Stellantis responds to dealer criticism, new car supply dips in Aug., Nissan trims production of popular cars

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1. Stellantis strikes back after dealer outcry

Stellantis fired back after its National Dealer Council accused CEO Carlos Tavares of steering the company into trouble with misguided policies.

Driving the news: The automaker defended its strategy, pointing to a recent 21% sales boost in August, while dismissing the council's letter as a “personal attack” that belonged behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, dealers claim these same policies have caused market share losses, layoffs, and a falling stock price.

With tensions mounting, the real question is whether Stellantis' recovery plan can deliver results—or demands more retooling … Read more

2. New car inventory dips in Aug.—bringing down days' supply

New car inventory in the U.S. dipped slightly in August but remained just under 3 million units, reflecting a year-over-year increase of nearly 1 million vehicles.

Why it matters: With inventory levels significantly higher, automakers are feeling the heat to clear stock quickly through discounts and incentives, but strategies vary.

While brands like Audi and Nissan are boosting incentives above 10% (of avg. transaction prices) to move inventory, Toyota is sticking to low incentives and still dominating sales … Read more

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3. Nissan slashes production on two major vehicles

Nissan is slashing production of its popular Rogue and Frontier models by up to 40,000 units this fall, aiming to rein in a lingering inventory glut.

Despite aggressive incentives, supply levels remain stubbornly high, leading to further cuts at its U.S. plants.

Big picture: Dealers are struggling with the impact, facing the steepest profit decline in 15 years amid price mismatches and deep discounts.

Nissan's production cuts signal an urgent need for a more comprehensive plan to balance supply and demand … Read more

• Volvo ditches Care vehicle subscription service.

• U.S. House votes to tighten EV tax credits over China fears.

• GM is looking to buy U.S. batteries made with Chinese tech.

• Ford, utility team up to pay EV owners for using less power.

• Auto industry must gear up its cyber risk approach.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG