Posts by Tricor Admin

Group says lawsuit intended to ensure a rule to maximize driver and pedestrian safety ‘is technologically feasible.’ Pexels/Taras Makarenko An auto industry lobbying group sued the U.S. Department of Transportation over a 2024 rule that requires all new vehicles to come with automatic emergency brakes by the fall of 2029. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation…

Among other recommendations, the report says dealers and brands should actively manage their reputations ‘beyond traditional marketing’ through soliciting consumer reviews and responding to all of them. Pexels/Pixabay A business reputation- and customer-experience management company says car dealerships and auto brands that improve their online statures reap significant rewards, and fast. Itself called Reputation, the…

Ford’s F-150 topped all used sales last year and also led in more than half of the biggest U.S. cities. American automakers’ models were the most popular used-vehicle choices last year. Research by iSeeCars.com found that a trio of full-size trucks in particular did the best of all in the used market. Ford’s F-150, the…

Both the monthly and overall financial impacts of upside-down trade-ins for those consumers hit records in the fourth quarter. Pexels/Mikhail Nilov A growing number of U.S. consumers are under water on their auto loans and owed a record amount in the fourth quarter. A quarter of traded-in vehicles with outstanding loans had negative equity in the…

iA American Warranty Group’s Shelly Ligget and Tony Dupaquier share the stage at EFI Con 2023.  2023 EFI Shelly Liggett Tony Dupaquier rgb LAS VEGAS — Organizers of the annual Ethical F&I Managers Conference have announced the next event will be held this March in Las Vegas. EFI Con will be co-located with the annual…

In-person testing options are at over 450 proctored test centers year-round on weekdays in the evenings and on weekends. Pexels/Yaowaluck Promdee The winter registration period for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence testing period is now open. Those who register now through March 31 will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take the…

Tesla’s sales fell last year, though it’s still the electric-vehicle market leader. U.S. electric-vehicle sales had a strong finish to 2024, posting a quarterly record, and Cox Automotive predicts they’ll set new records and hit a key milestone. Global EV sales, meanwhile, jumped last year by 25% to 17 million units, according to London-based Rho…

Picking out an extreme statistical example in meetings with customers can be misleading. Pexels/Lukas Math was always my weakest subject in school, and I studiously avoided the more advanced courses as much as possible. Though I did take statistics in college, I remember nothing from the class, at least not consciously. My career as a…

January 9, 2025 One simple question can reveal a customer’s buying motivations when it comes to the full suite of F&I products your dealership offers.

The average age of vehicles on U.S. roads reached a record high of 12½ years in 2023, up 40% over 2001. Pexels/Kaboompics.com Today, consumers are facing severe affordability challenges when it comes to purchasing and maintaining vehicles. As car prices continue to rise and economic uncertainties persist, dealers must adapt their strategies to meet the…

Green is one of the less-traditional colors that are gaining traction among consumers seeking individuality. When it comes to car colors, consumer preferences are becoming less white-and-black. A report by pigment producer BASF Coatings indicates many drivers are gravitating to less traditional hues and buying fewer black, white and silver vehicles, though white is still…

Used-vehicle sales rose 4% last year amid still-tight inventory, helping to end a post-pandemic period of depreciation. Pexels/Richard Taveira Used-vehicle values were flat last year at just a 0.4% bump, though that was the biggest advance in three years, according to Cox Automotive. The change still paled in comparison to what Cox said is 2.3%…

Business owners’ livelihoods depend on reliable vehicles, making them less susceptible to economic and political fluctuations. Pexels/Norma Mortenson Electric vehicles were supposed to be the next big driver for dealerships. But challenges overcoming consumer doubt, combined with inventory shortages that rocked the entire car-buying industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, left room for an unexpected opportunity…

Black Book, looking ahead to the new year, says it will be keeping an eye on used-vehicle supply due to low new-vehicle sales three years ago, in addition to changes the incoming Trump administration may bring to the auto industry. Get more detail on that and last week’s wholesale activity by segment here.

Pexels/Tobi A technology company will unveil a product at the CES consumer electronics show this week that seems to promise driving without either blinding sun in the eyes or a clunky visor partially blocking the view of the road. Michigan-based Gentex, known for its automotive electronics but also a supplier to the aerospace, medical and…

General Motors CEO Mary Barra, who celebrated her 10th year as the automaker’s CEO in 2024 as GM bested all competitors in U.S. sales. General Motors U.S. new-vehicle sales posted their best year since the pandemic, and Cox Automotive’s 2025 forecast predicts more growth, including for electric-vehicle deliveries. 2024 ended at about 16 million units…

Pexels/Kampus Production In competitive automotive sales, retaining customers is just as critical, if not more so, than acquiring customers. With fierce competition, retention and loyalty are paramount to a dealership’s success. The cost of acquiring customers far exceeds costs associated with retention, so not only does retaining customers provide a higher return on investment; it…

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The Escape and the Lincoln Corsair are both compact crossovers. Ford is recalling more than 20,000 SUVs due to the possibility of battery failure. The 2020 to 2024 Ford Escape and the 2021 to 2024 Lincoln Corsair may have a manufacturing defect in high-voltage battery cells that can lead to an internal short and risk…

The report points to a major pullback in traffic enforcement since the pandemic began in 2020, allowing dangerous driving to increase. Pexels/Almir Reis U.S. pedestrian deaths fell from their pandemic-era highs in 2023 but were still significantly up from prepandemic levels, according to newly released data. The Governors Highway Safety Association figures put total pedestrian…

Do not focus solely on the sales department for your F&I manager.  Pexels/Mikhail Nilov One of the questions I am asked often is how to find and train a new F&I manager. Looking outside the dealership may have its rewards and consequences, but I am a fan of growing them in-house. First, you need to…

If you are a kink, having e-processes won’t change your behavior … it only makes it easier for people like the author or the Federales to figure it out. Pexels/Sora Shimazaki Since the pandemic our industry has hastened its move from an analog industry to an e-dealership model. Paper four-squares and Sharpies have been replaced…

The 2024 Ioniq 6 is among multiple Hyundai models eligible for the free NACS adapters from the automaker. Hyundai is joining a growing list of automakers giving their customers access to Tesla’s public electric-vehicle charging network. The South Korean company said it will give certain EV owners and lessees free NACS, or North American Charging…

Used-vehicle inventory, flat month-over-month, fell from last year by 6% to about 2.2 million units. Pixabay/andreas November used-vehicle retail deliveries by franchised and independent dealers combined climbed 2% month-over-month, up 13% from a year earlier, Cox Automotive data show. The brisk volume, exceeding the seasonal normal, which tends to wind down late in the year,…

Cox Automotive says new offering gives car buyers a personalized, faster and easier purchase experience combining online and in-store steps. Cox Automotive Cox Automotive, an automotive services and technology provider, introduced new artificial intelligence capabilities to its customer relationship management solution, VinSolutions. Using Predictive Insights with generative AI capabilities, the proprietary technology incorporates first-party behavioral data…

Bannister Automotive Group’s employee development program is meant to provide a safe and supportive environment where they can fully express themselves as they grow. Pexels/Ivan Samkov Within a few weeks of joining Bannister Automotive Group, I started to hear about the depth of impact that Laurie Bannister’s coaching experience was having on some of our…

The collaborators said the ‘ultra-fast’ charging capability will offer charging speed of up to 500 kilowatts. General Motors General Motors said it’s collaborating with electric-vehicle public charging network provider ChargePoint to install as many as 500 “ultra-fast” chargers across the U.S. The Detroit automaker said many of the chargers will feature ChargePoint’s Omni Port system…

Cox’s All-Loans Index rose 1% in November to 95.4, the highest point since October 2023. Automotive credit loosened the most in more than a year, easing the most for new-vehicle loans. In November more borrowers won loan approvals, in addition to better loan rates, says Cox Automotive, which observed greater credit access across all channels…

American Guardian Warranty Services, a leader in providing administrative services for agents and dealers offering vehicle protection products, limited warranties, and a variety of environmental and aftermarket products across the US, announced today it has developed a much faster way to file and track claims.  Removing the need to rekey information, and eliminating wasted time…

The 2024 Mach-E is one of 10 models winning IIHS’ top safety award. Nineteen models across 11 auto brands earned one of two top safety awards after recent rounds of testing. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said some of the 10 new winners of its highest-level award, Top Safety Pick+, hadn’t earlier undergone…

Cooper opened for business in 1977, serving Anniston and Oxford in northeastern Alabama, along with surrounding areas in the eastern part of the state.  Drive Direct Digital LLC An eastern Alabama auto dealership acquired two franchises from a fellow Anniston dealer who’s retiring to more than double its inventory. Cooper Chevrolet Buick, in business for…

Though the CARS Rule hadn’t taken effect as of this writing, dealers should prepare because it could become law early this year.  Pixabay/markusspiske The proposed CARS Rule, Combating Auto Retail Scams Rule, or the National Automobile Dealers Associations’ preferred name, the Vehicle Shopping Rule, could transform the car business. It is not yet law, but…

The November seasonally adjusted annual rate was 16.5 million, the strongest pace since the spring of 2021. Pexels/Attila Darvas Buying new vehicles proved pricier for the second month in a row in November, though incentives grew even more to pump up sales, which were also aided by bigger inventories. The average transaction price for the…

NHTSA said collecting more data faster will help it update its strategies, research, rule-making and public education campaigns. In an effort to cut serious injuries and deaths on U.S. roads, 19 states and territories are getting federal grants to update their crash data systems. The money from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is intended…

Potential customers read reviews and form opinions long before they ever step foot in a showroom.  Pexels/Mikhail Nilov Where do people get the inspiration to write reviews? Picture this: You’ve just come home from dinner, settling in for the night, when suddenly, you jump out of bed and start furiously typing on your computer: “It…

Hyundai Motor North America’s Manish Mehrotra, vice president, digital business planning and connected operations, and Vijay Rao, director, connected operations and owner apps/websites, celebrate winning J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. OEM ICE App trophy. Many U.S. auto consumers value the potential of their vehicle manufacturer mobile applications, but the apps often fail to meet their expectations,…

This year’s conditions and others point to continued robust buy-sell activity next year. Pexels/Antoni Shkraba The U.S. dealership buy-sell market is proving to be super-charged this year, as activity in the first nine months is almost double prepandemic volume, according to Kerrigan Advisors data. The sell-side firm said 330 transactions took place during the period…

December 5, 2024 Take the time to illustrate the strengths of providing our customers with the ownership experience they deserve and protection for their investment against inflation. 

Dealers will assess owners’ experiences and make any needed repairs while a final remedy is developed. Volkswagen’s North America arm is recalling more than 4,600 plug-in hybrid cars and SUVs due to the risk of battery overheating. The automaker said it considers overheating incidence rare in the recalled population but that the identified defect increases…

ASE is conducting a series of surveys on various repair categories. Pexels/Tuesday Temptation The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, recently commissioned to conduct a series of studies to better understand which repair tasks are performed most frequently, just started a survey focused on brake repair tasks.  Survey participants don’t need to be ASE-certified to…

The incoming Trump administration has indicated it plans to eliminate federal tax credits, a plan multiple corners of the auto industry are trying to change. Pexels/Kindel Media It’s been clear that federal tax credits for electric-vehicle purchases and leases have played a big role in EV transactions. Newly released research shows just how much.  Essentially…

Four out of five dealers agree: Data can help forecast trends, generate and capture demand, become more efficient, and generate bigger profits. This eBook dives into key findings from the 2024 Cox Automotive Power of Data Study, identifying three top challenges facing dealers who want to leverage data and insights—and provides strategies to overcome each…

When each department is complimentary of each other, great things are possible. Pexels/Tara Winstead As an F&I manager, it is very easy to have tunnel vision on the task at hand, to focus on the next customer, your production ranking, making objective, and reaching your goals. Nothing wrong with that. After all, as an F&I…

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Incentives are about 8% of the average transaction price and the highest in three and a half years. Pexels/Sarmad Mughal U.S. new-vehicle sales, with one more month to go in 2024, are on track to best last year’s. A Cox Automotive forecast puts November sales volume at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 16 million…

The 2025 Tuscon is one of two models made for the U.S. market that have been recalled. Hyundai recalled more than 42,000 vehicles across two models over a wiring flaw that can potentially lead to rollaways. The console extension wiring assembly near the transmission shift lever in the 2025 Tuscon SUV and Santa Fe pickup…

Virtual F&I Virtual F&I, a new platform designed to enhance the digital car-buying experience, allows customers to configure their deals how they want to—online, in-store or both—and continue the process in the showroom or from home.  In addition to helping dealers sell more cars and finance-and-insurance products, it said it’s championing simple car-buying that’s transparent…

The effects of the defect can include rollaways, compromised vehicle handling and control, and confusion of drivers encountering the vehicle from behind. Stellantis Chrysler recalled more than 200,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos due to an antilock braking issue that can lead to a cascade of problems, increasing crash risk.  The measure is intended…

The Hyundai Venue leads individual models for the highest fatal crash rate, according to the study. Several auto brands have the dubious distinction of topping a list of the vehicles with the highest traffic fatality rates. The iSeeCars.com ranking lists the 23 vehicles that it says statistics show have a U.S. fatal crash rate at…

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The safety ratings changes include new tests on vehicles’ ability to minimize pedestrian injury and death in a crash. Pexels/Josh Sorenson Newer vehicle technologies have been added to a federal vehicle ratings program for consumers to evaluate vehicles’ safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the additions to its 5-Star Safety Ratings, along with…

The Lexus LS is among five by the brand that took home model-level awards, the most of any brand J.D. Power considered. Honda and Lexus held onto their status as the brands offering the most value over time in J.D. Power’s U.S. Automotive Lease Guide Residual Value Awards. The awards may be more closely watched…

Gubagoo head Brad Title says offering consolidates dealers’ data in one place for increased efficiencies. Gubagoo, a provider of digital retailing and conversational commerce for automotive dealerships, launched Curator, a “Unified Intelligence Engine” for auto retailers. Powered by Fullpath, an automotive industry customer data platform and marketing automation platform, Curator unifies all three types of…

Kasi Edwards of Reynolds says Skaivision ‘helps shine a light on dead bay time.’ Reynolds and Reynolds The Reynolds and Reynolds Company invested in and collaboration with Skaivision, creators of smart-space computer vision artificial-intelligence software for automotive dealerships, to help its customers become more efficient and profitable. Skaivision helps dealerships leverage video technology to identify…

ECP Inc. was recognized in the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Awards for a diamond award in the Appearance Protection category; and a gold award in the F&I Ancillary Products category.  ECP Inc. was recognized in the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Awards for a diamond award in the Appearance Protection category; and a gold award in the F&I…

Customer Comebacks – F&I – F&I and Showroom [embedded content] November 14, 2024 Create your free Bobit Connect account to bookmark content. The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices! Create Account Already a member? Log In

To make real connections that bring results, ask questions, listen, and connect products to customers’ lives. Pexels/Sora Shimazaki Every customer wants a great ownership experience. Our goal is to give them that. Unfortunately, how we think about getting there is antithetical to the customer’s thought process. The focus of F&I has been on selling more…

The former Knox Ford in Radcliff, Ky., is now Don Franklin Radcliff Ford. Gary Haupt A Kentucky dealership sold this month to a growing auto group in the state.  Knox Ford in Radcliff in the central Kentucky area that’s known as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln is now Don Franklin Automotive Group’s 28th store, according…

Dealer Intersection YouTube channel pulls together videos that touch on auto retail from many vantage points. Looking for the latest trends, expert tips, and actionable strategies for dealership success? The Dealer Intersection YouTube Channel has you covered! Featuring exclusive content from our four Bobit publications, this channel is your one-stop destination for everything you need to…

Auto loan originations are still far under historical levels. Pexels/John Guccione The growth of auto loan delinquencies slowed year-over-year in the third quarter as overall consumer credit conditions showed signs of stabilizing from the pandemic. The improved outlook comes as vehicle affordability metrics ease, said consumer credit reporting agency TransUnion. The average monthly new-vehicle payment…

Both loans in negative equity and those with terms longer than 72 months fell in October. Pexels/Jakub Zerdzicki Auto consumers had an easier time getting credit for their vehicle purchases for the second month in a row. Cox Automotive’s All-Loans Index rose 2% month-over-month in October to 94.5, its biggest jump in more than two…

Does your website offer a seamless experience, guiding shoppers through the process, eliminating information re-entry and offering options for self-service and live help?  Pexels/PNW Production It is no surprise; American shoppers are spending more time and money than ever before online. This surge in e-commerce has created a new breed of customer and economy dubbed…

November 7, 2024 You are offering products and protections the customer cannot see, touch or smell, so you have to make them feel the benefits. 

Pioneer Chevrolet in Marietta, Ohio, one of the three stores sold, will continue operating under that name. Thomas Peden  Three auto dealerships in the Ohio River border area between West Virginia and the Buckeye state changed hands, joining a small but growing group. The Chevrolet, Ford and Honda stores were sold by Richard Nourse, who’s…

Returning EV leases are expected to jump in 2026 by 230%, J.D. Power forecasts.  Pixabay/Joenomias Federal tax credits for electric-vehicle leases that qualified many models not eligible for the breaks if purchased have spawned a large volume of EVs set to pump up the used-vehicle market. J.D. Power research indicates leases of new EVs skyrocketed…

Warning systems include motion-sensing detectors and those that signal after a vehicle is turned off and the rear seat is still occupied. Pexels/Gustavo Fring Rear seat reminder systems are much more common after automakers pledged five years ago to install them in all new vehicles by 2025, according to an industry trade group. The audible…

GM is scheduled to mail recall notices to the 107 affected owners on Dec. 16. General Motors again issued an urgent recall of some Chevrolet Bolt electric cars and SUVs that it previously repaired for battery fire risk. GM replaced defective battery modules in the vehicles in an August 2021 recall. It now says installed…

This case study examines the response of a local dealership’s finance and insurance (F&I) department to a significant shift in automotive finance regulations. It details the challenges faced, strategies employed and the critical role of the F&I product provider in adapting to these changes, particularly affecting vehicle service contract offerings. This case illustrates the importance…

Research shows nearly a quarter of dealer leads miss 24-hour follow-up. Pixabay/Jo_Johnston How would you rate the level of accountability to every opportunity your dealership’s sales and F&I departments encounter each month? At the end of the month are you sure that you have taken advantage of every possible opportunity, with none slipping through the…

Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato and NTT President and CEO Akira Shimada announcing the initiative Toyota said it will collaborate with a Japanese telecommunications company to develop an artificial intelligence-powered mobility platform with the aim of creating a “society with zero traffic accidents.” The automaker and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., or NTT, announced the…

AAA shared driving tips for early darkness, including focusing on objects’ outlines in dim light rather than direct looks. Pexels/Kampus Production The majority of American drivers wear prescription eyewear on the road, according to research by AAA, which used the Nov. 3 end of daylight saving time to encouraged drivers to have their eyes checked.…

OFAC regulations are murky, so from a conservative perspective, if anyone is involved in the deal, even if they are not on the contract, you must run an OFAC check. Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko I am no history buff, so I cringed when my 11-year-old came home from school last week and said he had to study…

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Offerings include reviews of car seats and other products and services, videos on proper car seat use, a car seat quiz, and lab-test ratings.  Pexels/Muhammad Taha Ibrahim A new partnership is aimed at giving parents guidance on choosing car seats based on safety reviews and other considerations. Consumer Reports is teaming with multiplatform pregnancy and…

In a positive turn of events, average repair cycle times have fallen by one day year-over-year to 22 days. Pexels/Mikhail Nilov Auto repair costs claims through insurance have spiked in the past two years, sparking a jump in premiums. J.D. Power research found that the average repair cost is up 26% and the resulting insurance…

The forecast puts retailer profit per unit at $2,245 this month, down 27% year-over-year. Pexels/Shane West A U.S. new-vehicle sales forecast for October brings good business news despite a small bump in monthly consumer payments affecting affordability. The J.D. Power analysis predicts a 6% year-over-year retail sales increase when adjusted for two additional selling days,…

The San Leandro, Calif., dealership opened in December 2020. Harvey Auto will now focus on its remaining six stores. Harvey Auto Group One of the biggest U.S. auto groups picked up its first Mazda store to grow an already-large California presence. In a sale between two family-owned auto retail companies, Victory Automotive Group bought San…

A strategy centered on vehicle service contracts allows dealerships to generate revenue in both the service and sales departments.  Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich For decades, dealerships have faced the ongoing challenge of deciphering the effectiveness of their marketing strategies. Monthly meetings with ad agencies often revolve around discussions about what tactics to try next and how successful…

Black Book said in its weekly wholesale market report that it’s making efforts to parse wholesale supply in light of vehicles with potential hurricane damage. It also noted a deeper than normal seasonal market decline. Get all the details in its report.

The supplier of the fuel pumps in question improved their production process in August, and the new pumps were put into vehicle production in September. Honda recalled more than 720,000 vehicles due to risk of fuel leakage that could lead to fire. The recall affects the 2023 and 2024 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2023 to…

The NADA Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund is supported by dealers, NADA and industry partners to financially help dealer employees impacted by natural disasters. Pexels/Peter Holmboe The National Automobile Dealers Association is urging the automotive community to help dealership employees affected by the recent hurricanes. Chairman Gary Gilchrist posted a letter to his fellow franchised auto…

The credit-application process, in particular, can be a problem area dealers should audit regularly. Pexels/Mikhail Nilov All business organizations need constant surveillance. Car dealerships are certainly no exception. With some dealership owners being absent from day-to-day operations, how is this surveillance being discharged? General managers and controllers should be trustworthy, but to quote a Russian…

To maintain profitability and compliance, dealers should review their product prices and profit points annually. Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko F&I departments across the country are some of the most profitable divisions in dealership operations. However, with increasing scrutiny from the federal government, particularly the Federal Trade Commission, the question arises: When does profitability cross the line into…

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Year to date global EV sales total 11.5 million, up 22% year-over-year. Pexels/Kindel Media Worldwide electric-vehicle sales reached a record in September, according to fresh data. The 1.7 million in sales bested the old record, set last December, by 150,000 units, according to EV data provider Rho Motion. China led sales with 1.1 million for…

Maurer Ford store manager Luke Maurer is the family’s fourth generation in the business. Luke Maurer  B.J. Maurer Motor Co. stands out for many reasons. The 100-year-old business is counted among the oldest Ford dealerships in the world. It’s still owned by the family that started it in 1924. It remains faithful to the same…

The 2024 and 2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEVs were recalled for brake pedal reinforcement. Stellantis The Chrysler division of Stellantis recalled more than 21,000 SUVs in the U.S. market due to the possibility that their brake pedals could collapse during braking. The parent company said in a statement that it was aware…

A software programming error presents the possibility that brake fluid pressure control doesn’t work as designed during cornering.  Toyota recalled more than 42,000 Corolla Cross Hybrids that can experience loss of power brake assist when turning a corner. Drivers of the 2023 and 2024 versions of the subcompact SUV can experience a “hard” brake pedal…

Independent used sales was the only segment to stay buttoned up. Compared to a year earlier, credit for certified preowned vehicle purchases was tightest. Pexels/Sora Shimazaki Auto credit hurdles finally eased up in September, ending a five-month streak of tightened access. Most channels and all lender types loosened up last month, according to Cox Automotive,…

IIHS says its research shows audible reminders lasting at least 90 seconds increased seat belt use by about 30%. Pexels/Kelly Seat belt fastening reminders might be as annoying as an alarm clock on a cold, dark morning, but statistics show they can make the road safer for those who respond. The Insurance Institute for Highway…

As the ATP of new vehicles has moved little over the past year, more consumers are opting for the least pricey models, including the Hyundai Elantra. Incentives and more affordable models are helping keep new-vehicle prices in check, though they’re not falling appreciably and certainly nowhere near prepandemic levels. As the third quarter ended last…

The sunset-inspired color scheme is also found in the Bronco’s interior. You might do a double take if you encounter a newly minted Bronco on the road soon.  The 2025 Bronco Sport sports the optional design scheme straight out of the nature-loving decade of earth-tone design. The Bronco Free Wheeling borrows its sunset-hued shell from…

A person’s confidence level in robotaxis rises dramatically after actually riding in one, according to the study. The traveling public has a conflicted view of robotaxis, as demonstrated in new study results that show the difference lies in whether a person has actually ridden in one. Of those who have been driven around by an…

Among many other fascinating topics, the ‘Traffic’ delves into how traffic jams develop and the best approach to merging.  Pexels/Life of Pix Recently a thought leader I follow recommended a book I hadn’t heard of, and I quickly checked it out of my local library. “Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What…

While we don’t require advanced training and education to the same degree as doctors and attorneys, we need equal to, if not more than, the same level of professionalism, knowledge and expertise. Pexels/Skylar Kang What determines whether someone is a professional? There are a variety of factors. How long have they been doing the job?…

Leasing is projected to account for more than one in four new-vehicle sales this year, electric vehicles part of the expected increase. Pexels/Mart Production Leasing is the industry’s roller coaster. It rattles around the bottom of the coaster after lessor risk managers pull back on leasing because of residual losses. It starts ascending toward the…

How to Respond to a Customer – F&I – F&I and Showroom [embedded content] October 3, 2024 Create your free Bobit Connect account to bookmark content. The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices! Create Account Already a member? Log In

Range anxiety, or driver worry about being able to keep an EV charged while on the road, is consistently cited as one of the major reasons many consumers pass over pure EVs.  Pixabay/Joenomias U.S. electric-vehicle sales are gradually growing, but charging infrastructure growth isn’t keeping pace, according to a new report. Second-quarter new light-duty EV…

The percentage of time that such safety systems are kept turned on has dramatically increased since a similar study was conducted eight years ago. Pexels/PNW Production According to a nonprofit group study, most drivers of vehicles with crash-avoidance systems now keep the features turned on, a sign of acceptance of the technology to increase safety.…

Some of the recalled units may have battery packs with cells vulnerable to separator damage. Stellantis More than 150,000 plug-in hybrid Jeeps have been recalled for a second time due to an unresolved battery issue, and owners have been urged to park them outside and refrain from recharging them due to fire risk. The problem…

A dealer employee could be forced to pay enormous sums of money for illegal acts of his or her employer, the dealership. Pexels/Sora Shimazaki For the past number of decades, attorneys general actions and other civil legal actions numbering in the thousands have been brought against dealers. However, there have been a paucity of examples…

The base 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT will have a base price of $35,000. Though growth of electric vehicles has been slower than automakers expected not too long ago, there are signs that it’s coming along. The latest telltale indicator is growth of nonluxury EV sales, which rose from about 23% in last year’s second quarter…

J.D. Power’s seasonally adjusted annualized rate is at 15.8 million units, flat year-over-year. Pexels/Sarmad Mughal September new-vehicle sales, adjusted for this year’s reduced selling days, are projected to be down about 2% year-over-year. The J.D. Power estimate puts combined retail and nonretail deliveries at about 1.2 million units. It pointed out that this September has…

A consultative approach enhances the customer experience. Pixabay/StockSnap Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends. – Walt Disney An excellent customer experience is critical to your success because it helps convert a standard customer into a loyal one. Customers today are the drivers of…

 B.J. Maurer Ford stands out for many reasons: The 100-year-old business is counted among the oldest Ford dealerships in the world. It’s still owned by the family that started it in 1924. The dealership remains faithful to the same mission it had a century ago: “Delivering quality cars and service to every customer, without exception!” …

Bobit Business Media has transitioned to a family-owned business under the leadership of Colin Sutherland, effective today.  Sutherland, known for his extensive experience in business marketing, has a history with Bobit that spans over two decades. He co-founded and led the sales and marketing direction of Geotab, a global leader in telematics and engine diagnostics,…

Black Book Normals for the fall season ended a trend of variability in the wholesale market last week, though the decline was softer than the industry was accustomed to before the pandemic. Get the details in Black Book’s weekly report.

The free adapters are scheduled to be delivered to consumers early next year.  Kia is following General Motors in offering consumers a fast-charger adapter. The move, which applies to purchases of new 2024 and 2025 Kia EV6 or EV9 starting this month, will open nearly 17,000 chargers to Kia drivers starting on Jan. 15. The…

Don’t wait for something to happen – make something happen by focusing on how you can fill the 80%. Pexels/JESHOOTS.com If you believe in the Pareto principle, which suggests that 80% percent of your results come from 20% of your activities, that means we spend a lot of time in F&I on activities that don’t…

Non-compliant advertising can put your dealership at risk of severe penalties from the FTC. KPA’s “Quick Guide to FTC Advertising Compliance” provides essential insights and practical tips to help you navigate the complex regulations surrounding dealership advertising. Don’t let misleading ads jeopardize your business—get equipped with the knowledge to protect your dealership and maintain consumer…

Data provider cites higher sticker prices, low residual value, and confusion over incentives for lower EV demand. Pexels/Antonio Conte Demand for electric vehicles fell to a seven-year low in August, pushing down overall new-vehicle sales to the lowest level in more than two years. Registrations of battery-electric vehicles, or purely electric models, fell 36% year-over-year to…

Inventory totaled 2.8 million units at the end of August, translating to a days’ supply of 77, similar to early June levels before June’s CDK Global DMS disruption. Pexels/Kelly Retail auto sales conditions brightened this week as the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the first time in four and a half years, vehicle inventory…

Dealers must be vigilant about third-party marketers who try to lure away customers with misleading advertisements for subpar coverage. Pexels/Anna Shvets The age-old axiom in the automotive business, “Sales sell them, but service keeps them,” has never been more relevant or crucial than today. The Rollercoaster of Dealership Sales Recent disruptions in the industry have…

The system originated in a Toyota Motor North America technology contest. Toyota said its 2025 Sienna minivan includes technology that alerts drivers if an occupant remains in the rear seats after they’ve left the vehicle. Though the Japanese automaker didn’t explicitly explain the impetus for adding the technology, such alerts could prevent children or pets…

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IIHS says the study shows why ‘partial automation systems need more robust safeguards to prevent misuse.’ Pexels/Malte Luk Partially automated vehicle systems encourage driver distraction, according to a safety group study. Following the habits of a group of Volvo drivers and a group of Tesla drivers, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety found that both…

Market normalization may be the perfect chance to do a business tune-up. Pexels/RDNE Stock Project I recently read a Wall Street Journal report about the job market cooling for people with college degrees, particularly those new to the workforce. The report cited data from payroll technology provider ADP that show openings requiring a bachelor’s degree…

Mitsubishi’s Outlander got the highest survey rating in the small/compact category for its infotainment features. Mitsubishi Multimedia technology in vehicles has been the root of much automotive consumer frustration for years, ranking high on the list of head-scratching nonstarters. Newly released study results shine a ray of hope. Could infotainment features become reliable go-tos? The…

Processes, when well mapped out, can enhance the customer experience by shortening the sales procedure and making it more efficient for them and for dealership staff. Pexels/Cottonbro Studio In a sales environment like a dealership there are lot of things happening at once. The swirl of the business lends itself to the creation of rules…

Experts we talked to advised ensuring their practices meet CARS Rule requirements in anticipation of the regulation taking effect in some form post-litigation. Pexels/Paula Nardini There are two sides to every story, and such is the case with the Federal Trade Commission’s Combating Auto Retail Scams, or CARS, program, which originally would’ve taken effect on…

Cox said the share of loans longer than 72 months fell by 60 basis points and was down about two percentage points year-over-year. Pexels/Саша Алалыкин Getting credit to buy a car got a little harder in August, though conditions loosened some through automotive-focused lenders, and overall consumer confidence improved for the month. Cox Automotive’s Dealertrack…

The problem can call attention to itself through a clicking noise like a door being locked or unlocked. Volkswagen Volkswagen recalled nearly 100,000 electric SUVs because certain of the vehicles’ doors can open spontaneously, exposing occupants or those outside to risk of injury. Door handles on the 2021 to 2024 ID.4 may not meet factory…

AutoPayPlus AutoPayPlus said Michele Gutierrez returned to its sales team as a regional account manager. With a passion for the automotive industry that was ignited at an early age, she brings over two decades of experience across sales, logistics and leadership. Gutierrez began her career in the automotive industry in 1996, inspired by her grandfather’s…

Reynolds and Reynolds President Chris Walsh Reynolds and Reynolds The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. brought to a close its annual Retail Summit: Amplify 2024, a forum for discussing best practices and exploring innovative ideas for improving all dealership department outcomes. “This year’s summit was a resounding success,” said Reynolds President Chris Walsh. “I’ve personally heard…

Scheduling and check-in tools are recommended to run a well-managed service department, thereby driving profit. Pexels/Pixabay A healthy and thriving service department is like a sturdy backbone supporting a dealership, particularly during economically challenging times. When car sales are weak, a strong service department maintains customer loyalty and keeps profits strong. Though important, service can…

Establishing compliant desking practices can prevent inconsistent payment quotes or payment packing. Pexels/Lisa Fotios Recently, I was reading through some older articles in F&I and Showroom and came across one including a reader’s comment that caught my attention. Though the article was several years old, the comment was made this year. In summary, it was…

McCormick offers more productive approaches to help F&I professionals move out of myth territory when it comes to sales. Pexels/Kindel Media We live in the real world. Make-believe should be relegated to children’s stories and movies. However, five myths have weaved their way into the F&I process. Customers know this is not the real world,…

Thousands of automotive professionals cast their votes for the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Awards. The publishers of Bobit’s Dealer Group have announced the winners of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Awards. Now in its 20th year, the program was designed to recognize the industry’s best vendors, suppliers, and finance partners by asking dealers and dealership personnel to complete a 30-category…

Discover the Top 3 Data Challenges and Transform Your Operations In today’s competitive automotive market, leveraging data effectively is crucial for success. This comprehensive ebook reveals the top three data challenges dealerships face and provides actionable insights to help you overcome them. Dive into strategies that enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and boost profits. Real-Time…

Overpaying at auction might have been overlooked by a forgiving market, but now, any missteps are swiftly punished. Pixabay/Andreas In the years immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, auto dealers experienced a paradigm shift in inventory management, pricing strategies, and overall business operational strategy. The unprecedented circumstances led to a period when inventory acquisition was viewed…

Most survey respondents said they see privately owned cars to continue to be their choice for getting around in 10 years and that they prefer to be doing the driving. Pexels/Daniel Andraski Though ride-sharing, public transportation use and other alternative forms of transportation may be on the rise among some parts of the U.S. population,…

Haglin most recently served as vice president of Emerging Businesses and Innovation for iA American Warranty Group. Dealers Assurance Company (DAC), a subsidiary of iA Financial Group, named Preston Haglin to the role of president, effective immediately. For the past year, Haglin has spent time with the DAC team, working alongside them and already impacting…

