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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.

07/12/2025

WEEKLY ROUNDUP!

Don't miss the top headlines in automotive from the past week!

↳ Trump extends tariff pause, plans new import hikes Aug. 1

↳ MP Materials strikes rare earths deal with US to cut China dependence

↳ Musk’s ‘America Party’ sparks $68B Tesla selloff, investor backlash

↳ Ford’s $3B battery plant secures future after Trump tax bill passes

↳ Ford, dealers mobilize $1.25M in flood relief for Central Texas

Trump extends tariff deadline to August 1, raising stakes for auto industryPresident Donald Trump has postponed the impl...
07/11/2025

Trump extends tariff deadline to August 1, raising stakes for auto industry

President Donald Trump has postponed the implementation of his “Liberation Day” country-level tariffs until August 1, giving automakers and suppliers a few more weeks to brace for sweeping trade shifts. The new tariffs, ranging from 25% to 50%, will apply to imports from key nations including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil—on top of existing duties targeting autos, steel, and aluminum.

– Starting August 1, tariffs of up to 50% will apply to select imports by country of origin, not just by product category
– Canada faces a 35% tariff, though USMCA-compliant goods may be exempted
– Japan and South Korea failed to secure extensions, exposing billions in auto exports to new duties
– The EU is still negotiating to avoid additional auto tariffs, proposing quotas and offset programs
– A 50% copper tariff could squeeze EV production costs, as the U.S. imports half its supply

With price hikes and supply chain disruptions looming, dealers should prepare for margin pressure, vehicle sourcing challenges, and shifting consumer expectations as the second half of 2025 begins.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dave Cantin Group (https://www.davecantingroup.com)

07/11/2025

We asked AI how to sell more cars.

It told us to watch CBT News.

So yeah, we’re taking that personally. 😎

Ford recall count hits record pace in 2025 with 88 safety campaignsFord Motor has issued 88 recalls in just the first si...
07/11/2025

Ford recall count hits record pace in 2025 with 88 safety campaigns

Ford Motor has issued 88 recalls in just the first six months of 2025—more than any automaker has reported in a full calendar year, based on NHTSA data. The spike stems from an aggressive internal audit targeting unresolved issues, particularly involving software. Ford says the campaign is designed to get ahead of safety concerns and improve long-term quality, even if it draws near-term criticism.

– Ford’s 88 recalls so far in 2025 mark an industry record, outpacing all other OEMs
– About 33 recalls stemmed from a legacy software audit launched earlier this year
– Major campaigns include 85,000 trucks and SUVs for fuel pump failures and nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-Es for a defect that can trap passengers
– Dealers face mixed impacts: over-the-air fixes ease pressure, but part shortages for hardware repairs are delaying deliveries and congesting service bays
– Ford now ties 70% of executive bonuses to quality metrics, including recall rates and warranty costs

The automaker has consistently ranked first or second in recall volume since 2020. While the surge poses challenges for service departments, Ford’s commitment to transparency and quality signals a shift toward long-term customer confidence. For dealers, aligning with these priorities will be key to turning today’s recalls into tomorrow’s loyalty.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dave Cantin Group (https://www.davecantingroup.com)

Ford commits $1.25 million and mobilizes support after Texas flash floodsIn response to the devastating flash flooding t...
07/11/2025

Ford commits $1.25 million and mobilizes support after Texas flash floods

In response to the devastating flash flooding that struck Central Texas, Ford, its dealer network, and nonprofit allies are providing swift aid to communities hit hardest in Kerr and Tom Green Counties. The company pledged $1.25 million in donations, dispatched loaner vehicles to support recovery teams, and launched volunteer drives to assist flood survivors.

– Ford and Texas dealers pledged $1.25 million to aid relief groups like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
– Local dealers provided loaner vehicles to power American Red Cross operations in affected areas
– Ford team members will gather July 17 at the North Texas Food Bank to pack emergency food boxes for displaced families
– Ford Volunteer Corps is deploying trained “Greyshirt” responders with Team Rubicon, supported by Ford’s paid volunteer leave policy
– Ford Credit is offering up to 60-day payment extensions for customers in FEMA-declared disaster zones

Toyota and its financial services arm have also stepped up, committing over $600,000 in aid, volunteer support, and customer relief across Texas. In times of crisis, dealers become pillars of support—and brands that show up when it matters most earn lasting community trust.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dave Cantin Group (https://www.davecantingroup.com)

Cadillac stays committed to EV growth despite looming tax credit expirationGeneral Motors is doubling down on Cadillac’s...
07/11/2025

Cadillac stays committed to EV growth despite looming tax credit expiration

General Motors is doubling down on Cadillac’s all-electric future, even as the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is set to expire at the end of September. Cadillac Vice President John Roth said the brand had anticipated these changes and built its 2025 strategy accordingly. With seven electric models launched this year and a 15% sales increase in Q2, Cadillac is leaning into momentum as the policy winds shift.

