Core Viewpoint - Toyota Motor is anticipated to report a third consecutive decline in quarterly operating profit due to rising costs and U.S. import tariffs, despite achieving record global vehicle sales and strong demand for hybrids [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company is expected to face a decline in quarterly operating profit for the third straight time [1] - Rising costs and U.S. import tariffs are significant factors impacting earnings [1] Group 2: Market Demand - Toyota has recorded strong global vehicle sales [1] - There is a robust demand for hybrid vehicles [1]

Hyundai Motor Company reported a 22% drop in net profits to KRW 10.365 trillion (US$7.2 billion) in 2025, blamed largely on the impact of the US import tariffs introduced last April. The fourth quarter was the worst for South Korea's largest automaker last year, when net profits plunged by 52% to KRW 1.18 trillion (US$ 821 million). Revenues rose by 6.3% to KRW 186.254 trillion (US$ 130 billion) last year, despite a 0.1% fall in global vehicle sales to 4,138,389 units amid sluggish demand. An improved pr ...

Core Viewpoint - General Motors (GM) has indicated that its electric vehicle (EV) strategy is incurring significant costs, with substantial charges expected in the fourth quarter and ongoing financial impacts anticipated in the future [1][2]. Financial Impact - GM will record approximately $6 billion in fourth-quarter charges related to its EV plans in the US, along with an additional $1.1 billion for restructuring in China [1]. - The charges are primarily due to contract cancellations, supplier settlements, and asset writedowns, reflecting a decline in demand for battery-powered vehicles [1]. - A $1.6 billion writedown was recorded in the third quarter as GM began to shift its strategy following regulatory changes [3]. Sales Performance - EV sales for GM fell by 43% in the fourth quarter after the expiration of the consumer tax credit, prompting a rollback of its EV plans in favor of hybrids and gas-powered vehicles [4]. - Despite the financial setbacks, GM plans to continue offering its existing electric models to consumers [2]. Industry Context - GM's profit warning follows Ford's announcement of a $20 billion reduction in EV production due to similar challenges, including lower-than-expected demand and regulatory changes [5]. - Other automakers, such as Honda, Jeep, and Ram, have also adjusted their EV strategies, with Porsche announcing a $2.2 billion hit as it shifts focus back to hybrids and gas vehicles [6].

Core Insights - Used car pricing is experiencing seasonal movements with significant changes in hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) as of early 2026 [2][4] - The December 2025 data indicates a reset in pricing dynamics for hybrids and EVs, driven by demand shifts and supply changes rather than just seasonal factors [3][10] Pricing Dynamics - December is historically a volatile month for used car pricing due to dealers' calendar-driven sales goals, leading to increased negotiation flexibility for buyers [5][6] - Hybrids and EVs saw the largest price declines among used vehicles in December, indicating a broader market adjustment rather than typical seasonal changes [7][10] Demand and Supply Factors - The end of tax incentives for clean vehicles after September 30, 2025, led to a decrease in buyer urgency, resulting in softened demand and less pricing power for dealers [8][9] - The used hybrid and EV market is expected to remain competitively priced in 2026 due to the absence of incentive-driven demand and increasing inventory [10][12] Year-over-Year Trends - Despite a decline in December, used hybrid and EV prices were still up 2.1% year-over-year, although this increase lagged behind overall inflation of approximately 2.7% in 2025 [11]

Core Insights - Ford's hybrid vehicles are experiencing unprecedented popularity, indicating a strong consumer preference for hybrid technology over fully electric vehicles [1] - The company is facing challenges in gaining traction in the electric vehicle (EV) market, suggesting potential strategic misalignments or competitive disadvantages [1] Summary by Category Hybrid Vehicles - Ford's hybrids have seen a significant increase in demand, reflecting a growing market trend towards hybrid technology [1] Electric Vehicles - Despite the success in hybrids, Ford has struggled to establish a strong presence in the EV sector, highlighting a gap in their electric vehicle strategy [1]

Core Insights - Ford Motor Company outperformed the industry for the 10th consecutive month in December, indicating strong performance and market resilience [1] - The company increased its market share by 0.6 percentage points for the year, showcasing effective strategic execution [1] - Ford's total sales for the year rose by 6.0% to 2,204,124 units, reflecting both sales and share gains in Q4 and for the entire year [1] Sales Performance - Ford registered a 6.0% increase in total sales for the year, reaching 2,204,124 units [1] - The company achieved sales gains in both the fourth quarter and for the full year, outperforming the industry [1] Market Strategy - Ford's strategy focuses on appealing to a broad customer base through a diverse range of trim series and powertrain offerings [1] - The success of this strategy is evident in the company's ability to gain market share consistently over the past ten months [1]

