Friday, March 30, 2018

AutoNews Now: March blew in higher U.S. sales, experts say

AutoNews Now: March blew in higher U.S. sales, experts say https://ift.tt/2Ijn07P blew in higher U.S. sales, experts say; VW's plan for diesel bans; Chinese EV for U.S.; On 'The Closer': Nissan's designer bunny, Parking dogs, Honda's help for the hapless?

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Tesla returned to German EV subsidies list, ending row

Tesla returned to German EV subsidies list, ending row https://ift.tt/2E3pm8j buyers in Germany can apply for subsidies again because a government agency has ended its dispute with the U.S. automaker over whether its Model S was too expensive to qualify for an EV incentives scheme.

Volvo chairman calls for caution in move to self driving

Volvo chairman calls for caution in move to self driving https://ift.tt/2E55lOC Cars Chairman Li Shufu says that the autonomous driving industry should move forward prudently in the wake of a deadly accident in the U.S. this month. "One accident can kill the whole industry ... So we must move with caution," Li said.

Volvo chairman calls for caution in self-driving tech

Volvo chairman calls for caution in self-driving tech https://ift.tt/2J5FZUr Cars Chairman Li Shufu says that the autonomous driving industry should move forward prudently in the wake of a deadly accident in the U.S. this month. "One accident can kill the whole industry ... So we must move with caution," Li said.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Six states team up to encourage ZEV purchases

Six states team up to encourage ZEV purchases https://ift.tt/2GioiiE half-dozen Northeast states have agreed to help automakers boost sales of electric vehicles, which have remained at ultra-low levels in the region despite government-mandated sales quotas designed to improve air quality.

March U.S. auto sales expected to rise

March U.S. auto sales expected to rise https://ift.tt/2Gfru2O sales in the United States are on pace to reach the highest March volume since at least 2001, according to three forecasts issued this week, marking a solid start to the closely watched spring selling season.

Daimler, BMW to combine ride-sharing businesses

Daimler, BMW to combine ride-sharing businesses https://ift.tt/2GD6LVV and BMW have joined forces to expand their businesses in new services such as car-sharing and electric vehicle charging, raising their full-year guidance to reflect the deal.

Honda shows off the WR-V for India

Honda shows off the WR-V for India https://ift.tt/2GkblF9 Cars India highlights its WR-V subcompact crossover in one of this week's most popular viral videos.

Daimler, BMW agree to combine ride-sharing businesses

Daimler, BMW agree to combine ride-sharing businesses https://ift.tt/2uoKYMU and BMW have joined forces to expand their businesses in new services such as car-sharing and electric vehicle charging, raising their full-year guidance to reflect the deal.

Nissan will return to Pakistan with Datsun brand

Nissan will return to Pakistan with Datsun brand https://ift.tt/2GfgMt9 will resume building and selling cars in Pakistan next year, with its entry-level Datsun brand becoming the latest global automaker to operate in a market tipped to expand in coming years.

Daimler, BMW agree to combine ride-sharing businesses

Daimler, BMW agree to combine ride-sharing businesses https://ift.tt/2ur5rAJ and BMW have agreed to combine their ride-sharing businesses Car2Go and DriveNow, a person familiar with the deal said.

Volvo Chairman calls for caution in self-driving tech after fatal collision

Volvo Chairman calls for caution in self-driving tech after fatal collision https://ift.tt/2GjmA0m Cars Chairman Li Shufu says that the autonomous driving industry should move forward prudently in the wake of a deadly accident in the U.S. this month. "One accident can kill the whole industry ... So we must move with caution," Li said.

Volvo Chairman calls for caution in self-driving tech after fatal collision

Volvo Chairman calls for caution in self-driving tech after fatal collision https://ift.tt/2Gg0jEK Cars Chairman Li Shufu says that the autonomous driving industry should move forward prudently in the wake of a deadly accident in the U.S. this month. "One accident can kill the whole industry ... So we must move with caution," Li said.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Ford exec Jim Farley says dealerships must 'evolve in a meaningful way'

Ford exec Jim Farley says dealerships must 'evolve in a meaningful way' https://ift.tt/2umf1EE Farley, Ford's president of global markets, envisions a future with smaller showrooms, less conquesting and a more personal relationship between dealers and customers.

AutoNews Now: Waymo adding electric Jaguars to fleet

AutoNews Now: Waymo adding electric Jaguars to fleet https://ift.tt/2IZRbll to add as many as 20,000 electric Jags; BMW sued over diesel emissions; NTSB probes Tesla crash; New Lexus UX offers connectivity, subscriptions; Hyundai union raps trade move.

AutoNews Now: Waymo to add 20,000 electric Jags to fleet

AutoNews Now: Waymo to add 20,000 electric Jags to fleet https://ift.tt/EwdR6b to add 20,000 electric Jags; BMW hit with diesel-emissions lawsuit; NTSB probes Tesla crash; New Lexus UX offers connectivity, subscriptions; Hyundai union raps trade move.

Waymo, Jaguar Land Rover partner on all-electric, self-driving fleet

Waymo, Jaguar Land Rover partner on all-electric, self-driving fleet https://ift.tt/2pKLD5K and Jaguar Land Rover are partnering to create a new fleet of full-electric, self-driving vehicles.

Waymo, Jaguar Land Rover partner on all-electric, self-driving fleet

Waymo, Jaguar Land Rover partner on all-electric, self-driving fleet https://ift.tt/2DZg0u3 and Jaguar Land Rover are partnering to create a new fleet of all-electric, self-driving vehicles.

Lynk and CO expands crossover lineup with 02

Lynk and CO expands crossover lineup with 02 https://ift.tt/2unUJe5 and CO is previewing its latest model, the 02, and announced plans to begin sales of the crossover in Europe in 2020. The 02 will share its underpinnings with the 01 crossover and the Volvo XC40.

Self-driving testers pause to rethink after fatality

Self-driving testers pause to rethink after fatality https://ift.tt/2GdBFEQ death of an Arizona woman was "uncomfortably soon in the history of automated driving," said one analyst.

BMW chooses Tennessee to launch subscription service

BMW chooses Tennessee to launch subscription service https://ift.tt/2unUFuR plans to begin a car-subscription pilot in the U.S. next week, joining other automakers experimenting with new ownership models as ride hailing and smartphones upend traditional retailing.

John Krafcik says Waymo driverless tech could have avoided fatal Uber crash

John Krafcik says Waymo driverless tech could have avoided fatal Uber crash https://ift.tt/2GboaFH Krafcik, CEO of Waymo, Google's self-driving car project, the company has "a lot of confidence" its own self-driving vehicle technology could have detected the pedestrian who was struck and killed earlier this month by a self-driving Uber in...

Monday, March 26, 2018

BMW chooses Tennessee to launch subscription service

BMW chooses Tennessee to launch subscription service https://ift.tt/2I5SgXC plans to begin a car-subscription pilot in Tennessee next week, joining other automakers experimenting with new ownership models as ride hailing and smartphones upend traditional retailing.

Lynk and CO expands crossover lineup with 02

Lynk and CO expands crossover lineup with 02 https://ift.tt/2IT90mf and CO has unveiled its latest model, the 02, and announced plans to begin sales of the crossover in Europe in 2020. The 02 will share its underpinnings with the 01 crossover and the Volvo XC40.

Volvo subsidiary Lynk and CO expands crossover lineup

Volvo subsidiary Lynk and CO expands crossover lineup https://ift.tt/2uorpnM and CO, the Chinese-backed startup and sister brand to Volvo, has unveiled its latest model, the 02, and announced plans to begin sales of the crossover in Europe.

OnStar rebranding efforts put safety first

OnStar rebranding efforts put safety first https://ift.tt/2G99DpV plans to relaunch the OnStar brand in a national ad campaign, directing focus back to safety and security from connectivity. This is the first national marketing campaign for OnStar in six years.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Hyundai dealers grapple with Genesis selection process

Hyundai dealers grapple with Genesis selection process https://ift.tt/2pEKRqI a contingent of Hyundai dealers who are upset that they won't be one of the 100 or so operations that get a stand-alone Genesis store as the fledgling luxury brand charts its path forward.

Volvo's 'time to deliver' for dealer profitability

Volvo's 'time to deliver' for dealer profitability https://ift.tt/2Gqu3hF aims to help its dealerships in the United States improve profitability in 2018 in part by focusing on used cars and customer service.

Volkswagen's Woebcken says, 'There is no winner with protectionism'

Volkswagen's Woebcken says, 'There is no winner with protectionism' https://ift.tt/2I3qZFk of America's CEO took an unambiguous stand against protectionist trade policies being put forth by the Trump administration and said he personally lobbied on the subject just three weeks ago.

GM dealers raise concerns regarding CDK Global

GM dealers raise concerns regarding CDK Global https://ift.tt/2G4gxB5 Global, General Motors' preferred provider of dealer websites, has become a concern for some U.S. retailers.

AutoNews Now: CEO: Waymo's Krafcik on Uber AV fatality

AutoNews Now: CEO: Waymo's Krafcik on Uber AV fatality https://ift.tt/2pApfNa NADA: Waymo's Krafcik on Uber AV fatality; Honda to cut Accord output; Make meetings: Lincoln Continental suicide doors?, Mazda ad push, VW profit quest; Puppy love at Subaru.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

BMW hikes U.S. marketing outlays amid product push

BMW hikes U.S. marketing outlays amid product push https://ift.tt/2pF7A6I more new and updated vehicles to launch this year, BMW is increasing its overall U.S. marketing outlays in 2018.