In The Car President and CEO Matthew Edmonds says integration offers buyers ‘competitively priced insurance on the spot without having to call their agent or shop around online.’ Malia Edmonds In The Car, an embedded digital-first platform that enables OEMs and dealerships to provide insurance policies directly to consumers,  announced a data integration with Cox…

I am often amused when I attend conferences and listen to attendees opine about the future of the car business.  “The end is near,” would-be prognosticators preach regarding internal-combustion-engine vehicles. “All transactions will imminently be virtual and done on one’s cellphone,” others sermonize. I even heard a president of a major bank state that all…

By volume, back-over prevention systems led reasons for recalls, affecting 1.7 million units. Pexels/Ishan Kulshrestha U.S. automotive recalls fell in the second quarter, marking the second lowest quarterly volume of affected units in a decade. Five million units were recalled, down 60% quarter-over-quarter, and the number of recall events fell 7% to 243, according to…

The recently sold Memphis store is the second-highest volume Buick GMC store in the metro area. General Motors A Tennessee-based automotive group sold its last dealership after more than 30 years in business. The last of Memphis-based Sunrise Auto Group’s three stores, Sunrise Buick GMC Covington Pike, to Jim Keras Automotive, also based in Memphis.…

S&P said it expects inventories to keep building as the year progresses and for incentives to remain robust. Pexels/Sarmad Mughal An early August new light-vehicle sales estimate puts volume up both month-over-month and year-over-year for a strong late-summer showing. The S&P Global Mobility report has the month’s sales up 11% over July’s and up 7%…

Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, top Consumer Reports’ first reliability rankings for used vehicles. So many American consumers are shopping only used cars that Consumer Reports just added a review category for the segment. The nonprofit researcher and tester said a survey it conducted in June showed 40% of people looking to buy a…

App service says 1.6 million cars were destroyed in floodwaters the past five years. Pexels/Kaique Rocha As hurricane season rolls across storm-prone states, an auto industry application is offering a service that could save cars from ruin in floodwaters. California-based Way.com said it’s partnered with Cure Auto Insurance to create a “white glove” service that…

Pexels/Karolina Grabowska In automotive sales, dealerships are increasingly turning to business development centers to handle both the complexities of modern communication and improved customer management. The digital revolution has significantly impacted our automotive industry. With the continuous rise of online platforms—ranging from email, text, chat bots, and messaging applications to dealership-specific apps—traditional sales roles are…

Mélon has more than 35 years of experience in the automotive industry. Isabel March Photography iA American Warranty Group (iA American) announced that Eric Mélon has stepped into the role of executive vice president of sales. With over 35 years in the automotive industry, he has trained thousands of sales and management personnel throughout the…

Many people value hands-on technology rather than advanced driver-assistance systems and don’t like passenger display screens, deeming them unnecessary and hard to use. Pexels/Erik McIean Automotive consumers don’t give high marks to new vehicles’ high-tech features, based on the results of J.D. Power’s latest U.S. Tech Experience Index. Hyundai’s brands again dominate automaker rankings on…

The CDK Global software outage pointed up the wisdom of switching to the electronic-contracting technology some dealers have avoided adopting. Pexels/Sora Shimazaki The early-summer outage of CDK Global’s software systems turned out to be one of those events that presents a necessary contrast in hindsight. Thousands of automotive dealers found themselves thrust back into the…

A 1960s shot of the showroom at the original Holman Ford dealership. Joe Holman, son of founder Steward Holman, is in the foreground to the right. Holman a global automotive services leader, is celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary. Founded by Steward C. Holman on Aug. 23, 1924, Holman began as a single Ford dealership in…

The 2024 Mustangs, if they have the defect at issue, could crash due to loss of steering control. Ford recalled about 5,000 Mustangs due to a suspension issue that could lead to loss of vehicle control. The 2024 cars’ rear suspension may be built with a knuckle with a casting defect that can cause the…

Tucker grew up in her father’s auto dealership. AutoPayPlus AutoPayPlus has gained another veteran executive to support its growing partner network with the addition of Averi Tucker as agency development manager on its sales team. A child of the industry, Tucker grew up in her father’s dealership, giving her a deep-rooted passion and understanding of…

Toyota has focused on its hybrids, and it’s paying off with its No. 1 mass-market standing in a tie with Subaru. Auto customer satisfaction improved slightly in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index for the sector, though the mass-market and luxury scores were flat. The study’s authors noted that though industry conditions have rebounded for…

MyKaarma said Sunbit is already available in more than half of authorized dealerships and that the partnership brings the payment technology to more customers.  MyKaarma, a provider of service lane technology and payment solutions for automotive service centers announced an integration with Sunbit, which creates financial technology for everyday expenses. The partnership brings a buy-now-pay-later…

Access to recorded sessions is reserved for those who register for the live webinar. Pexels/Anna Shvets The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, ot ASE, is hosting a free webinar at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 27. “ASE Spanish Language Testing” will be conducted in Spanish. In the webinar, Javier Cragnolini and Maria Hicks…

The wholesale market was mixed last week as a wide variety of issues influences conditions in one direction or another. Black Market provides its weekly analysis to make sense of it all. Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

Auto dealers should consider untapped potential of F&I products and wealth-building structures as cornerstones of revenue maximization and consumer satisfaction. Pexels/RDNE Stock Project In today’s constantly evolving automotive industry, dealerships face the challenge of maximizing revenue amidst fluctuating market conditions and consumer preferences. Particularly in this time of economic uncertainty, it’s paramount for auto retailers…

The number of consumers shopping for new insurance was up 7% year-over-year in the second quarter, despite rates being flat. Pexels/Sindre Fs With the cost of auto insurance on the rise in recent years, along with car prices and other expenses, consumers are employing all the avenues they can to save money on the necessity.…

The problem targeted by the recall presents risk of fire in affected vehicles. BMW recalled more than 720,000 vehicles across a large number of models due to a short circuit risk related to their water pumps. The cars and SUVs may have an incorrectly sealed water pump electrical connector, which, if it gets wet, could…

Reynolds’ Jason Sideris points out there ‘are differences between service departments in major urban versus rural settings and between high-volume and low-volume departments. By segmenting the data, we can all compare and understand outcomes more accurately.’ Reynolds and Reynolds The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. released a new report focusing on several key fixed-operations metrics that…

Trace360 provides financial assistance if a vehicle is stolen. F&I provider DOWC introduced an update to its Theft Protection. Trace360 is tailored for franchise dealers and large independent stores, and DOWC says it can improve inventory management, provide essential vehicle data, enhance customer satisfaction, increase revenue, and build customer loyalty. The recovery solution is designed…

One of Mares’ recommendations on sales to women is to greet their children and show them an area to color or play to keep them occupied while their mother shops. Melissa D’Souza Katie Mares, book author and automotive industry veteran, recalls a time about five years ago when she confidently embarked on a car-shopping journey…

In a year-over-year comparison, nearly 20% of survey respondents said they experienced a nonworking public charger, just a 1% improvement over last year. Pexels/Kindel Media While consumers consistently cite lack of adequate public electric-vehicle chargers as a top reason not to buy EVs, their satisfaction with charging infrastructure is making headway. J.D. Power’s latest consumer…

