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Auto Buyers Guide PodcastAuthor: Auto Buyers Guide
The Auto Buyers Guide team is dedicated to bringing you the latest in automotive industry news, car buying advice, car reviews, and all things car, truck, SUV, and EV. Every week Alex and Travis try to tackle important questions like: are software defined cars a thing? Should shiny black plastic be banned? Language: en Genres: Automotive, Leisure Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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2025 Sales Report: Ram’s Return, Toyota’s Hybrid Surge, and the Skyrocketing of Premium Buyers
Episode 94
Thursday, 8 January, 2026
In this episode of the Auto Buyer’s Guide, Alex and Travis take a deep, data-driven dive into 2025 U.S. auto sales for the manufacturers that have reported so far. They hit brand-by-brand analysis, covering highlights and concerns: Ram’s bold moves (TRX/SRT and a diesel Power Wagon), GM’s large truck volume and growing EV portfolio, and Toyota’s strong hybrid adoption across its lineup. The discussion contrasts manufacturers that are leaning into hybrids and plug-in options with those focusing on expensive premium trims, and explains how the new-car buyer is trending wealthier and favoring pricier models and SUVs. Other topics include Ford’s strong truck and Maverick performance, Stellantis’s mixed results, Hyundai–Kia’s rapid rise with turbos and tech, and challenges for Honda, Acura, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Volkswagen and Audi. The hosts also cover luxury growth at BMW, Mercedes and Genesis, Tesla’s global sales decline and a safety debate over electronic door releases, and the long-term environmental and market implications of hybrid versus full-EV strategies. Throughout the episode they evaluate lineup strengths and weaknesses, sales drivers, and what manufacturers should change to meet shifting buyer preferences, finishing with a New Year sign-off and a look ahead to the 2026 model-year impacts.
