🗞️ Industry roundup:
FROM CAR AND DRIVER: President Trump signs executive order revoking Biden-era EV targets
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order revoking Biden-era EV targets, including the goal for 50% of new cars sold by 2030 to be electric. The order also eliminates federal funds for EV charging stations and challenges state waivers restricting gas-powered vehicle sales. For dealers, this could mean a shift in demand as federal support for EVs changes, potentially impacting inventory planning and sales strategies in response to evolving market and regulatory conditions.
FROM BUSINESS INSIDER: Americans are desperate for cheaper cars. Automakers have little to offer them.
With the average price of a new car reaching $49,740 in December 2024, price-conscious shoppers are driving a surprising resurgence in affordable sedans. Edmunds data highlights growing demand for models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, with the Civic climbing seven spots to secure a place in the top 10 most popular cars this year. For automakers, this shift offers a chance to capture price-sensitive buyers but poses challenges in balancing affordability with profitability after years of prioritizing high-margin SUVs.
FROM AUTO REMARKETING: Brand loyalty on the rise, study finds
Automotive brand loyalty climbed to 52.6% in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels, thanks to rising new-car inventory that gave consumers more options and reduced brand switching. Dealerships are benefiting from this trend as more buyers stick with their current brands. Hybrid vehicles also saw a sharp rise in loyalty, making them a key opportunity for dealers navigating evolving customer preferences.
FROM WARDSAUTO: It’s time to revolutionize used-car ROIs
As returns on investment in used-car retailing decline, dealers are being urged to adopt a new, investment-focused strategy. The rise of online consumer knowledge has reshaped pricing and negotiation, cutting average ROI in half over the past decade. Dealers must now rethink their approach by leveraging predictive data science and investment-management principles to optimize vehicle acquisitions, pricing, and profitability.
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Lotlinx empowers automobile dealers with data and technology to give the best possible market advantage on every vehicle transaction. Lotlinx offers a suite of features such as real-time market analysis, inventory management, and precision targeted vehicle advertising. Dealers leverage the platform to identify potential inventory risks and execute VIN-specific strategies enabling them to move inventory faster and more efficiently.
To start leveraging Lotlinx technology at your dealership, request a free, individualized Inventory Risk Analysis.