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On our platform, automotive industry professionals learn the latest automotive news, sales and management training, best practices and so much more. In addition to providing the latest automotive news and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, CBT News also hosts weekly shows featuring the nation’s top automotive trainers and consultants, covering all departments of the dealership including sa

les, fixed ops, parts, management, leasing and finance. CBT News was created to deliver daily content that dealers can count on for help in running their dealerships better. If you are looking for a community where you can learn the latest auto news and get ahead in the car business, subscribe today.

07/23/2025

Fixed ops departments nationwide are facing rising pressure to do more with less.

Recognizing this struggle, CDK Global made its Fixed Operations Suite available to non-CDK customers.

Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Fixed Operations at CDK, shares how it's fostering trust and transparency with customers.

Watch the full episode here ⤵️

YouTube: https://cbtnews.co/4kShSsY
CBT News: https://cbtnews.co/3GYgZkO

New U.S.-Japan Trade Deal Could Lower Prices for Japanese Vehicles and PartsPresident Donald Trump has announced a new t...
07/23/2025

New U.S.-Japan Trade Deal Could Lower Prices for Japanese Vehicles and Parts

President Donald Trump has announced a new trade agreement with Japan, reducing tariffs on Japanese imports from a threatened 25% to 15%. In exchange, Japan has pledged $550 billion in U.S. investments—news that could reshape pricing and inventory dynamics for dealers across the country.

Here’s why it matters:
Japan is one of the largest exporters of vehicles and parts to the U.S., and this tariff reduction offers major relief to dealers who rely on Japanese inventory. With potential cost savings on both vehicles and parts, franchise owners representing brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru could see better margins, greater supply flexibility, and renewed consumer affordability. The investment pledge and approval of Nippon Steel’s U.S. Steel acquisition also hint at expanded domestic production and job growth, creating long-term benefits for the retail automotive sector.

Key takeaways:
– U.S. lowers tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%, avoiding 25% hike
– Japan to invest $550 billion in the U.S., with unclear distribution
– Deal impacts $150B worth of Japanese exports, much of it auto-related
– Nippon Steel’s $14B takeover of U.S. Steel approved—promising 100,000 new U.S. jobs
– Japanese brands gain trade stability ahead of Trump’s August 1 deadline

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Thanks to our sponsor: Force Marketing (forcemarketing.com)

GM Becomes No. 2 EV Seller in the U.S., Thanks to a Dual-Track StrategyDuring its Q2 2025 earnings call, General Motors ...
07/23/2025

GM Becomes No. 2 EV Seller in the U.S., Thanks to a Dual-Track Strategy

During its Q2 2025 earnings call, General Motors announced it has surpassed all legacy rivals to claim the No. 2 spot in U.S. EV sales—behind only Tesla. With 46,300 EVs sold in the quarter, GM more than doubled its year-over-year performance, thanks in part to its ability to shift production between EV and ICE models as demand fluctuates.

Here’s why it matters:
As federal EV tax credits are set to expire in September, automakers face a more volatile and incentive-free landscape. GM’s manufacturing flexibility and diversified powertrain strategy offer dealers the tools to navigate that shift. With rising brand equity in Chevrolet and Cadillac, GM dealers are positioned to retain momentum even as market conditions cool post-Q3.

Key takeaways:
– GM is now the No. 2 EV seller in the U.S., with 46,300 Q2 EV deliveries
– Federal EV tax credits expire September 30, likely peaking demand in Q3
– GM’s EV/ICE production flexibility provides a hedge against market volatility
– EVs remain GM’s “North Star,” according to CEO Mary Barra
– Chevrolet and Cadillac gain EV brand strength, ranking No. 2 and No. 5, respectively

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Thanks to our sponsor: Force Marketing (forcemarketing.com)

CDK expands Fixed Ops Suite to non-CDK dealersFacing staffing shortages and rising customer expectations, dealerships ar...
07/23/2025

CDK expands Fixed Ops Suite to non-CDK dealers

Facing staffing shortages and rising customer expectations, dealerships are leaning into automation—and CDK just made its powerful Fixed Ops Suite available to non-CDK customers for the first time.

