ICYMI: Stellantis adds 10,000 jobs globally as hiring strategy shifts. General Motors leads Q1 U.S. auto sales despite industry slowdown. Federal judge partially allows dealer lawsuit against Volkswagen to proceed. FCA U.S. Q1 sales rise 4% as Ram, Jeep and Dodge post gains. Automakers group proposes replacing gas tax with vehicle fee.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Stellantis adds 10,000 jobs globally as hiring strategy shifts
Stellantis increased its global workforce by more than 10,000 employees last year, marking the first annual employment growth in the company’s history, according to newly released corporate filings. Of those additions, 4,700 jobs were in North America, while the company’s total headcount reached 258,668, roughly in line with 2023 levels, and U.S. employment rose by about 400. Read More
General Motors leads Q1 U.S. auto sales despite industry slowdown
General Motors led the U.S. auto industry in Q1 sales, reporting 626,429 vehicles sold, down 9.7% from a year earlier, as winter storms early in the quarter weighed on performance and comparisons were skewed by a strong March 2025. The automaker said results improved as the quarter progressed, with March delivering stronger showroom traffic and sales following weather-related disruptions in January and February. GM expects a similar decline for the broader industry, noting that last year’s March selling pace exceeded a seasonally adjusted annual rate of more than 18 million units. Read More
Federal judge partially allows dealer lawsuit against Volkswagen to proceed
A federal judge in California has granted in part and denied in part motions to dismiss filed by Volkswagen of America and related defendants in a lawsuit brought by the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA). In an order dated March 30, 2026, Chief District Judge Cynthia Bashant of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California ruled on motions to dismiss filed under ECF Nos. 52, 53, and 54 in the case California New Car Dealers Association v. Volkswagen of America, Inc. et al, No. 3:2025cv01316. Read More
FCA U.S. Q1 sales rise 4% as Ram, Jeep and Dodge post gains
FCA U.S. reported first-quarter U.S. sales of 305,902 vehicles, a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, as gains from Ram, Jeep, and Dodge offset declines in other segments. Ram led the automaker’s performance, with total brand sales increasing 20% year over year to 112,160 units. Ram pickup sales reached 98,425 units, up 25%, driven by a 27% increase in Ram light-duty pickups and a 21% gain in heavy-duty models. Read More
Automakers group proposes replacing gas tax with vehicle fee
According to John Bozzella, the head of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation representing General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and other major car companies, said in a proposal first reported by Reuters, the government should address the increasing financial shortfall in the highway trust fund by imposing a single fee on every vehicle based on weight. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
ASOTU Con 2026 set to expand attendance, spotlight AI and human-centered innovation
As we gear up for the fifth annual ASOTU Con, May 12–14, we’re sitting down with the founders to explore their vision, the buzz surrounding this year’s event, and what attendees can expect from the incredible lineup. Joining us on today’s CBT Now episode are Paul Daly, Founder and CEO, and Kyle Mountsier, Partner and COO of ASOTU.
