Hey everyone. Our *consumer-only* survey on how shoppers are reacting to tariff news is still live—but it closes tonight at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Are tariffs making you rethink your next car purchase?
[Tell us—2 minutes, no fluff.]
We’ll share the results once they’re in.
— CDG
Intriguing breakdown from our CDG Dealer Outlook Survey (Q2):
More dealers are betting on service, parts, and collision work to drive profit growth than anything else.
Meanwhile, used cars ranked second—but dealership M&A?
Dead last.
Big picture: Right now, many dealers are refocusing on what they can control by optimizing the stores they already own.
(Data source: Car Dealership Guy)
1. Tariffs jitters push buyers into showrooms, but the surge might be short-lived
New car sales are on track to rise 10.5% in April—marking seven straight months of growth.
What’s driving it?
In part, shoppers rushing to buy before potential tariff price hikes.
But the sugar rush is fading. Incentives are down, prices are up, and J.D. Power says demand cooled in late April.
Big picture: Dealer profits are steady for now—but the real challenge comes when tariffs start hitting unevenly across brands and segments.
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2. Hyundai shifts Tucson production to dodge tariffs, keep sales rolling
Hyundai’s making moves ahead of U.S. tariffs—like shifting Tucson production from Mexico to Alabama to protect one of its best-sellers.
Call it proof that Hyundai’s “sell like hell” strategy isn’t just a slogan.
Canada-bound units?
Those are shifting to Mexico instead.
Why it matters: The Tucson’s a core driver, with Q1 deliveries up 21% and hybrids fueling record profits. And Hyundai isn’t waiting for tariffs to hit—it’s reworking its playbook to stay ahead.
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3. Stellantis hits milestone on faster solid-state batteries for future EVs
Stellantis isn’t backing off EVs—it’s doubling down with solid-state batteries that charge to 90% in 18 minutes and handle -22°F to 113°F.
Why it matters:
Solid-state batteries may solve future EV headaches—but Stellantis is still battling today’s demand problem.
Charger Daytona EV sales barely hit 1,947 units in Q1, and Jeep’s already slashing up to $12,500 off the Wagoneer S.
Zooming out: Tech breakthroughs give Stellantis a stronger EV story—but turning that into sales will demand new strategies on the showroom floor and beyond.
Buick vulnerable to Trump tariffs: ‘It could just disappear altogether’
Toyota Industries shares set to surge on potential buyout by Toyota Motor
German auto parts maker files for bankruptcy
How the Slate truck might be the wrecking ball the industry needs
Tesla hikes prices on its EVs in Canada amid tariffs, expect demand collapse
Did you enjoy this edition of the Daily Dealer newsletter?
Thanks for reading everyone.
— CDG
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