On today's episode of Service Drive, Kim Saylor, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Fixed Operations at CDK Global, joins us to elaborate further on this development.

Key Takeaways:

• AI-driven scheduling now accounts for 23% of appointments at pilot stores

• 14% of all bookings are made after hours thanks to smart scheduling tools

• Technician videos with subtitles boost trust and transparency

• Dealers report 15–30% more labor hours per RO, without adding staff

• Real-time updates, multilingual support, and video inspections improve customer satisfaction

With service revenue under pressure and consumer expectations higher than ever, CDK’s platform helps dealers drive efficiency and build trust—two things every fixed ops department needs right now.

Watch the episode here ⤵️
YouTube: https://cbtnews.co/4kShSsY
CBT News: https://cbtnews.co/3GYgZkO

Tesla’s California Registrations Slide for Seventh Straight QuarterTesla’s electric vehicle registrations in California ...
07/23/2025

Tesla’s California Registrations Slide for Seventh Straight Quarter

Tesla’s electric vehicle registrations in California dropped 21.1% year-over-year in Q2, continuing a downward trend that’s now spanned seven consecutive quarters, according to CNCDA. Despite the decline, the Model Y and Model 3 remain category leaders—but their hold is slipping as hybrids and competitive EVs gain traction.

Here’s why it matters:
California has long been a bellwether market for EV adoption. Tesla’s ongoing struggles in the state present a clear opportunity for franchised dealers representing traditional OEMs. As hybrid sales surge and consumers diversify their preferences, dealers who offer a broad electrified portfolio stand to benefit. Tesla’s brand challenges—exacerbated by Elon Musk’s political activity—could also shift sentiment in key regions.

Key takeaways:
– Tesla’s California registrations fell 21.1% YoY in Q2
– The company has now posted seven straight quarters of decline in the state
– Model Y and Model 3 still lead the ZEV segment despite losses
– Hybrid vehicle registrations are up 54% year-over-year
– Elon Musk’s political ambitions may be influencing brand perception

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Thanks to our sponsor: Force Marketing (forcemarketing.com)

Lucid Adds Tesla Supercharger Access, Reveals 2026 Air LineupStarting July 31, all Lucid Air vehicles—regardless of year...
07/23/2025

Lucid Adds Tesla Supercharger Access, Reveals 2026 Air Lineup

Starting July 31, all Lucid Air vehicles—regardless of year—will be able to charge at over 23,500 Tesla Superchargers in North America via a Lucid-approved adapter. This aligns with the debut of the 2026 Air lineup, which features longer range, quieter cabins, and upgraded standard equipment.

Here’s why it matters:
Public charging availability remains a major barrier to EV adoption. Lucid’s move to integrate with Tesla’s Supercharger network directly addresses that concern while elevating the Air’s value proposition in the luxury EV market. Combined with its driver-assist tech and top-tier range, Lucid is poised to compete more aggressively with Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW.

Key takeaways:
– Tesla Supercharger access starts July 31 via Lucid NACS adapter
– 2026 Air Touring hits 431 miles of range; Grand Touring tops out at 512 miles
– Upgraded comfort features include 20-way massage seats and new wheel options
– Driver-assist tech upgrades position Lucid against Tesla and GM
– Pricing starts at $70,900 for the Air Pure and $114,900 for the Grand Touring

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Thanks to our sponsor: Force Marketing(forcemarketing.com)

07/22/2025

There's a growing disconnect between dealers and consumers...

Urban Science and Harris Poll’s 2025 Buyer Influence Study shows dealers are bullish—but buyers remain skeptical. While 75% of dealers feel growth is easier than five years ago, consumers are still held back by affordability, EV concerns, and distrust of AI.

Check out these stats:

• 89% of dealers use or plan to use AI, yet consumer trust in AI is falling
• 56% of buyers cite affordability as their #1 concern
• 67% say tariffs have changed their buying behavior
• 90% prefer buying in-store, but only 37% trust the current dealership model
• 87% of dealers report EV revenue gains, but only 16% of buyers feel EVs meet their needs

Are dealers overestimating how ready buyers are for the future of car shopping?

