Episode #1276: The 2026 dealer census shows fewer franchise points but stronger per-store sales. Tesla resale values rise while other EVs slide post-tax-credit. And consumers are shifting away from big-ticket purchases, focusing instead on repairs, durability and value.
- The latest Automotive News dealer census shows a network that’s slimming down—but getting stronger. As OEMs right-size their footprints, throughput is climbing and single-brand stores are on the rise.
- The U.S. starts 2026 with 18,300 dealerships—just 11 fewer than last year—but total franchise points dropped 1.5% to 29,387.
- Exclusive, single-brand stores rose 1.2% to 13,351 locations as automakers continue network consolidation strategies.
- Buick (-20%), Lincoln (-9.9%) and Jaguar (-25%) all shrank networks intentionally, boosting per-store performance in the process.
- Average franchise throughput across the industry climbed 4.1% to 532 vehicles in 2025, with Toyota leading at 1,736 units per store, up 8%.
- 19 brands improved throughput in 2025 — but 24 saw declines, including 12 brands down more than 10%. As networks shrink, the gap between healthy franchises and struggling ones is widening fast.
- When the $7,500 EV tax credit disappeared, most used EV prices fell. Except Tesla. While mainstream electric models lost value and OEMs started discounting hard, Tesla resale prices actually climbed — changing the whole picture.
- Used Tesla prices rose 4.3% since the credit ended, while other used EVs dropped an average of 3.6%.
- Because Tesla makes up such a big slice of the market, overall used EV prices actually rose 3.5% — but that’s a bit of a mirage.
- Lower-cost EVs like the Kona Electric, ID.4, Niro EV and Mach-E all lost around 5–6% in just a few months. The Porsche Taycan was the only non-Tesla model to see a price increase, at 4.1%
- Used EV market share fell 20% in four months, suggesting mainstream buyers aren’t rushing in — even with heavy new-EV discounts.
- Consumers are still spending — just not on the big stuff. Higher interest rates and tight housing turnover pushed shoppers towards smaller upgrades and essential repairs in 2025 — a trend expected to continue through 2026.
- Spending slowed across income groups late in 2025, especially households under $40K and over $150K.
- Large discretionary purchases like furniture and mattresses slowed sharply, while décor, kitchen items and maintenance held up.
- Home improvement spending softened for a third straight year but remains above pre-pandemic levels.
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