December's Cybertruck Launch: The Good, The Bad, and The Angular

Tesla's most anticipated vehicle Cybertruck finally hit the streets in December, but not without it’s share of controversy. For the first time in a decade, Tesla's annual sales declined in 2024 after years of rapid growth causing the Tesla shares to drop 5% at the market open on Thursday, Jan 2nd. While still a leader in the EV market, rising competition, drop in deliveries and an aging lineup are pressuring Tesla to stay ahead of the curve. With pricing far above initial promises and mixed reviews from first owners, the launch has sparked intense debate about the future of luxury EVs.

Key Points:

• Price Reality: $80,000 starting price shocked early reservation holders causing buyers to back out in droves only to find out deposits are non-refundable. Customers were told to take delivery by December 30th or say goodbye to the $2,500 deposit 😱.

• Production Challenges: The company announced Thursday it delivered 1.77 million vehicles globally in 2024, down 2.2% from 1.81 million in 2023. Just 85,133 of those vehicles delivered were what Tesla refers to as “other models,” which includes the aging Model S sedan, Model X SUV, and the Cybertruck.

• Market Impact: Competitors gained ground as luxury EV buyers explore alternatives from competitors like Rivian and BYD that showed a boost in their sales growth.

Quick Stat: 92% of dealerships report increased digital interactions in 2024. Make sure your website is optimized for digital experience.

Run a free PageSpeed test here

🚀 Sales Hack: Engage Consumers and Drive Results in 2025

1. Create Exclusive Early 2025 Offers

Launch a “New Year, New Ride” campaign with early-bird discounts on 2025 models. Offer perks like free maintenance for a year or complimentary winter tire packages.

Example: “Start 2025 Strong: Save $2,025 on select 2025 models when you buy by January 31.”

Tip: Use AVA™ VeriDrive to easily schedule test drives in-store or online with verified IDs

2. Highlight Flexible Financing Options

Offer creative financing options like “Buy Now, Pay in Spring 2025” or low-interest loans with deferred payments to attract budget-conscious buyers.

Example: Promote interest-free financing for the first six months on high-demand models.

Tip: Use AVA™ Credit soft pull credit checks to offer personalized financing options based on customer credit score

3. Focus on Trade-In Programs

Run a trade-in promotion offering competitive pricing and extra incentives for upgrades to 2025 vehicles.

Example: “Trade in and trade up! Get $1,000 extra on your trade-in when you upgrade to a 2025 model this month.”

Tip: Use AVA™ Trade to offer customers real-time trade valuations powered by Canadian Black Book and maximize profit on every trade-in

📢 🛠️ Marketing Hack: Build Loyalty and Reach New Customers in 2025

1. Personalize Marketing Efforts

Use customer data to send personalized emails and ads featuring vehicles they’ve viewed online or are likely to be interested in.

Example: “We noticed you’re eyeing the 2025 Honda CR-V—check out this exclusive offer just for you!”

Tip: You can use Google Ad remarketing to re-engage customers that visited specific pages on your website

2. Leverage Safety as a Selling Point

Showcase 2025 model safety features through educational content like videos, blog posts, or customer testimonials.

Example: Create a video series: “Top 3 Safety Features of Our 2025 Lineup.”

Tip: You can use Canva’s AI Video Generator to easily create stunning videos

3. Hyper-Local SEO for Community Reach

Optimize your website for local keywords and ensure your Google Business Profile is up-to-date to capture nearby shoppers.

Example: “Serving [City Name] proudly for 20+ years—visit us today.”

Tip: Use a free tool from Google Trends to find out what vehicles are trending in search

The Real Cost of Vehicle Theft & Fraud Ebook

Ready to tackle the rising tide of automotive fraud? Dive into The Real Cost of Vehicle Theft & Fraud – your essential guide to safeguarding your dealership. From high-tech ID scams to costly theft schemes, this resource equips you with the tools and strategies to protect your assets and build customer trust. Outsmart fraudsters, reduce risks, and secure your dealership’s success!

2025 NADA Show

Jan 23-26 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans

NADA Show is four full days of outstanding education, emerging trends and networking opportunities for all areas of your dealership.

2025 Automotive Finance Canada

Feb 11th | Metro Toronto Convention Centre | Toronto

Automotive Finance Canada brings together lenders, insurers, and technology providers to advance the sector. The focus will be on fraud, digital transformation, regulatory road blocks, and adapting to consumer online behaviors, the summit offers next generation insights and solutions. Attendees will share and debate trends that are poised to shape the industry’s future.

2025 Canadian International AutoShow

Feb 14 - 23 | Metro Toronto Convention Center | Toronto

With exclusive news, content, and prizing, AutoShow+ is not only your ultimate Show companion, but Canada’s total automotive experience right at your fingertips!

From our blog

The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles: What Dealers Need to Know

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are no longer just a concept of the distant future—they are rapidly becoming a reality. With advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and regulatory frameworks, self-driving cars are on the verge of transforming the automotive landscape. While manufacturers and tech giants lead the charge, dealerships must also prepare for the impact of AVs on their operations, sales strategies, and customer relationships.

Here’s what dealers need to know to stay ahead in the age of autonomy.

Read more on autonomous vehicles