Episode #1368: Inventory remains tight as hybrids continue to outpace every other powertrain. GM doubles down on energy storage and vehicle-to-grid technology as electricity demand surges. Plus, the largest World Cup ever kicks off across North America.

Today’s show is brought to you by our friends at Widewail. who can show you where your dealership stands on issues the FTC is currently scrutinizing. Join their webinar on the topic June 18th at widewail.com/FTC.

Show Notes with links:

New-vehicle inventory is inching higher, but not by much. Even as sales soften and analysts trim forecasts, hybrids continue to be the hottest ticket on dealer lots, turning faster than both gas and EV models while overall inventory remains tightly managed.
- U.S. new-vehicle inventory started June at 2.89 million units, a 75-day supply—down one day from last month.
- Hybrids remain the fastest-moving powertrain with just a 63-day supply. EV inventory tightened significantly as well, dropping to a 68-day supply.
- New-vehicle sales are down 5% through May, leading some analysts to lower full-year forecasts.
- Small and midsize sedans remain the tightest inventory segments, while only about 20% of available vehicles are priced under $35,000.
- Toyota was the only automaker reporting less than a one-month supply.

GM is making a bigger bet on the energy business, unveiling plans for next-generation sodium-ion batteries and expanded vehicle-to-grid capabilities. The goal: turn EVs into energy assets while helping customers offset rising electricity costs.
- GM is partnering with startup Peak Energy to develop sodium-ion batteries, a lower-cost chemistry the company says could transform large-scale energy storage after 2028.
- Unlike many current battery systems, sodium-ion technology may require little or no active cooling, reducing both installation and operating costs for utilities and data centers.
- The move comes as AI-fueled data center growth is expected to drive massive increases in electricity demand and energy storage needs.
- GM is also expanding vehicle-to-grid programs, allowing EV owners to send power back to the grid or their homes during peak demand periods. GM’s Kurt Kelty sees sodium-ion as a long-term winner, saying: “In a market increasingly shaped by cost pressure, energy demand growth, and geopolitical risk, that’s a real differentiator.”

The biggest World Cup in history starts today. While Mexico gets the tournament underway, sky-high ticket prices and FIFA scrutiny are already creating headlines off the pitch.
- The 2026 World Cup opens this afternoon with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City after a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Fernández, and Maná.
- This is the largest World Cup ever, expanded to 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 stadiums in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico over 39 days.
- The United States opens Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles, while Canada takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto as all three host nations begin their campaigns.
- Off the field, FIFA is facing growing criticism over ticket prices, with some seats for the July 19 final approaching $33,000. Republican Sen. Todd Young summed up the frustration, saying FIFA has become “detached from regular people around the world.”