ICYMI: Canada courts Chinese EV makers to boost domestic auto production. Rob Cochran was named NADA 2026 Chairman. Ford posts its largest quarterly decline, but projects a rebound in 2026. Stellantis issues ‘do not drive’ alert for 225,000 vehicles equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags. The EPA will revoke its 2009 endangerment finding, and policy changes may influence vehicle mix and timing, particularly for dealerships selling EVs and hybrids.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Canada courts Chinese EV makers to boost domestic auto production, reduce US reliance
Canada is pursuing investment from a Chinese automaker to build electric vehicles domestically for global export, signaling a strategic pivot to strengthen its auto sector and reduce reliance on U.S. production. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Minister of Industry Melanie Joly said the federal government is holding “active conversations” with Chinese automakers about establishing EV assembly plants in Canada that would serve international markets. The approach would rely on joint ventures that pair Chinese vehicle platforms with Canadian labor, suppliers, and technology. Read More
Rob Cochran named NADA 2026 Chairman, outlines dealer priorities
Pennsylvania dealer Rob Cochran officially assumed the role of National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) chairman on Thursday at the 2026 NADA Show, telling thousands of attendees that dealer involvement is more critical than ever amid unprecedented industry change. Cochran succeeds Tom Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet in Hudson, Florida, and has served on the NADA Board representing Pennsylvania since 2020. Read More
Ford posts largest quarterly decline, projects 2026 rebound
Ford Motor reported its largest quarterly earnings miss in four years in its fourth-quarter results released Tuesday, citing unexpected tariff costs and supplier disruptions, even as executives projected a financial rebound in 2026. Despite the miss, Ford’s F-Series trucks and Ford Pro commercial fleet operations are expected to drive profitability, signaling stability for dealers reliant on these high-demand segments. Read More
Stellantis issues immediate ‘do not drive’ alert for 225,000 vehicles
Stellantis on Wednesday issued a “do not drive” warning for approximately 225,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles in the United States equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags, urging owners to stop driving the vehicles until the defective inflators are replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed the alert in an online notice, warning that the faulty airbags pose a substantial safety risk. Stellantis said the action is intended to accelerate repairs of remaining affected vehicles and protect owners, their families, and the public from serious injury or death. Read More
Federal emissions rollback prompts questions for dealership EV planning
On Thursday, the EPA revealed it will revoke its 2009 endangerment finding, marking the administration’s most influential climate-related deregulation yet and drawing expected legal challenges from environmental groups and automakers. The White House framed the rollback as a regulatory win for businesses, projecting $1.3 trillion in savings from reduced compliance costs. However, opponents warn that rescinding the finding could destabilize emissions rules, undermine regulatory certainty, and slow EV adoption. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
AFIP’s Shannon Robertson shares must-know compliance strategies for dealerships
Compliance is a critical yet often overlooked area in dealership operations. Ignoring it can lead to fines, legal issues and lost business, especially as dealerships increasingly handle digital transactions and social media marketing. On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, AFIP Executive Director and show host of CBT News’ “Compliance That Works,” Shannon Robertson, shares actionable strategies for dealers to strengthen compliance to mitigate risk and improve dealership operations.
Sales coach Matt Easton breaks down daily goal-setting strategies for a successful 2026
Sales coach Matt Easton, founder of Easton University, says the reason many sales professionals fail to reach their goals isn’t a lack of motivation, but a lack of structure. During that latest episode of CBT Now, Easton breaks down the daily habits and systems that can help dealership sales teams and leaders achieve consistent results in 2026.
