Episode #1321: Sedans eye a comeback as affordability bites, tax refunds rise but don’t fully convert to sales, and a $2K stripped Tesla proves EV durability in the wildest way possible.

Show Notes with links:

https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/automakers/an-general-motors-sedan-strategy-0419/#
After years of getting crowded out by crossovers, sedans are quietly making a return. Rising prices, shifting regulations, and a hunger for something different have automakers reconsidering the segment many left for dead.
Automakers like GM, Stellantis, and Infiniti are exploring new sedan entries, some targeting sub-$30K price points to win back budget-conscious buyers.
Sedans are gaining traction again, with Camry, Accord, and K5 posting double-digit sales increases while some crossovers lose share.
With average vehicle prices over $50K, sedans offer a more affordable alternative and fill an underserved gap in the market.
Design fatigue is real—executives say SUVs are getting “boring,” while sedans offer more room for style and brand differentiation.
“There’s opportunity for sedans to nibble into utility vehicles,” said S&P’s Stephanie Brinley.

https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/https-news-dealershipguy-com-p-first-tax-season-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-ends-refunds-up-11
The first tax season under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” brought bigger refunds—but not a clean win for dealers. Higher cash in pockets met higher costs at the pump and on loans, creating a mixed bag on showroom floors.
Average refunds jumped 11% to $3,462, with total payouts up 14.5%, boosted by new deductions, credits, and no tax on tips or overtime.
Dealers saw uneven results—some stores surged, others lagged—as gas prices topped $4 and interest rates stayed elevated.
Used market demand leaned toward “near-new” value buys, as shoppers stretched dollars against $50K new-vehicle pricing.
Subprime activity ticked up, but down payments shrank, signaling affordability pressure despite larger refunds.
“If the war ends…we could see a monster Q4 in ’26,” said Potamkin CEO Cole Potamkin.

https://electrek.co/2026/04/18/youtuber-buys-stripped-tesla-model-3-go-kart-2000-212-miles-range/
YouTuber, Remmy Evans, bought a completely stripped Tesla Model 3 for $2,000—and drove it like a go-kart. Somehow, the battery and motors didn’t get the memo.
The car had no body panels, windshield, or seatbelts—just the core EV components—and still showed 212 miles of range.
Despite 78 error codes and missing safety systems, it was driven on public roads, drifted, off-roaded, and even jumped.
Charging proved tricky, with hacked adapters and slow Level 2 charging due to software limitations.
Tesla’s software may eventually restrict functionality as it detects missing components, highlighting challenges for rebuilders.
The big takeaway: EV drivetrains are incredibly durable—even when everything else is gone.

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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