The eventual off-lease EV surge, Jeep bets on all-electric Wagoneer S, TIME’s 2025 Dealer of the Year

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Hey everyone. The 2025 NADA Show was one for the books. But despite record snowfall in New Orleans delaying or canceling trips altogether—thousands of industry professionals still came together for a long weekend of networking, education, and after-hours fun.

Are you a dealer that attended the NADA Show? Email us at [email protected] if you can answer three quick questions.

— CDG

1. Off-lease EVs expected to flood wholesale market in years ahead

The used car market is starting 2025 steady, but leasing trends may shake up wholesale supply.

• In the first 15 days of January, the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) held at 205.4—up 0.3% from December and 0.7% year-over-year.

• Wholesale prices have stabilized since mid-2024, with SUVs up 0.6% YoY while sedans and pickups fell around 1.6%.

• EVs remain the weakest segment, down 4.5% YoY, though depreciation is slowing.

Between the lines: Right now, wholesale supply is constrained by an off-lease shortage. These lease maturities—a critical source the wholesale market—are down 17%.

But starting later this year, that supply is expected to return. However, the inventory mix might look very different … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

2. Jeep counts on Wagoneer S to win over new customers

At a media event in San Diego, the spotlight was on how the all-electric Wagoneer S SUV plans to combine luxury and performance to reach new buyers.

• Starting at $71,995 for the Launch Edition, the vehicle is Jeep’s answer to the growing demand for premium electric SUVs, a market expected to more than double by 2032.

• But there’s more at stake here than the Wagoneer S itself. Stellantis is working to repair strained dealer relationships after a tough 2024.

• At NADA, executives promised simpler incentives, bigger marketing pushes (including a Super Bowl ad), and updates like affordable Ram trims and hybrid Jeep models.

What’s next: Jeep will roll out EV-focused training for dealers, arming them with the tools to sell—and excite buyers about—the Wagoneer S. It’s a big leap, but success will depend on how well Jeep markets the SUV and gets its dealers on board … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

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

It’s a need-to-have.

A 2024 Car Dealership Guy poll on X found that 31% of respondents prefer an Uber ride to get home when dropping off a car at the dealership.

With Central from Uber for Business, you can request on-demand courtesy rides for your customers, even if they don’t have the Uber app. Coordinate one-way or round-trip rides, monitor trips in real time, set spend caps, and generate reports in one dashboard.

Uber for Business is an easy way to provide an experience customers love, while reducing the costs associated with maintaining shuttles and limiting the liability of loaner vehicles.

3. 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year award goes to Indiana dealer Raymond Farabaugh

Every year, TIME Magazine honors a car dealer who goes above and beyond in business and community impact.

This year’s TIME Dealer of the Year is Raymond Farabaugh, president of D-Patrick, Inc. in Evansville, Indiana—a multi-franchise group representing brands like Audi, BMW, Honda, and Ford.

• Farabaugh started at D-Patrick in 1989 as a finance manager after leaving a career in tech. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to co-owner, focusing on mentorship and growth.

• He also modernized his state’s dealer association, advocating for fairer competition with automakers and leading local initiatives like a $5.1M fundraiser for a children’s museum.

What’s next: As part of the award, sponsor Ally will donate $10,000 to a charity chosen by Farabaugh, along with contributions to charities selected by other finalists and nominees … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

• Trump tariffs: Stellantis, VW, and Volvo are most exposed European automakers, Moody’s says.

• Tesla joins court challenges to EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.

• GM salaried job cuts continue and could run through February

• GM is using California wildfires to pilot mobile DC fast chargers.

• Kia recalls 80,000 Niro EVs and hybrids because an airbag may pop unexpectedly.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG