Sonic Automotive to Regrow, Revise EchoPark Network
Jeff Dyke, president of Sonic Automotive Inc., said the publicly traded megadealer chain, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, will start rebuilding its EchoPark network of used-only dealerships – with some revisions. According to WardsAuto,Sonic closed many EchoPark locations starting in 2023, in response to the shortage of late-model used cars brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The used-car brand also started offering older used vehicles than it originally intended, since prices for “nearly new” used cars got so high. Today, market conditions are improved for EchoPark. The volume of lease returns is recovering, reflecting a comeback in new-vehicle leasing beginning three years ago. In addition, demand for used vehicles is growing as customers avoid sky-high new-car prices. For a change, Sonic plans to source some of its EchoPark inventory from Sonic’s franchised, new-vehicle dealerships, and rely less on wholesale auctions and off-rental fleets. Dyke says EchoPark will also grow more conservatively – at a pace dictated by available, used-car inventory. Click here to read the full interview.
U.S. Sales Stumbles Continue in November as Affordability Woes Deepen
Increasing affordability concerns and a continued slump for electric vehicles after a federal tax credit expired have left U.S. new-vehicle sales limping to the finish line of 2025. Light-vehicle deliveries fell 6.3 percent in November from the same month last year, when there was one additional selling day, GlobalData said in a preliminary report. On a selling day-adjusted basis, sales dropped 2.6 percent. Sales of most EVs declined significantly, continuing a recent trend. While the overall market fell for the second consecutive month, some brands such as Toyota and Kia posted modest gains driven by strong demand for hybrids and lower-priced models.“People are looking for affordability right now,” Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at Edmunds, told Automotive News. “We know there’s higher prices, interest rates are still high from a historical perspective, and that is kind of coming to roost at this point in the year where people are more deal-oriented. Folks that offer vehicles in that vein are doing quite well.” The market continues to slow from the pace experienced in the first three quarters, when tariff worries and the end of federal tax credits toward electrified vehicle purchases had consumers in a rush to buy. Click here for the full story.
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD: Efficiency, Comfort, and Smart Utility
The minivan market may not grab headlines like SUVs and EVs, but it remains essential for families and transportation-focused businesses. Toyota understands this better than most, and the 2025 Sienna Platinum AWD reflects that insight, reports CBT News. With strong hybrid efficiency, thoughtful updates, and a cabin designed around real-world usability, the latest Sienna continues to serve as one of the most capable and versatile vehicles in its class. For 2025, Toyota focuses on meaningful improvements rather than sweeping redesigns. The model now includes a standard advanced rear-seat occupant detection system, an important safety update for families and fleet operators. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the lineup, and most trims receive larger touchscreens that improve ease of use. Toyota also adds available built-in features such as a refrigerator and vacuum, expanding the Sienna’s reputation as a vehicle designed for everyday life. Under the hood, the Sienna remains a hybrid-only model, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors that together produce 245 horsepower. While acceleration is modest—about 7.5 seconds from zero to 60 mph—the hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency at 35 mpg combined. Click here for the full story.
Nissan Shops for Partnerships, But Not One-Way Deals
Nissan Motor Co. is shopping for automotive partners, dangling electric vehicle platforms and electrified trucks as bargaining carrots. “Nissan is open for business with other automakers,” Nissan Americas product planning chief Ponz Pandikuthira told Automotive News at a media event here.But the company has made one requirement clear in discussions with prospective mates: “It must be reciprocal. Somebody has something that we would like; we have something that they would like,” Pandikuthira said.“We would not engage with a partner just to buy a vehicle, or platform, or piece of tech,” he continued. “That’s what makes it a long-term commitment instead of just a transaction.” Pandikuthira said Nissan is in “conversations” with multiple potential partners and that a deal could be done in the next year. Automotive News reported in October that Nissan was in talks with Ford Motor Co. and Stellantis to supply an electrified vehicle based on the Japanese automaker’s top-selling Rogue crossover. Meanwhile, Honda Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors have expressed interest in jointly developing models with Nissan. For Nissan, which this year reported its largest annual loss in a quarter century, collaboration might be the path to sustained salvation. Click here for the full story.
The Hidden Risk in Software-Dependent Electric Vehicles
Welcome back to the latest episode of “The Future of Automotive” on CBT News, where we put recent automotive and mobility news into the context of the broader themes impacting the industry. I’m Steve Greenfield from Automotive Ventures, and I’m glad that you could join us.This week, a look at a quiet but profound shift happening in our driveways and garages.There was a time—not that long ago—when cars were, at their core, mechanical machines. If you had the patience, the elbow grease, and the right tools, you could bring just about any old vehicle back to life. And once you did, that car could be maintained indefinitely. But in terms of upgrades, you were stuck. Whatever features the next model year introduced, well… you simply didn’t get them. But that world is changing. Fast. Take a Tesla. There are almost no buttons, no dials—just a giant touchscreen running nearly everything. And Tesla isn’t alone. Increasingly, modern cars, especially electric ones, are less like machines and more like software platforms, constantly updating themselves over the air to fix bugs, tweak performance, even add the occasional easter egg inside the cabin. Click here for the full story.
Around the Web
Nissan Isn’t Doing Normal Hybrids. Here’s Why [The Drive]
A Family Hauler From Toyota Impresses With Fuel Economy (but Not Looks) [The Wall Street Journal]
Trump Saw These “Really Cute” Cars in Japan and Now Wants Them on US Roads [Carscoops]
US Says New Fuel Economy Rule Could Lead to Return of Station Wagons [Reuters]