Potential fallout from ending EV tax credits, wholesale car market trends, Hyundai debuts Ioniq 9 SUV

Hey everyone. This morning — I released my quarterly auto lending update with some game-changing insights directly from dealers.

And what they told me was very eye-opening…

Read my full breakdown here.

— CDG

New EVs *outnumber* used 3 to 1…

But, used EVs are searched 5.5X more often on Cars.com.

Why?

Prices continue to moderate.

Add in a $4K used EV tax credit and state incentives…

And you get increasing demand for used EVs.

A strong signal from a market that is craving affordability.

(Data source: Cars Commerce)

1. Ending EV tax credit to drive 27% drop in demand — report

By the numbers: Industry experts predict that President-elect Donald Trump’s push to eliminate EV tax credits could lead to a 27% drop in sales — roughly 317,000 fewer units on the road, according to a Bloomberg report.

While EVs currently make up just under 9% of the U.S. market, this cut could ripple through both new and used car segments, making it harder for dealers to move inventory profitably.

Still, EV sales are expected to grow, fueled by automakers’ massive investments and a global shift toward electrification. The challenge now will be navigating a market without the safety net of incentives … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

2. 3 trends shaping the future of the wholesale used car business

The wholesale auto market is going through some big changes.

At a Used Car Week panel, industry leaders dove into how rising costs, EV proliferations, and new tech are forcing everyone to rethink their game plan.

And one thing is clear — skipping out on tech isn’t optional anymore — real-time data and A.I. are the new standards.

But physical auctions aren’t going anywhere either, especially with dealers relying on them for retail-ready inventory. And with EVs and hybrids becoming more common, reconditioning is only getting trickier.

The future? It’s all about balancing old-school strengths with new-school innovation … (Go deeper: 5 min. read)

Outdated payment systems are draining dealership profits.

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Dealer Pay isn’t just another terminal; it’s the smarter way to manage payments across your entire operation.

3. Hyundai debuts the Ioniq 9, its first 3-row EV SUV

Hyundai just unveiled the 2026 Ioniq 9, its first three-row all-electric SUV, ahead of the LA Auto Show.

With space for up to seven and a range of 335 miles, it’s Hyundai’s biggest EV yet, designed to compete in the growing market for larger electric SUVs.

Why it matters: This segment is still pretty underdeveloped, but with features like fast charging, bidirectional power, and Tesla Supercharger compatibility, Hyundai is looking to stand out early.

Production kicks off in 2025 at its massive Georgia Metaplant, with the Ioniq 9 hitting dealerships as a 2026 model … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

• Jaguar Land Rover’s rebrand reflects a car industry in ‘panic mode.’

• Trump administration plans to roll back Biden's stricter fuel-efficiency standards.

• How GM, Ford executives are thinking about the Trump administration.

• Stellantis isn’t rushing EV launches as debuts get pushed back.

• Rivian CEO says plenty room for Scout and Rivian to coexist after partnership.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG