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Hey everyone,
The latest episode of the CDG Podcast (featuring Len Short, CEO of Lotlinx), just dropped.
In this episode, Short and I break down the world-first dealer-focused LLM, how it diagnoses inventory issues in real time, and the 7 most-searched dealer prompts.
— CDG
First time reading the CDG Newsletter?
Stumbled across this image ranking the slowest depreciating cars:
To probably no one’s surprise, several Toyota models depreciate the slowest.
In fact, only the Kia Rio and the Ford Mustang are the only non-Japanese models in the group.
(Data/chart source: US News / Visual Capitalist)
Scott Painter on his return to TrueCar: ‘There's tremendous potential’
A decade after stepping down, TrueCar founder Scott Painter is back, leading a $227 million go-private deal through his firm, Fair Holdings.
And he says this time, it’s about collaboration, not confrontation.
With agentic AI emerging (tech that can research, value trades, and finance deals through natural conversation), Painter said he sees “tremendous potential” to connect consumers and dealers more efficiently.
Bottom line: Painter says TrueCar’s next chapter depends on dealer participation. “This is not just a process improvement revolution,” he said. “This is a transformational moment for consumers.”
A quick word from our partner
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Used car inventories build as demand grows softer – Cox Auto
Used vehicle sales cooled in September, pushing inventory to its highest point of the year, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View.
By the numbers: Dealers held 2.26 million used vehicles at the start of October, up 3% vs September and 10% year-over-year. Retail used sales fell 5.2% from August, with CPO sales down nearly 20%, though both remain higher than last year.
And the average listing price climbed to $25,825, continuing steady upward pressure on affordability.
Looking ahead: With buyers pulling back and inventories rising, dealers are entering a more price-sensitive used market, one that rewards disciplined pricing, cost control, and a sharper focus on value heading into year-end.
White House moves to ease tariff impact on automakers
The White House is moving to ease tariff pressures on automakers, extending offset programs designed to soften the impact of existing and new levies, according to NBC News.
The plan keeps tariff relief for U.S.-built cars in place through 2030, adds offsets for heavy-duty trucks, and extends steel and aluminum relief programs from two to five years. Imports under the USMCA remain exempt, though buses will face a new 10% tariff starting Nov. 1, alongside a 25% tariff on big trucks.
Bottom line: The extended offsets should give automakers, suppliers, and dealers more stability on costs and pricing, though the new truck tariffs could still pressure commercial vehicle margins.
Ford recalls roughly 625,000 vehicles due to faulty seatbelts and camera displays
