Ford, Volkswagen, Jeep & Mazda can't LOWER PRICES FAST ENOUGH | Episode 998
About this episode
Ford, Volkswagen, Jeep, and Mazda are struggling with high inventory levels and can't lower prices quickly enough as they prepare for a projected decline in new car sales by 2026. The hosts discuss the latest data from Cox Automotive, highlighting significant drops in new vehicle inventory and the implications for dealers. They analyze how different manufacturers manage inventory and pricing, emphasizing that brands with excess inventory may offer better deals for consumers. The episode also touches on the challenges of leftover vehicles from previous model years and the importance of understanding market dynamics when buying a car.
new vehicle inventory
"...the latest new car inventory data, new vehicle inventory contracts as industry enters Pivotal 2026."
New vehicle inventory is the number of new cars that are available for sale at dealerships.
New vehicle inventory refers to the stock of unsold new cars available at dealerships, which can fluctuate based on demand and production rates.
Mazda
"...we're going to pick on a couple of automakers here, Ford, Volkswagen, Jeep and Mazda in a second."
Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes sporty cars and is known for its unique engine design.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its sporty cars and innovative technologies, such as the rotary engine.
dealer floor plan costs
"...which is dealer floor plan costs, which obviously cost dealerships money. But let's explain that. Yeah, let's start simple. We're just getting back into the groove here."
Dealer floor plan costs are the fees that car dealerships pay to borrow money for the cars they have on their lot. Instead of buying the cars outright, they finance them, which costs money over time.
Dealer floor plan costs refer to the expenses incurred by dealerships for financing their inventory of new cars. This financing allows dealers to stock a variety of vehicles without paying cash upfront, but it also means they have to manage the costs associated with holding that inventory.
average asking price for cars
"...the average asking price for cars today is pretty close to $50,000, which means that the average cost for the dealership to finance that car sitting on the lot..."
The average asking price for cars is how much most dealerships are asking for the cars they sell. It gives you an idea of what you might expect to pay when buying a new car.
The average asking price for cars represents the typical price that dealerships list their vehicles for sale. This figure can vary based on market conditions, vehicle demand, and inventory levels.
Ram
"...as opposed to producing, period. And Ford, Volkswagen, Mazda, Jeep, Ram, they've been up..."
Ram is a brand that makes trucks and vans, known for being strong and good for carrying heavy loads.
Ram is a brand of trucks and vans produced by Stellantis, known for their durability and capability in towing and hauling.
Hyundai Genesis
"...o the right of that green line on the screen. So Genesis, Subaru, Accurate, Dodge, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Hy..."
The Hyundai Genesis is a fancy car that feels really nice to drive and has lots of cool features. It's a good option for people who want luxury without spending too much money.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that offers high-end features and performance at a competitive price. It has been praised for its comfort, technology, and value, making it a strong alternative to more established luxury brands.
days supply of inventory
"...the higher that number is, the more pain the automaker is in. Now, to the left of that line,..."
Days supply of inventory means how many days a car company can keep selling cars with the stock they have. If they have too many cars, it can mean they are not selling well.
Days supply of inventory refers to the number of days a manufacturer can continue selling vehicles based on current inventory levels. A higher number indicates excess inventory, which can signal overproduction or reduced demand.
BMW
"...Lexus, Toyota, Land Rover, Honda, Infiniti to a degree, BMW, Porsche,..."
BMW is a luxury car brand from Germany that makes cars known for being fun to drive and having high-quality interiors.
BMW is a German luxury automaker known for its performance-oriented vehicles and innovative technology, often emphasizing driving pleasure and sporty handling.
Porsche
"...Lexus, Toyota, Land Rover, Honda, Infiniti to a degree, BMW, Porsche,..."
Porsche is a luxury car brand from Germany that makes fast and sporty cars, like the famous 911 model.
