Posts by Tricor Admin
Family Sells Texas Toyota Stores
Broker Kerrigan Advisors says 93% of respondents to its 2023 Dealer Survey said they expect the Toyota franchise value to increase or stay the same next year. Two Texas Toyota dealerships recently sold after more than 50 years of family ownership. Sell-side firm Kerrigan Advisors represented the Toomeys in the sale of Alamo Toyota in…
Read MoreNew Cars Within Easier Reach
The average new-vehicle loan rate fell in May to its lowest in 11 months. Pexels/Tom Fisk Affordability in the new-car market picked up in May, thanks to increased incentives, a drop in auto loan rates, and continued income growth. The improvements were reflected in both month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons. Cox Automotive estimates that the average…
Read MoreWhat Riles Drivers Most
Over a quarter of poll respondents say they themselves are innocent of the hated trespasses. Pexels/Roman Pohorecki A poll confirms what most drivers already knew: Driving can be a pain in the you know what. The results reveal just which irritants rankle the most. At the top of drivers’ pet peeves list, as revealed in…
Read MoreYou and the Cash Reporting Rule
The central purpose of IRS Form 8300 is to report potential money laundering and suspicious activity. Pexels/John Guccione A curious form that dealers must file from time to time is the “Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business.” It has two form numbers: IRS Form 8300 and FinCEN Form 8300.…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
1 Million-Plus Chrysler Vehicles Recalled
The 2022 and 2023 Grand Cherokees are among the more than a million vehicles recalled. Chrysler recalled more than a million vehicles over backup cameras that don’t work. Recalled vehicles include certain 2021 and 2022 Dodge Durangos; 2021 to 2023 Chrysler Pacificas and Jeep Grand Cherokee Ls; 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500s; and 2022…
Read MoreLincoln SUV Gets ‘Stellar’ Props
The Nautilus received the nonprofit insurance industry group’s highest award, the Top Safety Pick+. The updated Lincoln Nautilus SUV won a top safety award, drawing a description of “stellar” from the awarding group. The vehicle passed front and side tests, including one that stresses back-seat safety, plus a test evaluating pedestrian front crash prevention, the…
Read MoreOpenlane Offers U.S. Dealers With Faster Wholesaling
OPENLANE, an operator of digital marketplaces for wholesale used vehicles, recently debuted Absolute Sale, a sale format that designed to enable sellers to signal they are committed to selling a vehicle to the highest offer on a given day. The company says the feature increases buyer confidence and visibility, boosting engagement and optimizing seller returns.…
Read MoreTake Precautionary ID Measures
If they do nothing else to prevent theft, dealers must at least never allow people to drive off in one of their vehicles alone. Pexels/Megapixelstock Jim Lawyer recently bought a vehicle, and when he test-drove it, he may or may not have been surprised that the salesperson didn’t ride along and that no one even…
Read MoreReynolds Retail Summit Itinerary Set
The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. announced official details of its Reynolds Retail Summit: Amplify 2024. It will be held at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Va., on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20. The annual event seeks to foster an environment where guests explore collaboration and innovation. “Last’s year’s summit was a resounding success, and we’re excited…
Read MoreHouston Metro Dealership Sells
The majority of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s new-vehicle sales last year were light trucks. A Houston-area dealership recently sold in a transaction brokered by Kerrigan Advisors. Northwest Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram was sold by Salt Lake City-based Ken Garff Automotive Group to Texas-based Keating Auto Group in what Kerrigan said is the 17th Texas…
Read MoreWhat EV Consumers Want
EV-leaning consumers’ nontraditional preferences include prescheduled test drives, online financing and even virtual-reality showrooms. Pexels/Brett Sayles Electric-vehicle buyers want a more personalized auto shopping experience, according to a new study that gauged transportation trends. The McKinsey & Co. Future of Auto Retail Consumer Survey found shoppers leaning toward an EV purchase put a premium on…
Read MoreUsed Sales Surge
Sales were also up in the certified preowned segment, though it’s flat year-to-date. Used retail vehicle sales jumped in May to the strongest volume in more than two years. The 16% surge to 1.6 million units, reflected in both month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons, was seen for franchised and independent dealers, Cox Automotive said. It ate…
Read MoreSome Mustang Owners Told to Park Them
The Mustangs’ clutch pressure lines might not be well-secured, leading to a domino effect that could result in fire. A do-not-drive warning has been issued for more than 8,100 2024 Ford Mustangs due to an issue that presents risk of fire. In what’s termed an “urgent” safety recall, Ford warns owners of the vehicles to…
Read MoreGlobal Auto Sales Jumped Last Year
The Tesla Model Y was the top global seller last year, the first purely electric model to lead. Worldwide auto sales rose 10% last year, despite economic and political challenges, according to a new analysis by Jato Dynamics. The bump in new passenger car deliveries across 151 markets to 78.3 million units was dominated by…
Read MoreFacts or a Story
A good story can make the difference between the customer identifying with the value of a benefit or just saying, ‘No, thanks.’ Pexels/Monstera Production Have you ever heard the phrase, “Never let facts get in the way of a good story”? Anyone who has ever had his or her significant other correct facts in real…
Read MoreProduct Creates Hyper-Personalized Consumer Experiences for Dealers
Customers can tailor the deal they are offered based on personal buying preferences and initiate the purchasing process via the dealer’s preferred digital retailing partner before visiting a store. automotiveMastermind Data and technology provider automotiveMastermind introduced Showroom to its Mastermind technology. The offering is designed to transform each customer touchpoint into a discovery opportunity for…
Read MoreA Good Deal
Annualized, nearly 8% of auto loans slipped into delinquency in the fourth quarter of last year. Pexels/Karolina Grabowska As last year ended after a 2022-23 cycle that saw 11 interest rate hikes, the dual pressure of the high rates and inflated prices started to reveal a crack in the consumer foundation. A fourth-quarter report by…
Read MoreAuto Credit Access Stable
Year-over-year, access was greater in every channel but franchised used sales, which was flat, and for all lender types. Pexels/Mike Bird Auto credit access was stable last month, Cox Automotive’s All-Loans Index essentially flat at 94.8. Availability grew tighter in most channels and all lender types, said Cox, which observed that the subprime and negative…
Read MoreTrust Lacking Among Insureds
U.S. auto insurance rates are up 11% on average over the past year, but insurers are still losing an average of five cents on the dollar in collected premium. Pexels/Vlad Deep Auto insurance consumers’ trust of insurers is low, negatively affecting satisfaction and brand advocacy. Over half, or 51%, of the more than 41,000 people…
Read MoreCracks in the FTC CARS Rule Armor
Attorney James Ganther says the CARS rule in its current form exceeds consumers’ desires. Pexels/Kampus Production There are two sides to every story, and such is the case with the Federal Trade Commission’s Combating Auto Retail Scams, or CARS. The FTC says the regulation would eliminate confusion and inconvenience in the car-buying process and won’t…
Read MoreBenchmark Data Suite Debuts Dealerships Alert System
Benchmark says the alert system pinpoints areas of underperformance down to the individual level. Benchmark Data Suite, a provider of automotive solutions for decision-making across dealerships, launched the Benchmark Alert System. The company says the technology empowers dealers by leveraging their data when it matters most to enable performance improvements through real-time, actionable insights via…
Read MoreMost Drivers Would Accept Speed-Warning Tech
Surprisingly, about half of survey respondents even said they wouldn’t resist the much more encroaching automatic speed restrictors, or technology that makes it harder to put the pedal to the floor. Pexels/Pixabay A recent survey found that a majority of consumers would accept in-vehicle speed warnings in their cars. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway…
Read MoreEV Tax Savings Tabulated
Transferring credits to the auto dealer, essentially giving buyers a down payment rather than the consumer waiting to get the money back at tax time, has been popular. Pexels/Dids More than $1 billion in federal tax credits have gone to electric-vehicle buyers across over 150,000 sales this year so far, the U.S. treasury department said.…
Read MoreToyota Hydrogen Fuel Cell Project Advances
Toyota says the Hilux project ‘will contribute to the next generation of fuel cell technology, which will offer longer lifecycles, increased driving range for vehicles and significantly reduced costs.’ Toyota entered the demonstration phase of its hydrogen fuel cell project, taking half of 10 Hilux pickup truck prototypes it’s built since last fall into field…
Read MoreNew-Vehicle Market Rebalance Continues
Expensive full-size pickup trucks revved the average transaction price higher. Ford’s F-150 series is the U.S. top-selling vehicle. New-vehicle prices kept falling in May as incentives continued their own opposite momentum in a supply-and-demand dynamic ignited by boosted inventory. Prices were down 1% month-over-month for an average transaction figure of $48,389, according to Cox Automotive’s…
Read MoreID. Buzz 3D Configurator, Custom Graphics Debuts
Wrapmate has more than 2,000 certified installers that can apply the VW wraps. Volkswagen of America Wrapmate, in collaboration with Volkswagen of America, launched a custom graphics program for the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The initiative invites enthusiasts and future owners to begin personalizing their vehicles with custom wrap and other vinyl decal designs using…
Read MoreFinal Fuel-Economy Rule Sets Lower Bar
The new targets stand in stark contrast to the 13 miles per gallon the average U.S. vehicle got when Congress introduced fuel-economy standards in the 1970s. Pexels/Erik McIean The Biden administration finalized updated fuel-economy standards that are looser than proposed last year so that automakers can now achieve a lower bar over the next decade…
Read MoreSUVs, Pickups Recalled for Stability Issue
The recall affects nearly 212,000 units. Stellantis Chrysler recalled more than 200,000 vehicles over a software issue that can disable their electronic stability control systems. Dealers will update the software on the 2022 Dodge Durangos and Ram 2500 and 3500s, according to a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. The vehicles’ antilock…
Read MoreReynolds Donates $5M to Enhance Educational Opportunities
Northwood University President Kent MacDonald said the new center ‘will be a game-changer for our students, faculty, and the industry.’ Northwood University The Reynolds and Reynolds Co., a provider of software, services and forms in automotive retail, pledged $5 million to help fund construction of the new Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood…
Read MoreLawmakers Seek U.S. Ban on Chinese Battery Makers
China holds much of the world’s supply of some EV battery materials, such as graphite. Pixabay/Photoman A group of Republican congressmen are calling on federal regulators to blacklist two Chinese battery manufacturers they say are using forced labor to make their products. The lawmakers sent two letters to the Department of Homeland Security, saying that…
Read MoreSUVs Recalled Due to Fire Risk
Dealers will add a bracket to the seat switchback covers and replace the slide knobs to remedy seat motor overheating. Kia recalled more than 450,000 SUVs, saying they present risk of fire. The 2020 to 2024 Tellurides’ power-seat motors can overheat when the seat slide knob sticks, potentially catching fire, according to a notice on…
Read MoreFive Ways to Bridge the EV Gender Gap
One study found that women see EVs as expensive, have reservations about battery longevity, and feel uneasy about range and charging availability. Pexels/Gustavo Fring Recent research reveals an intriguing trend: While electric vehicle sales are rising, sales to men still dominate the market. The McKinsey Center for Future Mobility conducts an annual survey of 30,000…
Read MoreSocial Security Numbers: A Key to Identity Theft
Verifying a Social Security number requires a little work. According to recent studies, identity theft is rising in the United States. Covid caused more people to stay home, conduct business remotely, and shop online, making it easier for identity thieves to steal credentials, such as names, passwords and other nonpublic personal information. With a few…
Read MoreJune Automotive Service Professionals Month
ASE is seeking good automotive service professional stories. Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has designated June as Automotive Service Professionals Month. “Automotive Service Professionals Month is the perfect time to recognize skilled professionals for the valuable service they provide to motorists from coast to coast,” said ASE President and CEO Dave…
Read MoreThe Key to Key
The Key to Key – F&I – F&I and Showroom [embedded content] June 6, 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
Read MoreBusy – the Enemy Of Excellence!
Excellence always has a plan and is intentional in nature. Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto The greatest danger of mediocre performance in the F&I office is not the lack of skills and opportunities. It is the busyness that demands attention to the immediate that leads to a mediocre level of preparation and practice! A professional who is too…
Read MoreConsideration of Chinese Brands Differs With Age
Some survey respondents said assembly of Chinese auto brands in the U.S., if that ever happened, would increase their chances of buying them. Pixabay/wal_172619 Few Chinese cars are sold in the U.S., and many consumers here say they wouldn’t buy one anyway, but interest rises among younger generations. A survey by California-based automotive industry data…
Read MoreLarge SUVs Have a Ways to Go on Safety
For back-seat protection, the Wagoneer had a better safety showing than the other two SUVs, but none got high marks. Stellantis Just one of three large top-selling 2024 SUVs sailed through a recent safety crash test. The Jeep Wagoneer garnered the Top Safety Pick award of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while the Chevrolet…
Read MoreVW EV Gets High Safety Marks
The vehicle missed getting the organization’s top safety award because it undergo IIHS’ updated moderate overlap front test. Volkswagen An electric Volkswagen sports-utility vehicle has received a leading safety award. The 2024 ID.4, a midsize SUV, earned the Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The vehicle missed getting the organization’s top…
Read MoreHonda Recalls Thousands Over Camera Failure
Certain HR-Vs and Fits may experience rearview camera failure when the engine is started with a key. Honda recalled about 115,000 cars and sports-utility vehicles over failure of their rearview cameras. Certain 2018 to 2020 compact Fit cars and 2019 to 2022 subcompact HR-V SUVs may experience rearview camera failure when the engine is started…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
Tens of Thousands of Toyotas Recalled
The 2022 and 2023 models of Tundra and LX600 may contain manufacturing debris causing main bearing failure. Toyota recalled more than 100,000 Tundras and Lexus over possible engine debris that could lead to stalling. The 2022 and 2023 models of Tundra and LX600 may contain manufacturing debris causing main bearing failure and resulting engine stalling…
Read MoreVoting Open for 2024 Dealers’ Choice Awards
Voting is now open for the 20th annual Dealers’ Choice Awards, a program designed to recognize auto dealers’ favorite vendors, suppliers, and finance partners. IMAGE: Pexels The team behind Auto Dealer Today, announced that voting is now open for the 20th annual Dealers’ Choice Awards, a program designed to recognize auto dealers’ favorite vendors, suppliers, and finance partners. The online…
Read MoreYoungest F&I Shoppers Want Convenience
Across generations, 57% of survey respondents said they prefer to research F&I products online, then buy in-store, and 30% said they prefer to do both pieces online. Pexels/Mikhail Nilov A survey of automotive consumers found that the youngest shoppers in particular put a premium on the ease of shopping for finance-and-insurance products, in addition to…
Read MoreThe Difference Is in the Details
‘“F&I subconsciously binds that customer to our dealership, and it can happen in so many different ways,.’ Dupaquier says. In the F&I office, it’s really all about the little things, Tony Dupaquier seemed to be saying when he addressed a roomful of F&I pros at the latest Bobit Dealer Group Agent Summit. Though finance-and-insurance sales…
Read MoreEV Chargers Get Higher Marks
Driving the shift were sizable increases in charger speed, ease and availability, plus a significant decline in charging failures. Pixabay/Joenomias A bright spot shined for electric vehicles in the results of a survey on public chargers. The J.D. Power poll found consumers’ view of existing U.S. direct-current fast charging, or DCFC, infrastructure took a turn…
Read MoreSUVs Recalled to Fix Erroneous Braking
Mazda dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module with a software update. Mazda recently recalled about 10,000 hybrid sports-utility vehicles presenting a braking issue that could lead to crashes. The problem centers on automatic braking intended to prevent accidents, but the sudden activation happens when there are no objects to avoid hitting, the Japanese automaker…
Read More3 Fail-Safe Strategies for Managing Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are essential for managing hazardous chemicals in the workplace. They provide critical information for employers, employees, safety professionals, emergency responders, and more. In an emergency, having up-to-date and accessible SDSs can be life-saving. Imagine the danger of treating an exposed employee with outdated information – it could worsen the situation. KPA’s…
Read MoreSUVs Recalled Over Backup Camera Issue
Until the vehicles are repaired, Ford advises owners to avoid using their cellphones while backing up. Ford recalled more than 109,000 Lincoln Aviator sports-utility vehicles over an issue that can lead to distortion of the rear-view camera, presenting risk of a crash. The presence of a cellphone inside the midsize luxury SUVs can interfere with…
Read MoreInventory Sparks Leasing, Other Changes
Captives’ new-vehicle financing market share jumped to about 62%, the highest point since 2010. Pexels/Pixabay Revived new-vehicle inventory has brought a wave of changes across the auto retail market, including the return of leasing and the migration of some shoppers from used to new, Experian says in a first-quarter report. The shift of many back…
Read MoreA Muted Rainbow on the Road
Gray, appropriately, has jumped in popularity the most of the ‘grayscale’ colors, jumping 82% in two decades. Today’s roads are less colorful, says one industry researcher, which found 80% of the vehicles in operation are on the “grayscale” palette. That means most cars are white, gray, silver or black, according to vehicle search and research…
Read MoreTraffic Safety Group, Senators Call for ADS Scrutiny
The nonprofit the IIHS says it’s stepped in as a ‘de facto regulator’ of ADS with a ratings program aimed at encouraging automakers to add safeguards. Pexels/Splitshire Half a dozen Democratic senators and a leading traffic safety nonprofit group are calling for federal regulators to train a more discerning eye on automated vehicles. The Insurance…
Read MoreReynolds, DealerOn Team to Elevate Dealership Omnichannel Presence
DealerOn CEO Ali Amirrezvani says company through the partnership is ‘working to deliver a vehicle shopping experience like no other – one that adapts to the individual and their unique needs.’ The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. and DealerOn, a provider of websites and sales and marketing enablement technology for automotive dealerships, announced an integration designed…
Read MoreEV Apps Figure Largely in Buying, Ownership Satisfaction
The percentage of EV owners who use a brand’s mobile app rose two percentage points year-over-year to 90%. Pexels/Tim Samuel A survey of electric-vehicle owners points to the value consumers place on automakers’ EV mobile applications and how brands and dealers can do a better job of seizing that opportunity. It found that just over…
Read MoreSome Nissan Owners Told Not to Drive Them
There have been 27 U.S. deaths caused by Takata airbag explosions, according to the NHTSA. Pexels/AngieJohnston Nissan issued a do-not-drive warning for nearly 84,000 2002 to 2006 vehicles whose recalled Takata airbags haven’t been replaced. The Japanese automaker’s warning includes the 2002 to 2006 Sentra, 2002 to 2004 Pathfinder and 2002 to 2003 Infiniti QX4…
Read MoreDark Patterns – Soon Starring a Dealer Near You
Marketing via social media presents the potential for Dark Patterns, and dealers should consider how they are employing these applications. Pexels/FUTURE KIIID Dark Shadows (Not Patterns) “Dark Shadows” was a television soap opera in the 1960s featuring vampires, warlocks and the occult. Conversely, Dark Patterns is a legal theory postulated by the Federal Trade Commission…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
Rival Automakers Developing Alt-Fuel Engines
The companies called their technology ‘highly efficient and powerful,’ and that the more compact engines would make space for improved, more aerodynamic vehicle design, along with greater fuel efficiency. Three Japanese automakers said they’re developing internal-combustion engines to support low emissions as they seek to achieve net-zero pollution. Mazda, Subaru and Toyota announced the project…
Read MoreInventory-Management Certification Open to Any Dealer
VAuto says the new Variable Management optimizes a vehicle’s return on investment by analyzing unique data points and recommending tailored pricing actions. Pexels/Erik McIean Fueled by an unwavering commitment to dealer success, Cox Automotive’s vAuto is making its new Variable Management Certification program available to any dealer at no cost—regardless of whether they subscribe to…
Read MoreDiscounts Return as Previous-Year Models Sit
Part of the reason for the accumulation of outgoing models is high interest rates that are keeping many consumers out of the market. Pexels/Kelly The share of new outgoing model-year vehicles sitting on dealer lots in May about matched that in May 2019, the year before the pandemic, signaling that reviving inventories are returning conditions…
Read MoreEuropeans Also More Interested in Hybrids
Fully electric vehicles’ share of the EU market was flat year-over-year at 12% as hybrids have taken off. A similar pattern has developed in the U.S. Pexels/Tetyana Kovyrina Hybrid vehicle sales growth in April far exceeded that of all-electric models in Europe, continuing a trend on the continent that’s been mirrored in the U.S. Hybrid…
Read MoreSafety First
One of the most important things auto dealers should have in place is a plan to move an EV if its battery overheats so people or property aren’t in harm’s way if it catches fire or explodes. Pexels/Pixabay Electric vehicles have introduced myriad changes to the automotive industry, even before they reach the critical mass…
Read MoreCarNow Joins Amazon Network
CarNow says the global Amazon network provides innovative solutions, solves technical challenges, wins deals, and delivers value to mutual customers. CarNow, a digital retailing company in the automotive industry, said it joined the Amazon Web Services Partner Network as a software partner. The network is a global community of partners that leverage programs, expertise and…
Read MoreCalif. Could Require Speed Warnings in New Cars
The assembly must pass its version of the bill by Aug. 31 if it’s to advance this session. Pexels/Luke Miller A California bill that would require new vehicles to have what’s known as passive speed limiters, or warning signals when the vehicle exceeds posted speed limits, passed one house of the state legislature. The state…
Read MoreMay New-Vehicle Forecast Partly Cloudy
Rising retail inventories, up 53% year-over-year, make up the backdrop of the sales picture. Pexels/Sarmad Mughal A May new-vehicle sales forecast puts deliveries up about 3% year-over-year when adjusted for fewer selling days to about 1.5 million units, and the seasonally adjusted annualized rate up half a million units to 16.1 million. The joint J.D.…
Read MoreSurvey Shows Pro Vehicle Photos Business Booster
The vast majority of survey respondents expressed a preference for clicking professional-looking photos first when browsing online inventories. Redline, an automotive solutions provider, recently completed a survey revealing the substantial impact of professional vehicle photography on consumer behavior and dealership success. According to the survey, 95% of consumers believe that professional-looking photographs of vehicles on…
Read MoreList of Safe Vehicles for Teens Recommended
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was the only purely electric model included in the recommendations. A traffic safety nonprofit and Consumer Reports released a list of used and new vehicles they recommend for teenagers as the safest options for that age range. The 58 used models are priced between $5,800 and $19,900, and all have the…
Read MoreCars Getting Gray on the Top
The average age ticked up to 12.6 years, and S&P says the prime age range for after-market service is 6 to 14 years. Pexels/Jose Ricardo Barraza Morachis The average age of vehicles on U.S. roads has reached a record high of nearly 13 years, presenting service drive business opportunities. An S&P Global Mobility data analysis…
Read MoreRound Up More Deals With These Tips
F&I departments must follow a very specific process and have authoritative command of what they sell, Devine advises. Paul “Hoss” Devine got into the car business when he was 19 because he was broke and noticed an industry professional who was doing pretty well for himself. “We want all the rewards of hard work without…
Read MoreSafePoint Launches Enhanced Features
SafePoint Dealer Services, a lot management and telematics monitoring solution for automotive dealers, launched several features designed to give dealerships control over communication with customers while increasing monthly service revenue by 10% to 15%. While Safepoint works to eliminate disruptions to the sale through tracking features like low- battery and fuel, and theft alerts, it…
Read MoreAutomotive Amplifiers Contest to Celebrate Innovation
Reynolds and Reynolds President Chris Walsh says the company wants to recognize innovators making positive impacts and help them share their stories. Reynolds and Reynolds The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, a technology and software provider for automotive dealerships, announced the 2024 Automotive Amplifiers Contest to highlight inspirational and collaborative ideas advancing the industry. The competition…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
Ohio Stores Sell
The group added Firelands to the name of both stores, which sit about one and a half hour’s drive from Sandusky, Ohio. Firelands Auto Group Two Ohio dealerships recently traded hands, boosting an auto group to its seventh rooftop. The sale of Toyota of Wooster and Volkswagen of Wooster by Dave Hill to Patrick O’Brien…
Read MoreDigital Strong for New Auto Insurance Business
Satisfaction with digital-based property and casualty insurance shopping was 516 on a 1,000-point scale, a slight dip of five points year-over-year, compared to a 12-point drop on satisfaction with auto insurers generally. Pexels/Cup of Couple Auto insurer digital channels draw more new customers than other means, according to a new study, which found that consumers’…
Read MoreLeveraging New Tech for Better Key, Vehicle Management
A dealership that loses 10 keys in a single month might spend up to $5,500 to replace them. IMAGE: Pexels/Negative Space Key management is a crucial aspect of running a smooth and secure dealership operation, securing vehicles on the lot and helping dealerships operate efficiently. But all too often, key management is lacking or even…
Read MoreUsed Supply Grows
Vehicles priced under $15,000 had the lowest days’ supply at just 36. IMAGE: Pexels/Richard Taveira After spring used-vehicle sales failed to meet seasonal expectations, used inventory in the U.S. had its own spring bounce last month. Used-vehicle inventory across franchised and independent dealers rose 3% month-over-month in April, up 6% year-over-year to 46 days’ supply,…
Read MoreVW SUV Recalls Reviewed
Since the recalls, the agency received the complaints about doors on ID.4s intermittently opening while the vehicles were in operation and that the doors at times won’t open for entering or exiting the vehicle. Volkswagen Safety regulators are reviewing completed recalls of a Volkswagen electric sports-utility vehicle after getting a dozen complaints of doors opening…
Read MoreThe Difference Between Yes and the Best Yes
There are four components to a good foundation in deal structure: communication, lender awareness, the right vehicle, and equity. Pexels/Pixabay As I write this article, I have just read that inventory of new vehicles in the U.S. has gone north of an 80-day supply. That is quite a change from just over a year ago.…
Read MoreFree Communication Materials for Auto Service Pros Month
The tool kit includes logos, email and press release templates, social media and infographics, posters, handouts and other digital assets. In recognition of Auto Service Professionals Month in June, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has made available free, downloadable communications materials and creative assets to help industry organizations support the observance. Designed as…
Read MoreRural, Younger Travelers Eschew Seat Belts More
Though seat belt use has increased over the years, more than 11,000 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2022 weren’t wearing seat belts at the time of the crashes, and 57% of that number were in nighttime accidents. Pexels/Erik McIean Traffic safety regulators say seat belt use has declined in rural areas of the country, a…
Read MoreUsed Sales’ Spring Dip More Pronounced
The total sold for the month surpassed last April’s volume but was below the 1.6 million average for April of the past five years. Pexels/Erik McIean Used-vehicle sales at franchised and independent dealers fell in April in a normal seasonal pattern exacerbated by high interest rates. Used sales declined 7% month-over-month to 1.45 million units,…
Read MoreNew Product Embeds Dealer Listings in OEM Websites
The program creates a new direct sales channel without requiring OEMs to build and manage their own marketplace pages. Pexels/Anna Nekrashevich Trader Interactive, the parent company of online marketplaces in the lifestyle vehicle and commercial equipment industries, debuted TraderConnect, which embeds current RV Trader, Cycle Trader, Commercial Truck Trader or Equipment Trader listings from affiliated…
Read MoreEV Consideration Falls Further
The study shows lesser reasons for reduced demand include lower fuel prices over the past year; inflation; high interest rates; and slowed growth in model availability. Pexels/Kindel Media The percentage of consumers considering buying an electric vehicle fell over the past year for the first time in the four years of J.D. Power’s annual study.…
Read MoreAuto Recalls Up in Q1
Air bag issues were the most common reason by volume, representing a quarter of effected units, or three million. Pexels/Dietmar Janssen Automotive recalls rose 9% in the first quarter to the highest volume of any quarter in two and a half years, though the volume of effected units fell. A Sedgwick report puts the quarterly…
Read MoreAutoPayPlus Makes Key Promotions
AutoPayPlus AutoPayPlus AutoPayPlus promoted two team members to strengthen its leadership structure for better navigation of market complexities while supporting continued career development at the company. Amilcar (AP) Matus is now senior director of operations, and Carl Moore is senior director of CRM and data analytics. CEO Robert Steenbergh expressed confidence in the moves, saying,…
Read MoreVehicles Ranked on Expected Recalls
The Taycan EV tops iSeeCars’ most-recalls list with a projected 70.7 lifetime recalls. A new data analysis ranks the vehicles likely to be recalled the most and the least, putting the all-electric Porsche Taycan at the top of the list. Online automotive search engine and research website IseeCars reviewed statistics from the National Highway Traffic…
Read MoreNew Cars Less Affordable
Inventory, which was flat for the month, is expected to resume its gradual rebuilding, and incentives will likely follow it, Cox said. Pixabay/LuckyLife11 New-vehicle affordability waned in April as manufacturers took their feet off the incentive gas. The average transaction price rose 2% to $48,510, according to Cox Automotive, which said that’s the highest ATP…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
EV Story to Take Dramatic Turn
U.S. EV sales peaked in 2022, Cox says, though it considers that shift “a new phase of development.” Pexels/Pixabay As electric-vehicle sales numbers underwhelm in the U.S. and Europe, a new forecast pegs a dramatic upward turn in the segment. Cox Automotive predicts that U.S. EV adoption, after its recent downward trend that caught major…
Read MoreDealerships Have More F&I Power Under the Hood Than They May Think
Pitching finance-and-insurance products in the service drive might seem counterintuitive, but of course that’s where many of those very products ultimately get fulfilled. To Corey Smith, national fixed operations training manager at F&I products provider APCO Holdings, it’s an all-too-often missed opportunity. He explained why at Bobit Dealer Group’s most recent Industry Summit event, where…
Read MoreAnother Steering Wheel Decal Injures
The NHTSA advises consumers to remove any existing decals from their steering wheels and avoid buying them for any make or model. Pexels/Tobi Despite a warning regulators issued last fall to avoid using steering wheel decals, another driver suffered severe injuries from such an add-on in a recent crash. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board…
Read MoreControlling the Controllables
Keep a notes section on your phone and jot down, and each time you encounter a situation or objection or hear a close, jot it down. Pexels/Arina Krasnikova Much of what we encounter in the F&I office is not controllable. We have no control over our lender’s interest rates. We can’t control an increase in…
Read MoreMore Robotaxis on the Hot Seat
Studies show the public tends to be wary of driverless taxis and full vehicle automation technology in general. Amazon’s Zoox is now the brand of self-driving taxis under the regulatory microscope. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating two rear-end crashes that involved Zoox-equipped vehicles, both Toyota Highlanders with the brand’s automated driving system…
Read MoreAuto Borrowers Had Mixed Month
The share of loans whose terms exceed 72 months rose 89 basis points, though it fell one percentage point year-over-year. Pexels/RDNE Stock Project Auto credit availability was mixed in April, with an overall slight tightening year-over-year among new and certified preowned channels and banks and captive finance companies. Cox Automotive’s All-Loan Index was essentially flat…
Read MoreAuto Glass Repair Law Targets Fraud
The law, sponsored by state Sen. Brandon Storm, imposes stricter regulation of auto glass repair shop trade practices. Pexels/Kaan Durmuş Kentucky passed a state law similar to a recently enacted Florida statute, prohibiting requirements that insured consumers use a particular auto glass repair shop, as well as deceptive repair practices. The law, sponsored by state…
Read MoreGeneration Z Borrowers More Indebted
Thirty percent of its 22 to 24 year olds had auto loans as of the fourth quarter, compared to 25% of millennials 10 years earlier. Pexels/Elijah O’Donnell The youngest borrowers are tapping credit more than their millennial counterparts did at the start of their borrowing histories, and the generation also has higher delinquency rates. A…
Read MoreCrash Course
Before even bringing someone on to the F&I team, it’s important to know what to look for. Pexels/Mike Bird Jason Gannon recalls his first deal. Shortly after graduating college in his native Maine with a degree in graphic design, he ended up in a car accident. He was lucky enough to have a dad who…
Read MoreAuto Lending Fraud Up
Total auto loan fraud actually fell last year, though that resulted from a decline in origination volume, according to the report. The rate of applications with evidence of fraud rose 6%. Pexels/Markus Winkler Losses to automotive loan fraud reached to about $8 billion last year, according to a new study, as restrained affordability came to…
Read MoreKias, Hyundais Displace Trucks as Most Stolen
Sedans, led by Kias and Hyundais, topped the list of the most stolen vehicles in the U.S. last year, replacing full-size pickups. A rash of thefts of 2011 to 2022 Kias and Hyundais was fueled in part by social media how-tos on how to lift the models, which lack standard antitheft technology. The thefts led…
Read MoreSix Powerful Questions
Quality questions can produce better goals for your business. Pexels/Engin Akyurt It is my hope that you were able to achieve more than you expected in 2023 and lived with a higher degree of fulfillment. As 2024 speeds toward its midway point, it still presents a great opportunity to build on the momentum that you…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
EVs Get More Affordable
Though the average manufacturer suggested retail price of an EV is more than $2,200 beyond that of a comparable gas-powered car, incentives and tax credits can close that difference. Pexels/Cėsar Baciero A newly released study says electric vehicles now cost less than gas-powered models when all the costs over an entire ownership are calculated. That…
Read MoreHeat Illness Checklist
As temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke becomes a serious concern for workers. KPA’s Heat Illness Checklist provides essential guidance to employers on protecting their workforce during the summer months. Here’s what you’ll get from this comprehensive whitepaper: Practical tips and strategies to plan for…
Read MoreDusting off the Cobwebs – Junk Fees of the Past
Dealers should simply not engage in fraud and charge bogus fees. Pexels/Phil Kallahar For many years I worked for the Florida Attorney General’s Office prosecuting dealers, and often I went undercover at dealerships. These experiences sometimes illuminated inscrutable and fraudulent charges. A recent case brought back memories of dealer violations. New England Dealer Allegedly Adding…
Read MoreNew Inventory, Pricing Report Debuts
Vincensus Report provides, monthly, quarterly data on the state of automotive inventory across major OEMs. Lotlinx, a VIN-specific data company for dealership inventory management, released its inaugural quarterly Vincensus Report, a comprehensive monthly/quarterly inventory analysis. Each month and quarter, the Vincensus Report will offer deep real-time data and insights visibility into the trends shaping OEM-specific…
Read MoreSurvey Shows Dealers Are Susceptible to Fraud
700Credit Managing Director Ken Hill said, ‘It’s alarming to view these results and see the staggering number of dealers who continue to neglect the critical practice of properly validating a consumer’s driver’s license and protecting that sensitive information inside their dealership(s).’ 700 Credit, LLC, a provider of credit reports, compliance solutions, soft pull, and identity-verification…
Read MoreEurope Is Also Behind on EV Chargers
EV sales in the European Union increased three times faster than charger installations from 2017 to 2023. Pexels/Ashley Fontana Europe, similar to the U.S., has a big gap in the number of public electric-vehicle charging stations needed to meet the European Union’s pollution-reduction targets. A report by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association calls the gap…
Read MoreAuto Lighting Market Growing
As the market grows, lighting technology is evolving. It’s been shifting from halogen front lighting to LED technology, and HD xenon lights are emerging as an alternative with similar attributes. Pexels/Erik McIean The automotive lighting market is poised for robust growth over the next five years as more vehicles hit the road, a new report…
Read MoreCMA Launches Dealer Portal
Customers can now place orders through the portal, track their progress, and view their order/invoice history. CMA/Double Coin CMA and Double Coin, a tire marketer and manufacturer, launched their dealer portal, a platform that provides streamlined processes, real-time information, and navigation tools for CMA customers to access information and place orders. Key highlights include: Intuitive…
Read MoreEV Battery Rules Delay Debated
The treasury department delayed enforcement of the battery-sourcing restrictions until 2027, giving automakers more time to reach compliance and opening more models to federal tax credits tied to the restrictions. Pexels/Mikhail Nilov When the U.S. government temporarily loosened regulation last week that curbs electric-vehicle battery materials sourced from China and other countries, a debate ensued…
Read MoreWorldwide Auto Production Outlook Up
The AutoForecast Solutions projection has production up in all regions except western Europe. Pexels/Charles Parker A global light-vehicle production outlook is up this month by about 180,000 units to 91.5 million for the year. The AutoForecast Solutions projection has production up in all regions except western Europe, which it revised down about 20,000 units, largely…
Read MorePreventing Bank Fraud
If a lender has reason to believe bank fraud was committed, the dealer could be required to buy back the deal. Pexels/Dids Year after year, bank fraud continues to be a top compliance issue in dealerships. I continually stress to dealers how prevalent it is and their continuous need to have no-tolerance policies in place…
Read MoreTech Society Says Automated Cars May Have Limited Future
Full automation has been controversial, and accidents involving automated taxis have spurred some governmental curbs on their use. Pexels/Erik McIean The Association for Computing Machinery shed doubt on the practicality of fully automated vehicles in a recent informational bulletin. It said it’s unclear that automatic vehicles will ever reach the point of operating safely without…
Read MoreUS Automakers Get EV Sourcing Reprieve
Automakers now have more time to comply with rules governing sourcing of battery materials, such as graphite, of which China has the majority of the world’s supply. Pexels/Kindel Media The Biden administration has temporarily eased rules restricting electric-vehicle battery materials from China and other countries classified as Foreign Entities of Concern, potentially making more models…
Read MoreOne-Pay Lease
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Read MoreFord Hybrid Sales Healthy
Ford hybrid sales, following suit with the automaker’s recent electric-vehicle downshift, surged in April, with one model setting a monthly record. The Detroit-area brand said its hybrid deliveries jumped 60% year-over-year to about 18,000 units. Sales of its F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid pickup alone skyrocketed 94%, surpassing all other full-size hybrid trucks in U.S. sales, said…
Read MoreHyundai SUV Gets Top Safety Rating
IIHS said the Ioniq provides ‘excellent’ rear passenger protection. A small electric Hyundai sports-utility vehicle won the highest safety rating awarded by a major vehicle crash tester. The 2024 Ioniq 5 was rated Top Safety Pick+ after going through the paces of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. The nonprofit rated Hyundai’s midsize Santa…
Read MoreHow to Comply With New FTC Safeguards Rule
The new provision is scheduled to take effect on May 13. Pexels/Samad Ismayilov In an era when data is a business’ lifeblood, Reynolds and Reynolds Chief Information Security Officer Nikhil Kalani has been the guardian of a high-stakes ballgame. The digital-evolution leader, who helps create products to enhance dealership data security, observes that the strategy…
Read MoreAPCO Holdings Acquires Crystal Fusion
Half of this windshield is treated with a Crystal Fusion product. APCO Holdings APCO Holdings, a provider and administrator of automotive finance-and-insurance products and home to the EasyCare and GWC Warranty brands, acquired Crystal Fusion Technologies, an innovator in automotive glass-protection solutions. The strategic acquisition marks a milestone for APCO as it expands its portfolio…
Read MoreMany Shopping for New Car Insurance
The survey found that 35% of auto insurance consumers indicated interest in embedded policies provided through auto dealers or manufacturers. Pexels/Maria Orlova With car insurance rates on the rise and many consumers dissatisfied with coverage, they’re on the hunt for new policies, and many express interest in embedded ones. A J.D. Power survey of 10,000…
Read MorePickups Recalled Over Failing Taillights
One or both taillights on 2022 to 2024 Mavericks can deactivate. Ford has recalled nearly 243,000 Ford Maverick trucks over an issue that could cause their taillights to stop working. The recall affects 2022 to 2024 Mavericks, whose body control module may deactivate one or both taillights on its own, according to a notice on…
Read MorePersonalize the Car Buyer Experience for Bigger Results
Dealers understand that digital retailing can improve customer experience and make it easier and faster to complete a sale, but digital retailing provides another benefit to dealers and car buyers alike: It builds connections. In the 2023 Cox Automotive Digitization of Car Buying Study, 43% of dealers said digital retailing creates a more personal connection…
Read MoreWho’s Next?
Developing talent should be a priority for every dealership, as well as for every manager in the dealership. Pexels/ThisIsEngineering I was talking to an associate of mine who was scheduled to facilitate sales training for a large dealer group. He was frustrated, because on the scheduled day of the training none of the managers that…
Read MorePrivacy4Cars Awarded Three More Patents
Company’s vehicle identification number scanning capability Privacy4Cars Privacy4Cars, a privacy-tech company focused on solving privacy and security issues posed by vehicle data to protect consumers and automotive businesses, said the U.S. Patent Office approved three new patents of the company’s. Two are novel areas of expansion for Privacy4Cars: “Artificial Intelligence Based System and Method for…
Read MoreNo Telling Yet Where This Car Will Go
The FTC says that if the plaintiffs are granted expedited review of the case, the stay shouldn’t postpone the rule’s enforcement by longer than a few months, if at all. Pexels/Negative Space CARS, the much-reviled FTC vehicle-shopping rule scheduled to take effect July 30, may be on hold for now, but an uncertain outcome makes…
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
Automatic Braking to Come as Standard
The new rule applies to light vehicles 10,000 pounds in weight or lighter. New U.S. passenger cars and light trucks must have automatic emergency brakes as standard by the fall of 2029 to comply with a new federal rule. The U.S. transportation department enacted the rule as a way to cut highway deaths, including pedestrian…
Read MoreTesla Sales Power Wanes in Calif.
Pexels/Matt Weissinger Tesla’s sway in California’s car culture may be plateauing, according to the state’s auto dealer group. In its first-quarter report, the California New Car Dealers Association said Tesla registrations fell for the second quarter in a row in the state Tesla used to be headquartered in. The latest decline was about 8% after…
Read MoreConsumers Gravitating to Online Auto Process
The survey questioned 2,500 owners of various vehicle brands in the U.S., Germany and China. Pexels/Mikhail Milov A recent survey Mercedes commissioned found that 70% of consumers in the U.S., Germany and China can see themselves completing financing, a lease contract, vehicle subscription or a direct purchase on a carmaker’s website without consulting with a…
Read MoreHands-Free Tech Probed
Investigation find BlueCruise had been engaged before each accident involving a Mach E, both of which happened after dark. Federal regulators are investigating Ford’s Mustang Mach E BlueCruise hands-free system after reports of two fatal crashes in which a Mach E hit stopped vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it determined in its…
Read MoreFirst Bobit F&I Hall of Fame Inductees Named
Dorfman, Hetland and Robertson discussed their careers for the Agent Summit awards ceremony audience. Bobit Dealer Group at its recent Agent Summit in Las Vegas honored three men as the first inductees to its F&I Hall of Fame. Larry Dorfman, Arden Hetland and David Robertson received the awards in a summit ceremony at the Cosmopolitan…
Read MoreUp With Upselling
Corbett says one effective strategy is giving the customer complementary products or services that enhance their initial purchases. Patrick Corbett knows a thing or two about sales. He started his automotive career 12 years ago in that department in Michigan before becoming finance director for a large automotive group at age 26, and is now…
Read MorePredian Integrates Wholesale, Auction Pricing
Product designed to help dealers understand historical retail pricing of a vehicle and forecasted values over the 90 days. Predian, a provider of artificial intelligence-driven inventory management solutions, integrated wholesale and retail data into its ValueVision solution. Now dealers can make strategic pricing decisions and maximize profitability with confidence, knowing they have the most accurate…
Read MoreWomen in Automotive Nomination Period Extended
Please consider nominating a woman you look up to as setting the standard for industry professionals while also serving as a role model for female cohorts. Bobit Dealer Group has extended the nomination period for its 2024 Women in Automotive honoree program, the first of an annual series. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A STANDOUT WOMAN…
Read MoreTesla Recall Over Autopilot Probed
NHTSA says post-recall accidents and some agency testing prompted concerns, along with Tesla saying that part of the recall remedy requires driver opt-in and allows for the driver to reverse the remedy. Pexels/Craig Adderley Federal automotive safety regulators opened an investigation into a Tesla recall of all models equipped with the Autopilot driver-assistance system to…
Read MoreState of the CARS Rule
The FTC voluntarily stayed enforcement of the rule, which is now both the law of the land and one that is not being enforced. Pexels/Pixabay When I think about the Federal Trade Commission’s CARS Rule in its present state, I am reminded of that classic Louis Jordan song, “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t…
Read MoreHow to Sell in a Digitally Altered Reality
Always focus on the automotive customer’s feelings, Gould says. Pexels/Pixabay Gerry Gould must have known that one point of his Industry Summit talk on “getting back to the basics” would sound almost sacrilegious to a roomful of automotive agents, providers and dealers. But he knows people look to him for reality. “Eventually, it will move…
Read MoreFreeway Speeding Can Endanger Communities
AAA found speed-related crashes rose on many of the roads in close proximity to interstates with recent speed-limit increases. Pexels/Craig Adderley New research indicates increasing highway speed limits can mean a jump in accidents on nearby roads. AAA examined crash statistics on roads within a one-mile radius before and after speed-limit increases on interstate highways…
Read MoreSmall SUVs Not the Best on Some Crash Avoidance
The Subaru Forester is the only small SUV to so far receive a good rating in the updated crash test. A newly updated crash test shows many small sports-utility vehicles fail to perform well in what the tester considers some of the most dangerous accidents. The revised front crash-prevention test evaluates accidents that result in…
Read MoreShifting to a First-Party Data Strategy
‘When dealers can clean and take action on their first-party data, it offers limitless marketing opportunities.’ Pexels/veeterzy The conversation around first-party data versus third-party data has been active for the past few years. However, a large percentage of the automotive retail world is still trying to understand why third-party data is less viable, how to…
Read MoreThe Federales Are Back in the Rebate Game
EV tax credits ‘kinda sound like the Federales launch of the Affordable Care Act.’ IMAGE: Pexels/RDNE Stock Project Cash for Clunkers This program, formally called the Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS, was introduced in 2009. It was touted as an economic stimulus package during the Great Recession, with a secondary motive to reduce carbon…
Read MoreNew Benchmark Data Suite Debuts
Software suite includes a dashboard that offers analysis and reporting across key dealership areas. Benchmark Automotive Data Benchmark Automotive Data, an automotive suite for actionable decision-making across the dealership, launched Benchmark Data Suite, its platform designed to track and manage important data in one location for better decision-making and profitability. The software suite includes a…
Read MoreApril New-Car Sales Down But SAAR Up
New-vehicle supply is up 46% year-over-year. Pexels/Tom Fisk April’s sales pace, though down both month-over-month and year-over-year, bodes well for overall 2024 new-vehicle sales to be the best since the year before the pandemic struck. Cox Automotive says its earlier annual forecast is on target to best that of 2019 at 15.9 million units, up…
Read MoreDesign Awards Honor a Mass-Market Model
Red Dot competition says the Stinger is ‘luxuriously appointed, supremely comfortable and gracefully designed.’ Kia’s Stinger sports sedan won a prestigious international design award shoulder to shoulder with Ferrari and McLaren. The vehicle was one of three to win the Red Dot Best of the Best honor recently in Mulheim, Germany. After members of an…
Read MoreGenesis Cars Safer
2024 G80s and G90s made after last October qualify for the top rating. Two Genesis models received the highest safety rating bestowed by a leading rater. The 2024 G80 and G90 won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ rating. The large luxury models that were built after October qualify for the rating,…
Read MoreEasyCare Unveils New Brand Identity
APCO Holdings EasyCare and National Auto Care, APCO Holdings brands, merged into a unified nationwide F&I force under the EasyCare brand. The merger follows the acquisition of National Auto Care in January 2023. With a combined legacy spanning over 40 years, the brands are renowned for their innovative F&I solutions, award-winning products, and ability to…
Read MoreNew ASE Chairman Says It’s Year of Change
New chairman of the organization’s board says, ‘The challenges of repairing and servicing across all forms of vehicles have never been greater.’ National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence For more than 50 years, ASE has been a unifying force to improve the quality of repair and service in the transportation industry through testing and certification.…
Read MoreFirst US Warranty Launches Nationwide
Company provides comprehensive service in automobile finance, insurance, reinsurance and dealer warranty programs. Pexels/Vlad Deep First US Warranty President and COO Brent Marston announced the nationwide launch of the company providing customized finance-and-insurance programs, administration and training to the automotive industry. The Naples, Fla.-based firm’s program offerings include vehicle service contracts, limited warranties, gap insurance,…
Read MoreNominations Open for Women in Automotive Issue
Please consider nominating a woman you look up to as setting the standard for industry professionals while also serving as a role model for female cohorts IMAGE: Pexels Bobit Dealer Group is excited to announce that nominations are open for its 2024 Women in Automotive honoree program, the first of an annual series. CLICK HERE…
Read MoreDealership Returns to Original Owner
Store’s new owner wants to focus sales on trucks. Stellantis A California auto dealership that’s changed hands several times in the past 14 years is back with its original owner. The transaction, brokered by Tim Lamb Group, returned Folsom Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store to Fifth Wave Automotive Group. Fifth Wave President Carlos Hidalgo…
Read MoreHyundai Says It’s Cooler
Hyundai says it plans to mass-produce the car-cooling product in the future. Hyundai says it’s developed a window-tinting film that can cool interior vehicle temperatures by dozens of degrees. The Nano Cooling Film blocks external heat energy and transfers internal radiant heat outside the vehicle, cutting internal temperatures near the driver’s head by about 52…
Read MoreSpeed the Sales Process, Sell More Cars
