Saturday, June 30, 2018

Ford Fusion was the right car at the wrong time

Ford Fusion was the right car at the wrong time https://ift.tt/2KxCfvd 2012, it finally looked like Ford had an answer to the Japanese automakers' dominance of the segment. Now it's headed for the scrap heap.

Hyundai Veloster ready for close-up in Marvel's 'Ant-Man'

Hyundai Veloster ready for close-up in Marvel's 'Ant-Man' https://ift.tt/2KvbSJN diminutive Hyundai Veloster gets more than a cameo in superhero flick Ant-Man and the Wasp, which hits U.S. theaters Friday.

CNG-powered car sales set to rise on tougher emissions rules

CNG-powered car sales set to rise on tougher emissions rules https://ift.tt/2MzlYXf demand for cars powered by compressed natural gas has shown signs of life after a half-decade slump. VW Group was the main driver of the 60 percent increase in CNG registrations in Europe in the first quarter.

Friday, June 29, 2018

Toyota sees chance to grow stronger as Camry rivals drop out

Toyota sees chance to grow stronger as Camry rivals drop out https://ift.tt/2NdvuQT is treating plummeting U.S. car sales as an opportunity, not as a worrisome trend threatening one of its biggest strengths.

CNG-powered car sales set to increase as automakers face tougher emissions rules

CNG-powered car sales set to increase as automakers face tougher emissions rules https://ift.tt/2Kxhhg8 demand for cars powered by compressed natural gas has shown signs of life after a half-decade slump. VW Group was the main driver of the 60 percent increase in CNG registrations in Europe in the first quarter.

Will electric Subaru Forester help Japan consumers forget about the fuel data scandal?

Will electric Subaru Forester help Japan consumers forget about the fuel data scandal? https://ift.tt/2Ncwh4T Subaru President Tomomi Nakamura is banking on the redesigned Forester to stoke U.S. sales and help rebuild the brand's tarnished image at home.

2 charged in identity fraud scheme affecting 6 New York car dealerships

2 charged in identity fraud scheme affecting 6 New York car dealerships https://ift.tt/2N7OksK arrests are pending and the investigation stems from a federal investigation in multiple states that involves the Department of Homeland Security.

Auto broker-turned-con man arrested in Miami

Auto broker-turned-con man arrested in Miami https://ift.tt/2tFGM8E more than a year on the run, Albert Golant was arrested, in part because of his earlier involvement in bogus dealings with a Wisconsin auto dealer.

Autonomous vehicles will deliver groceries with Kroger, Nuro partnership

Autonomous vehicles will deliver groceries with Kroger, Nuro partnership https://ift.tt/2lGLsqf is looking to enter the at-home grocery delivery sphere through a new partnership with two-year-old tech startup Nuro.

Ford will miss 2019 Geneva show

Ford will miss 2019 Geneva show https://ift.tt/2tPlcxI will miss the 2019 Geneva auto show saying the show's timing didn't fit its launch schedule and therefore wouldn't represent good value.

GM lowers base price on several 2019 Chevy Silverado models

GM lowers base price on several 2019 Chevy Silverado models https://ift.tt/2KiItmO Motors is expanding the price range of the redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Silverado by lowering the starting price of several entry-level models and increasing pricing on some high-end trims.

VW's EV push could hurt profits, labor boss says

VW's EV push could hurt profits, labor boss says https://ift.tt/2tNRtFu Group needs to sell 1 million EVs by 2025 to comply with proposed EU anti-pollution rules, a move which may ruin profits, labor chief Bernd Osterloh said.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

June U.S. auto sales expected to increase from last June, fall from May 2018

June U.S. auto sales expected to increase from last June, fall from May 2018 https://ift.tt/2MyUcdJ U.S. auto sales experienced growth throughout the first half of 2018, the market could be near a tipping point and decline during the second half, according to three forecasts issued this week.

OneRepublic, Alice Cooper lead FCA's musical ad blitz

OneRepublic, Alice Cooper lead FCA's musical ad blitz https://ift.tt/2KdQtFz Chrysler Automobiles, known for frequently making music the centerpiece of its ads, is cranking up the volume even louder this summer.

Google affiliate Waymo needs 'large number' of cars in Europe for robotaxi service

Google affiliate Waymo needs 'large number' of cars in Europe for robotaxi service https://ift.tt/2KrnWvz self-driving affiliate Waymo will need "a large number" of cars to expand its robotaxi service to Europe, CEO John Krafcik said, declining to say who could supply the vehicles.

Volvo counts on V60 wagon to help balance SUV surge

Volvo counts on V60 wagon to help balance SUV surge https://ift.tt/2tAIUOO is counting on the V60 station wagon to provide a strong alternative to buyers who are looking for something other than the SUV body types that have accounted for roughly half of the Swedish brand's global sales this year.

