Sony-Honda EV opts for direct-to-consumer sales, hybrid cars draw in more buyers, Ram debuts revamped heavy-duty trucks

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Hey everyone. Catch this week’s Car Dealership Guy Industry Spotlight with Sam D’Arc yet?

In this episode, Sam explores how robotics and innovative thinking are transforming service department operations with Finley Ewing, CEO of Ewing Automotive Group, and Phil Zhang, CEO of RichTech Robotics. Together, they discuss how automation is improving efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving revenue.

You can stream the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.

— CDG

1. Sony-Honda's Afeela 1 EV to be sold without traditional dealers

Sony and Honda are bypassing dealerships with their first joint EV, the Afeela 1, selling it directly to consumers instead.

Starting at $89,000 for the Origin trim and $102,900 for the Signature, the sedan will roll out in California first, with plans to expand nationally.

The move follows a similar announcement from Volkswagen’s Scout Motors, but dealers aren’t likely to take this quietly.

While the automaker claims cutting out dealerships would simplify the buying process, it also adds risks in a market already crowded with pricey EVs … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

2. Hybrids are pulling more buyers away from gas-powered cars

Hybrid vehicles are gaining serious momentum in the U.S., according to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study.

• The study found that 26% of U.S. consumers now intend to purchase a hybrid, up year-over-year, while interest in fully electric vehicles remains flat at just 5%.

• Meanwhile, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have dropped to 62% interest.

Brand loyalty is also slipping, with 54% of U.S. consumers planning to switch brands for their next purchase. This opens the door for automakers to win over buyers by focusing on quality, price, and performance — key areas where hybrids excel.

With hybrids projected to account for 15% of vehicle sales by 2025, this growing segment is shaping up to be a fierce battleground for both automakers and dealers … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

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3. Redesigned Ram heavy-duty trucks to hit dealer lots in Q1

Stellantis is betting big on its redesigned Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups to reverse a sharp sales decline and reclaim market share.

• The heavy-duty trucks will hit U.S. dealerships in early 2025 and start at $47,560 — $2,300 more than current models.

• Ram has struggled, with overall sales dropping 19% in 2024, including a 16% decline in pickups.

And with stiff competition from Ford and Chevrolet, these trucks will be a crucial test of whether the brand — and its returning leader, Tim Kuniskis — can turn things around … (Go deeper: 2 min. read)

• Cox Automotive’s Car Buyer Journey Study reveals record high satisfaction among new and EV buyers.

• BMW to install new ‘panoramic’ display in all vehicles.

• Musk-Trump relationship good for all carmakers, Hyundai CEO says.

• Haig Partners celebrates a record-breaking year, shares 2025 auto retail outlook.

• Why VW’s new sales boss says the ID2 will be a ‘game changer’.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG