ICYMI: Volkswagen halts all exports of the ID. Buzz to the U.S. Mercedes settles with US for $150 million over diesel emissions claims. US GDP surges 4.3% in Q3. CDK Service Shopper 5.0 Study finds mobile service boosts customer satisfaction. Honda acquires LG Energy Solution’s Ohio battery plant for $2.9B.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Volkswagen pauses US ID. Buzz sales as EV demand cools
Volkswagen is halting exports of the ID. Buzz to the United States after only a little over a year on the market, due to slow sales and diminished consumer demand following the expiration of federal tax incentives. The all-electric retro minibus, with a quirky design heavily inspired by VW’s iconic bus from the 60s, has struggled to sell since its release. Read More
Mercedes-Benz reaches $149.6M settlement with U.S. states over diesel emissions claims
Mercedes-Benz has agreed to pay $149.6 million to resolve a multistate investigation into allegations that the automaker used unlawful software to cheat diesel emissions tests, a settlement that state officials say effectively closes the company’s U.S. legal exposure tied to the dieselgate scandal. Read More
GDP surges 4.3% in Q3 as consumer spending and exports rebound
The U.S. economy grew at a 4.3% annualized rate in the third quarter, the fastest pace in two years, fueled by strong consumer spending, a rebound in exports, and business investment in equipment and artificial intelligence, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. Government spending, primarily on defense, also contributed to the growth. Read More
Mobile service gains traction as dealers weigh fixed ops opportunity
While mobile service is gaining traction across fixed operations, new research indicates that customer satisfaction is higher, with consumers willing to pay more for convenience, despite limited adoption among dealerships. Findings from the CDK Service Shopper 5.0 Study show that customers who use mobile service report higher satisfaction than those who rely on traditional dealership service. Read More
Honda acquires LG Energy’s Ohio EV battery plant for $2.9B
Honda is set to buy out LG Energy Solutions’ facilities and other assets from their joint battery plant in Ohio for roughly 4.2 trillion won ($2.9 billion), the companies announced Wednesday. The transaction, scheduled to close by the end of February, is aimed at improving operational efficiency amid a cooling U.S. EV market. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Michael Dunne elaborates how Chinese automakers are disrupting global markets
One of the most important stories in automotive retail in 2025 is China’s accelerated influence on worldwide markets. Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights and host of the Driving with Dunne podcast, joins us on the latest episode of Inside Automotive to break down what the rapid expansion of Chinese automakers means for manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers as the industry heads into 2026.
Evelyn Cardenas discusses how CFADA is tackling the auto technician shortage
It’s been over a year since the Central Florida Automobile Dealers Association launched its initiative to recruit, train and place automotive technicians into dealership service departments. On today’s episode of Service Drive, CFADA CEO and President Evelyn Cardenas joins host Jim Fitzpatrick to provide an update on the program’s progress..
40 Under 40 Honoree: Charles Zheng | Atlantic Honda & Advantage Honda
Charles Zheng, finance director of Atlantic Honda and Advantage Honda, has been named a 2025 honoree of CBT News’ 40 Under 40 awards. The recognition highlights rising leaders in retail automotive who demonstrate strong performance, adaptability, and long-term commitment to the industry.