One way dealers can speed up the process is by addressing vehicle-delivery times. Pexels/Erik McIean The primary objective of a dealership is, undoubtedly, to sell vehicles. However, when mismanaged, the endeavor can leave customers with a less-than-favorable impression of the business. Customers’ chief complaints are dealing with multiple people, enduring long waits, and a lack…
Read MoreExpanding Protection for Older Vehicles
The right products and services not only ensure customer satisfaction but also reinforce your dealership’s reputation for quality and reliability. Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio A Big Win for Dealers and Customers In the ever-innovating automotive marketplace, auto dealers face a unique challenge: catering to the growing segment of consumers who purchase older, high-mileage vehicles off their lots.…
Read MoreACE Appoints Kamal to VP Role
ACE says Kamal’s appointment is the first step toward a tactical but wide-ranging expansion of curricula, services and clientele. Automotive Compliance Education (ACE) has named Tariq Kamal vice president of operations in a newly created role that puts him in charge of the training and certification provider’s business, sales and marketing strategies. Executive Director Gil…
Read MoreCybertrucks Recalled Over Crash Risk
Cybertruck prototype before deliveries started last fall. Pexels/Stephen Leonardi Tesla recalled nearly 4,000 of its new Cybertruck due to the potential for the accelerator pedal to dislodge and pose risk of crashing. A recall notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website indicates that the pedal pad could come loose, resulting in the pedal…
Read MoreMany Surveyed Germans Favor Health Checks for Driving
Nearly two-thirds of about 2,000 surveyed Germans said health tests to determine driving suitability would be sensible. Pexels/Luke Miller A survey of Germans commissioned by Continental found that the majority believe regular health checks are a good idea to gauge people’s suitability for driving. Nearly two-thirds of about 2,000 surveyed Germans indicate such tests would…
Read MoreEurope’s Auto Sales Drop
Battery-electric vehicles’ share of sales declined from about 14% to 13% year-over-year as hybrids rose from 24% to 29%. IMAGE: Pexels/Aleksejs Bergmanis New-vehicle sales in Europe fell for the first time this year in March as the electric sales portion declined. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said this year’s Easter holiday timing adversely affected overall…
Read MoreMarch Sales Affect New-Vehicle Supply
IMAGE: Pexels/Vraj Shah Healthy spring new-vehicle sales in the U.S. ate into inventory last month, chopping down days’ supply. Supply rose only marginally from 2.74 million units to 2.77 million but was up 46% year-over-year, Cox Automotive said. Days’ supply ended down seven days month-over-month to 72. That’s still 30% above a year earlier. Models…
Read MoreFord Recalls Hundreds of Thousands
Recall affects 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sports, as well as certain Mavericks. IMAGE: Ford Ford is recalling more than 450,000 vehicles over a battery issue that could lead to loss of power while driving. The recall affects 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sports and 2022 to 2023 Mavericks. A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety…
Read MoreCarvana Settles Dispute with State of Illinois
The used car retailer will continue to operate in Illinois under some restrictions.
Read MoreGreen Bond Availability Grows
Around $28 billion in green bonds are available globally for automakers to help fund their transition to electric vehicles.
Read MoreJaguar Land Rover Reports Profit for Q3 of its Fiscal Year
The company reported a profit before tax of $326 million for the quarter ending in December.
Read MoreRethinking F&I Product Priorities
When you are selling multiple products in order of priority, it is important to examine your ranking to decide if your predetermined order still makes sense.
Read MoreF&I Practice?
Would you consider yourself an F&I professional? If your answer is yes, I have another question; How often do you practice?
Read MoreGetting Everyone EV Ready
It’s time to create an environment and culture that welcomes the inherent fears and curiosities of EV buyers, and those who aren’t EV buyers-yet.
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week, wholesale price declines lessened, coming in at a level on par with last July (apart from the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas when volume and conversions were down), before the declines began to accelerate for Q3 and Q4.
Read MoreProduct Spotlight: An Interview with ECP’s Lead Chemist
F&I met with ECP to discuss the company’s defining traits.
Read MoreGeneral Motors Manufacturing Investments Include ICE Engines
The Detroit automaker has earmarked $854 million to prepare four plants to produce its sixth generation Small Block V-8 engine.
Read MoreAuto Sales Decline in December
Cox reports that in the auto sector sales of motor vehicles and parts fell in December.
Read MoreCustomers Less Satisfied with Buying Process in 2022
New research from Cox Automotive shows consumer satisfaction with the car buying process declined in 2022 for the second consecutive year.
Read MoreTesla Leads in Profit Per EV
Tesla has built a commanding lead over most major rivals in profit per vehicle, according to Reuters research.
Read MoreAuto Leases Fell in 2022
TransUnion research finds a lack of inventory and low interest rates turned consumers away from leasing new cars and trucks over an 11-month period.
Read MoreCar Financing Costs Will Keep Rising This Year
Interest rates will continue climb, eating into inventory improvements’ effect.
Read MoreReynolds, Gubagoo to Launch Future of Retail Anywhere at NADA
To showcase how customers can shop from chat to funded deal with no dealership calculation adjustments to match online quotes.
Read MoreAuto Market Experiences Ups and Downs
Cox’s Auto Market Weekly Summary for January 13 shared both positives and negatives.
Read MoreDemand Destruction a Concern for 2023
Auto industry analysts remain on high alert for “demand destruction” as high interest rates, escalating vehicle costs, and a down economy threaten auto sales.
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Report
With two weeks of the new year now behind us, the trends that we ended 2022 with are continuing into 2023.
Read MoreHacking Exercise Reveals Vulnerabilities of High-Tech Cars
‘White-hat’ experts access customer data, even remote control of some models.
Read MoreMore Auto Consumers Opting for Longer Loan Terms
Rate grows as borrowers try to lower monthly payments.
Read MoreBig Chunk of Lincoln Dealers Onboard With EV Sales
Brand says 60% enrolled in certification program.
Read MoreEV Sales Keep Up Growth in 2022
Report shows pace of adoption building as ICE vehicles wane.
Read MoreTesla Passes BMW for US Luxury Sales Lead
Its 2022 deliveries were up 44%.
Read MoreUS Loses North American Trade Fight
Ruling could mean more auto manufacturing outside the States.
Read MorePureCars Acquires Customer Data-Management Platform
Addition of first-party data-cleansing and secure storage provider AutoMiner enhances PureCars’ ability to improve effectiveness of sales, fixed operations and retention-marketing programs.
Read MoreNew-Vehicle Prices End 2022 at Record Highs
Kelly Blue Book data show prices up year-over-year in December.
Read MoreIs Porsche Paving a New Sales Model or Will Dealerships Still Have a Collection of Cars?
The Collection, has recently filed a lawsuit against Porsche, AG, in which they are alleging that Porsche has violated Florida statutory law by engaging in inappropriate business tactics.
Read MoreNHTSA to Propose New Fuel Economy Standards
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will propose new fuel economy standards for the 2027 model year and beyond in April.
Read MoreNew Vehicle Prices Continue to Soar
Average vehicle transaction prices continue to soar, according to data released by Kelley Blue Book.
Read MoreOdometer Rollbacks Up
Report shows fraud on increase, despite digital devices.
Read MoreThree Powerful Truths of Consultative Selling!
When customers see the process is centered around them and effort is applied to make sure they understand the entire transaction, the trust level is extremely high.
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Insights
With 2022 fully in the rearview mirror, we can begin to evaluate the years performance: the overall market finished down 22.9%, with Cars down 22.7% and Trucks down 23%.
Read MoreUsed-Car Prices Tick Down in 2022
Steep decline signals return to new normalcy.
Read MoreLuxury German Brands Dip in 2022
Make up for some lost sales in Q4 with help of electric push.
Read MoreGM Asks Treasury to Classify its Cadillac Lyriq as an SUV
Without an SUV classification, the Cadillac Lyriq exceeds the price threshold for federal tax credits for EVs.
Read MoreAuto Loan Payments, Rates Hit Record Highs
The average payment climbed to $717 in the fourth quarter of 2022, which is 50% higher than in 2010, according to Edmunds.
Read MoreU.S. EV Sales Spiked in 2022
U.S. electric vehicle purchases climbed to 5.8% of all vehicles sold in 2022, up from 3.2% in 2021, according to Motor Intelligence.
Read MoreChip Problem Continues to Lesser Degree
Report forecasts production cuts resulting from issue this year.
Read MoreCar-Buying Grabbing More Wallet Share
Report shows car loan amounts, down payments rising along with interest rates.
Read MoreReynolds & Reynolds Brings Retail-Anywhere Approach to Business Office
Company plans to showcase new ways to speed up cash flow at NADA 2023.
