Overview
CBT News’ Nov. 28, 2025 newscast spotlighted winter readiness for electric vehicles, new research on real‑world plug‑in hybrid emissions, the continued strength of fixed operations in dealership profitability, strategies to reduce finance-and-insurance wait times, and remarks from Elon Musk on a future shaped by artificial intelligence and robotics.
Highlights
- EV winter prep: Ford shared expert guidance to help owners protect range and manage charging in cold weather, reflecting seasonal concerns for drivers and dealers.
- PHEV emissions: A study cited by CBT News suggests plug‑in hybrids can approach gasoline-vehicle emissions in real-world use when charging is infrequent or trip patterns favor the gas engine (findings presented as reported).
- Fixed ops profitability: Service, parts, and related operations remain essential and sometimes undervalued profit centers for dealerships.
- F&I throughput: The show teased five tactics to cut wait times and improve the customer experience at delivery.
- AI/robotics outlook: Elon Musk outlined a 10–20 year horizon where AI and robotics could make traditional jobs optional, with broad economic implications.
Why it matters
- Customer confidence in EVs: Clear winter guidance can reduce range anxiety, prevent service bottlenecks, and support first-time EV buyers.
- Policy and product planning: Real-world PHEV outcomes may influence incentives, emissions targets, and consumer education around charging behavior.
- Resilient dealership margins: Strengthening fixed ops helps stabilize revenue amid shifting sales demand and tighter front-end grosses.
- Faster deliveries: Shorter F&I cycles can lift CSI, reduce cancellations, and free staff during busy year-end periods.
- Workforce and tooling: Growing software and automation demands point to upskilling technicians and investing in specialized equipment.
Quick actions dealers can take
- Host a brief EV winter-readiness clinic covering tire care, preconditioning, charging plans, and cabin-heat management.
- Provide PHEV owners with simple charging habit guides and trip-planning reminders to maximize electric miles.
- Audit service capacity and scheduling to reduce bottlenecks; prioritize communication on lead times and loaners.
- Pre-disclose F&I menus digitally and coordinate tighter handoffs to cut in-store wait times.
- Plan 2026 training for software diagnostics, battery systems, and ADAS calibration to align with evolving service needs.