– Cadillac is adjusting Q4 strategy to prepare for the end of federal EV tax credits
– Seven EVs launched in 2025, including the Lyriq V, Escalade IQ/IQL, and Celestiq
– Q2 deliveries jumped 15% to 44,347 units—fueled by EV adoption and refreshed ICE offerings
– All Cadillac models except the Optiq are manufactured in the U.S., supporting brand appeal
– Cadillac excludes Tesla from comparisons, citing different pricing and market positioning

As the tax credit phases out, Cadillac dealers must shift messaging toward premium performance, U.S.-based production, and brand heritage. Emphasizing long-term value and innovation will be essential as affordability pressures grow in the fourth quarter.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dave Cantin Group (https://www.davecantingroup.com)

U.S. new-vehicle inventory hits 2.83M in July, but consumer demand lags behindAs of July 1, 2025, U.S. dealer lots carri...
07/11/2025

U.S. new-vehicle inventory hits 2.83M in July, but consumer demand lags behind

As of July 1, 2025, U.S. dealer lots carried 2.83 million new vehicles—up 14.5% from June but still 1.4% below year-ago levels, according to Cox Automotive. Days’ supply surged to 82 days, highlighting a widening gap between inventory build-up and buyer activity. Despite tariff concerns, average listing prices held steady at $48,749, as automakers cautiously avoided price hikes while rolling out 2026 models at varying speeds.

– Inventory climbed to 2.83 million units in July, up from 2.47 million in June
– Days’ supply rose to 82—12 days higher than the previous month
– Tariffs haven’t meaningfully impacted MSRPs yet, with automakers holding pricing flat
– 2026 model-year vehicles account for 7% of stock, up 95% month-over-month
– Average listing price slipped $84 to $48,749, while ATPs hover near $48,900

With incentives steady and shoppers waiting on clarity around trade policy, dealers face growing pressure to manage aging inventory while maintaining margins. Balancing pricing, showroom turnover, and new-model arrivals will be key to avoiding inventory glut in the months ahead.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dave Cantin Group (https://www.davecantingroup.com)

07/10/2025

Thousands of dealers just lost their Google listings—and many don’t even know it.

After a June glitch wiped out up to 3,000 automotive Google Business Profiles, some dealers are still struggling to get reverified and regain control of their digital presence.

Brooke Furniss, Founder of BZ Consultants Group, warns that unverified GBPs can’t respond to reviews or update info.

If your GBP disappears, so does your visibility. Don’t wait for it to cost you customers—start monitoring now.

Visit the link in our bio to see the full episode!
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Thanks to our sponsor: eLEND Solutions

Polestar Q2 sales jump 38% as brand pivots to Europe and shifts production to avoid tariffsPolestar posted strong second...
07/10/2025

Polestar Q2 sales jump 38% as brand pivots to Europe and shifts production to avoid tariffs

Polestar posted strong second-quarter results with global deliveries rising 38% year-over-year to 18,049 vehicles, driven largely by aggressive discounts across Europe. The EV maker also announced plans to move more production to a Volvo plant in Slovakia in response to rising U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles.

– Q2 sales hit 18,049 units, up 38% year-over-year
– H1 2025 sales climbed 51%, totaling 30,319 vehicles
– Polestar pivots away from U.S. and China amid EV demand softness and rising trade barriers
– Slovakia to host future production, including the new Polestar 7 SUV
– Tariff exposure remains high due to continued reliance on Chinese factories

Polestar’s sales strategy and production realignment show how global EV players are adjusting to shifting market dynamics. For U.S. dealers, the move may signal reduced future supply and fewer incentives, while European partners could benefit from stronger brand focus and demand.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dealer Merchant Services (https://dealermerchantservices.com)

07/10/2025

Q3 outlook: Margin over volume is the new auto playbook

As the second half of 2025 begins, The Presidio Group’s Kevin Tynan says the retail auto market is shifting—less about raw sales and more about sustainable profits.

— June SAAR slowed, but remains in the healthy 15M range
— Affordability remains a challenge—but limited inventory is supporting pricing
— Looming cuts to EV incentives could shape Q3 shopper behavior
— Industry is prioritizing pricing discipline over chasing pre-pandemic volumes
— OEMs are holding the line on production, helping dealers protect gross margins

With economic pressure and EV policy changes ahead, smart dealers are leaning into margin-focused strategies—not just moving metal.

Watch the full episode here:
• YouTube | https://cbtnews.co/3IB7SXC
• CBT News | https://cbtnews.co/4nMgif6
• Podcast | https://cbtnews.co/4nFJFzx

BMW Q2 sales flat globally as BEV deliveries slide and China losses deepenBMW reported just 0.4% growth in global delive...
07/10/2025

BMW Q2 sales flat globally as BEV deliveries slide and China losses deepen

BMW reported just 0.4% growth in global deliveries for Q2 2025, with strong U.S. and European results offset by a 14% drop in China—the automaker’s second-largest market. Intense local EV competition, especially from BYD, continues to erode market share in the region.

– Global sales reached 621,271 vehicles, up slightly from Q2 2024
– China deliveries fell 14% as German automakers lose ground to local EV brands
– U.S. sales rose 1.4% despite 25% auto tariffs; Mini surged 29.1%
– BEV deliveries declined 21.1% year-over-year to 11,094 units
– Mini brand posted a 33% global sales increase, buoyed by North America

While BMW remains optimistic about a rebound in China later this year, dealers should brace for volatility in electric vehicle supply and pricing. Capitalizing on Mini’s U.S. growth and consumer interest in compact premium offerings may be key to maintaining showroom momentum.

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Thanks to our sponsor: Dealer Merchant Services (https://dealermerchantservices.com)

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