TOGETHER WITH :
Howdy Fam!
Today we’re dealing with some “bifurcated” content (it just means forked, but makes me sound smart 😀).
First, we have some pretty deep data to review; second, we have 4 automaker-level moves to cover as quickly as possible. You’ve got places to be after all.
Ultimately, across both sections, we’ve got one big truth we keep on repeating:
This industry is worth fighting to get into.
Enjoy your day in it, Friend.
Keep Pushing Back,
—Chris with Paul, Kyle & Kristi
Reading time: 3 min and 36 sec
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Spring Momentum Meets a Few New Questions
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The early spring auto market is showing steady movement, with stronger wholesale values, rising new-vehicle prices, and a boost from tax refund season. But a few economic variables are starting to enter the picture.
According to Black Book, auction activity remained strong last week with steady buyer participation and improving sell-through rates.
Key wholesale signals:
Overall wholesale values: +0.24%
Cars: +0.18%
Trucks and SUVs: +0.26%
Auction conversion: 68%
Full-size pickups: biggest weekly gain since Nov 2021
Wholesale demand remains healthy, especially for clean, well-equipped inventory.
Broader industry data tells a similar story. Cox Automotive reports the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index reached 212.3 in February, its highest level since September 2023.
Other factors shaping demand:
Used values: +4.0% year over year
Average tax refund: just over $3,700
Total refunds issued: about $137B
Gas prices: up 13% to roughly $3.46
Tax refunds are helping fuel demand, though higher gas prices and a softer labor market could influence consumer spending as the month progresses.
On the new side, Kelley Blue Book reports the average transaction price for a new vehicle reached $49,353 in February, up 3.4% year over year, with incentives rising to 6.9% of ATP.
The market appears steady rather than overheated. Wholesale prices are firm, new vehicle pricing continues to rise at a measured pace, and the spring selling season is beginning to take shape.
Get more market data from this week here.
Here’s something you can share with your customers this week
Tax refunds can go a long way toward a stronger down payment on your next vehicle.
Gas prices are climbing, and many drivers are starting to think about better fuel economy.
Right now used inventory is improving, which means there’s a good chance we can help turn that tax return into a lower monthly payment with better MPG and fewer miles than what you're currently driving.
Record this as a quick video, post it to social, or send it in an email to keep your community informed.
Empower Your Team with Tech
Dealerships today are managing nonstop customer conversations, rising expectations, and limited time for coaching and development.
The challenge isn’t effort. It’s consistency, visibility, and support across every interaction.
In our upcoming 30-minute session with Thuy Adomitis and Scott Traylor of Mia, we’ll break down the three essential roles AI should play inside a modern dealership.
Four Headlines in Under One Minute
Scout deliveries pushed to 2028
Scout CEO Scott Keogh said retail deliveries of the Terra and Traveler will not happen until sometime in 2028, even though low-volume prototype builds begin in 2026. That is a long runway for a brand already taking $100 reservations and a reminder that startup launch timelines keep slipping.
VW’s U.S. growth target gets harder
Volkswagen Group says its 10% U.S. market share goal is moving further out, with current share sitting at just over 4%. A key reason: 27.5% tariffs now make many Mexico-to-U.S. exports uneconomic, which complicates pricing, product planning, and future factory decisions.
Stellantis borrows hybrid tech to move faster
Stellantis is using hybrid systems from supplier partners for key Jeep launches, including a Toyota-linked Blue Nexus transmission in the new Cherokee. The payoff is immediate: Jeep says the hybrid Cherokee delivers 37 mpg combined, making it the brand’s most fuel-efficient non-plug-in U.S. model ever.
Toyota finds EV success with price
Toyota’s bZ3X electric SUV topped 80,000 deliveries in China in its first year, helped by a starting price of about $15,000. That is the real headline: affordable EVs can still win big volume, especially in crowded markets where mainstream buyers are still price first.
March 31: NY Auto Forum
May 12: AutoIndustry.AI Summit
May 13-15: ASOTU CON 2026—get ready for the Year of the Human
🤖 AI: AI brain fry is a thing. We heard from a friend. It’s not us. We never even use the stuff.
💰 Economy: The Iran conflict is hitting the global economy in new ways.
👽 Weird: YouTube is bringing loud and un-skippable ads to its TV app (aka people are preparing to remove YouTube’s app from their TV).
1927 – The first armored truck robbery in U.S. history is reported.
1927 – In New York City, Samuel Roxy Rothafel opens the Roxy Theatre.
2009 – Toyota announces its one-millionth hybrid sale.
Thanks for reading, Friend!
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