Waymo says it needs 'large number' of cars for Europe robotaxi service

Waymo says it needs 'large number' of cars for Europe robotaxi service https://ift.tt/2yQi1eW self-driving unit Waymo will need "a large number" of cars to expand its robotaxi service to Europe, CEO John Krafcik said, declining to say who could supply the vehicles.

Waymo needs 'large number' of cars for Europe robotaxi service, CEO says

Waymo needs 'large number' of cars for Europe robotaxi service, CEO says https://ift.tt/2Iw7TYk self-driving unit Waymo will need "a large number" of cars to expand its robotaxi service to Europe, CEO John Krafcik told a newspaper, declining to say who could supply the vehicles.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Why Apple CarPlay, Google's Android Auto were found to be less distracting than automakers' built-in systems

Why Apple CarPlay, Google's Android Auto were found to be less distracting than automakers' built-in systems https://ift.tt/2Kn7TPr vehicle infotainment systems designed by automakers are more distracting to drivers than Apple CarPlay and Google's Android Auto, according to AAA research.

How Chase flexes marketing muscle for auto partners

How Chase flexes marketing muscle for auto partners https://ift.tt/2IxqDGH marketing real estate sets it apart from its auto lending peers.

Study finds that online montlhy auto pricing quotes, especially from Audi, get payment right

Study finds that online montlhy auto pricing quotes, especially from Audi, get payment right https://ift.tt/2yNpwmS car shoppers are quoted a monthly payment online nowadays, most of the time, that is what they're actually going to pay, an online survey found.

Former auto dealers launches Blinker mobile app

Former auto dealers launches Blinker mobile app https://ift.tt/2tz9esO decades in the brick-and-mortar world as a dealer, Rod Buscher launched Blinker, a mobile app for customers looking to buy, sell or refinance used cars without visiting a dealership.

New venture capital infusion led by Costanoa Ventures doubles startup Roadster's funding

New venture capital infusion led by Costanoa Ventures doubles startup Roadster's funding https://ift.tt/2ItN0Nx investment will propel the technology startup's efforts to expand operations and update products to meet the demands of dealership and automaker customers.

Jaguar is working hard to turn i-Pace buzz into sales

Jaguar is working hard to turn i-Pace buzz into sales https://ift.tt/2IwJmCq is winning lots of praise for its I-Pace battery-electric vehicle, but how can it turn all those good vibes into sales? It won't be easy.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

2019 Lincoln Nautilus gets higher price with new name, updates

2019 Lincoln Nautilus gets higher price with new name, updates https://ift.tt/2K9xzzv midsize utility will start at $41,335, Lincoln

Internet-ready Toyota Corolla rolled out in hopes of luring young Japanese buyers

Internet-ready Toyota Corolla rolled out in hopes of luring young Japanese buyers https://ift.tt/2lyQsgH began selling a fully redesigned Corolla Sport hatchback in Japan -- along with a new Crown, the flagship sedan akin to the Avalon in the U.S. -- as its first generation of fully connected cars.

Audi may unveil Tesla rival in U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi may unveil Tesla rival in U.S. after CEO arrest https://ift.tt/2yLRLSY has delayed the launch of its purpose-built e-tron EV and switched the event to the United States from Brussels after the arrest of CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over VW Group's premium brand in Europe.

Audi may unveil Tesla rival in U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi may unveil Tesla rival in U.S. after CEO arrest https://ift.tt/2lz5l2r cancelled a marketing event in Brussels where it was due to launch its first purpose-built electric vehicle after the arrest of CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over the brand in Europe.

Jaguar Land Rover will invest $18 billion in EVs to reduce diesel dependence

Jaguar Land Rover will invest $18 billion in EVs to reduce diesel dependence https://ift.tt/2lChS5s Land Rover said it will invest $18 billion over the next three years to be able to offer electrified versions of all its models after customers' wariness about buying diesel-fueled vehicles hit margins and profitability.

Audi switches unveiling of Tesla rival to U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi switches unveiling of Tesla rival to U.S. after CEO arrest https://ift.tt/2tLoC4H has delayed the launch of its purpose-built e-tron EV and switched the event to the United States from Brussels after the arrest of its CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over VW Group's premium brand in Europe.

Jaguar Land Rover will invest $18 billion in EVs to reduce diesel dependence

Jaguar Land Rover will invest $18 billion in EVs to reduce diesel dependence https://ift.tt/2tuHq8V Land Rover will raise investment by about a quarter over the next three years as part of a plan by the automaker to be able to offer electric versions of all its models.

Audi switches unveiling of Tesla rival to U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi switches unveiling of Tesla rival to U.S. after CEO arrest https://ift.tt/2tGqL1h has delayed the launch of its purpose-built e-tron EV and switched the event to the U.S. from Brussels after the arrest of its CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over VW Group's premium brand in Europe.

Jaguar Land Rover will boost spending to $18 billion to fund EVs

Jaguar Land Rover will boost spending to $18 billion to fund EVs https://ift.tt/2Iu1lt5 Land Rover will raise global investment by about a quarter over the next three years to a total of 13.5 billion pounds ($18 billion) as part of a plan by the automaker to be able to offer electric versions of all its models.

