ICYMI: Toyota’s global sales in November dropped 1.9%. General Motors’ shares are up over 55%, marking its best performance since its 2009 bankruptcy. Detroit Three, Sen. Cruz clash over vehicle affordability hearing scheduled during Detroit Auto Show. Car buyers who financed a new, US-built vehicle in 2025 qualify for tax break. Stellantis revives $100K Ram TRX V-8.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news
Toyota November sales drop 1.9% as China cuts EV incentives
Toyota reported that its sales and production fell in November, largely due to China’s decision to discontinue initiatives to boost EV and fuel-efficient vehicle sales. According to the automaker, global sales declined 1.9% to 905,919 units, including sales from its subsidiaries Daihatsu and Hino. Additionally, global production decreased by 3.4% to 934,001 vehicles. Read More
GM stock surges over 55% in 2025, leads U.S.-traded automakers
General Motors is on track to become the top-performing U.S.-traded automaker stock of 2025, with shares up more than 55% to a record above $80, marking the company’s best annual performance since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009. Read More
Sen. Cruz, Detroit Three clash over CEO attendance at Senate affordability hearing
A standoff is emerging between U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and the Detroit Three automakers over whether their chief executives will testify at a planned Senate hearing on vehicle affordability next month, according to reporting by Politico. Ford is leading objections to the request, citing concerns about scheduling, subject matter, and what it views as unequal treatment among invited automakers. The hearing is scheduled during the Detroit Auto Show. Read More
New vehicle buyers could see modest tax savings under IRS rule
Consumers who purchased a new vehicle in 2025 may qualify for a tax break during the upcoming filing season, according to updated guidance issued Wednesday by the Internal Revenue Service. Under the “No Tax on Car Loan Interest” provision enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), eligible buyers can deduct up to $10,000 annually in interest paid on a qualifying auto loan. Read More
Stellantis revives $100,000 Ram TRX V-8 to boost US momentum
Stellantis is bringing back the V-8-powered Ram TRX pickup, reversing earlier powertrain plans as federal emissions rules ease and the company pushes to revive U.S. sales. The automaker announced that the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will return to showrooms in late 2026 with a starting price near $100,000. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Joe Laham on California BMW acquisition and Scout Motors’ dealer license
Premier Companies recently expanded its footprint with the acquisition of a BMW dealership in Northern California. On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Premier Companies President Joe Laham discusses the acquisition, his group’s business performance, and shares his perspective on Scout Motors being granted a dealer license in Colorado as a Volkswagen and Audi dealer.
How fixed ops can skyrocket profits for dealerships in 2026 – Shon Kingrey | Kayers Automotive Group
As we head into 2026, the variable market is becoming increasingly unpredictable, which means fixed ops will play an even bigger role in dealership performance. Joining us on the latest episode of Service Drive is Shon Kingrey, VP of fixed ops at the Kayser Automotive Group, to share insights on the opportunities, challenges, and strategies that will define fixed operations success in 2026.