John Krafcik says Waymo driverless tech could have avoided fatal Uber crash

John Krafcik says Waymo driverless tech could have avoided fatal Uber crash https://ift.tt/2pFOOLN Krafcik, CEO of Waymo, Google's self-driving car project, said Saturday the company has "a lot of confidence" its own self-driving vehicle technology could have detected the pedestrian who was struck and killed earlier this month by a...

Honda cuts U.S. Accord output as sales slip, supplies grow

Honda cuts U.S. Accord output as sales slip, supplies grow https://ift.tt/2DRHVfE told dealers that production of the acclaimed 2018 Accord is being reduced at its Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant to combat

Dealers battle pressure on used margins

Dealers battle pressure on used margins https://ift.tt/2IQ0Lr8 depend on used-car profits to offset thinner new-car margins, but now used-car margins are under pressure, too, says Cox Automotive CEO Sandy Schwartz.

Car dealer business model is changing

Car dealer business model is changing https://ift.tt/2pBZRGx fundamental business model for running a car dealership is changing.

Lincoln plans suicide doors on the Continental sedan

Lincoln plans suicide doors on the Continental sedan https://ift.tt/2ucZM12 plans to add suicide doors to a future version of the Continental sedan in a move that harks back to the nameplate's iconic past, dealers learned Saturday at the 2018 NADA show in Las Vegas.

Kia: Customer care, product keys to profit

Kia: Customer care, product keys to profit https://ift.tt/2pBFSHY on new product and customer satisfaction to improve profitability, Kia executives told dealers here on Saturday.

GM tops in customer loyalty for 3rd year

GM tops in customer loyalty for 3rd year https://ift.tt/2G8bzPE the third year in a row, General Motors finished as the top automaker in IHS Markit's Automotive Loyalty Awards.

Ford doubles co-op advertising money for dealers

Ford doubles co-op advertising money for dealers https://ift.tt/2pC8Ojd told dealers at its annual make meeting at the 2018 NADA Show that, by June, they'd have roughly $270 million available annually in their advertising co-op, up from about $135 million today.

AutoNews Now: How auto industry can lose its sexist image

AutoNews Now: How auto industry can lose its sexist image https://ift.tt/2ui01HV NADA: How auto industry can shed its sexist image; Carvana's big challenge; A virtual aide named Nexi; Leadership tips from legendary football coach Nick Saban.

An important message that men need to hear

An important message that men need to hear https://ift.tt/2pzlhV2 been attending NADA since 2003. I've never had cause to say that I wished I'd seen more male faces in the crowd -- until Friday.

New Acura RDX crossover creates buzz among dealers

New Acura RDX crossover creates buzz among dealers https://ift.tt/2Gjuzy2 Jon Ikeda hopes to see a "big transition" in how consumers think and feel about the brand in 2018. The brand's completely reworked 2019 RDX crossover will be a huge driver of that potential shift.

(No heading)

(No heading) https://ift.tt/2IQqcsm Jon Ikeda hopes to see a "big transition" in how consumers think and feel about the brand in 2018. The brand's completely reworked RDX will be a huge driver of that potential shift.

Mazda dealers promised ad blitz in April

Mazda dealers promised ad blitz in April https://ift.tt/2ucg8ac will roll out a major advertising campaign to reposition the brand after talking with dealers who feel its marketing has been lackluster in recent months and the marque is losing its connection with consumers.

AutoNews Now: RDX launch critical, Acura dealers told

AutoNews Now: RDX launch critical, Acura dealers told https://ift.tt/2pB39cs NADA: RDX launch must succeed, Acura dealers told; Nissan vows to ease up; Jeep pickup due date; Sonic resists upgrade demands; BMW skipping Detroit; Time Dealer of the Year.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Nissan slows factory output as U.S. demand ebbs, stockpiles grow

Nissan slows factory output as U.S. demand ebbs, stockpiles grow https://ift.tt/2GihFQB is slowing production at several North American assembly plants to keep the supply of vehicles on U.S. dealers' lots in check after being caught off guard by weaker consumer demand.

Sales are sexy but service is key to profits

Sales are sexy but service is key to profits https://ift.tt/2DOdSW4 heard the claim: "It all starts when you sell a car." But is that still true? Is it worth losing money on that sale in hopes of gaining a service customer?

'18 Time dealer is Salzman

'18 Time dealer is Salzman https://ift.tt/2Ggrj6t Carolina auto dealer Jack Salzman is the 2018 Time Dealer of the Year. He received the award Friday at the convention. Other finalists were Brent Brown of Utah, William Fenton of New Hampshire and Wally Sommer of Wisconsin.

Audi to tweak CPO program to boost dealer profitability

Audi to tweak CPO program to boost dealer profitability https://ift.tt/2IJ38vH in the next 60 days plans to tweak to its certified pre-owned vehicle program to help improve dealer profitability, Audi of America President Scott Keogh told Automotive News.