ICYMI: European Union leaders reached a provisional agreement to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods ahead of President Trump’s July 4 deadline. CBT News announced it is hosting the Auto Leadership Summit: Fair Pricing & Compliance in response to the FTC’s recent ruling on pricing transparency. Ford halted production of its F-150 pickup at its Dearborn, Mich. plant after a broken hood die at a stamping facility disrupted operations. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa unveiled a $70 billion turnaround plan that includes nine new vehicles under $40,000 for the U.S. market. Toyota and Nissan are preparing dealers for potential shortages of synthetic motor oils due to supply chain disruptions.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
EU advances U.S. trade deal as Trump tariff deadline nears
European Union leaders reached a provisional agreement to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods, moving closer to finalizing a trade deal with the Trump administration before a July 4 deadline that could trigger higher tariffs on European imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the provisional agreement after EU lawmakers reached a breakthrough following more than five hours of negotiations. Read More
CBT News heads to Washington, D.C., to host Auto Leadership Summit
CBT News, announced it will bring together the auto industry for the Auto Leadership Summit: Fair Pricing & Compliance on June 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The one-day event, held at the Salamander Hotel, responds directly to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent ruling, which has fundamentally altered how dealerships must approach pricing, compliance, and daily operations. Read More
Ford halts F-150 production at Dearborn plant after stamping issue
Ford halted F-150 production at its Dearborn Assembly Plant through at least the end of the week after a broken hood die at a nearby stamping facility disrupted operations, adding pressure to the automaker’s efforts to rebuild truck inventories following earlier supplier disruptions, according to The Detroit News. Production stopped Wednesday evening, according to UAW Local 600 President and Chairman Nick Kottalis, who said workers could be recalled as early as Sunday. However, with Memorial Day falling on Monday, he expects employees likely will not return until Tuesday. Read More
Stellantis unveils bold $70B turnaround plan, promises 9 new vehicles under $40k
Stellantis unveiled a $70 billion turnaround plan Thursday, promising 9 new vehicles under $40,000 for the U.S. market. The automaker is working to rebuild dealer confidence after two years of declining sales and a $26 billion net loss in 2025. CEO Antonio Filosa presented the five-year plan, called FaSTLAne 2030, at the company’s Investor Day in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Read More
Toyota, Nissan prepare dealers for potential synthetic oil shortages
Toyota and Nissan are reportedly preparing dealers for potential shortages of low-viscosity synthetic motor oils as supply chain disruptions and petrochemical constraints tighten lubricant inventories across the automotive industry. Internal service bulletins issued by the automakers reportedly warn of tightening supplies of low-viscosity synthetic oils such as 0W-8 and 0W-16. Automakers commonly use these lightweight oils in modern hybrids and fuel-efficient gasoline engines to meet stricter emissions standards and fuel-economy targets. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Piazza Auto Group doubles down on service fundamentals, advisor accountability
As affordability concerns continue to reshape dealership operations, Piazza Auto Group is reverting to the basics. During the latest episode of Service Drive, Dave Rogers, Fixed Operations Director at Piazza Auto Group, said the group has spent 2026 reinforcing technician productivity standards, advisor accountability and customer communication processes across its stores. The strategy, he says, is already producing measurable gains.
Trade-in transparency becomes critical as interest rates, prices squeeze car buyers
Dealers are increasingly relying on consumer trade-ins to source inventory, but a growing gap between buyer expectations and dealership practices is proving to be costly. Micah Tindor, Senior Director of Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer, joins us on the latest episode of Inside Automotive to break down the three converging pressures that are hammering today’s car buyers.
