Auto Bytes Blog

The electric car transition unravels slowly, then all at once

December 22, 2025

The global transition to electric vehicles is beginning to unravel the way major changeovers often do: slowly at first, then all at once. This week brought a cascade of signals that the EV era is […]

Go to Article >>

Europe reverses course on combustion-engine ban

December 17, 2025

The European Union proposed watering down rules that would have effectively banned the sale of new combustion-engine cars in the bloc from 2035, after heavy pressure from the automotive industry. The move announced Tuesday is the latest […]

Go to Article >>

Ford takes $19.5 billion hit in Detroit’s biggest EV bust

December 16, 2025

Ford Motor Company said Monday it expected to take about $19.5 billion in charges, mainly tied to its electric-vehicle business, a massive hit as the automaker retrenches in the face of sinking EV demand. The […]

Go to Article >>

The recall gold rush is here – and savvy dealers are cashing in

December 12, 2025

It’s no secret… making money selling cars is getting harder. As margins compress on the variable side of the dealership (car sales, finance, insurance), the fixed ops side of things (car service and parts) is […]

Go to Article >>

China floods the world with gasoline cars it can’t sell at home

December 9, 2025

By Nick Carey While Western nations focus on the competitive threat of Chinese EVs, a different challenge is reshaping the auto industry. Beijing’s legacy automakers are saturating emerging and second-tier markets with fossil-fuel vehicles — often […]

Go to Article >>

Your franchisor also is a supplier

December 9, 2025

Some dealers may not view their franchisors as suppliers, but they are if programs are offered, not mandated. You cannot negotiate the standard terms of your dealer sales and service agreement. However, addenda to the […]

Go to Article >>

Car buyers balk at paying more after years of prices going up

December 1, 2025

Shoppers are downsizing, buying used vehicles, taking on longer car loans and holding out for deals For years it has seemed no sticker price was too high for American car buyers. Even as average new […]

Go to Article >>

Senate committee to challenge auto-safety mandates that hurt ‘affordability’

November 26, 2025

Republicans question value of automatic braking, rear-seat reminders Lawmakers will take aim at vehicle-safety mandates in a coming Senate hearing, targeting some auto-industry regulations once considered too sacrosanct to attack.  Senate Republicans in January plan […]

Go to Article >>

Auto software recalls approach record for sixth straight year

November 25, 2025

For possibly a record sixth straight year, the number of software recalls will rise past last year’s record for futility. So far in 2025, 166 recalls have affected a variety of automakers. Looking at 2024-2025 […]

Go to Article >>