ICYMI: The U.S. declined to renew USMCA in its current form, setting up new trade talks with Mexico and Canada. GM led U.S. auto sales in the second quarter despite a 33% drop in EV deliveries. Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru and Kia posted June sales gains as hybrid demand outpaced gas-only models. President Trump signed a memo backing Americans’ right to repair their own vehicles. Ford has hired 350 veteran engineers to fix quality problems after AI tools fell short.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
U.S. will not renew USMCA in current form, sets stage for new trade talks
The United States, Mexico and Canada held a virtual meeting Wednesday for the first mandatory review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The U.S. did not agree to extend the pact for another 16 years. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the outcome in a statement. Read More
GM tops US sales in Q2 despite 33% drop in EV sales
General Motors Co. sold more vehicles than any other automaker in the United States during the second quarter. GM delivered 714,896 vehicles. That was down 4.2% from the same period last year. The decline was largely due to weaker EV demand. GM’s electric vehicle sales fell 33% for the quarter. Read More
Hybrid demand lifts Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru and Kia in June
Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru and Kia all reported June sales increases, giving the four Asian import brands a rare moment of alignment in an uneven market. Across all four brands, hybrid demand outpaced gas-only models by a wide margin. Read More
Trump signs memo backing Americans’ right to repair their own cars
President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum Monday supporting Americans’ ability to repair their own vehicles. The order is titled “Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix.” It directs federal agencies to expand access to aftermarket parts, lower repair costs and support independent shops. Read More
Ford rehires veteran engineers after AI quality push falls short
Ford has hired 350 veteran engineers over the past three years after artificial intelligence tools failed to fix its stubborn quality problems, Bloomberg reported. Ford calls them “gray beard” engineers and uses them to train younger staff and reprogram the AI tools that fell short. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
The 3-step habit that could save your next deal
Many deals seem to go well at first, but don’t end up going anywhere. Sales coach Matt Easton, founder of Easton University, says the problem isn’t the pitch, but the close and follow-up. The solution, he says, is a simple, repeatable method that any salesperson can apply. On the next episode of CBT Now, Easton breaks down the three-step habit he calls close, set, anchor.
Scaling mobile service through AI automation
Car buyers expect convenience nearly everywhere else in their lives. Mobile service is helping dealership service departments catch up. On the next episode of Service Drive, Rich Lupo, Fixed Operations Director at Apple Tree Honda and Acura, joins us to discuss how his dealership is bringing the service bay to the customer instead of waiting for them to come in.
