ICYMI: Lexus closes out a record year in the US. Nissan revises Nissan One program amid dealer backlash. Ford posts best sales since 2019, with US vehicle sales rose 6% to 2.2M units in 2025. BMW, Mercedes showcase AI auto tech at CES 2026.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Lexus caps record U.S. year as SUV demand surges amid supply challenges
Toyota’s Lexus brand is closing out a record year in the U.S., with demand for its SUVs outpacing supply and leaving some buyers waiting months for deliveries. According to the automaker, U.S. Lexus deliveries are expected to rise about 5% in 2025 to more than 360,000 vehicles, primarily driven by the RX midsize SUV and an expanded lineup of crossovers and sport utility vehicles. SUVs and crossovers now account for more than 80% of Lexus sales volume, helping position the brand among the leading luxury nameplates in the market. Read More
Nissan revises dealer incentive program after dealer backlash
Nissan has revised its U.S. dealer incentive strategy for 2026 following mounting backlash from retailers who say the original program eroded profitability and imposed unrealistic sales targets. Concerns escalated late last year after a group calling itself Concerned Nissan Dealers circulated a critical letter. The letter outlined dealer frustration with Nissan One, a stair-step incentive program launched in June 2025 to simplify bonuses and boost retail market share. Read More
Ford posts best US sales since 2019 as trucks, hybrids offset EV slowdown
On Tuesday, Ford reported that its U.S. vehicle sales rose 6% in 2025 to 2.2 million units, and it’s fourth quarter sales rose 2.7% to more than 545,200 units. The last time Ford exceeded that annual total was in 2019, when it sold 2.42 million vehicles in the U.S. The company also finished 2025 as the third-largest U.S. automaker, behind Toyota and General Motors. Read More
BMW, Mercedes spotlight AI-driven vehicle tech at CES 2026
At this year’s CES technology conference in Las Vegas, Mercedes and BMW unveiled new artificial intelligence-driven features and EV technology as software and digital experiences play a larger role in vehicle development. While BMW announced it will integrate AI into its personal assistant through a partnership with Amazon’s Alexa+ technology, Mercedes utilized the event to spotlight the premiere of the electric GLC, with a market launch planned for the second half of the year. Read More
Used vehicle prices stabilize as Manheim index 2025 on steady footing
Wholesale used vehicle prices closed out December on stable ground, reflecting a market that has largely returned to typical seasonal behavior after several years of volatility, according to the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index. The index finished December at 205.5, posting a modest year-over-year gain and a slight increase from November. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
The four pillars for service success in 2026 — John Fairchild | Fairchild Automotive Solutions
Fixed-ops remains one of the most powerful levers for dealership profitability and customer loyalty in 2026. On today’s episode of Service Drive, John Fairchild, president of Fairchild Automotive Solutions and high-performance fixed-ops coach, outlines the operational priorities that leaders must focus on to drive measurable results this year.
How City Kia built a high-volume fixed ops operation through process and communication
City Kia’s service department processes up to 180 repair orders daily, offers same-day appointments, and generates more than $1 million in monthly fixed operations revenue. According to fixed ops director Oscar Platt, that performance is not driven by speed alone, but by disciplined communication, consistency, and relationship-focused leadership. Platt joins the latest episode of Loyalty-Based Sales Strategies to discuss his journey, the challenges in service today, and potential solutions.
