Mercedes-AMG is born to be wild

Mercedes-AMG is born to be wild http://ift.tt/2kq4u4N the latest new spot to top our weekly viral video charts, Mercedes-AMG preps for the Super Bowl.

Buick deploys Cam Newton for Super Bowl spot, leverages Instagram ads

Buick deploys Cam Newton for Super Bowl spot, leverages Instagram ads http://ift.tt/2keRj4F Panther quarterback Cam Newton didn't make it back to the big game this year, so he used his talents to help a crew of Pee Wee footballers in Buick's Super Bowl spot to tout the Cascada and hot-selling Encore.

Ways You Can Increase Your Automotive Social Media Marketing Efforts Quickly

Building a presence online is key if your auto dealership wants continued growth in this technology-driven age. There are many great avenues you can take for growing online, but social media is one of the easier platforms to master. You just need to set up a profile for your dealership, build a following, and post regularly about your services and inventory. Achieving success with automotive social media marketing can be easy if you know and follow the right process.

Develop the Right Plan and Goals

Marketing experts will first ask you, “Why are you using social media marketing?” Is it to attract more visitors to your dealership’s website, or are you trying to raise brand awareness? After identifying your goals, your marketing specialist will then map out a social media marketing plan, which begins with the right platform.

Facebook is one of the biggest platforms for spreading your dealership’s reach across different age groups. In terms of a more visual platform that targets younger car shoppers, Instagram might be your best bet. This platform, owned by Facebook, had more than 400 million active users in 2010. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jVWRTY

VW's emissions scandal yields a new cash-for-clunkers program

VW's emissions scandal yields a new cash-for-clunkers program http://ift.tt/2kdHIeu must buy back or fix as many as 562,000 diesel vehicles in the U.S. into 2019. This will lead the German automaker to essentially mimic the U.S.

Mel Farr died from concussion-related disease seen in former NFL players, report says

Mel Farr died from concussion-related disease seen in former NFL players, report says http://ift.tt/2kOncUS Farr, a former Detroit Lions running back and owner of what was once the largest black-owned dealership group in the U.S., reportedly had Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died in 2015 at age 70.

Coen brothers, Peter Fonda take AMG on Super Bowl ride

Coen brothers, Peter Fonda take AMG on Super Bowl ride http://ift.tt/2kdmEVd tapped Academy Award-winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen to guide the luxury brand's fourth trip to the Super Bowl ad game.

PSA will give DS brand separate showrooms to reverse sales slide

PSA will give DS brand separate showrooms to reverse sales slide http://ift.tt/2jRVzGb Group will pull its DS cars out of Citroen showrooms as the automaker builds a smaller, distinct sales network in an effort to revive the upscale brand's sliding sales.

Important and Effective Steps that Help You Excel at Auto Dealer Social Media

Making connections with customers online is critical for the success of any auto dealership. Today, this doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complex because of the diverse online marketing methods available.

Social media, in particular, is an important tool to utilize when reaching customers because it is used by many users around the world. In the U.S. alone, 78 percent of the population have a social media profile. By knowing how to use these social media platforms, you can reach this audience, thereby growing your dealership’s customer base. 

Create Engaging Video Content

Today, online users have very short attention spans, giving you only a small window to capture their attention. For this reason, you need to start incorporating more video content into your social media pages. Car buyers are more receptive to these videos because they want to see what they can expect before actually making a trip to the dealership. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jLg5Ju

Chevrolet's midengine Corvette hits the winter test track

Chevrolet's midengine Corvette hits the winter test track http://ift.tt/2jQAe2l's another round of midengine Chevrolet Corvette spy photos, and they're perhaps the best look at the long-rumored sports car yet.

German automakers see no way around post-Brexit tariffs

German automakers see no way around post-Brexit tariffs http://ift.tt/2kmVfTt's auto industry is losing hope that trade tariffs with the UK can be avoided, despite warnings from British Prime Minister Theresa May that an overly tough stance on post-Brexit commerce would seriously harm the country's EU partners.

America's Auto Auction buys Auction Broadcasting

America's Auto Auction buys Auction Broadcasting http://ift.tt/2kktVVI's Auto Auction has acquired Auction Broadcasting Co., a move that gives the nation's third-largest auto auction company 19 locations in the U.S.

Ford's Super Bowl ad is about a lot more than car sales

Ford's Super Bowl ad is about a lot more than car sales http://ift.tt/2jnSJwJ for months has been touting itself as a mobility provider whose business extends beyond selling vehicles and into services such as ride-sharing and bike-sharing.

Mercedes models join Car2Go vehicle-sharing fleet

Mercedes models join Car2Go vehicle-sharing fleet http://ift.tt/2k9WsuM has added the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA to its North American fleet, starting Monday in Austin, Texas; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; and the Washington, D.C., area.

Let an Automotive SEO Company Show You How Your Dealership Can Generate More Sales

Running a successful automotive dealership requires a lot of resources and financial assets, which can make it difficult to market online sometimes. The importance of having a solid online presence, however, cannot be overlooked, given the fact that most car shoppers conduct online searches first before visiting a physical showroom.

Dealerships can have a chance to experience higher traffic and sales through SEO. Despite being on a tight budget, you can win with SEO with these helpful tips.

Write Relevant Content for Car Shoppers

In order for search engines to give your dealership’s website a high ranking, it needs to have good content that provides users with valuable information. This is one of the most important SEO tactics and one of the most difficult to pull off. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jVNzao

Why Your Dealership Should Take Advantage of Automotive SEO Services

Much has been said about search engine optimization, or SEO. In fact, companies of all sizes are utilizing this in their overall marketing strategy, including car dealerships. This shift makes absolute sense: with 70% of car shoppers conducting online searches first before visiting an actual showroom, it’s imperative that your dealership and your inventory can be easily found online. Here are several ways that SEO can take your dealership to new heights.

Boost Credibility

Successful dealerships are ones that establish trust and credibility with their customer base. SEO helps you do just that because of the way search engines rank websites and articles. In order for search engines to move your content higher up in the results and establish credibility, you need to provide car shoppers with valuable content. This may involve publishing articles about the latest car models you have in stock, or possible deals that help shoppers save money. 

Lead to More Traffic

Because people tend to click on websites that appear higher up in the search engine results, SEO can lead to more traffic for your website. This may not automatically mean more sales initially, but it’s an effective start. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jL7w1h

GM, Honda to jointly build hydrogen fuel cells at Michigan factory in 2020

GM, Honda to jointly build hydrogen fuel cells at Michigan factory in 2020 http://ift.tt/2jvlJ0I Motors and Honda plan to invest $85 million to build hydrogen fuel cell stacks for next-generation green vehicles at a factory in Michigan.

Toyota loses global sales crown to VW as U.S. trade barriers loom

Toyota loses global sales crown to VW as U.S. trade barriers loom http://ift.tt/2kJuAkv lost its title as the world's best-selling automaker to VW Group, ending the Japanese company's four-year reign, as demand for its flagship Camry sedan waned in the U.S. and sales in China expanded at a slower pace than the overall market.

Customer experience' imperative drives changes in hiring

Customer experience' imperative drives changes in hiring http://ift.tt/2khW684 IN A FOUR-PART SERIES: Dealership pay plans and job descriptions are changing amid a growing realization that a positive customer experience comes from flexible employee hours and an atmosphere of teamwork.

Will this be the year used-car prices fall?

Will this be the year used-car prices fall? http://ift.tt/2khWlQg economists and remarketing experts are correct, 2017 will finally be the year the industry sees significant downward pressure on used-vehicle pricing.

Chevy touts Bolt as special, but not weird

Chevy touts Bolt as special, but not weird http://ift.tt/2ki40y3 a market that's still blase about electric vehicles, Chevy sees the Bolt's ability to fit seamlessly with the rest of its lineup as key to its hopes for significant sales volumes.

Where Waymo fits in

Where Waymo fits in http://ift.tt/2ki7KzH's decision to build its own self-driving car technology platform has its competitors watching to see whether the company can carve out a position somewhere between automaker and auto supplier.

Ho-hum Detroit show may help used-car prices

Ho-hum Detroit show may help used-car prices http://ift.tt/2khPBlm 2017 Detroit auto show's lack of eye-popping reveals might prove to be a good thing for used-car prices, Larry Dixon, an analyst at NADA Used Car Guide, said.

Dealer's Baldridge win was a decade in the making

Dealer's Baldridge win was a decade in the making http://ift.tt/2khSHFX Chalmers Ford became the first domestic auto dealership to win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award by implementing a business model that helps all employees grow, thrive and contribute to the organization.

The Iron Lady's tense test drive

The Iron Lady's tense test drive http://ift.tt/2ki7p01 Thatcher, Britain's prime minister from 1979 to 1990, rarely took the easy route. Take, for instance, Thatcher's decision to test drive the new Rover 827 on July 10, 1986.

Cross-training boosts resources and teamwork

Cross-training boosts resources and teamwork http://ift.tt/2ki2tIe cross training the dealership staff, most experts say, dealerships have more resources and expertise in their stores. And by zeroing in on a shared goal, the staff can create a more effective transaction process.

Online platform adds recommendation tool

Online platform adds recommendation tool http://ift.tt/2ki2fkB using a new online shopping platform now have an additional tool to help them recommend vehicles to consumers.

CPO sales poised for another record in '17

CPO sales poised for another record in '17 http://ift.tt/2khWcwr pre-owned vehicle sales are poised to set a seventh consecutive record in 2017, fueled by a glut of off-lease vehicles returning to the market.

The big, tough Traverse

The big, tough Traverse http://ift.tt/2khQEBM a first generation that has been around for nine years, Chevrolet has given the Traverse, its largest crossover, a more trucklike appearance. Here's a sampling of reaction to the redesigned 2018 model, which debuted at the Detroit auto show.

Nissan stunt dresses men as their wives. Yes, in Japan

Nissan stunt dresses men as their wives. Yes, in Japan http://ift.tt/2kiahd1 it takes is a few minutes watching a Japanese game show to realize there are some major cultural differences between America and Japan.

Get ready for a retail revolution

Get ready for a retail revolution http://ift.tt/2ki10l6 who has spent time in January at CES, the Detroit auto show or the National Automobile Dealers Association convention will realize that things are changing in the auto world far more rapidly than anyone expected.

Ford plucks new brand chief from Apple

Ford plucks new brand chief from Apple http://ift.tt/2khWEup Motor Co. has hired a former Apple and Nike marketing executive to be vice president and chief brand officer, a new position created as the company focuses on new mobility services.

Dealers

Dealers http://ift.tt/2ki7qB7 look at 40- and 25-year dealer anniversaries.

Steps on Taking Your PPC Marketing to the Next Level for Your Auto Dealership

Reaching out to as many people as possible is a necessity to keep your auto dealership in business, and what better way to do so than with online methods. Pay-per-click marketing, in particular, is a great way to generate more buzz and page views for your dealer’s website.

Though there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for PPC, there are particular elements that can help you make the most out of this.

The Elements of an Effective Ad

The success of your PPC marketing often depends on the quality of your ads. Typically, an appealing ad mirrors the user’s objective. Interesting statistics and factual information should also be included, because these make your dealership more credible and help establish trust.

Emotional triggers are also helpful in luring an audience in and keeping them captivated. Some emotions you might appeal to include fear, anger, affirmation, and humor. The more emotionally involved the user is, the more effective your ads will be. Additionally, you must also state what your visitors can gain by clicking on your ad. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jVTTyB

Key Strategies for Having Success with PPC Optimization for Your Auto Dealership

Gaining exposure as an auto dealership is important, especially if you are just starting out. This is attainable through pay-per-click (PPC), an internet marketing strategy where you only need to pay a fee for each time one of your ads is clicked.

Like other marketing strategies, there’s a certain art in utilizing PPC to your advantage. Take a look at how you can effectively integrate PPC into your marketing efforts.

Use Ad Extensions

You can increase each ad’s click-through rate (CTR) by taking advantage of ad extensions — free tools that essentially enhance the presentation and visibility of your ads in the search results. They also take users to specific pages on your website, such as pages about new vehicles on your inventory or important contact information. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jL7uGH

AutoNews Now: Penske on U.S. vs. Europe stores

AutoNews Now: Penske on U.S. vs. Europe stores http://ift.tt/2kfO9Q7 on U.S. vs. Europe stores; Scarpelli takes helm; Dealer spotlight site; Cadillac to tweak incentive plan; Chevy expects retail-share gain, Buick, Ford Bowl ads.

NADA to highlight good deeds on social media

NADA to highlight good deeds on social media http://ift.tt/2kGr9H2

VW's Seat brand bets on elegant simplicity to stand out

VW's Seat brand bets on elegant simplicity to stand out http://ift.tt/2kGj210, VW Group's once-struggling Spanish subsidiary, is enjoying a boost thanks to the popularity of the Leon and Ibiza cars and the arrival of the Ateca, the brand's first SUV.

Schaeffler sees 48-volt mild hybrids displacing diesels as fuel-saving choice

Schaeffler sees 48-volt mild hybrids displacing diesels as fuel-saving choice http://ift.tt/2kGcWOj and Continental have created a 48-volt hybrid prototype that can greatly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in compact cars.

