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Episode #1318: Penske climbs the dealer ranks as consolidation continues, Tesla sends off Model S/X with a pricey Signature Series, and $4 gas is pushing consumers online.

• Automotive News’ 2026 Top 150 Dealer ranking saw some notable movement as acquisitions and stronger same-store sales reshaped the leaderboard.
  • Penske Automotive moved to No. 2, bumping AutoNation to No. 3, while Lithia holds the top spot yet again.
  • Penske’s growth was fueled in part by high-volume California and Texas store acquisitions now fully counted in 2025 results.
  • The Top 150 sold 4.14M vehicles, increasing their share of total U.S. sales to 27%.
  • Despite selling more cars, the Top 150 owns fewer rooftops overall—continued consolidation in action.
  • 81 groups moved up overall and 23 gained double-digit spots.
  • Public retailers increased their share of Top 150 sales to 34.3%, highlighting their growing influence.
  • 14 currently represented at ASOTU CON: Lithia, Holman, Ourisman, LaFontaine, DARCARS, Walser, McGovern, Zeigler, RML Automotive, American Motors Group, CMA, Huffines, Casa, Preston Auto Group.

• Tesla is closing the chapter on its flagship sedans and SUVs with an ultra-exclusive, invite-only “Signature Series” run. With just 350 units and premium pricing, it’s a nostalgic—and pricey—farewell to the brand’s roots.
  • Tesla will build just 350 units (250 Model S, 100 Model X), available only via invite to select owners.
  • Exclusive Garnet Red paint, gold badging, and numbered interiors highlight the collector-focused design.
  • The pricing reflects rarity, with the Model X Signature hitting $159K—about a $30K premium.
  • These models will mark the end of Model S/X production as Tesla shifts factory capacity toward Optimus robots.
  • Elon Musk previously called it an “honorable discharge,” closing a chapter that started in 2012.

• Rising gas prices are pushing more shoppers to skip store trips altogether. A sharp spike in online spending suggests convenience—and avoiding the pump—is becoming a bigger factor in buying decisions.
  • Online spending jumped 20% in March, far above typical monthly gains, as gas prices topped $4.
  • Orders rose 12% and average order value increased 8%, showing bigger and more frequent purchases.
  • In-store shoppers are consolidating trips, making fewer visits but spending more per trip.
  • 83% of consumers cite gas as a top cost concern, with many shifting to online to avoid driving.
  • “When gas crosses a psychological price threshold, the math changes,” said Omnisend’s Marty Bauer.

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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