Earlier this week: CDK Global settled antitrust claims for $630 million amid data access disputes. The Trump administration seeks a Supreme Court review of California’s emissions standards. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy moves to reconsider fuel economy standards. The Feds hold interest rates steady amid uncertainty around inflation and Trump’s policy changes. GM exceeds Q4 expectations with strong revenue and a bold 2025 forecast. Demands for a Tesla boycott emerge in Europe amid Musk’s controversial comments. Sony Honda Mobility teams up with FireAid to support wildfire relief.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. CDK Global settles antitrust claims for $630 million amid data access disputes
CDK Global has agreed to pay $630 million to settle antitrust claims accusing the company of inflating prices for software vendors accessing dealership data. CEO Brian MacDonald stated that the settlement will be paid over three years in an official statement on the CDK Global website. The settlement, filed on Monday in a Wisconsin federal court, still requires approval from a judge. Read More
2. Trump administration seeks Supreme Court review of California’s emissions standards
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause its review of a case involving California’s stricter vehicle emissions and electric vehicle standards. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris filed the request on Friday, January 24, signaling plans to reassess a 2022 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision that reinstated California’s authority to set its own emissions rules. Read More
3. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy moves to reconsider fuel economy standards
Newly appointed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has moved swiftly to reverse key fuel economy policies set under the Biden administration. Within hours of being sworn in, Duffy issued a memorandum directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reset Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, rolling back regulations that aimed to reduce fuel consumption for cars and trucks. His immediate action signals a significant shift in federal policy under the Trump administration, favoring a more market-driven approach to vehicle efficiency. Read More
4. Feds hold interest rates steady amid uncertainty around inflation, Trump’s policy changes
The Federal Reserve has opted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25% to 4.5% yesterday, pausing after a series of rate cuts that began in September 2024. Over the past few months, the Fed has reduced rates three times, lowering the benchmark by a full percentage point. The decision to hold rates steady comes as the economy continues to improve, though inflation remains a concern. Read More
5. GM exceeds Q4 expectations with strong revenue and bold 2025 forecast
General Motors (GM) surpassed Wall Street expectations for Q4 revenue and earnings, reporting adjusted earnings per share of $1.92 against an estimated $1.89 and revenue of $47.7 billion compared to an expected $43.93 billion. Read More
6. Demands for Tesla boycott emerge in Europe amid Musk’s controversial comments
Demands for a Tesla boycott are now circulating in Europe following Elon Musk’s controversial appearances and remarks, which have sparked a significant backlash. His involvement in political affairs and comments on sensitive historical issues have escalated the situation. Read More
7. Sony Honda Mobility teams up with FireAid to support wildfire relief
Sony Honda Mobility America (SHMA) is partnering with the FireAid benefit concert to bring the biggest names in entertainment together for an evening of music and a show of solidarity for the communities impacted by the L.A. wildfires. The concert will take place at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum on January 30 and will be available for global viewers to watch via livestream. Read More
8. Erin Kerrigan breaks down buy-sell market trends and dealer sentiment
In today’s episode of CBT Now, Erin Kerrigan, founder and managing director of Kerrigan Advisors, joins us to discuss the outlook of the buy-sell markets and sentiment amongst dealers nationwide. Watch the full segment here.
9. Force Marketing’s John Fitzpatrick on tech, marketing, and the future of dealerships
Although the weather put a slight damper on this year’s NADA show, that didn’t stop the automotive industry’s top professionals from gathering and having insightful, thoughtful discussions. In today’s episode of CBT Now, John Fitzpatrick, CEO of Force Marketing, joins us to share the insights he gathered on technology, marketing, and the future of dealerships. Watch the full segment here.
10. Colin Carrasquillo’s approach to strengthening vendor relationships
On today’s episode of Marketing Matters, Colin Carrasquillo, Digital Marketing Director of the Nielsen Automotive Group, shares invaluable insights on how dealerships can foster stronger relationships with their vendor partners. With a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground perspective, Carrasquillo emphasizes the importance of open communication, setting expectations, and creating a collaborative environment where both parties can thrive. Watch the full segment here.
