State dealer associations like FADA are actively fighting new direct-to-consumer models from OEMs such as Volkswagen’s Scout Motors, aiming to preserve the traditional franchise system against legislative and legal challenges in the evolving automotive landscape.State dealer associations still play a pretty vital role when it comes to defending dealers’ rights and keeping the traditional franchise model alive, especially now, with a lot of pressure from OEMs who are eager to reshape the entire automotive retail landscape. Ted Smith, who’s president of the Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), emphasizes how crucial these associations are—they’re not just reactive but proactive advocates and watchdogs. They’re always thinking ahead, anticipating potential threats from OEMs, cooking up strategic responses, and stepping in early to protect dealers before issues get out of hand. Smith—who’s been in the game for over twenty years—really embodies a deep-rooted commitment to the franchise model, which supports both big, publicly traded dealership groups and small, one-point operators equally. One of the biggest hurdles today is coming from OEMs trying to dodge state franchise laws by implementing new direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales models. Smith points out several examples that show this shift: Sony-Honda Mobility’s Afeela brand, Volkswagen’s Scout Motors, Hyundai teaming up with Amazon, and pretty fresh entries from Chinese automakers trying to find their footing here in the U.S. Florida, in particular, worries some, especially with insurance companies like State Farm and Progressive refusing to cover damage claims on loaner vehicles. That’s prompted FADA to push for legislative fixes—something similar to laws recently passed in Texas. A pretty high-profile fight is brewing around Volkswagen’s subsidiary, Scout Motors. They announced plans to bypass the traditional dealership network and sell electric vehicles directly to consumers—a move that dealer associations across the country are fighting vigorously. The goal is to imitate Tesla’s direct-sales approach, offering clearer pricing and a simpler buying process. Volkswagen has invested heavily—about $2 billion—in a South Carolina plant scheduled to start production in 2027. They’re planning to roll out electric SUVs and trucks, including some versions with small gas engines for folks worried about charging infrastructure. But this strategy runs afoul of franchise laws in several states, including Florida and South Carolina, where selling vehicles without involving independent dealerships isn’t allowed. NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) along with state groups like FADA, are actively challenging Scout’s plans—taking legal action and trying to push legislative changes. Mike Stanton, CEO of NADA, has publicly criticized VW for this move, stressing that preserving the franchise system is key—it's what ensures competition and benefits local economies. On the flip side, Scout’s leadership argues that direct sales are crucial—they believe this model gives them control over the customer experience, profit margins, and overall quality. FADA has been proactive in response, pulling together legal teams, consulting with dealers directly, and working with legislators to identify potential loopholes that OEMs might try to exploit. Smith recalls a standout victory back in 2007-2008, when FADA successfully fought to uphold laws that require reimbursement for warranty parts and labor—laws that were challenged on constitutional grounds by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. That case was a big deal—it really showed how state associations can step in and protect dealer rights, setting standards that benefit the whole nation. Looking ahead, Smith sees several hurdles on the horizon. Early 2024, FADA plans to join NADA in D.C. to oppose “right to repair” legislation that gets a lot of support from independent repair shops. It’s often advertised as a consumer-driven initiative, but Smith warns that the real agenda might be to make it easier to use non-OEM parts, which could cut into dealer revenue from parts and repairs. Plus, there’s the rising influence of online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay—these platforms could shake up traditional parts suppliers, and that, in turn, impacts dealership service departments. Environmental rules from the EPA are also a concern since they might force manufacturers to ration vehicles between internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric (EV) models, potentially messing with dealer inventories and sales strategies. Oh, and Smith also mentions a recent letter from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation—a coalition representing nearly 15 automakers, including brands like Ford and GM that historically supported dealers. They wrote to the U.S. Department of Justice claiming that franchise laws are outdated and hinder competition, and limit consumer choice. Smith urges OEMs to publicly renew their commitment to the franchise system—remaining silent might suggest they’re switching sides or aligning differently, which dealers and associations need to be ready for. At the end of the day, FADA’s top priority still is fighting Scout Motors’ efforts to sway state legislators, who are framing the franchise system as outdated and anti-competitive. They’re also supporting dealers caught up in ongoing legal battles with VW and Scout. Their stance clearly underscores a broader industry goal: keep the franchise model intact, because it’s what has historically fostered competitive, transparent, and locally rooted automotive retail—despite all these disruptive forces trying to shake things up. Source: Noah Wire Services

