🛑 December 19: EV Delays, Nissan Drama, and Tesla’s PR Gamble

The Gist

Sales are cruising toward a post-pandemic high, but dealer profits are still stuck in the slow lane.

EVs are gaining ground, though Tesla’s losing its grip as Hyundai and GM close the gap.

Nissan’s leadership shakeup and a potential Foxconn partnership hint at big moves, while Ford and Stellantis are hitting pause on electric trucks to recalibrate.

Canoo’s in financial limbo, California’s mandating EV-ready homes, and GM is charging ahead with ultra-fast stations.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen retires the legendary VR-6 engine, and Tesla flirts with a PR reboot while its stock takes a nosedive.

Fuel for Thought

• 💼 Leadership Drama: Nissan’s Big Shakeup

• 🤝 Foxconn and Nissan: A Strategic Stake in Play

• 🔌 Charging Forward: GM, ChargePoint, and Californ …

  • GM and ChargePoint Build the Future

  • California Mandates EV-Ready Housing

• 🛑 Canoo: From Ambition to Furloughs

• Truck Delays

  • 🚗 Ford F-150 Lightning: Pause or Panic?

  • 🚛 Ram’s Goldilocks Moment: Delays and Decisions

• 🔧 The End of an Era: Volkswagen Retires VR-6

• ⚡ Tesla’s PR Comeback and Market Jitters

  • 🗞️ Tesla Reconsiders Its Media Strategy

  • 📉 Stock Turbulence and Political Ties

📊 By the Numbers: U.S. Auto Sales 2025

U.S. auto sales are expected to hit a post-pandemic high, driven by improving inventory levels, discounts, and financing rates. But will these numbers translate to dealer profits?

• Forecasted Growth:

  • S&P Global and Edmunds predict U.S. light vehicle sales will climb to 16.2–16.3 million units, up from ~16 million this year.

  • This marks the highest sales volume since 2019’s 17 million units.

• EV Market Expansion:

  • EV sales are projected to reach 1.3 million units, claiming an 8% market share—a record high but shy of earlier 10% expectations.

  • Tesla’s dominance is slipping, with its market share falling below 50% as Hyundai, GM, and others gain ground.

• Pricing Pressures:

  • Average new vehicle transaction prices have dropped slightly to $47,465, a 0.8% decrease from 2023 but still 27.2% higher than in 2019.

  • Rising inventories and higher automaker incentives are squeezing margins.

💼 Leadership Drama: Nissan’s Big Shakeup

Nissan is shuffling leadership across its global markets to streamline operations and adapt to evolving consumer demands. But is this strategy bold enough to make an impact?

Why does Nissan keep playing musical chairs?
This isn’t about collecting frequent flyer miles; Nissan is tackling inefficiency head-on. Stephen Ma will oversee the competitive Chinese market, while Jérémie Papin takes charge of global finances. Meanwhile, Christian Meunier returns to lead Americas operations with a resume packed tighter than a dealer's showroom during a holiday sale.

Will these changes trickle down to U.S. dealers?
Possibly. A sharper focus on the Americas means dealers might see more regionally tailored strategies, improved inventories, and maybe even fewer supply chain hiccups.

🤝 Foxconn and Nissan: A Strategic Stake in Play

Foxconn, the tech giant behind much of the world’s electronics, is reportedly in talks with Renault to purchase a stake in Nissan. The potential deal underscores Foxconn’s growing ambitions in the EV market and could strengthen Nissan’s push for profitability and innovation. While details remain scarce, this move aligns with Nissan’s broader restructuring efforts, signaling a potential new chapter for the automaker’s partnerships and global strategy.

Check out more on this from The Automotive Troublemaker podcast

🔌 Charging Forward: GM, ChargePoint, and California’s EV Boom

GM and ChargePoint Build the Future

GM Energy is partnering with ChargePoint to install 500 ultra-fast chargers nationwide by 2025. With speeds up to 500 kW, these chargers promise to turn long road trips into quick coffee breaks.

California Mandates EV-Ready Housing

Starting in 2026, California will require all new residential units to have EV-ready parking. This regulation could jumpstart EV adoption by solving the dreaded “Where do I charge?” question.

🛑 Canoo: From Ambition to Furloughs

Canoo, the once-promising EV startup, has hit the brakes—furloughing employees and idling factories while chasing capital.

“Focusing on securing funding” sounds like corporate speak for “we’re running out of gas.” But with innovations like steer-by-wire tech, Canoo’s potential hasn’t evaporated yet. If investors bite, dealers could see fresh fleet options in the near future.

Truck Delays

🚗 Ford F-150 Lightning: Pause or Panic?

Ford’s temporary halt in F-150 Lightning production isn’t a signal of doom—it’s a recalibration.

Why pause one of your best sellers?
Ford says it’s matching production to real demand, a strategy to avoid overloading dealerships with unsold inventory. With sales up 86% year-over-year, it’s less of a red flag and more of a pit stop.

What’s next for the Lightning?
Expect smarter production planning and continued innovation. As Ford puts it, “Demand is solid; we’re just optimizing the mix.”

🚛 Ram’s Goldilocks Moment: Delays and Decisions

Stellantis joins Ford in recalibrating EV strategies, delaying the all-electric Ram 1500 REV to 2026 while prioritizing the Ramcharger. Here’s what to know:

• What’s the Ramcharger?

  • An extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) with a 92 kWh battery and 3.6L V6 generator.

  • Delivers up to 690 miles of range, including 145 miles on battery power.

• Why the Delay?

  • Stellantis cites overwhelming consumer interest in hybrid solutions and slower EV demand.

• Dealer Takeaway:

  • The Ramcharger could attract buyers skeptical of full EVs, offering a practical bridge to electrification.

🔧 The End of an Era: Volkswagen Retires VR-6

After 34 years of powering iconic vehicles, Volkswagen’s VR-6 engine has reached its final assembly line. This narrow-angle V-6 was beloved for its versatility and power but has been overtaken by modern turbocharged four-cylinders. Farewell, VR-6—you’ll always rev in our hearts.

⚡ Tesla’s PR Comeback and Market Jitters

🗞️ Tesla Reconsiders Its Media Strategy

Tesla might be resurrecting its long-defunct PR department, hinting at a shift in strategy. A new job listing for a "Vehicle Communications Manager" signals plans to re-engage with media and refine its messaging. This could help combat misinformation and improve transparency, especially as Tesla faces increasing scrutiny in the EV market. While Elon Musk famously dismissed PR as “manipulating public opinion,” industry watchers say a PR team could provide accurate information and help Tesla navigate the complexities of media narratives.

📉 Stock Turbulence and Political Ties

Tesla’s stock took an 8% tumble, marking its steepest drop since Donald Trump’s election victory sparked a rally. Despite a 75% rise post-election, analysts question the stock’s disconnection from fundamentals. Musk’s prominent role in the upcoming administration and his backing of Trump may add volatility. Regulatory and market pressures, coupled with incentives to boost EV demand, could shape Tesla’s future in ways both promising and precarious. Tesla’s ability to balance bold moves with grounded strategies will be key in the year ahead.

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