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Episode · Monday, September 21, 2026 · 4:33

Wholesale Turns Negative, Toyota Sends Dealers to Washington

Wholesale used values just went negative year over year for the first time in twenty twenty-six. Cox Automotive's mid-September numbers show the drop running harder than a normal September decline. This episode covers that reading alongside Toyota's push to get its dealer body lobbying Washington on tariffs, per The Drive, and a Windsor Star update on Stellantis and Unifor's Brampton standoff. The FTC's price transparency FAQs, welcomed by NADA and distributed by NIADA, now put franchised and independent pricing under one published standard. A Fed rate hike lands on F&I desks, per CBT News, and a run of UK franchise moves from Motor Trader round out a morning with more than one number to check before the week is out.

In this episode

Questions from this episode

Why did the Manheim used vehicle index turn negative year over year in September 2026?

Cox Automotive's mid-September Manheim index fell 1% to 206.2, with non-adjusted wholesale prices down 1.1% year over year for the first half of the month, marking the first negative annual reading of 2026. A typical September runs about three tenths of a percent lower for the full month, so the first two weeks already moved harder than that seasonal pattern.

Why is Toyota asking its dealers to lobby Washington on tariffs?

Toyota is asking its US dealer body to lobby Washington against auto tariffs, according to The Drive. The push routes advocacy through franchised stores rather than through Toyota's own government affairs office.

What does the FTC's new pricing FAQ mean for dealers?

The FTC has published frequently asked questions on pricing and disclosure obligations for vehicle dealers, and NADA has welcomed the guidance, saying it gives dealers clearer direction on advertised pricing and add-on disclosure. NIADA has distributed the same document to independent dealers, so franchised and independent stores are now working from one published FTC interpretation covering what an advertised price has to show.

What is the status of the Stellantis and Unifor dispute over the Brampton plant?

Stellantis told the Windsor Star it has confidence in Canada heading into bargaining, while Unifor continues to press the automaker over the Brampton plant sale. Stellantis and Unifor remain at the table on Brampton, with no resolution date set.

How is the Federal Reserve's rate hike affecting car buyers at dealerships?

CBT News led its newscast with the Federal Reserve's rate hike landing on car buyers, noting that payment-driven shoppers now requalify at higher buy rates on the F&I desk.

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