(Source: Urban Science and Harris Poll’s 2025 Buyer Influence Study)

07/22/2025

Tesla direct-to-consumer lawsuit in Louisiana SETTLED! Do you think automakers should be able to sell directly to consumers?

Trump escalates Fed feud, calls for major rate cutsPresident Trump took direct aim at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powel...
07/22/2025

Trump escalates Fed feud, calls for major rate cuts

President Trump took direct aim at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, saying “he’ll be out soon”—a reference to Powell’s term ending in eight months.

Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent both criticized the Fed’s refusal to cut rates in 2025, accusing the central bank of political bias and fiscal overreach.

• Trump wants rates cut by 3 points, arguing 4% interest is stalling growth
• Accuses Powell of keeping rates high for political reasons post-election
• Bessent calls for probe into Fed’s spending and “mission creep”
• Fed held rates steady through 2025 despite calls for easing

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Thanks to our sponsor: eLEND Solutions (https://elendsolutions.com/)

07/22/2025

Elevate the ownership experience through servant leadership and training with Ed Roberts:

Ed Roberts, COO of Bozard Ford, joins Adam Marburger to share how servant leadership, vision-driven training and a relentless focus on the ownership experience have helped the dealership rise to a powerhouse status.

Watch more here ⤵️
YouTube: https://youtu.be/HEc3S-fk4wQ
CBT News: https://www.cbtnews.com/elevate-the-ownership-experience-through-servant-leadership-and-training-ed-roberts-bozard-ford/

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Thanks to our sponsor: Lotlinx (lotlinx.com)

GM’s Q2 profit drops 35%—but key market gains offer dealers reason for optimism.General Motors reported $1.9 billion in ...
07/22/2025

GM’s Q2 profit drops 35%—but key market gains offer dealers reason for optimism.

General Motors reported $1.9 billion in net income for Q2 2025, down 34.5% year-over-year, citing tariffs, warranty costs, and EV inventory adjustments. Still, the automaker maintained strong U.S. market share and reaffirmed its full-year outlook.

• Revenue = $47.1B, with EBIT-adjusted at $3.0B, down from $4.4B in Q2 2024

• GM held a 17.4% U.S. market share—up 0.7 points YOY

• Full-size trucks and SUVs remained #1 in segment for the sixth year in a row

• Crossover sales hit a record, up 16%

• EV sales momentum: Chevy ranked #2 U.S. EV brand

• Super Cruise now enabled on 500,000+ vehicles, doubling year-over-year

• $4B U.S. plant expansion adds 300K units of high-margin capacity by 2027

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Thanks to our sponsor: eLEND Solutions (https://elendsolutions.com/)

Tesla just scored a major legal win in Louisiana.The EV maker has officially settled its lawsuit challenging the state’s...
07/22/2025

Tesla just scored a major legal win in Louisiana.

The EV maker has officially settled its lawsuit challenging the state’s 2017 ban on direct-to-consumer vehicle sales. A dismissal notice filed in federal court confirmed the case is “fully and finally” resolved.

• Tesla sued in 2022, alleging dealership-linked regulators blocked its market access

• The case targeted Louisiana’s Motor Vehicle Commission and several auto dealer groups

• A 2024 federal appeals ruling revived Tesla’s antitrust and due process claims

• The U.S. Supreme Court later declined to intervene, bolstering Tesla’s position

• Tesla also contested restrictions on leasing and servicing vehicles in-state

This settlement could set precedent as more EV makers challenge state franchise laws. For traditional dealers and OEMs, it’s another signal that the direct-sales fight is far from over.

Is this the beginning of a larger legal shift—or a one-off win for Tesla?

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CBT Automotive Network is the voice of the retail automotive industry, providing automotive professionals helpful information and insight to run their dealerships better. CBT Automotive Network is part of the JBF Business Media family.