Good morning. New week, fresh targets, and a few reasons to rethink the usual sales pitch. Today, we’re looking at renewed EV interest, why some EV customers are shopping for gasoline again, and what bigger incentives actually mean for your desk. Plus, a closer look at F&I choices and a Ranger recall update for your service team. Let's get into it.
EV interest is waking up. Keep the buying desk selective.
Ford Mustang Mach-E at Fully Charged, Amsterdam, 2022. File photograph, not current U.S. inventory.
Jan Ainali · CC BY-SA 4.0.
The EV conversation may be changing before the sales totals make it obvious. Bloomberg reporting published this morning says Hyundai and Ford executives are hearing renewed dealer demand for battery-electric inventory, even as the broader market remains uneven. (Bloomberg, via Claims Journal)
The useful inventory backdrop: dealer EV supply fell from about 180 days early this year to 78 days in August, according to that report. That is an earlier national snapshot, not a measurement of Florida lots today. (Bloomberg)
But interest is not a purchase order. Hyundai’s North America chief said the company did not plan to increase production despite dealers asking for more EVs; Ford’s U.S. sales chief described returning Mach-E customers while acknowledging volumes had not recovered significantly from the prior year. (Bloomberg)
For Florida dealers, the distinction is worth bringing into Monday’s inventory meeting: an improving national supply picture does not tell you which trim, price point or powertrain your market will absorb.
Consider a small test before a large bet. Revisit recent EV prospects who paused, separate new from used demand, and ask whether home charging, payment or trade value stopped the deal. Compare those answers with actual appointments and sold units before changing acquisition targets.
The opportunity is to notice returning shoppers early. The discipline is to let your own conversion rate, not a comeback headline, decide how much inventory follows.
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Ford’s decline is not the whole truck story
2021 F-150 SuperCrew, Queens, New York, April 2021. File photograph, not third-quarter 2026 deliveries.
Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ford’s October 2 report put Q3 U.S. sales at 509,764, down 6.6%, but essentially unchanged excluding the Escape and Corsair phaseouts. (Ford) Ram pickup sales rose 34% in Q3 while Stellantis’ total held essentially steady at 324,277. (Stellantis, October 1)
For Florida stores, benchmark against the models you compete with, not a companywide headline. Separate discontinued products from continuing inventory before resetting October targets.
Your last EV customer is not automatically your next one
Mobility Global’s September 17 report counted 52,154 U.S. EV households acquiring gasoline vehicles through June, up 15.9% year over year; hybrids and plug-in hybrids are excluded. (Mobility Global)
That is earlier shopping behavior, not proof today’s EV interest has disappeared. For Florida renewal and trade-in calls, ask what fits the customer now rather than opening with the same powertrain they bought last time.
Bigger incentives, but read the fine print on the data
J.D. Power’s September 24 forecast put average incentives at $3,574, up 7.3% year over year; combined ICE/hybrid incentives were projected to rise by $797 to $3,319. (J.D. Power)
These are national forecast figures, not final September results or your store’s October program sheet. (J.D. Power) Before quoting a payment, confirm the customer’s actual eligibility and which offers can be combined.
The F&I lesson inside a $694 million resolution
Florida State Capitol, February 2015. Illustrative file photograph, not settlement proceedings.
formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0.
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Florida joined the Credit Acceptance resolution announced September 17, with $694 million in consumer cash and debt relief, not fines, and an announced November 2 effective date. (Connecticut attorney general)
Allegations included service contracts and GAP sold without customers’ knowledge or portrayed as necessary for financing. (Connecticut AG) The company says it admitted no fault or wrongdoing. (Company statement)
Monday’s desk check: does the customer understand the choice, not merely sign the form? Consider reviewing the menu explanation alongside the deal jacket.
Ranger notices are expected today. A notice is not a repair slot.
Interim letters for Ford recall 26C42 / NHTSA 26V605 are expected to begin mailing October 5, covering certain 2026 Rangers whose center screen can go dark and fail to show the rearview camera image. (Cars.com recall record) That NHTSA-sourced listing says the remedy remains under development, with another letter to follow when available. (Cars.com)
This is an expected milestone, not confirmation that letters have mailed. Ford directs owners to a VIN check for applicability. (Ford owner support) For your service desk: verify current remedy status before promising an appointment, and explain what happens next.