Ram plans to announce 25 products, auto lobby groups send tariff warning, new White House confirmation

Hey, everyone. In case you missed it—the results of our first-ever CDG Dealer Outlook Survey are live.

From profit strategies to inventory management, dealers are making moves—and the shifts are bigger than you might think.

Get the full breakdown here.

— CDG

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Welcome to The Weekly, your go-to roundup of the top five auto industry headlines of the week. Let’s dive in.

1. Ram reloaded: 25 new product announcements in 18 months

Ram is entering a pivotal rebuild.

After just a few months back as CEO Tim Kuniskis teased 25 new product launches over the next 18 months.

And dealers are already leaning in…

Stellantis National Dealer Council Chairman Mike Bettenhausen calls it "an epic comeback" built on "excitement, energy, and best-in-class trucks."

Looking ahead: Kuniskis is betting on new products, sharper capability, and a full-throttle push to put Ram back on top.

(Go deeper: 2 min. read)

While Ram reloads, Kia is sharpening its EV game…

2. Kia’s 2025 EV6 refresh bets on style and substance over lower prices

Kia’s refreshed 2025 EV6 sharpens its pitch with more range, faster charging, and updated tech.

Prices start at $42,900, with a larger battery offering up to 319 miles of range, NACS charging, dual 12.3-inch displays, and a sleeker design.

On top of that—-most versions will now be built in Georgia.

But it’s landing in a market under pressure. Tesla is cutting prices, Chevy is pushing Bolts under $25K, and used EVs are flooding the lot with tax credits.

(Go deeper: 2 min. read)

As Kia leans into fresh products, the auto industry is rallying to manage bigger challenges ahead…

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3. Auto lobbying giants unite as industry prepares for more tariffs on May 3

Six major auto groups are warning Washington: a 25% tariff on imported parts could break the U.S. auto industry.

In a rare joint letter, top automotive organizations told the Trump administration that parts suppliers (already under stress) can’t absorb new costs without production cuts, layoffs, and bankruptcies.

Cody Lusk, CEO of AIADA, called suppliers the “canary in the coal mine,” warning that service lanes, dealer lots, and customers would feel the impact fast.

And with the May 3 tariff deadline approaching, the coalition isn’t asking for a free pass—they’re asking for time.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Industry leaders want clarity, but Washington’s next moves could raise just as many questions as answers…

4. White House confirms possible adjustments to auto tariffs

The Trump administration may soften its stance on some auto tariffs—but the situation remains highly fluid.

Reports indicate the White House is considering exemptions for Chinese auto parts, even as a new round of tariffs looms. He also floated raising tariffs on cars imported from Canada.

And for dealers and automakers, it’s a moving target.

Cox Automotive’s Erin Keating says companies should focus on their strengths like pushing competitive models, embracing EV inventory while credits last, and strengthening F&I programs to better serve price-sensitive buyers.

(Go deeper: 4 min. read)

Policy talks may be ongoing, but automakers are already doing the math on what it’ll take to keep customers buying.

5. Automakers will have to absorb most tariff costs to ‘maintain reasonable volumes,’ says J.D. Power

J.D. Power analysts say automakers won’t have much choice: absorbing tariff costs is now the only real path to protecting sales.

The problem: Consumers already stretched thin, raising prices risks doing more damage than sacrificing margin.

And with used EVs and gas vehicles flooding the market at deep discounts, competition is only getting tougher.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Three opportunities hitting the CDG Job Board right now:

• Dayton Andrews Automotive Group: Pre-Owned Sales Manager (Florida)

• Genesis of Highland Park: Genesis Sales Manager (Illinois)

• Dealer Pay: Sales Manager/Trainer (remote)

Looking to hire? Add your roles today—it’s 100% free.

• Jerry Seiner Auto enters California with Honda store, Pugmire Auto grows Ford footprint in Southeast

• VW’s ID. Buzz will power new Uber robotaxi service

• California New Car Dealers Association sues Scout Motors and VW.

• The EV snowball is real, even if it’s rolling slower than expected — report

• Exclusive: CDG Dealer Outlook Survey (Q2) results are in.

That’s a wrap for now – make sure you’re following along on X, LinkedIn and IG for more real-time updates.

Thanks for reading. Hit reply and let me know if you found The Weekly valuable or have any feedback. I’ll see you next weekend.

— CDG

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