Presented by:
Hey everyone,
We’ve got a solid lineup of operators from across the store for today’s episode of Daily Dealer Live:
Rob Dell, VP of Bob Ruth Ford
Andy Wright, Managing Partner at VINART Automotive Group
Patrick Robertson, GM of Hyundai of Cool Springs
Join us live at 1 p.m. EST on all CDG channels.
— CDG
First time reading a CDG Newsletter?
Used car inventory just hit a 2025 high:
At the start of December, dealers were sitting on 2.31 million used vehicles, the highest level this year.
And average days’ supply ticked up to 50 days, even amid really healthy demand.
Used retail sales rose both month-over-month and year-over-year, as buyers leaned into improving credit access and slightly lower prices.
The signal: The used car market might be on its way to a more familiar equilibrium.
(Data source: Cox Automotive)
Rivian steps up hands-free driving push with expanded AI strategy
Rivian is making a bigger push into hands-free driving, outlining plans to roll out its first autonomy package next year while also developing its own in-house AI chip.
The feature will be a paid add-on for newer R1 models, with more advanced autonomy and custom silicon arriving alongside the upcoming R2.
And it’s a strategy that mirrors what we’ve seen from Tesla and others. Own the full stack to move faster and control the experience, rather than relying on third parties.
Bottom line: The autonomy space is getting crowded, but Rivian is betting that building its own software and silicon (paired with LiDAR) will deliver a better hands-free experience and help it stand out over time.
A quick word from our partner
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Volkswagen joins list of automakers exploring extended-range EVs
Volkswagen is exploring extended-range EVs as it looks for ways to keep electric shoppers in the funnel without forcing a full leap to battery-only.
The idea would be to offer EVs with a small gas engine acting as a generator, aimed mainly at sedans and crossovers in the U.S. and Europe. And while VW isn’t committing yet, the move would put it in line with brands like Stellantis, Hyundai, and Scout that are using EREVs to ease range anxiety, especially in larger vehicles.
Big picture: As EV demand cools, more OEMs are leaning on EREVs as a middle ground, and dealers should expect these models to show up as a practical bridge for buyers who want electric benefits without charging stress.
Six-figure luxury vehicles sales projected to roughly double by 2035 – study
Six-figure luxury vehicle sales are expected to nearly double by 2035, with most of the growth coming from $100K–$170K vehicles, especially pre-owned.
A new study from Boston Consulting Group and duPont Registry Group shows younger luxury buyers are always browsing online, more open to switching brands, and placing real weight on the buying experience.
Zooming out: That tells us sourcing late-model luxury inventory, winning digitally, and delivering a white-glove experience should be top of mind as dealers consider how to capture demand in 2026.
Canadian dealer group Go Auto adds five U.S. stores in Washington, California
