Friday, June 30, 2017

U.S. auto sales on track to drop for 6th straight month

U.S. auto sales on track to drop for 6th straight month http://ift.tt/2tzLaYm expect June to mark the industry's sixth consecutive year-over-year sales decline, mostly on weaker car and fleet demand, and closing out the worst first half of a year since 2014.

Kia hires Bill Peffer to fill long-vacant sales job

Kia hires Bill Peffer to fill long-vacant sales job http://ift.tt/2saTYQ5 Motors America is adding another industry veteran to its executive ranks with the hiring of former Cadillac sales chief Bill Peffer as its vice president of sales.

Kia hires Bill Peffer to fill long-vacant sales job

Kia hires Bill Peffer to fill long-vacant sales job http://ift.tt/2usQDN7 Motors America is adding another industry veteran to its executive ranks with the hiring of former Cadillac sales chief Bill Peffer as its vice president of sales.

VW's French unit reported false delivery figures for years, report says

VW's French unit reported false delivery figures for years, report says http://ift.tt/2sqzzL7's French division reported inaccurate delivery figures to make its performance look better, a German magazine reported. The reporting affected the VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat brands, Der Spiegel said.

U.S. auto sales on track to drop for 6th straight month in June

U.S. auto sales on track to drop for 6th straight month in June http://ift.tt/2spNwsp expect June to mark the industry's sixth consecutive year-over-year sales decline, mostly on weaker car and fleet demand, and closing out the worst first half of a year since 2014.

U.S. auto sales expected to drop for sixth straight month in June

U.S. auto sales expected to drop for sixth straight month in June http://ift.tt/2u7PI5o month, another drop in U.S. new-vehicle sales. Analysts expect June to mark the industry's sixth consecutive year-over-year decline, closing out the worst first half of a year since 2014.

June U.S. sales data will be late

June U.S. sales data will be late http://ift.tt/2u7PH1k automakers will now release June U.S. sales figures on Monday, July 3, prompting Automotive News to adjust plans for preliminary and final online sales reports and newsletters for June.

California dealers file complaint over online broker

California dealers file complaint over online broker http://ift.tt/2txUuff California dealers group has filed a formal complaint with the state against Carjojo, saying the online buying service violates the state's rules for brokers.

China's plans for lithium-ion battery production could overtake Tesla

China's plans for lithium-ion battery production could overtake Tesla http://ift.tt/2sZqVSw Elon Musk races to finish building the world's biggest battery factory in the Nevada desert, China is poised to leave him in the dust.

Peugeot, Ford, Renault lead in high-margin sales to private customers

Peugeot, Ford, Renault lead in high-margin sales to private customers http://ift.tt/2sZ2nss Peugeot, Ford and Renault brands were Europe's first-quarter leaders in a key part of the retail business: sales to private customers.

Auto-debt risk reaches Europe as leases create used-car glut

Auto-debt risk reaches Europe as leases create used-car glut http://ift.tt/2s8TeuE shift in how Europeans finance their cars is threatening to expose bondholders in the region to the same risk that's been building in the U.S. for decades.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

McLaren sees record pretax profits in 2016 behind Sports Series lineup

McLaren sees record pretax profits in 2016 behind Sports Series lineup http://ift.tt/2s72KOU supercar maker McLaren Automotive rode a wave of global demand for its expanding lineup to record profitability and sales in 2016.

First Shift: BMW 3 series going electric?

First Shift: BMW 3 series going electric? http://ift.tt/2skC3dL 3 series getting EV?; Calif. weighs EV rebates; Uber denies knowing about Waymo trade-secrets theft; Self-preservation for car rental firms?; Audi 'Spider' crawls red carpet.

Used VW cars maintain their value despite emissions crisis

Used VW cars maintain their value despite emissions crisis http://ift.tt/2t3O3xD Volkswagen cars have maintained their value in Europe and continue to command a premium over the competition despite an emissions crisis that has damaged the brand and the image of diesel, credit-rating agency Moody's said.

Used VW cars maintain their value despite emissions crisis, agency says

Used VW cars maintain their value despite emissions crisis, agency says http://ift.tt/2sTQfsR Volkswagen cars have maintained their value in Europe and continue to command a premium over the competition despite an emissions crisis that has damaged the brand and the image of diesel, credit-rating agency Moody's said.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Cadillac partners with helicopter app in N.Y., gives free charters

Cadillac partners with helicopter app in N.Y., gives free charters http://ift.tt/2t1Xayu New Yorkers with good timing who want to flee to the Hamptons this summer could arrive via helicopter paid for by Cadillac.

NAAA survey shows 2016 was record year for used vehicles

NAAA survey shows 2016 was record year for used vehicles http://ift.tt/2tq9ITr National Auto Auction Association's annual survey found 2016 was a record year in units and dollars paid for used-vehicle auctions.

Are consumers' vehicle aspirations too high?

Are consumers' vehicle aspirations too high? http://ift.tt/2tplv4G may be trying to bite off more than they can chew. Swapalease.com approved fewer than half of lease applicants in May because consumers applied for leases on out-of-budget, high-end vehicles.

CarMax captive boosts income, revs marketing for online finance

CarMax captive boosts income, revs marketing for online finance http://ift.tt/2toXvyk at CarMax's captive finance arm rose 8.5 percent to $109.4 million in the company's 2018 fiscal first quarter, ended May 31, even as its financing penetration fell.CarMax Inc.

The disconnect between vehicle price and affordability

The disconnect between vehicle price and affordability http://ift.tt/2tpekcC average price tag on a new car is too high for median-income households in 24 of the 25 largest U.S. metro areas, according to a Bankrate.com study.

When consumer confidence, credit eligibility don't match

When consumer confidence, credit eligibility don't match http://ift.tt/2tp6OOH consumers trying to bite off more than they can chew? Swapalease.com approved fewer than half of its lease applicants in May because consumers applied for leases on out-of-budget, high-end vehicles.

Spider-Man teams up with Audi

Spider-Man teams up with Audi http://ift.tt/2t1qN3e are just like everyone else when it comes to getting a driver's license.

Britain's unofficial auto show is a classy affair

Britain's unofficial auto show is a classy affair http://ift.tt/2slMRDJ auto shows held in huge trade fair grounds in cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Beijing, the UK's must-attend automotive event, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, is a much more refined affair.

Infiniti courts NBA champ Stephen Curry to endorse Q50

Infiniti courts NBA champ Stephen Curry to endorse Q50 http://ift.tt/2sgC8z8 star Stephen Curry will be featured in advertisements for the redesigned Infiniti Q50 sport sedan, due for a launch around the world from August.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Big groups' FandI sales top vehicle volume in '16

Big groups' FandI sales top vehicle volume in '16 http://ift.tt/2tiJqBE revenue at the nation's 150 largest dealership groups rose more than sales volume did in 2016, but the pace of growth for FandI slowed from prior years.

Florida dealership protection law takes effect

Florida dealership protection law takes effect http://ift.tt/2thxi4A's governor signed a new dealership protection law, limiting how often automakers can mandate store renovations and how they can apply sales-effectiveness standards.

Keller, Mercer team up to advise startups

Keller, Mercer team up to advise startups http://ift.tt/2sjt7k0 industry analysts Maryann Keller and Glenn Mercer are teaming up to advise startups and investors new to the auto industry.

Association asks Mercer to study auction of the future

Association asks Mercer to study auction of the future http://ift.tt/2tkdYnv National Auto Auction Association has tapped Glenn Mercer to study the wholesale auction of the future.

Ford hikes Expedition pricing across all trims

Ford hikes Expedition pricing across all trims http://ift.tt/2thfwy9 Ford Expedition's first redesign in 20 years will be priced $4,500 to $8,500 more than the current model.

Ford hatching Ranger Raptor variant, spy photos show

Ford hatching Ranger Raptor variant, spy photos show http://ift.tt/2tj6e56 is hatching plans for a Raptor performance variant of the forthcoming Ranger midsize pickup, based on spy photos taken near the company's product development center in Michigan.

Ford bumps up Expedition pricing across all trims

Ford bumps up Expedition pricing across all trims http://ift.tt/2tjeiTt Ford Expedition's first redesign in 20 years will be priced $4,500 to $8,500 more than the current model.

Genesis G70 comes into focus to take on BMW 3 series

Genesis G70 comes into focus to take on BMW 3 series http://ift.tt/2rYdMGh its global debut just a few months away, the styling of Genesis' first-ever G70 is coming into focus.

Ride-sharing age may give struggling rental companies a lifeline

Ride-sharing age may give struggling rental companies a lifeline http://ift.tt/2tia8v1 rental-car agencies may have a road map to prosper in the age of self-driving taxis after all.

