Episode #1322: Dealers brace for long-awaited FTC answers, Ford walks a tightrope with China partnerships, and automakers could be heading back to wartime production.

Show Notes with links:

https://nada.zoom.us/webinar/register/9017738594625/WN_PU_CgJt2Rx-fOlCP7hJ6yw#/registration
After a frustrating first attempt, NADA is back with the FTC for a do-over webinar addressing the 97 warning letters sent to dealers. This time, expectations are high—and so is the pressure to finally deliver clarity.
The initial webinar drew 4,000+ attendees but ended abruptly when the FTC declined to answer questions—leaving dealers needing guidance.
Dealers are still seeking clarity on key issues like advertising practices, including whether doc fees must be included in vehicle pricing.
NADA escalated concerns directly to FTC leadership, prompting a second session with new representation from the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Senator Bernie Moreno emphasized alignment on transparency goals but stressed the need for clear, actionable rules.
NADA President Mike Stanton didn’t hold back: “A complete waste of everybody’s time… We were told that we would get our questions answered.”

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ford-will-partner-more-with-chinese-automakers-overseas-66cc23c9?mod=autos_news_article_pos2
Ford CEO Jim Farley is threading a strategic needle—warning about China’s growing dominance while simultaneously expanding partnerships overseas. The message is clear: compete where you can, collaborate where you must.
Farley says Chinese automakers are leading in tech, cost, and speed—forcing global competitors to rethink strategy.
Ford plans to deepen partnerships with Chinese companies outside the U.S. to stay competitive in international markets.
At home, Ford is pushing for protections, warning that unchecked Chinese imports could “devastate” U.S. manufacturing and jobs.
The company is accelerating its own EV manufacturing overhaul to better compete on affordability and scale.
Farley didn’t mince words: “You don’t become fit like the rest of the Chinese… you aren’t going to be around much longer.”

https://www.jalopnik.com/2149778/pentagon-wants-automakers-build-fewer-cars-more-weapons/
As global conflicts strain U.S. supply chains, the Pentagon is turning to an unexpected ally—automakers. Early talks suggest OEMs may once again be asked to shift from building cars to supporting national defense.
Defense officials have approached leaders like GM’s Mary Barra and Ford’s Jim Farley about ramping up weapons production capacity.
Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have rapidly depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles, accelerating urgency.
The strategy echoes WWII-era manufacturing pivots, with automakers potentially backstopping traditional defense contractors.
Automakers were asked how quickly they could shift production—and what barriers exist in contracts and bidding processes.
A Pentagon official emphasized the mission: expanding capacity to ensure warfighters maintain a “decisive advantage.”

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FTC Re-do, Making Sense of Farley, Auto Makes Weapons