Episode #1288: Buy-sell activity ramps up as more dealerships and franchises change hands in Q4. Meanwhile, Volkswagen dealers launch a 600-store class action over Scout’s direct-sales plan, and Ford patents a smart door system designed to prevent dents, injuries, and awkward parking lot moments.

The dealership buy-sell market closed 2025 strong. Transaction count only ticked up slightly to 112, but the stores and franchises behind those deals hit multi-year highs — a delayed release from a slower first half shaped by tariff uncertainty and longer deal timelines.

Dealerships trading hands jumped 19% to 163, while franchises involved surged 35% to 261 year-over-year.
Stellantis led all brands with 25 CDJR stores changing hands — more than double Q4 2024
Chevrolet came in second with 24 stores sold, driven by what Kerrigan Advisors calls "tremendous demand" tied to GM's domestic manufacturing position and relatively clean EV write-downs

A group of VW dealers has filed a class-action lawsuit representing roughly 600 U.S. dealers, challenging Scout Motor’s plan to sell vehicles directly to consumers.

Dealer Fred Ippolito, didn’t hold back, saying: “Volkswagen built their success on the backs of the dealer network, and now they’re putting knives in the backs of the same dealers that helped them grow in this country.”
Scout CEO Scott Keogh says the direct model is simply more efficient for modern automotive retail: “You can be dramatically more efficient with every single car that you make and exactly where that car goes.”
VP of Commercial Operations Cody Thacker said the company repeatedly hears customers asking for direct sales, noting: “We have heard over and over again, ‘Please give me an alternative.’ You see that there is very little trust in auto dealers today.”

Ford may be trying to save your car door—and your neighbor’s paint job. A newly surfaced patent reveals a smart door system designed to slow or stop a door before it hits nearby objects, combining sensors, software, and a mechanical brake.

Ford’s patented system uses accelerometers and obstacle sensors to detect how quickly a door is opening and whether something is in its path.
If a collision is likely, a small mechanical brake with springs and pads engages to slow or stop the door—preventing dents, dings or worse.
The design intentionally includes mechanical components to avoid the reliability issues sometimes seen with fully electronic systems.
Door safety is getting more attention across the industry. Kia recalled 51,000 Carnival minivans after sliding doors continued closing on obstacles, causing several injuries.

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