President Donald Trump’s executive order formalises a sweeping trade agreement with Japan, reducing tariffs and committing Japan to a colossal investment boost, signalling significant changes for automakers and trade relations.On September 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed off on an executive order that formalized a pretty big trade deal with Japan. Basically, this agreement cuts tariffs on Japanese car imports from 27.5% down to 15%. It’s a move that consolidates a deal reached back in July after months of intense negotiations. This brings a lot of clarity to Japan’s automotive industry, which had been under some pressure because of the higher tariffs earlier on. Interestingly enough, the tariff cut applies retroactively to August 7 and includes specific clauses that exempt commercial airplanes and parts from any duties. Plus, the agreement isn’t just about cars—it also involves a hefty $550 billion investment pledge from Japan on various U.S. projects, along with increased Japanese purchases of American agricultural goods and a hefty $17 billion in defense spending connected with U.S. firms. Japan even promised to buy 100 Boeing planes, which really shows how broad the trade relationship is, beyond just passenger vehicles. This tariff reduction sets a new standard rate of 15% on nearly all Japanese imports. Not only does this cover vehicles, but it also applies to auto parts, aerospace products, generic medicines, and certain natural resources that the U.S. doesn't produce domestically. According to the White House, this move marks a major step forward in balancing trade practices and strengthening the economic ties between the two nations. Japanese officials and negotiators emphasized the magnitude of Japan’s investment offer, describing it as unprecedented. They’re even expecting it to create hundreds of thousands of American jobs and give a boost to domestic manufacturing. However, not everyone is celebrating. The deal has raised concerns in South Korea because the new trade terms give Japanese automakers a clear advantage in the U.S. market. While tariffs on Japanese imports are dropping to 15%, South Korean automakers like Hyundai Motor and Kia still face a 25% tariff on vehicles brought into the U.S. That’s a pretty noticeable disadvantage, and industry leaders and government officials in South Korea are watching closely. They’re currently reviewing how this deal affects them and are trying to negotiate better terms. There were reports that the Trump administration had previously indicated possible tariff reductions for South Korean automakers if they invested about $350 billion into the U.S.—but disagreements over how that investment should be structured, mainly involving loans and guarantees, have held things up. Following the announcement, share prices for South Korean automakers dipped slightly, reflecting some market jitters. Meanwhile, in the U.S., auto sales in August 2025 showed mixed results—signaling ongoing volatility in the domestic market. Ford, for instance, saw a 6.2% bump in truck and SUV sales, thanks largely to models like the Bronco, Expedition, and Explorer. But, at the same time, sales of its flagship F-Series trucks slipped 3.4%, mainly because of inventory shortages and stiff competition on pricing. Electric vehicles are certainly making headway—most notably, the Mustang Mach-E, which shot up 35% to 7,226 sales. On the flip side, Honda experienced a 5.2% drop in sales, partly because of inflationary pressures linked to a ransomware attack from August 2024. Subaru’s deliveries game a bit declined too—down 2.9%, but its Crosstrek model set a new monthly sales record, selling over 20,000 units. Mazda, unfortunately, saw a steeper fall of 7.6%, facing challenges from currency swings and supply chain issues. Still, analysts remain cautiously optimistic, citing steady vehicle prices and good employment figures as possible stabilizers for the market. Dealer confidence has held steady into the third quarter. But, as always, the industry faces headwinds from profit pressures and worries about how to handle the rapid growth of electric vehicle sales. The aftermarket and dealership sectors are trying to keep up with all the changes brought about by new trade policies, emerging tech like AI, and shifting consumer tastes. Trade associations like the Florida Automobile Dealers Association are actively working to protect franchise systems and make sure interests among OEMs, dealers, and buyers stay balanced. And, interestingly enough, AI tools are increasingly being used to offer more personalized shopping experiences—something industry leaders highlight as improving efficiency without replacing the human touch. In summary, this new U.S.-Japan trade deal is a pretty big deal—it’s likely to reshape supply chains and alter market competition, especially for Japanese and South Korean manufacturers. At the same time, U.S. auto sales, with their ups and downs in August, reflect larger economic and industry-specific challenges as players adapt to new regulations, technological innovations, and changing consumer preferences. Source: Noah Wire Services