Monday, June 25, 2018

VW could benefit most in U.S. from Ford alliance

VW could benefit most in U.S. from Ford alliance https://ift.tt/2yCwSt6 and Ford's announcement that they are exploring a development and production alliance for commercial vehicles may be a big gain for VW, who could potentially cut costs and gain access to Ford's U.S. factories.

Italy aims to pass Norway as Europe's No. 1 EV market

Italy aims to pass Norway as Europe's No. 1 EV market https://ift.tt/2MXcjuS new government has a plan to put 1 million electric vehicles on the nation's roads by 2022 in an push to go from being the region's weakest EV market to replacing Norway as its strongest.

Italy aims to pass Norway as Europe's No.1 EV market

Italy aims to pass Norway as Europe's No.1 EV market https://ift.tt/2MkXwJ2 new government has a plan to put 1 million electric vehicles on the nation's roads by 2022 in an push to go from being the region's weakest EV market to replacing Norway as its strongest.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

BMW and Audi dealers in U.S. call Trump tariff plans 'scary' and 'tragic'

BMW and Audi dealers in U.S. call Trump tariff plans 'scary' and 'tragic' https://ift.tt/2tx2ACr dealers about President Trump's threatening to tax imports of European models, and they'll tell you buyers of those cars might as well throw the money saved on their tax bills out the window.

Friday, June 22, 2018

CarMax profits rise on tax-rate change

CarMax profits rise on tax-rate change https://ift.tt/2tvHPqP profits rose in the quarter ended May 31 largely because of a lower income tax rate, the nation's largest used-car retailer said Friday.

Germany's glitziest car awards canceled over diesel

Germany's glitziest car awards canceled over diesel https://ift.tt/2tvRI7X most prestigious automaker awards will go to no one this year as manufacturers reel from the latest turns in a diesel-emissions scandal plaguing the industry.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Audi stops sales, recalls A6s and A7s over sensor issue in U.S.

Audi stops sales, recalls A6s and A7s over sensor issue in U.S. https://ift.tt/2lswa8l issued a stop sale and recall for 2012-18 A6 and A7 sedans equipped with certain seats after determining that a sensor designed to detect whether the passenger seat is occupied can malfunction.

Nearly 500 Corvette ZR1s recalled over airbag issues, GM says

Nearly 500 Corvette ZR1s recalled over airbag issues, GM says https://ift.tt/2ysGEyc 500 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s from the 2019 model year are being recalled because of airbag deployment issues "under certain conditions."

Toyota bets on Camry hybrid to boost fleet sales in Europe

Toyota bets on Camry hybrid to boost fleet sales in Europe https://ift.tt/2JYxj6g will launch sales of its Camry midsize sedan in Europe early next year to replace the discontinued Avensis as it seeks to boost its fleet volume in Europe.

Toyota cuts marketing costs to fund randd

Toyota cuts marketing costs to fund randd https://ift.tt/2I9eaJl wants to follow the example of Tesla and Google, which rely heavily on cheaper, non-traditional marketing. Savings will be invested in emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles.

Toyota, pressed to innovate, cuts marketing outlays to fuel randd

Toyota, pressed to innovate, cuts marketing outlays to fuel randd https://ift.tt/2K85NCN has begun slashing costs, starting with sales and marketing, and shifting resources into research that will help it keep up with new competitors, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

DealerRater survey finds what bothers consumers at auto dealerships

DealerRater survey finds what bothers consumers at auto dealerships https://ift.tt/2tdcpWW small percentage of car shoppers say negotiations over prices and terms could be handled better, and an even fewer feel that way about the presentation of FandI products.

BMW launches first U.S. ad from new agency

BMW launches first U.S. ad from new agency https://ift.tt/2M9Gmy1, Silverstein and Partners channels Albert Einstein in its first work for BMW since winning the account in March. The ad, "Relativity," promotes the brand's "Summer On" sales event.

Market Scan powers financing technology revolution

Market Scan powers financing technology revolution https://ift.tt/2K1q0qw Scan's database powers many of the companies that are enabling online transactions, whether on dealership sites or independent apps.

Selling cars online calls for multiple skills

Selling cars online calls for multiple skills https://ift.tt/2JTFzVh a tech expert but car-buying rookie, Drive Motors' CEO knew he needed automotive expertise to understand how to make the product easy and useful for dealerships.

Finance techology startups can find success by mixing skill sets

Finance techology startups can find success by mixing skill sets https://ift.tt/2M4nY9I a fintech startup breaking into automotive retail, should the top leadership have dealership experience, finance expertise or software skills?

Ontario green vehicle rebate program ripe for the picking under PC rule

Ontario green vehicle rebate program ripe for the picking under PC rule https://ift.tt/2toP3wL we closely read the tea leaves and review some recent history, it appears the program that provides Ontarians rebates worth up to $14,000 on certain green vehicles could be in jeopardy.