ICYMI: Stellantis discontinues several PHEVs in North America. Auto credit conditions improved in December, hitting the highest level in 2025. Dave Cantin Group facilitated the sale of Midwestern Auto Group to The Jeff Wyler Automotive Family for $500M. A Ford worker was suspended after heckling President Trump during a factory tour. Ford is considering sourcing batteries from China’s BYD.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Stellantis to end plug-in hybrid Jeep SUVs and Chrysler minivan amid falling demand
Stellantis said on January 9 that it will discontinue its plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chrysler Pacifica in North America, citing slowing demand, quality issues, and weakened federal fuel economy requirements. The announcement marks a reversal for Stellantis, which has touted U.S. sales leadership for these plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in recent years. Read More
Auto credit access hit 2-year high, Cox Automotive reports
Auto credit conditions improved in December, giving auto dealers a boost as more buyers qualify for financing. The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index rose to 99.6, its highest level of 2025 and the strongest reading since October 2022, reflecting continued easing in auto credit conditions. According to Cox Automotive, the improvement was driven primarily by rising approval rates, lower loan pricing, and longer loan terms. Read More
Dave Cantin Group announces $500 million Midwestern Auto Group sale to Jeff Wyler Auto family
The Jeff Wyler Automotive Family has acquired Midwestern Auto Group in a $500 million deal, adding 14 premium and luxury franchises, including Ferrari and Lamborghini, to its portfolio, Dave Cantin Group announced Thursday. The single-campus acquisition is among the largest franchise automotive transactions by a privately held company and the largest U.S. auto retail transaction to date in 2026. The combined group will be rebranded as The Wyler Collection. Read More
Ford worker suspended after heckling Trump during Detroit-area plant tour
A Ford Motor employee who heckled President Donald Trump during a factory tour on Tuesday near Detroit was suspended with pay, sparking a wave of political and union reactions. Video footage first published by TMZ and confirmed by the White House shows a line worker shouting at Trump while touring the Ford River Rouge Plant. In response, the President appeared to mouth an expletive and raised his middle finger toward the worker. Read More
Ford considers sourcing hybrid batteries from BYD, WSJ reports
Ford Motor is in discussions with China’s BYD over a potential partnership in which the U.S. automaker would purchase batteries for some of its hybrid vehicles, according to an exclusive WSJ report. The companies are currently negotiating the terms of this arrangement, and the discussions remain nonbinding. One proposal under consideration involves Ford importing batteries from BYD for use in Ford factories outside the United States. However, it’s possible that a deal may not ultimately be reached. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
VinArt’s Andy Wright urges collaboration to fix OEM stair-step incentive
As dealers navigate ongoing challenges tied to OEM incentives and online pricing transparency, Andy Wright, managing partner at VinArt Dealerships, is calling for greater collaboration, objective-based programs, and proactive industry standards to protect dealer profitability and rebuild consumer trust on today’s episode of Inside Automotive.
Dawson’s turnaround blueprint to strengthen dealership culture and performance
After acquiring the struggling Cherokee Mitsubishi in June 2025, host Jonathan Dawson inherited a business losing roughly $100,000 a month, selling fewer than 15 vehicles, and facing the risk of franchise termination. On today’s episode of Mind Your Own Business, he shares how he implemented a turnaround strategy to stabilize operations, reset culture and drive sustainable growth.