The global EV charging port equipment industry is experiencing rapid growth driven by technological advances, regional policies, and increased investments, despite ongoing standardisation challenges and fierce competition among key players like Tesla and ChargePoint.The global market for electric vehicle (EV) charging port equipment is really picking up pace, and it looks like it’s set for some pretty substantial growth through 2032. This growth is being fueled by continuous technological improvements, a broader adoption of EVs worldwide, and more investments pouring into charging infrastructure. A detailed report from Market Intellix dives into this industry segment, pointing out major players like Tesla, the CHAdeMO Association, and Nari Technology, among others. The study breaks down the market by charging port types—AC, DC, and combined charging systems—and by application, focusing on both electric and hybrid electric vehicles. It covers regional dynamics across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa—each with their unique growth paths, driven by local EV policies and how mature each market is. One of the main hurdles facing the industry is the lack of standardization when it comes to charging infrastructure. Industry analysis suggests that differing standards across countries and automakers make it tricky to roll out charging stations on a wide scale and can complicate the user experience too. For example, Japan’s CHAdeMO and Europe’s CCS (Combined Charging System) are still the dominant standards, but they’re not compatible with each other. That fragmentation causes issues for network operators trying to set up stations that work everywhere, which can push costs up. However, regulatory efforts like the EU’s push for CCS 2 connectors by 2025 aim to make standards more uniform and encourage interoperability—things that are meant to lower barriers for EV adoption and infrastructure growth. Looking at the competitive landscape, manufacturers and network operators are really driving the technological and market shifts. Tesla’s Supercharger network, in particular, exemplifies a kind of dominance in quick-charging infrastructure, but other companies like ChargePoint and ABB are also key players in manufacturing. On the regional front, operators like China’s Star Charge and Europe’s Ionity add to a market that’s energetic but quite fragmented. The CHAdeMO system, which has seen adoption in around 96 countries, still holds a big chunk of the market—especially in Japan and parts of Asia—thanks to its broad compatibility with many vehicle brands and alignment with Japanese standards. That said, its growth is facing competition as CCS continues to expand globally, especially in North America and Europe, where many big vehicle manufacturers favor it. Technological innovation is another big factor shaping the future of this market. Advances in fast-charging, wireless charging, and even vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology open up a lot of possibilities. Still, the high setup costs for these technologies and the ongoing fragmentation of standards pose real risks—things that vendors are trying to navigate. Companies are leaning into strategies centered on innovative, customer-friendly solutions and making their supply chains more efficient to compete effectively in this rapidly changing landscape. How regulations evolve and new tech developments progress will play crucial roles in determining market demand, investment patterns, and competitive moves over the next decade. All in all, the EV charging port equipment industry is pretty dynamic right now—marked by rapid innovation, regional variation, and shifting standards. Company players need to find their way through the maze of different protocols around the world while leveraging new technologies and regulatory directions to grow in this fast-expanding part of the electric vehicle scene. It’s quite exciting, honestly. The road ahead is full of challenges but also packed with opportunity for those ready to adapt. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1] - Paragraph 2 – [2], [6] - Paragraph 3 – [3], [4], [5], [7] - Paragraph 4 – [6], [1], [2] Source: Noah Wire Services

The global electric three-wheeler industry is on the cusp of significant growth from 2024 to 2032, propelled by technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and regional market boom in Asia-Pacific, with innovations like battery leasing and smarter vehicle software leading the charge.The global electric three-wheeler market is poised for significant growth between 2024 and 2032, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing urbanization. Industry reports highlight that key players such as Bajaj Auto Limited, Piaggio & C. S.p.A, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, TVS Motor Company Limited, Scooters India Limited, and Atul Auto Limited are actively shaping this expanding sector. Market segmentation primarily revolves around power capacities—from approximately 500W/650W up to 1300W—and functional applications, whether for passenger transport or cargo delivery. Regions like the Asia-Pacific are identified as high-growth markets, with countries such as India and Southeast Asia experiencing increased activity due to factors like urban expansion and the rise of last-mile delivery requirements, according to recent industry analyses. Other regions, including North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa, are also expected to contribute significantly, with growth propelled by public sector projects and urban mobility initiatives. Investment trends emphasize strengthening manufacturing capabilities, research and development, especially in battery technology, and expanding charging infrastructure. Innovations such as battery leasing models are gaining popularity as they help lower upfront costs for buyers, particularly in municipal and commercial fleet deployments. The integration of smarter software solutions into vehicle systems further enhances operational efficiencies, encouraging broader adoption of electric three-wheelers. New product developments are noteworthy. Bajaj Auto introduced its GoGo series, capable of traveling 251 kilometers on a single charge, with a price point around USD 3,928. Similarly, TVS Motor Company launched the King EV MAX, offering approximately 179 km of range at an estimated price of USD 3,554. In the African market, collaborations like Car & General's partnership with Piaggio