Earlier this week: Trump unveiled a sweeping policy agenda with executive actions on day one of the second term. Trump suggests Musk and Ellison as potential TikTok buyers amid national security debate. UAW secures victory as Stellantis commits to U.S. manufacturing growth. EEOC sues two automakers and the UAW for alleged workplace harassment and discrimination. CBT News gears up for exclusive coverage of the 2025 NADA Show. Jack Hollis retires from Toyota after 33 years, and Mark Templin is named successor. automotiveMastermind unveils Acquire to help dealers capture customers and grow market share.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Trump unveils sweeping policy agenda with executive actions on day one of second term
In the first 27 hours of his second term, Donald J. Trump has signed approximately 200 executive actions, memoranda, and proclamations since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Read More
Trump suggests Musk, Ellison as potential TikTok buyers amid national security debate
During a Tuesday press briefing, President Trump indicated that he would be open to Tesla CEO Elon Musk or Oracle CEO Larry Ellison buying TikTok. Trump signed an executive order to extend TikTok’s deadline by 75 days. However, the caveat is that ByteDance must sell half its company to the United States. Read More
UAW secures victory as Stellantis commits to U.S. manufacturing growth
In a major move to rebuild trust with workers and strengthen its U.S. manufacturing footprint, Stellantis announced it will reopen the idled Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois and launch production of a new midsize truck within the next two years. The automaker also confirmed plans to manufacture the next-generation Dodge Durango at the Detroit Assembly Complex. Read More
EEOC sues two automakers and the UAW for alleged workplace harassment and discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed lawsuits against two major automakers—General Motors (GM) and Stellantis and the United Auto Workers (UAW)—accusing them of violating federal labor and civil rights laws. Read More
CBT News gears up for exclusive coverage of the 2025 NADA Show
CBT News is thrilled to announce our return to the 2025 NADA Show—the biggest automotive industry event of the year. This year marks our 12th covering the show, and we’re excited to bring you exclusive interviews, insights, and updates directly from Booth #8645 on the show floor. Read More
Jack Hollis retires from Toyota after 33 years, Mark Templin named successor
Jack Hollis, a prominent leader at Toyota Motor North America, has retired after 33 years with the company, effective January 22. Hollis served as COO and head of sales, roles that will now be filled by longtime Toyota executive Mark Templin starting January 27. Hollis, who joined Toyota in 1992, became one of the company’s most recognizable leaders, known for championing dealer relationships and the Toyota brand at major industry events. Read More
automotiveMastermind unveils Acquire to help dealers capture customers and grow market share
New York, NY – January 23, 2025 – automotiveMastermind, the automotive industry’s trusted data and technology provider, has unveiled a new technology that uses the industry’s most accurate and comprehensive data to identify prospects. This new product, Acquire, helps dealers grow market share by reaching new audiences – those who are outside their database and also likely to buy a vehicle – within offers through an easy-to-use interface. Read More
Dealer roundtable: Insights from powerhouse state association presidents
In today’s episode of Inside M&A, hosts Dave Cantin and Jim Fitzpatrick host a virtual dealer roundtable with powerhouse state association presidents: Brian Maas, Darren Whitehurst, and Ted Smith. Watch the full segment here.
How dealers can maximize their reach with connected TV solutions – Jeff Brown | Force Marketing
Streaming services are becoming a game-changer, and one company is leading the charge with innovative solutions. Jeff Brown, the Chief Operating Officer of Force Marketing, joins us on today’s episode of Inside Automotive to explain how connected TV is transforming how dealers connect with their audiences. From hyper-targeted ads to optimizing media spend, Jeff shares insights into how streaming can create a game-changing strategy for dealerships. Watch the full segment here.
Don’t get left behind: Modernize your dealership playbook – John Fitzpatrick | Force Marketing
The J.D. Power Auto Summit is right around the corner, and this renowned summit serves as a cornerstone for dealership leaders and innovators seeking a competitive edge. This year’s event emphasizes modernizing dealership strategies while maintaining a strong foundation of proven practices. In today’s episode of CBT Now, we’re joined by John Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Force Marketing, to give us a sneak peek into the summit and discuss his thoughts on the trends that will shape 2025. Watch the full segment here.