Porsche is a German automaker renowned for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the iconic 911, and a focus on engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Toyota Land
"who just are more dialed in when it comes to the vehicles that they're producing. And so Lexus, Toyota, Land Rover, Honda, Infiniti to a degree, BMW, Porsche, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, GMC, they all have a lower days supply. And ultimately, those dealerships are in more,"
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big, tough SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's also comfortable and has nice features, which is why many people love it for both trips and daily driving.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capability, durability, and luxury features. It has a long history of being a reliable vehicle for both rugged terrain and everyday use, making it a popular choice among adventurers and families alike.
seller's market
"...the more of a seller's market it is, the higher your day..."
A seller's market is when there are more buyers than there are products to sell. This means sellers can ask for higher prices because people want what they have.
A seller's market occurs when demand for a product exceeds supply, giving sellers more power in negotiations. In the automotive context, this means dealerships can charge higher prices due to limited vehicle availability.
Ford Ranger
"... $85,000 platinum, 94 days on the market for this Ranger, which is only $40,000. Another F-150, 101 days ..."
Ford F150
"...94 days on the market for this Ranger, which is only $40,000..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller truck compared to the F-150, and it's good for people who want a truck that is easier to drive and park.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that offers a balance of capability and efficiency, making it suitable for both work and leisure activities.
Ford F-250
"...Here's an F-250 that the..."
The Ford F-250 is a bigger and stronger truck than the F-150, made for heavy work like towing trailers or carrying heavy loads.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for tougher tasks, offering greater towing and payload capacities compared to the F-150.
Ford Bronco
"...e up for the 1,300 miles in the case of that Ford Bronco 4-door. That's on the Ford side. The other autom..."
The Ford Bronco is a strong SUV that can go off-road and handle tough conditions. It's been redesigned recently, making it popular for people who love adventure and want a cool-looking vehicle.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that has been revived with modern technology and design. Known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, the Bronco appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a versatile vehicle.
Volkswagen Id4
"...r in the United States of America right now, the ID4. Let's take a quick peek. This is within 100 mile..."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a new electric SUV that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's designed to be roomy and has the latest tech, making it a great choice for people looking to go green.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that represents VW's commitment to electric mobility. It offers a spacious interior, modern technology, and a range suitable for everyday driving, making it a strong contender in the growing EV market.
Volkswagen Tiguans
"Tiguan's, 124 days on the market, 162 days on the market"
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a smaller SUV that is good for families. It has a lot of room inside and is easy to drive.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and comfort. It is known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and good driving dynamics.
Volkswagen Jetta
"a Jetta, 207 days on the market. These are relatively affordable vehicles."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that is easy to drive and great for everyday use. It's known for being reliable and fuel-efficient.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan known for its practicality, comfort, and efficiency. It has been a popular choice for those looking for a reliable daily driver.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
"Look at this ID bus. Wow, this is fascinating."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW bus. It's designed to be fun and eco-friendly.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van inspired by the classic VW Microbus. It combines retro design with modern electric vehicle technology, aiming to appeal to both nostalgia and sustainability.
EV sales
"...We know EV sales are tough to begin with, and many of Volkswagen's EV products have been slower selling than a lot of their competitors..."
EV sales are about how well electric cars are selling. They are becoming more popular, but there are still some problems that make it hard for people to buy them, like needing places to charge them.
EV sales refer to the market performance of electric vehicles, which have been growing in popularity but face challenges such as consumer acceptance, charging infrastructure, and competition from traditional gasoline vehicles.
Jeep Cherokee
"the Cherokee L, 74 days on market, $67,000 vehicle, the Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L."
The Cherokee L is a larger version of the Jeep Cherokee that can seat more people. It's built for both city driving and off-road adventures.
The Jeep Cherokee L is a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seating and is designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. It combines practicality with Jeep's rugged heritage.
time on market
"...vehicles sitting for months on end that aren't selling. It's a perfect example of why, if you, to your point earlier, you can get a better deal on many of these vehicles than you can the brand new 26s."
Time on market is how long a car has been for sale. If it's been a long time, it might mean that not many people want to buy it.
Time on market refers to the duration a vehicle has been listed for sale before it is sold. A longer time on market can indicate lower demand or pricing issues.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"the Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L. Let's look at a few more of these here."