Core Insights - The used car market experiences significant volatility at year-end, with dealerships eager to clear inventory and meet sales targets while buyers tend to reduce spending during the holiday season [2][4] Group 1: Price Trends - Used car prices are generally declining in several mainstream categories, including sedans, smaller SUVs, and some midsize crossovers, as inventory builds up and demand cools [5] - Hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) saw a notable price drop of 1.8% from October to November, influenced by the removal of the $4,000 federal tax credit for purchases made after September 30, 2025 [6] - Trucks and larger SUVs have shown resilience in pricing, remaining relatively stable compared to other categories, particularly in regions where utility and towing capacity are valued [7] Group 2: Year-over-Year Context - Used car prices reached an all-time high in 2022 due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, leading to a shortage of new cars and parts, followed by a rapid rebound in demand [8][10] - Although prices have decreased from their peak, they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, which may contribute to perceptions of high costs among buyers [10] Group 3: Strategic Insights for Buyers - December is characterized by increased negotiating power for buyers, as market conditions are calmer and sellers are more motivated compared to January [9][11] - The focus for buyers should be on leveraging timing and category knowledge rather than expecting dramatic price drops, as informed buyers can still negotiate meaningful savings [11]

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company is pivoting away from full electric vehicles (EVs) due to unprofitability and declining demand, resulting in a significant $19.5 billion charge related to business restructuring and reduced EV investments [1][4][10] Financial Impact - Ford expects to record a $19.5 billion charge primarily in the fourth quarter, with a subsequent $5.5 billion cash charge spread through 2027, mostly in the next year [4] - Despite the charge, Ford increased its adjusted EBIT guidance to approximately $7 billion for the year, aligning with earlier targets before a previous reduction [5] Strategic Shift - The company is refocusing investments from full EVs to hybrids and plug-in models, canceling plans for the next generation of large all-electric trucks in favor of smaller, more affordable EVs [6][7] - Ford anticipates that by the end of the decade, around 50% of its global volume will consist of hybrids, extended range EVs, and full EVs, a significant increase from 17% in 2025 [8] New Business Ventures - Ford is launching a new business focused on battery energy storage systems (BESS) to meet growing demand, repurposing its Kentucky battery factory and investing about $2 billion over the next two years [9] Market Position - The company is adapting its strategy to align with current market demands, moving away from high-end EVs that are not selling well, which is seen as a positive shift for the business [6][10]

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Co is shifting its strategy from aggressive all-electric vehicle (EV) investments to a focus on hybrids, extended-range EVs, and gas-powered trucks, indicating a strategic reset that prioritizes profitability over competing directly with Tesla [1][2][8] Group 1: Strategic Shift - Ford is stepping back from large, capital-intensive EV projects and narrowing its focus to areas where it believes it can execute profitably [2] - The decision to cancel a large all-electric pickup and transition the F-150 Lightning to an extended-range platform reflects a strategic choice to reshape its portfolio [4] - By leaning into hybrids and extended-range EVs, Ford is prioritizing flexibility and appealing to buyers who want electrification without fully committing to charging infrastructure [5] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Tesla's model is built around pure EV scale, requiring substantial capital and the ability to withstand margin pressure, which Ford is choosing to avoid [3] - Ford is not trying to compete with Tesla on its terms, instead opting for a different approach that allows it to monetize its strongest franchises like trucks and SUVs [6][8] Group 3: Capital Allocation - The strategic reset is fundamentally about capital allocation, as large EV programs require patience and absorb cash, while hybrids and gas-powered trucks generate it [7] - By walking away from the most capital-intensive EV projects, Ford lowers execution risk, improves earnings visibility, and reduces exposure to regulatory changes [7] Group 4: Market Positioning - The market has not punished Ford for its decision to rewrite its playbook around profitability and execution, positioning itself for a market cycle that rewards cash flow over ambition [8] - Ford's approach suggests that not every automaker needs to win the EV race; some can succeed with a playbook that fits their actual market strategy [8]

Core Viewpoint - Ford is shifting its focus from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage solutions, resulting in a $19.5 billion cost due to the cancellation of planned electric models and a pivot towards hybrid vehicles [1][12]. Group 1: Strategic Shift - Ford will repurpose its EV battery factory in Kentucky to produce batteries for data centers and energy infrastructure [1][8]. - The company plans to invest $2 billion to scale its new energy storage business, aiming to deploy at least 20 gigawatt-hours of energy storage systems by the end of 2027, which can power approximately 2,000 US homes for a year [2][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Demand for EVs has significantly decreased, dropping from 12% to 5% of the US automotive market, prompting Ford to adjust its strategy [12]. - The data center power demand is projected to triple over the next three years, driven by substantial investments from tech giants in AI infrastructure [6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Ford's new direction mirrors that of Tesla, which has successfully established a profitable energy storage business, generating over $10 billion last year from battery sales [9]. - Tesla's Megapack batteries are being utilized in major data centers, showcasing the potential for energy storage solutions in supporting AI infrastructure [10].