Weekly roundup: Jimmy Carter dies, Cybertruck exploded, Ford recalls F-150 Lightning again

Earlier this week: Jimmy Carter, humanitarian and former U.S. President, died at 100. Cybertruck explosion outside of Trump International prompts terrorist investigation. Ford issues major recall over F-150 Lightning steering hazard. NHTSA announces mandatory rear seat belt alarms in all new U.S. cars by 2027. Vehicle sales show steady growth as 2024 closes, setting a positive outlook for 2025. Wholesale used-vehicle prices hold steady for the first half of December. December used-vehicle inventory remains stable, but affordability challenges persist.

Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.

1. Jimmy Carter, humanitarian and former U.S. President, dies at 100
Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president who brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, died on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old. Read More

2. Cybertruck explosion outside of Trump International prompts terrorist investigation
A recent explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and a deadly truck attack in New Orleans have prompted investigations into possible terrorist connections. The two events have raised questions about the use of vehicles in attacks and potential links to extremist groups. Read More

3. Ford issues major recall over F-150 Lightning steering hazard
Ford has issued a recall for the 2024 F-150 Lightning due to a serious defect in the front suspension that could lead to a loss of steering while driving. The problem, caused by improperly tightened suspension components at the factory, has the potential to cause these parts to come loose, posing a significant safety risk. Read More

4. NHTSA announces mandatory rear seat belt alarms in all new U.S. cars by 2027
Starting September 2027, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will make it mandatory for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States to be equipped with rear seat belt alarms. Additionally, by September 2026, all new vehicles will be subject to stricter rules for front seat belt warnings. This vital mandate, which echoes a similar rule in the European Union since 2019, underscores the urgency of the issue. Read More

5. Vehicle sales show steady growth as 2024 closes, setting positive outlook for 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, new vehicle sales in December are expected to show steady growth compared to last year, according to the latest forecast from Cox Automotive. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for December is projected to reach 16.5 million units, matching the sales pace of November and significantly increasing from 15.9 million units in December 2023. The total sales volume for December is estimated to be 1.47 million units, reflecting a 7.7% increase from November, although it remains relatively flat compared to the same month last year. Read More

6. Wholesale used-vehicle prices hold steady for first half of December
According to the latest data from Cox Automotive, wholesale used-vehicle prices are holding steady for the first half of December. The mid-month Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index remained at 205.4, a minute 0.7% gain compared to December 2023. Seasonally adjusted prices remained unchanged from November, aided by a stronger-than-average seasonal factor. Read More

7. December used-vehicle inventory remains stable, but affordability challenges persist
According to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data analysis, the used-vehicle inventory at the start of December remained stable compared to November. Still, it showed a 6% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. As of December 5, 2024, the total unsold used vehicles on dealer lots across the U.S. stood at 2.18 million units. This figure was unchanged from November but marks a notable year-over-year decline. Read More

8. Colin Carrasquillo’s approach to strengthening vendor relationships
On today’s episode of Marketing Matters, Colin Carrasquillo, Digital Marketing Director of the Nielsen Automotive Group, shares invaluable insights on how dealerships can foster stronger relationships with their vendor partners. With a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground perspective, Carrasquillo emphasizes the importance of open communication, setting expectations, and creating a collaborative environment where both parties can thrive. Watch the full segment here. 

9. VADA’s Don Hall talks about Scout Motors and the year ahead
With 2025 days away, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the big wins and challenges that defined the retail automotive industry in 2024. On today’s episode of CBT Now, we’re joined by Don Hall, the CEO and president of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), to share his perspective on the state of the industry and what lies ahead. Watch the full segment here. 

10. Curate your ideal 2025 through the art of goal setting – Matt Easton | Easton University
Whether you’re looking to boost your performance, hit new targets, or stay motivated, setting goals is crucial. However, many people set goals and don’t know how to set themselves up to follow through effectively. In today’s episode of CBT Now, we’re joined by Matt Easton, sales coach and founder of Easton University, to dive into the art of goal setting. Watch the full segment here.