On a bi-weekly basis, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) welcomes our audience to decompress with our President and CEO, Alan Amici, as he covers and shares his thoughts on the latest Hot Topics happening in the automotive industry. If you would like to receive this bi-weekly insight into critical industry issues you and your organization are facing, sign up for our mailing list here to get Hot Topics sent directly to your inbox.  

2nd Quarter Auto Sales: 

• Ford sales edge 1% higher in the second quarter, led by trucks 

• GM reports best U.S. quarterly sales since 2020 

• Tesla sales fall for second straight quarter despite price cuts, but beat analyst expectations 
• Stellantis sales drop sharply in second quarter amid dealer discontent 

Alan’s thoughts:

Positive Q2 sales results for Ford and GM with disappointing returns for Tesla and Stellantis.  Demand for hybrids is growing and while EV sales continue to increase, the rate of growth is slowing. What I find surprising is that non-ICE propulsion continues to be the growth area.  Savvy dealers will recognize this and will be prepared to showcase, describe, and inform potential buyers of the propulsion offerings. The purchase decision can often come down to a buyer’s confidence in the ability to navigate the transition from ICE to EVs (or hybrids). The dealer is the final and most crucial point of contact with the buyer, which can make all the difference in the world. 

Electric Sports Cars: 

• Porsche sticks with plans to stop some combustion model production 
• As the E.V. Revolution Slows, Ferrari Enters the Race 
• The 2026 Chevrolet Camaro: A Look at the Electric Future 

Alan’s thoughts:

Is performance only the domain of ICE vehicles? From the recent announcements and press releases, traditional performance car makers see an electric-powered future. Porsche, Chevy, and even Ferrari will offer EVs to entice a broad range of enthusiasts. Will drivers miss the throaty (or high pitched) roar of gas-powered engines? Apparently, not all EVs will be silent runners as Ferrari hints at acoustics being part of the experience. Harley Davidson grappled with this a few years back with their e-bike offering. 

The auto industry continues to be a font of innovation whether in propulsion, safety, affordability, convenience, or overall experience. Give the planners, designers, and engineers a problem and they will figure out a good solution. Let’s see how they tackle acoustics!