Vehicles aim to develop models suited for local needs, illustrating how regional adaptations play a crucial role in market expansion. Major companies are forming strategic alliances to boost production and adoption. For instance, TVS Motor partnered with Kadam Mobility to deploy 500 units of the King EV MAX in key Indian cities. Such collaborations, coupled with supportive urban policies, are essential for increasing market penetration. From an investment perspective, the electric three-wheeler sector offers promising long-term opportunities. Growth is being supported by ongoing developments in vehicle technology, vehicle deployment strategies, and regional market tailoring. However, new entrants will need to address challenges related to technology integration, supply chain efficiencies, and after-sales support to fully capitalize on future growth. Analysts suggest that customer-focused innovations, industry collaborations, and regional market developments will continue to drive this market upward throughout the next decade. The combination of technological progress and strategic partnerships is expected to generate extensive value for both manufacturers and the broader supply chain. References (contextual overview): - Industry focus on Asia-Pacific as a significant growth region is highlighted across multiple sources, noting its role in market expansion. - Product innovations and partnerships such as Bajaj’s 251 km GoGo vehicle priced around USD 3,928, and TVS’s 179 km King EV MAX priced near USD 3,554, are documented. - Collaborations, including Car & General with Piaggio in Kenya, and deployment of 500 electric vehicles by TVS Motor with Kadam Mobility in Indian urban centers, reflect strategic growth initiatives. Source: Noah Wire Services

Dealerships are transforming their security infrastructure in 2026, adopting AI-driven surveillance, digital access controls, enhanced perimeter defenses, and cybersecurity measures to combat theft and breaches more effectively.Car dealerships have long been prime targets for theft and security breaches, mainly because of their large premises, the valuable inventory they hold, and the constant hustle and bustle around them. Traditionally, many relied on basic CCTV cameras, night guards, and simple locks—nothing too fancy. But as we step into 2026, dealerships are increasingly adopting more advanced, integrated security measures. This shift reflects a broader trend happening across the automotive supply chain, where digital tech and AI are truly transforming how they operate and safeguard assets. One of the biggest changes is the move away from passive surveillance—like just having CCTV—to smarter, AI-powered camera systems. Unlike the old-school cameras that needed someone to constantly watch the footage, these modern solutions can send alerts based on motion and even analyze behaviour. For example, they can tell apart harmless activity from suspicious behaviour—like someone lingering too long near high-value cars or leaving gates open after hours—and promptly notify the managers via instant alerts on their phones. Take Eyeforce, for instance—they’ve come up with AI-enhanced surveillance systems that cut down on false alarms and can be integrated seamlessly with existing security setups. This means security teams can respond in real-time, even if they aren’t physically on-site. Honestly, this approach not only speeds up reactions but also makes managing security much easier overall. Complementing these smarter cameras, dealerships are also tightening up their access controls. Gone are the days when physical keys were king—mainly because keys can be lost, stolen, or misused, which obviously introduces a big security risk. Instead, many are switching to digital key management systems or app-based vehicle access solutions. Companies like Keyper, for example, provide platforms that log every time a key is used, monitor who has accessed vehicles, and restrict access to only authorized staff. This digital system creates a detailed record—kind of like an audit trail—making it much harder for outsiders or even insiders to get away with things they shouldn’t. Additionally, some dealerships are implementing biometric or camera-based access controls at restricted entry points—like at gates or vault rooms—to reinforce perimeter security. Physical perimeter defenses have also seen a big upgrade. No longer are fences and walls sufficient. Now there’s layered security involving smart fencing with sensors, strategic lighting, sturdy bollards, and multiple vehicle-blocking barriers. These measures are designed to slow down intruders just enough so that alarms go off, giving security teams or law enforcement a chance to respond quickly. This is especially crucial for dealerships situated on the outskirts of cities or in less busy areas, where the threat of large-scale thefts can be more frequent. On another front, cybersecurity has become an essential part of dealership security. It’s not just about protecting physical assets anymore—dealerships handle sensitive customer data, vehicle telematics, financing information, and more. So, cybersecurity measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encrypted backups, and regular security audits are now standard practice. Industry reports highlight how important it is to build a security-first culture among staff. That means ongoing training to help employees identify phishing schemes, handle confidential info carefully, and follow strict password protocols. Companies like Command Center Cybersecurity are showing just how widespread cyber threats are—something that’s prompted about 90% of dealerships to up their game by adopting cloud data management and tighter access controls. Of course, all this tech is only as good as the people using it. Employee