The Grand Cherokee is a bigger SUV from Jeep that combines luxury and off-road abilities. It's designed for comfort while still being tough enough for adventures.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for its blend of luxury, off-road capability, and advanced technology. It offers a range of powerful engines and a comfortable interior.
Subaru Forest
"...Thank you so much. $199 lease special for a 2025 Subaru Forest during Denver's small print quote. Let's see may..."
The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that can drive well in bad weather because it has all-wheel drive. It's great for families and people who like to go on adventures because it's roomy and safe.
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its all-wheel drive capability and practicality. It is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and families due to its spacious interior, safety features, and reliability.
realized value
"...you are not responsible for the difference between the residual value and what they're calling the realized value..."
Realized value is how much a car is actually worth when you return it after a lease. It might be different from what was expected, which can affect what you owe.
Realized value refers to the actual market value of a vehicle at the end of a lease term. It can differ from the residual value, impacting any potential charges at lease termination.
excess wear and tear
"...the things that you wouldn't be responsible for are any excess wear and tear and any mileage..."
Excess wear and tear means any damage to the car that is more than what is considered normal. If you return the car with too much damage, you might have to pay extra fees.
Excess wear and tear refers to damage or deterioration beyond normal use that may incur additional charges at the end of a lease. It's important to understand what constitutes normal wear to avoid unexpected costs.
Stellantis
"...perhaps a Stalantis brand of some kind is in second place. Okay, so it's not quite nine, but Ford is currently leading..."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge. They were created when two companies merged together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
Rivian
"...but Ford is currently leading with three recalls thus far in 2026 Rivian at the number two spot."
Rivian is a newer car company that makes electric vehicles, like trucks and SUVs. They focus on making cars that are good for outdoor adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. The company focuses on adventure-oriented electric vehicles and has garnered significant attention for its innovative designs.
out-the-door price
"we help people get out-the-door price quotes all day long to help them get a fair car deal."
The out-the-door price is the total amount you pay for a car, including all taxes and fees. It tells you exactly how much you need to spend to buy the car.
The out-the-door price (OTD) is the total cost of purchasing a vehicle, including taxes, fees, and any additional costs, providing a complete picture of what the buyer will pay.
Honda Prelude
"...or a customer. Look at this. This is for a Honda Prelude. You've got an MSRP of $43,195, a dealer discount..."
The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that is fun to drive and looks sporty. It's well-liked because it combines good performance with Honda's reputation for being reliable.
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced for several decades, known for its performance and stylish design. It has a loyal following among car enthusiasts due to its engaging driving experience and reliability.
dealer discount
"a dealer discount of $10,000..."
A dealer discount is when the car dealership lowers the price of a car to help sell it faster. It's a way to make the car more affordable.
A dealer discount is a reduction in the price of a vehicle offered by the dealership, often to incentivize sales or clear inventory.
protection package
"and then a $15,000 protection package."
A protection package is a set of extra services or products you can buy for your car to keep it safe and looking good. It might include things like special coatings or warranties.
A protection package typically includes various add-ons or services designed to protect the vehicle, such as extended warranties, paint protection, or interior protection.
additional dealer markup
"Many dealers are charging additional dealer markup on those because there seems to be a market for that car."
Additional dealer markup is when a car dealer charges more than the suggested price because they think the car is in high demand. This means you might pay more than what the manufacturer recommends.
Additional dealer markup refers to the extra amount that dealers add to the MSRP of a vehicle, often due to high demand or low supply. This can significantly increase the final price paid by the customer.
bait and switch advertising
"...we were talking about bait and switch advertising for dealerships, and he said to me, he said, you would just think that that's got to be illegal..."
Bait and switch advertising is when a store advertises something at a low price to get people in, but then tries to sell them something more expensive instead. It's considered dishonest and is illegal in many places.
Bait and switch advertising is a deceptive marketing practice where a seller advertises a product at a low price to attract customers, but then tries to sell them a different, often more expensive product. This practice is illegal in many jurisdictions.
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