Stellantis announces new CEO, Nissan leans on Ford EV plant, consumer sentiment rebounds

Hey everyone. Our latest CDG Market Pulse just dropped, and this one’s all about new car sales.

We’re talking tariff whiplash, price pressure, and how dealers are out-closing the rest by tightening structure.

Check it out.

— CDG

Welcome to the Daily Dealer, a concise rundown of the most important automotive industry headlines that matter to car dealers, automakers, and industry insiders.

OVERHEARD:

“I work as the service manager at a Ford dealership, and we had a Ford Lightning come in that needs a battery pack.

The battery cost $74,000.

The sticker price on the truck in 2023 was $79,000.”

Yes, but…is a Lightning battery really $74K? David did the homework:

1. Jeep parent Stellantis selects insider Antonio Filosa as New CEO

Stellantis just named Antonio Filosa its new CEO—an insider with 25 years at the company and fresh scars from managing its messy North America ops.

He’s stepping in after Carlos Tavares resigned following plunging profits and a brutal U.S. sales slide. Filosa’s already been cutting inventory, reshuffling leadership, and trying to mend fences with dealers after last year’s public blowup.

Looking ahead: He’s got to lead a full-blown turnaround as tariffs threaten profits and the brand mix struggles to connect. Dealers say they trust him…for now.

(Go deeper: 2 min. read)

Courtesy transportation is no longer a nice-to-have.

It’s a need-to-have.

That’s why 80% of dealership respondents agree that providing courtesy rides with Uber has helped retain customers, based on Uber’s survey of 79 organizations in 2023.

With Central, you can request an Uber ride on behalf of your customers, even if they don’t have the Uber app. Car dealerships love using Uber because it’s a simple way to offer white-glove customer service, supplement loaner cars or shuttles, and manage parts pickup and delivery.

• Dealers can request one-way or round-trip rides, add multiple riders and locations, set spend caps, and even monitor trips in real time.

• Plus, you'll get monthly reports to keep track of everything.

If you’re ready to reduce the costs associated with maintaining shuttles and limit the liability of loaner vehicles, it's time to partner with Uber for Business.

Visit t.uber.com/CDGauto today to learn more.

2. Nissan eyes U.S. battery deal to keep EV rollout on track

Nissan’s betting big on a Ford-linked battery plant in Kentucky to keep its EV comeback alive.

The deal (still in the works) would supply U.S.-built batteries through Ford’s joint venture with SK On, helping Nissan dodge steep tariffs on imported parts.

It’s a smart pivot as the company slashes costs, delays sedans, and leans into electric crossovers.

Bottom line: For Ford, it puts a dormant plant back to work. And for Nissan, it’s another critical piece in a turnaround that’s all about cutting fat and building local.

(Go deeper: 4 min. read)

Tune into the next episode of Daily Dealer Live:

Consumer confidence, auto loan performance, CDJR acquisition, and more

Featured guests:

• Mike Kelly, General Manager, Bourne's Auto Center

• Kerri Wise, CMO, Lotlinx

• Jeff Ramsey, CMO, Ourisman Automotive Group

3. Consumer confidence keeps car sales on track—for now

Consumer confidence bounced back in May—and it’s keeping car sales steady, at least for now.

Cox Automotive reports retail activity is holding up, even as prices ease and credit tightens. Used values are slipping, sentiment is climbing, and buyers are still showing up.

Zooming out: It’s a sign that demand might stick around longer than expected, despite the headwinds. But with loan rates climbing and inventory building, the next few months will test just how durable that demand really is.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG

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