The plan, which the DOT released to the public last fall for public comment, is also designed to address deaths on the road. The U.S. Department of Transportation said it will speed up vehicle-to-everything technology to enable cars and wireless devices to “communicate” with each other and the infrastructure vehicles pass. The department’s Federal Highway…

Used-vehicle days’ supply fell from 53 to 41 in July. Pexels/Erik McIean Used-vehicle sales jumped in July after the CDK Global software outage ended in the first week of the month. The 28% surge translated to 1.6 million units sold for the month through franchised and independent dealers, according to Cox Automotive estimates. That’s up…

Consumers say they want more headrest adjustability for driving comfort. Pexels/Oleksandr P Automakers are emphasizing high-tech innovations nowadays, but many consumers still find some of the most basic car features lacking, based on sentiments shared in a fresh study. The J.D. Power U.S. survey on vehicle seat quality and satisfaction found consumers experience more problems…

The Tundra was named the longest lasting vehicle. ISeeCars says it’s four times as likely to reach 250,000 miles as the average model. With vehicle prices still on the higher side, many consumers are holding onto their older models longer. A new ranking shows which brands they’ll have the best chance of stretching the longest.…

Grane realizes many in the auto industry have a wariness about artificial intelligence in the business but encourages people to see just how much it can enable F&I sales. Though artificial intelligence’s presence in business has deepened, including in automotive retail, many people harbor some wariness of the fast-developing technology. This, Carl Grane acknowledges. He…

Inventory stood at 2.9 million units as July opened, up 52% year-over-year. Pexels/InstaWalli U.S. new-vehicle prices continued their descent from pandemic-era heights in July for what Cox Automotive observed to be the 10th straight month of decreases. It put the average transaction price at $48,401, essentially flat month-over-month and down 3% from the peak Cox…

The recall affects more than 20 brands in Toyota’s lineup. Toyota recalled nearly 34,000 vehicles across more than 21 brands after a products distributor noticed a load-carrying capacity sticker with an incorrect weight value. Since an inaccruate weight figure could lead to an overloaded vehicle, posing increased risk of crash, the Japanese automaker is recalling…

CDK Global, a software company that caters to U.S. car dealerships, recently garnered attention as the victim of cybercrime. News reports indicate the company was targeted by a cyberattack and allegedly paid $25 million to regain control of its data—a nightmare for any company. Thousands of auto dealerships relying on CDK’s software faced major disruptions…

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The reduced credit access came in all channels and lender types. Pexels/Pixabay Auto loans were harder to get for the fourth month in a row as approval rates declined and other measures made credit more challenging to come by in July. Though the average loan rate fell by seven basis points for an 80-point decline…

Air bags were the leading cause of first-quarter recalls by volume. Pexels/Dietmar Janssen U.S. automotive recalls rose in the first quarter, though the number of affected units fell, according to Sedgwick data. The 9% jump brought the total number of recalls to 262 while the total of recalled units dropped 15% to 12.5 million, the…

More dealer finance teams report disliking AI’s influence in auto finance processes, including what they perceive as a lack of creative freedom. Pixabay/Raten Kauf Dealer finance providers are ranked for dealership satisfaction in a newly released report that also finds dealers dislike the growing role of artificial intelligence in auto lending. The J.D. Power U.S.…

Electric Vehicle Analysis feature is new to the My BMW application. BMW is trying to leverage its driver mobile application to nudge owners of gas-powered models to consider switching to electric. The My BMW app now includes the Electric Vehicle Analysis function that shows owners how many trips an electric BMW could have made on…

The maker of the Omni Port connector says it supports EVs from all automakers. ChargePoint A major electric-vehicle public charging network provider introduced a dual charging port that it says accommodates EVs by any maker. ChargePoint says its Omni Port is the “only publicly available solution to solve North America’s EV connector confusion across AC…

The NHTSA is investigating 2020 to 2023 models of the Palisade to determine the scope of the seat belt issue. Some Hyundai Palisades’ seat belts can unlatch on their own, moving a regulatory agency to open an investigation due to the risk of injury. More than 330,000 units of the SUV’s 2020 to 2023 model…

The anniversary-edition of the Mustang e-bike will be sold through Ford dealers. It looks like Ford dealers may be switching to two wheels for some sales. As Ford downshifts its electric vehicle production due to subdued demand, it’s introduced two electric bicycles inspired by the Mustang and the Bronco, both of which it launched in…

Certain X7 SUVs are included in the recall to address a starter motor issue. BMW recalled more than 100,000 vehicles over a starter issue that can lead to overheating. The recall includes 2019 and 2020 X5s and X7s, 2020 3 Series sedans and X6s, 2020 and 2021 7 Series sedans, and 2020 8 Series convertibles,…

Reynolds President Chris Walsh Reynolds and Reynolds The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. acquired TSD Mobility Solutions, a provider of fleet-management software and services. TSD designs and develops fleet mobility solutions for dealerships, manufacturers, public automotive groups and rental car companies. Operating in 92 countries and on six continents, the company helps over 16,000 dealerships and…

Identify areas of potential risk or opportunity by asking yourself a series of questions. Pexels/Oleksandr P “Cash is king” has been an historical truism for decades, but we’ve outpaced this iconic catchphrase. Liquidity management is the new axiom today, and for good reason — it’s no longer as simple as managing cash flow and capital…

Vehicles that get the software update also get a window sticker indicating the antitheft capability in order to deter prospective thieves. Pexels/Alina Rossoshanska A rash of Hyundai and Kia thefts in the past couple of years has dropped sharply after the South Korean automakers made antitheft software updates to vulnerable models. The nonprofit Insurance Institute…

The NHTSA investigation seeks to determine if the reported steering issue extends to other 2021 Nissan Rogues. Safety regulators are investigating a consumer report of loss of steering control in a Nissan SUV. If substantiated, the issue centers on an inner tie rod failure, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a preliminary report.…

John Lutman Finance-and-insurance provider RoadVantage has added industry veteran John Lutman as the new company president as Randy Ross moves into an executive advisory role. Lutman began his career in the industry in 1994 with Ford Motor Credit Company. During his 30 years in automotive, he has gained experience in key positions, such as general…

The study found that between 2020 and 2022, more than a third of crashes involving motorcycles included at least one impaired driver. Pexels/Quintin Gellar Motorcycle crash fatalities have spiked, and more collisions involving motorcycles result in traffic deaths than total crashes, new research shows. The LendingTree research indicates crashes including a motorcycle surged 24% from…

Nissan applied the special paint to a Nissan service vehicle at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo, for maximum sun exposure, and calls the results so far ‘impressive.’ Nissan is following an Asian competitor in recent quests to lower vehicles’ interior temperatures. The Japan-based automaker is testing a paint with “embedded metamaterial” that it says keeps…

Approved dealership personnel will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New Orleans Sept. 16 to Sept. 18. From the team at F&I and Showroom, Auto Dealer Today and Industry Summit, we would like to invite you to apply to attend our fall event, Auto Dealer eXchange at Industry Summit! This year’s event is scheduled to take…

