ICYMI: Used-vehicle sales climbed, and CPO sales dipped in November. Stellantis launched an internal overhaul as sales slowed across Europe and the U.S. Scout Motors won approval to sell vehicles directly to buyers in Colorado. The U.S. and Japan will start picking projects for a $550 billion investment fund. Canada says talks with the U.S. on steel and aluminum tariffs are stalled in Ottawa.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Used-vehicle retail sales rise, CPO sales slip in November
Used-vehicle retail sales increased in November, fueled by steady demand and improving affordability, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View. Dealers, both franchised and independent, sold an estimated 1.39 million used vehicles, up 1.9% from a year earlier and 2.3% from October. Days’ supply remained at 50, two days higher than last year, reflecting a stable but growing inventory. Read More
Stellantis launches internal “emergency room” to streamline operations
Stellantis, the global automotive giant selling cars under 14 brand names worldwide, is considering trimming its portfolio after sales slowed, Reuters reports. CEO Antonio Filosa has launched an internal “emergency room” to refocus the company’s strategy, which could include eliminating some brands, particularly in Europe. Read More
Scout Motors wins Colorado license to sell direct to consumers
Scout Motors has secured approval to sell vehicles directly to consumers in Colorado, marking an early regulatory win for the Volkswagen Group-backed startup as it pushes forward with a direct-to-consumer sales strategy in the U.S. Read More
US, Japan begin selecting projects for $550 billion investment fund
The United States and Japan have taken the first formal step toward deploying a $550 billion investment fund under their recent trade agreement, convening a bilateral consultation panel to evaluate potential projects. Read More
Canada unlikely to reach quick U.S. deal on steel, aluminum tariffs
Canada is unlikely to reach a near-term deal with the United States to reduce tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other sectors, Prime Minister Mark Carney said in Ottawa Thursday, signaling that negotiations will likely be rolled into next year’s review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Scout Motors’ direct-to-consumer move draws criticism from Colorado dealers, industry veteran Mike Maroone
Colorado’s decision to grant Scout Motors a dealer license, allowing the Volkswagen-backed brand to sell vehicles directly to consumers, has raised concerns among franchise dealers and industry experts. On this upcoming episode of Inside Automotive, Mike Maroone, CEO of Mike Maroone Auto and former AutoNation executive, calls the move a “circumvention of the traditional franchise system” that undermines dealer investments and long-standing protections.
MADA President Scott Lambert on Minnesota dealer priorities and challenges
Minnesota’s automotive market is navigating a year of change, from shifting EV adoption to complex legislation affecting dealers. On this upcoming episode of Inside Automotive, Scott Lambert, president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, provides a year-end update on the challenges and opportunities shaping the state’s dealerships.
Don Andres shares strategies to help service departments grow in 2026
With 2025 rapidly coming to a close, it is time for service leaders to reflect on recent wins, identify gaps, and reset strategies for the year ahead. On this new episode of Service Drive, Don Andres, owner and president of Auto SCT Consulting & Training and author of Why Auto Service Departments Fail to Grow, outlines practical ways service departments can maximize performance in 2026.