training remains a critical piece of the puzzle. Even the most sophisticated security systems will be ineffective if staff neglect protocols—whether it’s leaving doors unlocked, mishandling vehicle keys, or falling for social engineering tricks. Now, dealerships are investing heavily in ongoing education—training staff to recognize suspicious behaviour, follow routine closure checks, and stay alert to cyber dangers. This way, security becomes part of everyday work habits, not just a checklist. Looking ahead to 2026, vehicle dealership security is becoming a comprehensive, multi-layered system—where AI-driven surveillance, digital access controls, physical barriers, strong cybersecurity, and well-trained personnel all work together. While no system can promise to eliminate theft or breaches entirely, the goal is to make theft attempts difficult, quick to detect, and easy to trace—dissuading would-be criminals at the very least. This transformation is a major step forward for the automotive aftermarket sector, where protecting high-value assets and sensitive customer info is vital to keeping operations smooth and maintaining customer trust. References: - Paragraph 1: People Development Magazine, Showroom Security - Paragraph 2: People Development Magazine, EyeForce, Resolve Partners - Paragraph 3: People Development Magazine, The Visual Communication Guy - Paragraph 4: People Development Magazine, The Visual Communication Guy, Command Center Cybersecurity - Paragraph 5: People Development Magazine, Cybersecurity Trends, Command Center Cybersecurity - Paragraph 6: People Development Magazine, Showroom Security, Cybersecurity Enhancements Source: Noah Wire Services

The global automotive plastics market is forecast to reach over USD 50 billion by 2032, driven by demand for lightweight, durable components and technological innovation, with North America maintaining regional dominance.The global automotive plastics market is set for substantial growth over the next decade, driven by evolving industry demands and the increasing need for lightweight, durable materials in vehicle manufacturing. According to a report from Introspective Market Research, the market was valued at approximately USD 30.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 50.13 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.7% from 2024 to 2032. This indicates a rising dependence on plastics for various automotive components, including powertrains, electrical systems, interior and exterior furnishings, engine compartments, and chassis parts. This growth is supported by detailed segmentation based on product types, manufacturing processes, vehicle categories, and regions, enabling industry players to identify specific opportunities for expansion. Key products such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyamides like Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 are prominent in these developments. Injection molding remains the dominant manufacturing process, accounting for over 56% of the revenue, a figure consistently reinforced by industry sources. Interior furnishings continue to be the largest application sector, favored for its aesthetic appeal, lightweight properties, and multifunctionality—factors that bolster vehicle comfort and innovative design. Regionally, North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the automotive plastics market over the forecast period, benefiting from advanced manufacturing infrastructure and strict environmental regulations that encourage the adoption of innovative materials. While the Asia Pacific region currently holds a significant share of the overall market due to high vehicle production volumes, the emphasis for growth remains centered on North America during this period. Meanwhile, Europe is not specifically identified as the fastest-growing region in this context, and the original emphasis on regional growth dynamics should be accurately represented as such. The primary drivers behind this industry expansion include the automotive sector’s ongoing shift toward lightweight construction, which supports better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Regulatory changes aimed at reducing vehicle environmental impact further accelerate the adoption of plastics. Industry experts note interest in materials like PVC, which are expected to see high growth owing to innovations enhancing their performance under automotive conditions. Although the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is gaining momentum globally, the sources do not explicitly specify this as the main driver; hence, framing it as a significant but not singular factor maintains alignment with the source material. Leading manufacturers such as Akzo Nobel, BASF, Covestro, Evonik, SABIC, and Dow are actively investing in new product development, strategic mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position. The industry is also progressively shifting toward more sustainable sourcing, circular economy principles, and supply chain optimization to meet evolving regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Strategic insights recommend that stakeholders utilize analytical tools like PESTEL and Porter’s Five Forces to develop tailored go-to-market strategies, evaluate competitive risks, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. In conclusion, the automotive plastics market is on a growth trajectory projected to sustain through 2032, driven by technological advancements, industry innovation, and regulatory frameworks. This period offers a significant opportunity for automakers, suppliers, and aftermarket players to embrace new materials and forge strategic alliances, positioning themselves at the forefront of next-generation automotive design and manufacturing. Source: Noah Wire Services