White House hints at tariff shifts, buyers on edge without incentives, VW teams with Uber on robotaxis

Hey everyone. Yesterday, on the CDG Industry Spotlight Podcast, Sam D’Arc sat down with Yuriy Demidko, CIO at DPFox, and Matthew Muilenburg, CPO at Impel.

They got into the weeds on how smart tech, data, and a no-BS approach are separating dealers who thrive from those getting left behind.

Catch it if you haven’t: YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

— CDG

BREAKING—GM is issuing a massive stop-sale over engine issues:

Affected models include (6.2L V8 only)…

• 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade

• 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV

• 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban

• 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe

• 2021-2024 GMC Sierra 1500

• 2021-2024 GMC Yukon

• 2021-2024 GMC Yukon XL

What we know—the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may cause engine damage or failure.

And parts are not available at this time.

“Until further instructions are received, involved vehicles that are in dealers’ possession… must be held, and not delivered to customers.”

Sheesh.

(Source: Internal GM communication to dealers obtained by CDG News)

And David suspects owners could be waiting for a while…

1. White House confirms possible adjustments to auto tariffs, raising more questions than answers

President Trump might ease up on some auto tariffs—but how it all plays out is anyone’s guess.

What’s brewing: Reports suggest the White House is considering dropping tariffs on Chinese auto parts—separate from the 25% levies set to hit imported vehicle parts in May.

At the same time, Trump floated the idea of turning up the heat on Canada by raising tariffs on cars shipped south of the border.

The takeaway: The tariff landscape is shifting, but with no clear direction, the industry is stuck in wait-and-see mode—again.

(Go deeper: 4 min. read)

Is dirty customer data killing your retention?

Experian Automotive found 61% of dealer records have bad data—

• Wrong names 

• Old addresses 

• Even outdated ownership records

When your customers move, change jobs, or start families, your data can fall behind—costing you sales. The fix? Experian Automotive’s first-party data solutions clean, verify, and enrich your records so your marketing hits the mark.

Better data means better engagement, smarter targeting, and fewer missed opportunities.

Don’t let dirty data hold you back—stay connected and stay ahead with Experian Automotive.

2. Automakers need incentives, transparency to keep buyers engaged — report

Car buyers aren’t exactly rushing to beat the tariff clock—in fact, many are tapping out.

The details: A survey shows 42% of new car shoppers have already canceled plans due to high prices, and most say even a small bump in monthly payments would push them out for good.

And used car buyers aren’t far behind, with 37% already walking away.

CarEdge CEO Zach Shefska says affordability is cracking—and dealers and automakers need to act fast with incentives, transparency, and price-lock tools before buyers disappear.

Big picture: In a fragile market, trust and visibility aren’t optional—they’re survival.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

3. VW’s ID. Buzz will power new Uber robotaxi service

Volkswagen isn’t betting its U.S. future on car ownership alone—and for good reason.

A recent Deloitte survey revealed nearly half of young Americans are open to ditching traditional vehicle ownership for mobility services.

Enter VW’s new partnership with Uber: a commercial robotaxi service using autonomous electric ID. Buzz vans—set to launch in LA by late 2026 with driverless rides by 2027.

Looking ahead: VW says this move is about shaping the future of urban mobility as consumer habits shift. And with younger drivers rethinking ownership, VW is banking on shared, autonomous mobility to anchor its U.S. strategy.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

• U.S. to ease rules governing self-driving cars

• Ford said it's made a breakthrough in battery tech to make cheaper EVs with longer range

• Tariff fears are driving a boost in auto sales in Detroit

• Trade wars grew America’s auto industry. Historians warn today’s tariffs won’t

• New automaker Slate unveils a no-frills, stripped down electric truck for under $30K

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG

Want to advertise with CDG? Click here.

Want to be considered as a guest on the CDG podcast? Right this way.

Want to pitch a story for the newsletter? Share it here.