TOGETHER WITH :
Howdy Fam!
It’s good to be back at Monday. Proof that things can never get too good or too far gone.
Monday’s always coming back around to offer a retry, or insist we start back from one.
The week is yours, friend, and what you do today plays a big part in how it goes.
Let’s get after it!
See you in Hanover,
- Chris with Paul, Kyle & Kristi
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Tariffs, Pricing, and Strategy Are All Moving at Once
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Tariffs, pricing, and global strategy are all moving at once right now. These stories point to where pressure is building and where opportunity may follow. From potential cash flowing back into the industry to shifts in used values and global partnerships, here’s what deserves your attention today.
Tariff refunds could return billions to the auto industry
The Trump administration will begin accepting applications April 20 for tariff refunds tied to duties the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional.
The auto industry could recoup nearly $20 billion, according to PwC, offering relief after years of elevated trade costs. The refunds apply to certain “reciprocal” tariffs, but most auto-specific duties remain in place.
For dealers, this does not eliminate cost pressure, but it may improve OEM and supplier balance sheets in the near term.
Used vehicle market remains strong as spring trends settle
Mid-April data from Cox Automotive shows a used market that remains strong, even as seasonal gains begin to taper.
Wholesale prices dipped slightly month over month but are still up year over year, with demand holding steady. Sales conversion rates remain above long-term averages, signaling continued buyer activity.
EV values are outperforming gas vehicles, likely helped by fuel prices above $4 per gallon. Inventory levels are stable, and the market is tracking close to historical patterns.
Ford leans into China partnerships to stay competitive globally
Ford plans to expand partnerships with Chinese automakers overseas, according to CEO Jim Farley.
The move reflects how quickly Chinese manufacturers are advancing in cost, speed, and EV development. At the same time, Farley noted the U.S. still needs a plan to protect domestic jobs before allowing broader Chinese competition.
For now, the focus is international, where collaboration may help Ford stay competitive. It signals a shift as legacy automakers balance competition with cooperation.
Where rubber meets the road:
Use this in your conversations today. If customers push on price, you have context. If they ask about EVs or affordability, you have data. If they question where the market is heading, you have a clear read. This is how you stay confident, informed, and helpful on the lot.
Turnover Is Costing You More Than You Think
The Retail Automotive industry loses nearly $20 billion a year to employee turnover. And most dealers treat it like the cost of doing business.
Here's the problem: You cannot expect to have consistently satisfied customers if your employees are not satisfied.
Leading dealers who’ve figured this out invest in employee experience. And it shows in their employee retention, corporate culture, and profitability.
ESi-Q measures employee satisfaction and provides actionable insight into what’s driving engagement and turnover - before employees leave.
Discover how ESi-Q can help your dealership turn employee satisfaction into a competitive advantage.
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Sedans still have a role as affordability drives interest
SUVs still dominate, but sedans are holding ground as a lower-cost entry point. With average vehicle prices near $50,000, compact cars around $22,000 are pulling in younger buyers. Some automakers are reconsidering their retreat from the segment.
Toyota’s $15K EV shows what pricing looks like in China
Toyota’s electric SUV in China has topped 80,000 deliveries in its first year, driven largely by a price point near $15,000. It highlights the growing gap between what is possible in China and what U.S. consumers can access.
EU exports to U.S. fall sharply amid tariff pressure
EU exports to the U.S. dropped more than 25% for a second straight month, reflecting tariff impacts and earlier front-loaded demand. Autos were affected, though the broader takeaway is that global trade flows are still adjusting and may take years to settle.
Smarter Payments Start Here
Every transaction that runs through your store carries a cost. Are you tracking it?
On April 22 at 2pm EDT, PayJunction’s Randy Modos joins Don Andres to walk through how dealers are taking control of their payment strategy and turning it into a measurable advantage.
It also gets into the operational side, where integrated payments clean up manual work, tighten reporting, and give your team tools that actually get used.
🤖 AI: The US is investing in uranium amid the uptick in AI.
🛒 Retail: Home Depot is redoing its mobile app this year. They say they generated $25B from the app. Anyway, for dealers to make pocket purchasing an option for their stores?
💰 Economy: Save money, take a nap. An airline are bringing bunk beds to the economy section, but you can’t eat, bring smells, or cuddle.
👽 Weird: Florida woman thought 123 mph was OK because she was 'driving a Supra'
1861 – Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, attempting to display the value of balloons, makes a record journey, flying 900 miles from Cincinnati to South Carolina.
2008 – Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win an IndyCar race
2020 – For the first time in history, oil prices drop below zero, an effect of the 2020 Russia-Saudi Arabia oil price war.
Thanks for reading, Friend!
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