Haig Partners

Q4 2024 Haig Report? Quarterly Franchise Spotlight: Stellantis - Vehicle Pricing Is Rapidly Improving Through a series of poorly timed decisions, the former leadership of Stellantis discontinued several high-volume models, introduced slower-selling, expensive higher-end models and increased the prices of its vehicles across the board. Stellantis has traditionally priced its vehicles above the market average due to its mix of trucks and SUVs, but this premium grew from approximately 5% to more than 20%. Many consumers declined to purchase Stellantis products at those premiums. As a result, many consumers declined to purchase Stellantis products at those elevated prices, leading to a significant decline in sales, a substantial loss of market share, and a massive accumulation of inventory. Fortunately, there are signs pointing to a change in direction. The last two months saw average transaction prices much closer to industry averages. Additionally, CDJR inventory is no longer the highest in the market as dealers have been sold through older units and have begun purchasing newer models. We expect market share to stabilize and then grow as a Cherokee replacement and ICE versions of the Charger launch in the summer and RAM truck production improves. A year ago, Stellantis inventory at dealerships represented 17% of the total in the market inventory. Today, it accounts for 11%, bringing it much closer to the brand’s sales share. Read more in the Q4 2024 Haig Report?: https://hubs.la/Q03dpMwb0

In late February 2025, newly elected U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, a former auto dealer, introduced the Transportation Freedom Act, a bill aimed at investing in American auto workers while making cars more affordable for everyday Americans by eliminating government mandates that have driven up vehicle prices. The Transportation Freedom Act is endorsed by Sens. Jim Banks, R-Ind.; Tim Sheehy, R-Mont.; and Jim Justice R-West Virginia, and supported by General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota Motor Corporation, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the American Trucking Associations, and others. As proposed by Sen. Moreno: “The Transportation Freedom Act would: 1. Provide a historic investment in American auto workers in the form of a 200% tax deduction for wages paid to American auto workers up to $150,000 while preventing any company from using the funds saved for stock buybacks. This could support more auto manufacturing in the U.S. 2. Lower vehicle prices for consumers by eliminating burdensome mandates, such as the EPA’s ‘tailpipe rule’ and California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, which have made cars unaffordable for everyday Americans. 3. Save the federal government substantial amounts of money and time by streamlining the nation’s regulatory process.” We urge supporters of this legislation to contact state dealer associations, their local members of Congress, and their senators to encourage them to vote in favor of this bill when it reaches the floor. “Thanks to liberal bureaucrats who want to mandate what cars Americans can drive, states like mine are riddled with car lots filled with expensive EVs people simply don’t want and dormant factories that once employed millions of American workers. The only winner is China. It’s time to make sure cars sold in America are actually made in America and give Americans the freedom to choose the cars they actually can afford and want to drive—my bill just does that.” - Sen. Bernie Moreno Read more in the Q4 2024 Haig Report?:https://hubs.la/Q03dmGcT0

Auto Dealership M&A Remains Strong: Q4 2024 Haig Report? Now Available! The auto retail buy-sell market remains highly active, even as dealership profits normalize. The latest Q4 2024 Haig Report? confirms that 510 rooftops traded hands last year, making it the fourth-busiest year in auto retail M&A history! > Blue sky values remain elevated – down 14% from 2023 but still 122% higher than 2019. > Profits remain strong – average dealership pre-tax profits were double pre-pandemic levels. > Private buyers dominated the market, acquiring 95% of sold dealerships. > Franchise Performance Varies – While luxury brands like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz remain strong, Nissan and CDJR present buying opportunities due to recent valuation declines. > Legislation Alert: The Transportation Freedom Act – A proposed bill by Sen. Bernie Moreno could have major implications for dealership profitability and vehicle affordability, impacting regulatory mandates and investment in U.S. auto manufacturing. "While some owners have been waiting for the ‘perfect time’ to sell, history has shown that the best opportunities often come when buyers are motivated and values are still strong," said Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners. https://hubs.la/Q03d8wzH0

Congratulations to Rita Case and the entire team at Rick Case Automotive! ???? Rick Case Honda has officially achieved the incredible milestone of being the #1 Honda dealership in the country and the most-awarded Honda dealership in the nation! This outstanding accomplishment reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence, customer service, and innovation. Under Rita Case’s leadership, the dealership continues to set new records and elevate the Rick Case legacy. Founder Rick Case built a tradition of breaking barriers, and today, Rita and her team continue to honor that vision by achieving industry-leading success. ???? Congratulations to Rita and the entire Rick Case team on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to excellence keeps setting the bar higher for the entire industry. ???? #RickCaseAutomotive #RickCaseHonda #Leadership #Legacy #AutoIndustry #DealershipExcellence #Honda #BreakingRecords #MostAwarded https://hubs.la/Q03cVLR40

The Ticking Clock for Dealership Owners—Is Now the Time to Sell? “We have everything from tariffs to huge transactions to new entrants in the new car business.” – Alan Haig on the Car Dealership Guy podcast. If you own a dealership, you already know the market is shifting—fast. Prices have stabilized, but uncertainty is growing. Tariffs, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer demand are making the future harder to predict. Yet, dealership values remain strong. Some brands, like Toyota and Honda, continue to command top multiples, while others, like Stellantis and Nissan, may present unique buying opportunities. The question is: Are you positioned to capitalize on today’s market before conditions change again? Gain more insights here: https://hubs.la/Q03cLVn20 At Haig Partners, we’ve helped dealers maximize the value of their businesses through record-setting transactions. Let’s talk about your options.

Selling dealerships outside your core markets can unlock growth potential. Here are 3 key reasons why strategic divestitures are valuable for dealership owners. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q03bYHWc0 #AutoDealers #Divestures #DealershipOwners #BuySellMarket #AutomotiveIndustry #HaigPartners

Haig Partners is proud to sponsor California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA)'s Dealer Day 2025 in Sacramento, supporting the dealers driving the automotive industry forward. Jayson Crouch will be there representing Haig Partners—reach out to discuss the latest trends in the industry! #AutoRetail #DealershipOwners #AutoDealership #AutomotiveIndustry #CNCDA

The Q4 Haig Report? is coming soon. Get exclusive insights into the latest trends in auto retail, dealership performance, buy-sell activity, franchise valuations, and market outlook. Subscribe now to get it as soon as it releases: https://hubs.la/Q03bYHBw0 #AutoDealers #MarketTrends #DealershipOwners #AutomotiveIndustry #HaigPartners

Join us in wishing Alan Haig a very happy 60th birthday today!

Many professionals aspire to own a dealership, yet few understand the most effective route to achieving it. Rita Case, President and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, advises aspiring dealers to seek out owners with limited succession plans and prove themselves indispensable. By mastering the industry, excelling in their roles, and earning trust, individuals can position themselves as future partners. To hear more about Rita Case’s legacy and insights, watch the full discussion: https://hubs.la/Q03bpDhl0 #AutoRetail #DealershipOwners #AutoDealership #AutomotiveIndustry