanded in North Dakota, Lithia added another Subaru store in California, and Jim Shorkey Auto Group bolstered its presence in Pittsburgh.

• Meanwhile, Larry Van Tuyl is doubling down in Colorado—just weeks after buying Groove Toyota, he’s now added Groove Subaru.

(Learn more about these transactions: 4 min. read)

2. President Trump grants Detroit 3 automakers a 30-day exemption on tariffs

Detroit’s Big Three automakers just got a temporary lifeline on steep import tariffs—but it comes with a catch.

Driving the news: President Trump granted Ford, GM, and Stellantis a one-month exemption from new 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports after automaker execs warned of production chaos.

However—the White House made it clear—this isn’t a free pass. Trump expects the automakers to “get on it” by shifting production back to the U.S and the clock is ticking … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

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3. Strong new car supply might provide short-term buffer from tariff impact—report

Strong new vehicle inventory may cushion the initial blow of auto tariffs over the next three months, but if the levies stick around long-term, higher prices, and supply headaches are inevitable, according to a report from CarGurus.

And even U.S.-built cars won’t be spared—rising steel and aluminum costs could increase production expenses.

Meanwhile—used cars will likely become the next battleground. If new prices spike, more buyers will turn to the pre-owned market.

For now—used inventory is holding steady, but tax season is adding another layer—with refunds up 7.5% year-over-year, demand could jump fast and nudge prices higher … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

• Car buyers caught in stolen vehicles, left with debt and nothing to drive.

• Maryland AG says Prince George's Co. Honda dealership must pay back customers for 'sales commission.’

• This Chinese EV has surpassed Tesla’s Model 3, and Model Y is next.

• February auto sales dip slightly, but consumer spending is up.

• Stellantis, VW are big winners as EU relaxes C02 rules.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG