The 10 biggest stories of 2017

The 10 biggest stories of 2017 http://ift.tt/2DGnz9o staff of Automotive News ranked the top 10 stories from 2017, and EVs -- absent from the list a year ago -- shot to the No. 1 spot.

Ford CMO Kumar Galhotra aims to build on success at Lincoln

Ford CMO Kumar Galhotra aims to build on success at Lincoln http://ift.tt/2DGlGt9 Kumar Galhotra, handing out resumes at Ford's product campus 30 years ago paid off with a career that now has him taking on high-stakes responsibilities as the automaker's chief marketing officer.

2017 Photos of the year: Disasters

2017 Photos of the year: Disasters http://ift.tt/2DGlsCj are some photos of various disasters that took place in 2017 and the impact they had on the auto industry and beyond.

Some interesting digits we found in 2017

Some interesting digits we found in 2017 http://ift.tt/2DGn7YK roundup of miles, dollars and other numbers that occured to us as 2017 was winding down.

How fast is the automotive landscape changing?

How fast is the automotive landscape changing? http://ift.tt/2zLTcMe epochal era of owning and driving an automobile -- over a century old -- is about to get smaller and smaller in America's rearview mirror. But let's not overstate the case, either.

Mexico extends used-car import rules to help domestic sales

Mexico extends used-car import rules to help domestic sales http://ift.tt/2lfzHaq extended rules that impose restrictions on the importation of used autos, to bolster domestic sales amid uncertainty over trade ties with the United States, the country's top export market.

Autonomous cars need tougher batteries, lithium-ion pioneer says

Autonomous cars need tougher batteries, lithium-ion pioneer says http://ift.tt/2BNMZRZ makers must rethink their technology if predictions for a wave of self-driving vehicles pan out, according to one of the inventors of the lithium-ion battery.

2018 Lincoln Navigator will have familiar face in driver's seat: Matthew McConaughey

2018 Lincoln Navigator will have familiar face in driver's seat: Matthew McConaughey http://ift.tt/2CiVDcd is putting Matthew McConaughey back in the driver's seat -- this time in the redesigned 2018 Navigator for a new marketing campaign.

7 questions for Nissan Europe sales chief Philippe Saillard

7 questions for Nissan Europe sales chief Philippe Saillard http://ift.tt/2CeOps5 Europe's sales and marketing chief, Philippe Saillard, spoke with Automotive News Europe about his outlook for the European market and shared his thoughts on the biggest challenges facing automakers in Europe in 2018.

Plan now for a changing industry

Plan now for a changing industry http://ift.tt/2DlI1w8 who just a few months ago may have been reluctant to plan for the future could be shifting their perspectives as the pace of change quickens in auto retail.

Darwin Online offers a next step toward digital FandI

Darwin Online offers a next step toward digital FandI http://ift.tt/2Dm88Df enables customers on dealership websites to finance vehicles and add FandI products to their shopping carts. Transactions are completed in-store.

Smooth year-end wind-up springs from 'process, process, process'

Smooth year-end wind-up springs from 'process, process, process' http://ift.tt/2DjL3kv year-end sales frenzy can throw even auto finance veterans off their game. Adherence to FandI procedures and teamwork are key.

First Shift: Most memorable ads of 2017

First Shift: Most memorable ads of 2017 http://ift.tt/2pFmfkZ memorable ads of 2017: Kia takes Melissa McCarthy on 'Hero's Journey'; Tears, troops and Hyundai; Escape challenges CR-V; Antarctic adventure; Baby hamster on board.

How green version of iconic London taxi will become global

How green version of iconic London taxi will become global http://ift.tt/2lefjG9 Forster is a veteran of the industry after stints at BMW, Tata Motors and as head of GM's European operations.

AutoNation supports cancer research

AutoNation supports cancer research http://ift.tt/2DaVxT7 Inc. and the Orlando Sports Foundation presented a $3.3 million check to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the AutoNation Cure Bowl on Dec. 16.

Detroit's fierce pickup rivalry gets fiercer

Detroit's fierce pickup rivalry gets fiercer http://ift.tt/2C1u9aQ in the pickup sector will be raised a notch in 2018 as Ford, General Motors and FCA US pursue new strategies for their trucks.

Renault exec to run Nissan N.A.

Renault exec to run Nissan N.A. http://ift.tt/2D9vYSn Motor Co. has tapped a Renault executive with a deep background in the European and Russian auto industry to take over as chairman of Nissan North America.

Lease returns to power used-car sales in 2018

Lease returns to power used-car sales in 2018 http://ift.tt/2C1ZEBs most challenging environment in 2018 may be for independent dealers specializing in older used vehicles, which are in relatively short supply.

If you struggle at the sedan game, maybe it's time to bow out

If you struggle at the sedan game, maybe it's time to bow out http://ift.tt/2DaVred the year comes to an end without providing much in the way of answers to a series of mind-bending questions that face the U.S. auto industry.

Understanding the key to vehicle individualization

Understanding the key to vehicle individualization http://ift.tt/2C1cnEC top industry analyst at J.D. Power asks: Why do we suddenly have so many different versions of one vehicle on the market?

Online used car trade-in evals curtail haggling

Online used car trade-in evals curtail haggling http://ift.tt/2DaVmqV over a trade-in's value at the dealership is going the way of tailfins, in large part because of valuation services available online, a survey shows.

Rising risk from uninsured, flooded cars

Rising risk from uninsured, flooded cars http://ift.tt/2C2C3AR to used-car buyers: Uninsured vehicles damaged by Hurricane Harvey flooding won't be retitled as junk or salvage, may be resold in private sales.

Storm-driven sales gains disappear

Storm-driven sales gains disappear http://ift.tt/2znTfOf and new auto replacements tied to hurricanes Harvey and Irma almost disappeared in November after driving substantial gains in September and October.

Forecasters see 2018 sales falling below 17 million

Forecasters see 2018 sales falling below 17 million http://ift.tt/2BRrCQz looks like 2018 will be the first time in four years that U.S. new-vehicle sales fall short of 17 million, though the tax reform bill that Congress passed last week could give the industry a boost.

A century of loyalty keeps Chevy trucks moving

A century of loyalty keeps Chevy trucks moving http://ift.tt/2BV83H6 makes someone a "Chevy Guy?" Chevrolet pickup owners say it's a mix of tradition, family and a respectful dislike of any truck with a Blue Oval.

Used-car recall dispute flares in Tennessee

Used-car recall dispute flares in Tennessee http://ift.tt/2BSuzQE of a new Tennessee law regulating sales of recalled vehicles call it a step forward in closing what some call the used-car loophole. Consumer and safety groups call it a sham.

Renault exec shares secrets of automaker's low-cost car success

Renault exec shares secrets of automaker's low-cost car success http://ift.tt/2BSLFy2 Suss oversees Renault's line of low-cost cars sold in Europe, India, Brazil and Russia. Suss spoke with Automotive News Europe about the future of the program.

December U.S. sales predicted to be strong but down from 2016

December U.S. sales predicted to be strong but down from 2016 http://ift.tt/2BVM0CD is projected to produce the highest U.S. new-vehicle sales volume of the year, but it won't be enough for 2017 to top last year's record-setting total.

The cloudy demographic future for collectible cars

The cloudy demographic future for collectible cars http://ift.tt/2BPHVgv the next generations really want to inherit all those collectible cars from their baby boomer parents? Auction prices offer a hint.

Bracing for EV shift, NGK Spark Plug ignites all solid-state battery quest

Bracing for EV shift, NGK Spark Plug ignites all solid-state battery quest http://ift.tt/2Dtg7Pz the eventual demise of gasoline engines, the world's biggest maker of spark plugs is turning its focus to a component it believes will be just as vital in the coming era of electric vehicles -- next-generation all solid state batteries.

CarMax Q3 earnings rise 8.9%

CarMax Q3 earnings rise 8.9% http://ift.tt/2p7sZrB said its net earnings rose 8.9 percent to $148 million in its third fiscal quarter from the year-earlier period, led by an 8.2 percent rise in used-vehicle sales.

CarMax Q3 earnings rise 8.9%

CarMax Q3 earnings rise 8.9% http://ift.tt/2kAe1W8 Inc.'s net earnings rose 8.9 percent to $148 million in its third fiscal quarter from the year-earlier period, led by an 8.2 percent rise in used-vehicle sales, the company reported Thursday.

NIADA acquires assets, operations of buy-here, pay-here association

NIADA acquires assets, operations of buy-here, pay-here association http://ift.tt/2zbjeIA National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has acquired the assets and operations of the National Alliance of Buy Here, Pay Here Dealers.

Uber's loss in Europe shows trans-Atlantic split over technology, regulation

Uber's loss in Europe shows trans-Atlantic split over technology, regulation http://ift.tt/2z9JUcV European Union decision to treat Uber like a taxi company spotlights a divide over how governments cope with disruptive technologies and could embolden U.S. cities to restrict ride-sharing.

Kia's 'Gift' takes top viral video spot

Kia's 'Gift' takes top viral video spot http://ift.tt/2z20UBq's Christmas tear-jerker, "The Gift," featuring a cute, ignored and seemingly sad dog, debuts in the No. 1 spot on our list of top viral videos this week.

Private equity firm purchases 10% stake in Cars.com

Private equity firm purchases 10% stake in Cars.com http://ift.tt/2D67sSR activist investor has purchased a 9.9 percent stake in Cars.com under the notion that the auto sales website is undervalued with potential to increase profit margins.

Private equity firm purchases 10% stake in Cars.com

Private equity firm purchases 10% stake in Cars.com http://ift.tt/2CH0Aup Value bought a 9.9 percent stake in Cars.com under the notion that the auto sales website is undervalued with potential to increase profit margins.

Waymo partners with insurance firm to cover AV riders

Waymo partners with insurance firm to cover AV riders http://ift.tt/2CH0wLb, the self-driving company spun out from Google, is partnering with insurance startup Trov to provide trip-based coverage for autonomous vehicle riders.

UPS pre-orders 125 Tesla electric semi-trucks -- largest order yet

UPS pre-orders 125 Tesla electric semi-trucks -- largest order yet http://ift.tt/2CFYj2w Parcel Service said it is buying 125 Tesla all-electric semi-trucks -- the largest order for the big rig so far.

Many EVs on the way, but few buyers await

Many EVs on the way, but few buyers await http://ift.tt/2BLDfuy with ambitious plans to roll out more than a hundred new battery-powered models in the next five years appear to be forgetting one thing: Drivers aren't yet buzzed about the technology.

PSA got a bargain with Opel, former GM Europe boss says

PSA got a bargain with Opel, former GM Europe boss says http://ift.tt/2kIkYE7 got a "good deal" when it bought General Motors' European operations, Opel/Vauxhall, says Nick Reilly, who was GM's troubleshooter before he retired in 2011.

BMW electric cars hit 100,000 global sales target

BMW electric cars hit 100,000 global sales target http://ift.tt/2ASCDQ7 said it reached its target of selling 100,000 electrified cars this year around the world, benefiting from stronger demand in western Europe and the United States.

Time for dealers to refresh harassment policies

Time for dealers to refresh harassment policies http://ift.tt/2CA5IjH famous men being outed weekly on charges of sexual misconduct, a dealer lawyer warns dealers it's time to refresh sexual harassment policies and procedures.

Wildfires rattle Calif. dealership community

Wildfires rattle Calif. dealership community http://ift.tt/2ASelWr the California wildfires push westward, curtains of ash and smoke continue to stifle dealership communities as they grapple with damage, customer slowdown and personal property loss.

Dealers selling service gift cards, certificates as stocking stuffers

Dealers selling service gift cards, certificates as stocking stuffers http://ift.tt/2j8WIua service departments say that gift cards/certificates/coupons make great stocking stuffers this holiday season.

EV obstacles falling for buyers, automakers

EV obstacles falling for buyers, automakers http://ift.tt/2jeMDw9 factors that limit the appeal of electric vehicles, to consumers and manufacturers, are changing fast.

Future of Ford Fusion unclear as North America production ending

Future of Ford Fusion unclear as North America production ending http://ift.tt/2kcoxCY last week told suppliers that it was canceling plans to build the next-generation Fusion starting in 2020 at the Mexico plant that makes the car now, sources said.

Pay us for recalled used cars, dealers say

Pay us for recalled used cars, dealers say http://ift.tt/2kdHR2S law requires automakers pay a dealer 1 percent of the value of a new car that is under recall to cover floorplanning, insurance, depreciation and other costs, but there is nothing similar for used vehicles in most states.

AMG up to nearly 10% of Mercedes U.S. sales

AMG up to nearly 10% of Mercedes U.S. sales http://ift.tt/2kbmIpZ numerous product introductions and explosive U.S. sales growth in 2017, the Mercedes-AMG performance subbrand is on the cusp of representing 10 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA's luxury-vehicle business.

Lincoln missed an opportunity

Lincoln missed an opportunity http://ift.tt/2kbmf7d Motor Co. must have determined a consumer need that translates loosely to superlative customer service. It is a great story, and if executed, could capture new brand loyalists. But that was not my experience.