Sometimes warning signals such as remote deliveries are overlooked or ignored in the rush to seal the deal. Pexels/Marek Levak I periodically order wine from a West Coast state simply because it is not available locally. This of course means that the winery must ship the wine to my home. It also means that I…

The NHTSA estimates seat belt use saved the lives of nearly 15,000 passenger car occupants in 2017 alone. Pexels/freestocks.org When I was a daily newspaper reporter, I and my colleagues would take turns working the weekend “cops” shifts, meaning we’d have to pull a Saturday or Sunday writing news items about various mayhem. When warm…

The Toyota bZ4X supports both level one and level two charging. Electric-vehicle charging stations with more than one voltage option are key to mass adoption, a new report contends. What it terms “dual-voltage” capability has attracted a mass of more than 30,000 patent applications, says researcher GlobalData. The data analysis provider says that the technology,…

Payment plans for vehicle protection are becoming increasingly important. Pexels/Karolina Grabowska In today’s automotive market, consumers are facing a unique challenge: Many find themselves upside down on their vehicle loans, owing more than their cars are worth. This phenomenon, coupled with the trend of consumers keeping vehicles for longer periods, has created a pressing need…

Wouldn’t it make sense to allow the manufacturer to take on all the risks and give the customer the ownership experience they were hoping for? Pexels/John Guccione We’ve all heard it – “cash is king.” But is there an alternative? Does your day sound like this?: First deal of the day – cash deal  …

Strategic preparation for F&I sales is part of the formula of success. Pexels/Pixabay There are three levels of belief in what we provide for clients in the F&I process: Everyone has an opinion; many believe in a set of purposes for their efforts; and then there is F&I Conviction. A simple definition of conviction is…

The NX received an “acceptable” rating because of increased risk of abdominal injury in the rear seats but otherwise performed well to gain the top award. A trio of midsize SUVs from three different makers passed crash tests to earn a top safety award. The 2025 BMW X5 and 2024 Lexus NX and Volvo XC90…

Federal tax credits are available for EV leases, a factor in that slice of the growing lease pie. Pexels/Atilla Darvas Auto leasing is making a comeback after falling sharply during the Covid era, according to a new report, thereby providing more used vehicles down the line to help meet growing demand by cost-crunched consumers. The…

The intersection of customer needs and dealership objectives in the F&I domain presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Understanding the psychological factors that drive customer decisions in purchasing F&I products is essential for tailoring effective product presentations. This white paper aims to explore: The psychological underpinnings that influence customer purchasing decisions. Insights and…

VinFast started adding dealerships last fall after starting with a direct-to-consumer model. Vietnamese automaker VinFast now has a dealer in Florida in what’s a growing number of U.S. stores for the brand. Auto group Holman opened the South Florida dealership in Fort Lauderdale. VinFast signed agreements this past spring with a dozen new U.S. dealers,…

The study found that 83% of dealers regularly get customer data but less than a third are satisfied with the results. Pexels/JESHOOTS.com Auto dealers, like most businesses today, have access to a lot of data, but many find it challenging to put it to practical use, according to a new Cox Automotive study, which found…

The study found flashing yellow lights combined with an illuminated crosswalk resulted in more driver yielding to pedestrians. Pexels/Jenkin Shen Lighted crosswalks appear to be safer for pedestrians, a new report says. Drivers are more than three times as apt to yield to pedestrians in illuminated crosswalks in areas with few streetlights as opposed to…

Most automakers said the agency model likely won’t make U.S. inroads in the next five years. Pexels/Erik McIean Automakers have a largely positive outlook on the industry in the next 12 months, according to a just-completed survey of more than 110 brands. The annual Kerrigan Advisors OEM poll found most automakers see retail profit normalizing…

Trust Stamp says that with increasing numbers of cars stolen from dealerships, identity document validation is even more necessary. Trust Stamp has partnered with Botdoc to integrate Trust Stamp’s low-code Orchestration Platform within the Botdoc Connect product, providing identity verification and know-your-customer capabilities. The integration includes document validation using the Driver License Data Verification, or…

Cox executive Joe Kichler says the provider can now give users the ‘most accurate vehicle valuations available today.’ Cox Automotive Cox Automotive said its wholesale vehicle valuation tool, Manheim Market Report, now includes automatic adjustments for factory-installed options and packages. The enhancement is made possible through the integration of original equipment manufacturer build data with…

A memorable ownership experience is as important, if not more so, than the initial buying experience. Pexels/Brett Jordan In recent years, the automotive retail sector has undergone a transformation that has significantly enhanced the consumer buying journey. Congratulations! One could say we have gone miles and miles in improving the entire buying process. Sales processes…

Updated rear seat belts helped put small SUV over the top for IIHS’ highest safety award. A Hyundai SUV snagged a top safety rating after it updated its rear seat belts. The 2024 Tuscon received the Top Safety Pick + award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the nonprofit group’s highest rating. The vehicle…

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Pexels/Richard Taveira In the midst of fierce competition, utilizing every available tool to enhance the value perception of a vehicle can significantly impact auto sales success and customer satisfaction. One overlooked and underutilized asset in this endeavor is the Monroney label—the detailed sticker on new vehicles that provides essential information about the car’s features, manufacturer’s…

J.D. Power expects dealer profit to be down this month 33% year-over-year to $2,298 per unit. Pexels/Vadutskevich Two July new-vehicle sales forecast show a return to more normal patterns after the disruption caused by the shutdown of CDK Global dealer software systems. In fact, J.D. Power expects the seasonally adjusted annualized rate to hit a…

Satisfaction with infotainment systems did improve but is still low compared to many other new-vehicle categories. Pexels/Erik McIean Consumers’ satisfaction with new vehicles’ design and performance is showing marked improvement after a bad run, though one aspect still exasperates them. A newly released J.D. Power study found overall satisfaction up two points year-over-year to 847…

Autotrader said the Audi Q8 e-tron rose to the top on the combination of driving feel, ‘interior perfection,’ exceptionally quiet operation, and ‘brutal acceleration.’ Electric vehicles have grown from a niche market to a notable chunk of automotive sales in just the last few years. Like all modern vehicles, EVs continue to evolve, and the…

Are consumers exploited by the present dealer F&I process in contracting for vehicle financing?  Pexels/Jakub Zerdzicki Government works in mysterious ways and, quite often, it has a hidden agenda. The fourth branch of government – federal and state agencies – possess all the powers, albeit modified, one would normally associate with the traditional view of…

The vehicles’ interior cargo rail, if damaged in a rear-end crash, can come loose and present injury risk. Pexels/Luke Miller BMW recalled nearly 300,000 SUVs of various models due to an interior cargo rail issue that could lead to injury in a crash. The estimated 290,000-plus 2018 to 2023 X3 models sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i and…

Ferrari says its dealers don’t have to deal directlly with cryptocurrency because it’s immediately converted to traditional currencies. Pexels/David McBee After nearly a year of accepting cryptocurrency for car sales in the U.S., Ferrari plans to add the option for European transactions. The Italian automaker, calling its U.S. cryptocurrency sales successful, said it will extend…