NEWS | Volkswagen is approving historic restructuring with 50,000 job cuts, model lineup slashed in half: VW's supervisory board approved 'Future Plan 2030,' a restructuring built around selling nine million vehicles annually at a 9% operating margin by 2030. To get there, four German plants close and the model portfolio shrinks by 50%, with 'offering complexity' cut 75% by 2035. The remaining investment goes toward North America and China, focused only on the most profitable segments. Bottom line: Volkswagen is making a sweeping bet that a smaller, more profitable product portfolio and leaner manufacturing footprint can restore its financial strength while freeing up billions for future products and technology, with the success of that strategy ultimately determining how competitive its brands and dealers remain in key markets. Read today's top automotive stories, presented by @DLRdmv : carguymedia.com/4gPnNz9 (Source: Volkswagen Group Press Release)

NEWS | Used-car prices jumped $1,300 in first half of 2026: CARFAX data shows used car prices are running $1,350 to $3,600 above where they started the year. Hybrids and EVs are leading the surge, up 11.9% or $3,600 since January, with the average now sitting at $34,117. Middle East conflict is pushing gas prices higher, and buyers are responding by chasing fuel-efficient used inventory. "With new car prices so high, and used inventory growing only slowly, I think demand should stay high for the foreseeable future." What this means for dealers: Every segment is up, but hybrid and EV used inventory is where the real pricing power sits right now. Read today's top automotive stories, presented by @matador_ai : carguymedia.com/4eO6gq2 (Source: CARFAX)