NADA to highlight good deeds on social media

NADA to highlight good deeds on social media http://ift.tt/2jqBtSi new NADA social media initiative will highlight the positive influences auto dealerships have in communities nationwide, new NADA Chairman Mark Scarpelli said during his introductory remarks Saturday.

Dealers inch closer to full online sales

Dealers inch closer to full online sales http://ift.tt/2kFFvaJ retailers are making significant investments in technology to enable consumers to do most -- and someday, all -- of a vehicle purchase online.

Cookies, airplanes, virtual reality popular on convention floor

Cookies, airplanes, virtual reality popular on convention floor http://ift.tt/2kFANJW car washes, hydraulic service lifts and free dongles of questionable usefulness are all standard fare for dealer conventions such as this one, but how about some cookies?

Dealers get up to speed on trends

Dealers get up to speed on trends http://ift.tt/2jBWzAt the main floor at the convention, there was a dealers-only stand that was packed to capacity. The exhibit, called "The Modern Dealership Experience," was NADA's attempt to show dealers what the future looks like.

Ford exec Silverstein is Cox Woman of the Year

Ford exec Silverstein is Cox Woman of the Year http://ift.tt/2jBYUf7 Silverstein, general manager of remarketing and rental operations at Ford Motor Co., was named the Barbara Cox Automotive Woman of the Year for her efforts to mentor female employees.

Why Online Reputation Management Should be a Top Priority for Your Auto Dealership

It takes just one negative comment or review to turn a great brand into a potential red flag to prospective customers. Despite this, you have the chance to turn your online reputation around through a solid online reputation management strategy. This online practice offers many benefits when used correctly.

Offers Protection Against Negative Reviews

Even a single negative review can tarnish your dealership’s reputation, and consequently cause a domino effect on your sales. Online reputation management deals with these reviews before they start snowballing into more serious problems.

A foundation for online reputation management is urgency. The quicker you respond to negative comments, the less of an effect they’ll have. That’s because it shows customers you are active on websites and forums, and that you genuinely care about what customers have to say. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jVVk0a

Cadillac gives relief on Pinnacle

Cadillac gives relief on Pinnacle http://ift.tt/2kFq1U3 is modifying portions of the dealer-incentive program that starts in April to let retailers receive payments sooner and earn partial bonuses even if they fall as much as 15 percent short of monthly sales targets.

Ford plans 90-second Super Bowl commercial, dealers told

Ford plans 90-second Super Bowl commercial, dealers told http://ift.tt/2kyNCXg will advertise in the Super Bowl next week for the first time in three years. The automaker previewed its 90-second commercial for dealers during Saturday's make meeting at NADA, according to sources in the room.

AutoNews Now: Power move for Mitsu, Volvo franchises

AutoNews Now: Power move for Mitsu, Volvo franchises http://ift.tt/2jBzTQX move for Mitsu, Volvo franchises; 'Vicious circle' of higher spiffs, lower used-car prices; Kentucky's Carl Swope Time Dealer of the Year; How to upstage a comedian?

How Online Reputation Optimization Services Can Restore Your Dealership’s Brand

As a car dealership, your entire business model is based on providing customers with great service and high-quality vehicles. No matter how hard you try, though, you can’t please everybody. Dissatisfied customers or malicious entities will go to great lengths to air their grievances — real or not — and may even leave a negative review online. Negative reviews can have a detrimental effect on your online reputation and your business. Avoid letting your reputation suffer by taking the following measures.

Assess the Damage

Quickly assess the situation and see if your company’s reputation is at stake. If multiple reviews air the same grievances about your dealership, consider adjusting your business model accordingly. These reviews might be pointing out fatal flaws in your business, so consider them as pieces of constructive criticism. Addressing issues and fixing them correctly shows initiative and improves the customer experience for future shoppers. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2jLhQq0

Chevy sees more gains in U.S. retail share

Chevy sees more gains in U.S. retail share http://ift.tt/2kypkNh expects a third consecutive year of U.S. retail market share gains in 2017, executives told dealers.

AutoNews Now: Fields confident on Trump

AutoNews Now: Fields confident on Trump http://ift.tt/2jHQi3P says Trump 'going to be good for our industry'; 400 more FCA dealers?; Report: GM, Honda to expand fuel-cell work; Make-meeting highlights; Keeping an eye on FandI.