Monday, June 26, 2017

GM cuts outlook for U.S. new-vehicle sales in 2017

GM cuts outlook for U.S. new-vehicle sales in 2017 http://ift.tt/2sUzz2I now expects U.S. new-vehicle sales in 2017 will be in the "low 17 million" unit range, reflecting widespread expectations that industry volume is headed for a moderate downturn, as a flood of nearly-new used cars and light trucks hit the market.

Apple working with Hertz to manage small autonomous fleet

Apple working with Hertz to manage small autonomous fleet http://ift.tt/2sUNtlG is leasing a small fleet of cars from Hertz to test self-driving technology, an agreement that echoes a larger deal between competitors Waymo and Avis.

Waymo inks deal for Avis to manage self-driving car fleet

Waymo inks deal for Avis to manage self-driving car fleet http://ift.tt/2u9cpVP has reached an agreement for Avis to manage its fleet of autonomous vehicles. It's the first such deal in a field that's still fledgling but exploding with partnerships.

Tesla expands borrowing capacity as it works to launch Model 3

Tesla expands borrowing capacity as it works to launch Model 3 http://ift.tt/2sdpYlP boosted its ability to borrow for the second time in about six months, as CEO Elon Musk spends heavily to bring his cheapest electric car yet to market.

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Plenty to see in U.S. sales in last half of 2017

Plenty to see in U.S. sales in last half of 2017 http://ift.tt/2sRD0Yb old-fashioned U.S. sales races are shaping up to keep the second half of 2017 lively.

Despite losses, used-car seller Carvana notches wins on Wall Street

Despite losses, used-car seller Carvana notches wins on Wall Street http://ift.tt/2sRLGh2 used-car retailer, known for its vending machines, says it has a clear path to profitability and a strong brand that's making an impression.

BMW dealers look to Kuhnt to get brand back on track

BMW dealers look to Kuhnt to get brand back on track http://ift.tt/2sRmvep dealers say they need fresh product, more trucks, competitive lease rates and a return to the "Ultimate Driving Machine" days. They're looking at Bernhard Kuhnt for help.

Notary necessary for Dodge Demon

Notary necessary for Dodge Demon http://ift.tt/2sRBtRZ April, Automotive News raised concerns about the 840-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Fiat Chrysler and its lawyers have similar concerns.

Subaru is burned in attempt to refedine its image

Subaru is burned in attempt to refedine its image http://ift.tt/2sRs7Fw wanted to shine at Nurburgring, but its disappointment illustrates a point: Reshaping a brand identity is tough.

June U.S. sales data will be late

June U.S. sales data will be late http://ift.tt/2sRuOqF automakers will report their June U.S. sales figures on Monday, July 3. But the final industry tally won't be known until July 5 because at least two brands #8212; Kia and Bentley #8212; will release their results that day.

Ford's shift of Focus shows shrinking role of small cars

Ford's shift of Focus shows shrinking role of small cars http://ift.tt/2sRskss next year, Ford will go about a year without building a single Focus for North America #8212; and the market may not even notice. Slumping sales have turned the car into an imported afterthought.

Manheim chief economist Tom Webb reflects on a four-decade auto career

Manheim chief economist Tom Webb reflects on a four-decade auto career http://ift.tt/2sRTU96 the eve of his retirement, Tom Webb, Manheim's chief economist, reflects on a four-decade auto industry career.

Mercedes gives dealers more leeway in advertising

Mercedes gives dealers more leeway in advertising http://ift.tt/2sRmMhO can now focus their local promotions on any business line, not just new-car sales.

Manheim Index rising over time

Manheim Index rising over time http://ift.tt/2sRGSs3 Chief Economist Tom Webb launched the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index in 2000. Here are averages for each year.

Roadster to add accessories to its online FandI stores

Roadster to add accessories to its online FandI stores http://ift.tt/2sRiyqj tool from the online vehicle seller allows shoppers to see how add-ons such as spoilers, LED fog lights or moon-roof visors affect the price.

Lexus Escondido's facility hosts retail, dining, event space

Lexus Escondido's facility hosts retail, dining, event space http://ift.tt/2sRuNTD Escondido in California is the centerpiece of a 326,000-square-foot facility that includes a restaurant, art gallery and event space.

Why Manheim, other used pricing indexes diverge

Why Manheim, other used pricing indexes diverge http://ift.tt/2sRTRdq's used-vehicle price index suggests that used prices are rising. Why is this key indicator diverging from other important pricing indexes?