Read MoreCPO Sales Dropped Last Year
Early figures show about 10% drop, but there was a late-year surge.
Read More2022 Light-Vehicle Sales, Well, Light
NADA report shows business weakest in years.
Read MoreThe Lost Art of Building Rapport
In this video, Joe Porter, from the Automotive Training Academy by Assurant supplies a valuable message that will help in the F&I office and on the sales floor. Watch as he explains why and how to get back into building rapport with your clients.
Read MoreFord Reports 2% Decline in Sales for 2022
The Detroit automaker sold 1.86 million vehicles in 2022, down from 1.91 million in 2021.
Read MoreStellantis Reports 6th Quarter of Sales Declines
In the fourth quarter, Stellantis reported new vehicle sales declined 16% to 347,669 vehicles.
Read MoreIllinois Dealers Lose Direct-Sales Fight
Lawsuit that sought to bar such sales in the state by Rivian, Lucid dismissed.
Read MoreNissan Takes 2022, Q4 Hit
Chip shortage weighs on its sales more than some other competitors.
Read MoreSMART Payment Plan Now SMARTPAY
Also simplifies web address in effort to add to its ease of use.
Read MoreInteractiveTel Changes Name to TotalCX
Company rebrands to emphasize focus on improving customer experience in automotive industry.
Read MoreBMW Sales Dip in 2022
Small decrease balanced by higher sticker prices.
Read MoreCarmakers Post Strong Year-End Sales
Loosening inventories balance economic pressures, including rising interest rates.
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Update
The year closed out with another week of above average weekly depreciation.
Read MoreF&I Tip of the Week: One-on-One Coaching
Tune into this F&I Tip of the Week with Brown & Brown Dealer Services’ John Tabar!
Read MoreFord Has Most 2022 Recalls
Safety issues affected 8.6 million vehicles.
Read MoreDiesel Fuel Prices Starting to Fall
Diesel fuel prices have started to fall, but they still remain at historical highs.
Read MoreCommercial EV Vehicle Leases to Qualify for Tax Credits
As of January 1, consumers can lease electric vehicles and qualify for up to $7,500 in commercial clean vehicle tax credits.
Read MoreNew Vehicle Sales Plummet to Record Lows in 2022
Sales of new automobiles plunged to under 14 million vehicles in 2022, the lowest since 2011, reports Kelley Blue Book.
Read MoreImproved Inventories Boost December Sales
Dealer profits still high, though fewer units marked above MSRP.
Read MoreAPCO Holdings, LLC, Acquires National Auto Care, Creating Nationwide F&I Force
Industry-leading F&I providers combine.
Read MoreDesking in a Rising Rate Environment
If a dealership is still buying Sharpies to complete paper Four Squares, you will probably find a higher percentage of packed payments or potentially discriminatory pricing.
Read MoreWhy “Penny- Perfect” Payments Simply Don’t Cut It
The technology of today has far surpassed “penny-perfect,” and those competitors who understand this are cleaning up.
Read MoreThe Path of People: The Power of Empathy
If we provide the path through the process that our customers enjoy, expect, and hope for, they will trust us and listen to the insight we offer.
Read MoreF&I Tip of the Week: Sharing New Information to Show Value
Join Brown and Brown Dealer Services’ John Tabar, with this F&I Tip of the Week!
Read MoreCar Prices to Ease in 2023
Report shows used models in particular to fall as new-car inventory improves.
Read MoreF&I Tip of the Week: Primary Responsibility
Join Brown & Brown Dealer Services’ John Tabar, here with this F&I Tip of the Week.
Read MoreImpacts of a Down Economy
It is not clear how current economic conditions will affect vehicle sales, auto lending and remarketing over the next 12 months.
Read MoreCarMax’s Bad Q3 Results Drag Down Industry
Used-car retailer grapples with waning demand in face of economic challenges.
Read MoreAudi to Abandon ICE Vehicles
Joins growing list of carmakers embracing electrification.
Read MoreSecurity Ops Center Planned at Reynolds HQ
State-of-the art facility to enhance Proton Dealership IT’s cyber threat monitoring and response services.
Read MoreCompliance Offering for Dealerships Released
Reynolds and Reynolds/Proton Dealership IT offer tools for compliance, security ahead of FTC Safeguards Rule deadline.
Read MoreBloomberg Names Hyundai World’s 3rd-Biggest Carmaker
Data analysis puts South Korean brand’s volume above GM, other big players.
Read MoreDealers Get December Gift of Good Business
Forecast shows rising sales, inventory, and good 2023 outlook.
Read MoreAuto Dealership Buy/Sell Stays Hot with Yet Another Record in 2022
According to Third Quarter 2022 Blue Sky Report® by Kerrigan Advisors, dealership buy/sells increase 25% YoY as auto retailers overcome economic headwinds to achieve a 205% increase in earnings compared to pre-pandemic averages.
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Report
With the holidays approaching, auction lanes are following the trend of past weeks of being slow.
Read MoreUSPS to Electrify Much of Delivery Fleet
It will buy at least 66K EVs by 2028.
Read MoreEV Tax Credit Guidance Delayed
Controversial rules on battery component sourcing anticipated by carmakers.
Read MoreAutomaker Favors Varied Auto Lineup to All EVs
Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda says there is a silent majority who question whether automakers should pursue electric vehicles exclusively.
Read MoreHonda Accord Touring Model to Include Android Automotive
The automaker’s top of the line Touring model Accord will come with “Google built-in” in 2023.
Read MoreNew Index Shows EVs Have Gained Ground
But multiple obstacles stand in the way of widespread adoption.
Read MoreStellantis Finance Unit Ramps Up
More and more dealers signing onto captive service.
Read MoreTexas Discretionary Allocation Suit Decided
Court rules that Hyundai’s discretionary allocations weren’t unreasonable.
Read MoreLawmakers Seek Help to Prevent Crashes
Implore transportation secretary to work with carmakers to deploy connected-car technology.
Read MoreState of the Automotive Finance Market: Q3 2022
New Experian report finds average loan terms extend for new and used vehicle loans as interest rates rise.
Read MoreZeroSum Dealers’ Market First Report: 2022 Automotive Inventory Trends That Matter in 2023
From inventory and pricing trends to future predictions, this report provides everything auto dealers need to know to prepare for a successful year in 2023.
Read MoreKBB Announces Winners of 2023 Best Buy Awards
NASCAR Driver Toni Breidinger teams up with Kelley Blue Book to test top award winner.
Read MoreVW CFO Foresees Tighter New Year
Economic pressures expected to make 2023 even more challenging.
Read MoreCPO Sales Up Year-Over-Year
The interest rate factor actually buoys them, Cox says.
Read MoreNew Mazda SUV Part of Industry Electrification Trend
Details of CX-90 to be fully revealed in January.
Read MoreUsed Vehicle Prices Drop as Other Costs Remain High
The most recent Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a slight but promising decline in used car prices.
Read MoreN.C. Stores Bought From One of Top U.S. Groups
Hudson Automotive buys nine from Asbury.
Read MoreRedwood Materials to Build S.C. Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Facility
The new facility will employ 1,500 people and produce enough cathode and anodes components to supply 1 million EVs annually.
Read MoreDriveItAway Partnership Launches Subscriptions in Canada
Partners with Legacy Auto Credit in Ontario for app-based subscription-to-ownership program.
Read MoreBlack Book: Weekly Market Report
Sales rates continue to be less than ideal, with many buyers exercising caution for fear of loading up on inventory that does not turn quickly, especially when values are experiencing heavy declines week after week.
Read MoreF-150 Lightning MotorTrend’s Truck of the Year
Magazine cites in part the model’s appeal to existing truck owners.
Read MoreAutoNation Picks Up Mobile Repair Service
RepairSmith acquisition boosts its offerings and opens up new customer opportunities.
Read MoreU.S. Energy Department Finalizes Loan for GM Battery Venture
The U.S. Energy Department finalized a $2.5 billion loan to a joint venture of General Motors Co. and LG Energy Solution for three lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facilities.
Read MoreToyota to Adjust EV Strategy
The automaker plans to adjust its electric vehicle strategy and provide it to key suppliers early next year, report people close to the project.
Read MoreInventory Rises Again in November
Most reporting carmakers have supply days in the double digits.
Read MoreDealerships Trade Hands in Four States
Dealerships trade hands in four states.
Read MoreEase-of-Purchase Survey Shows November Upticks
CDK score reflects progress as inventories rise, but still room for improvement.
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