Vendors get a hard look as dealer profits fall

Vendors get a hard look as dealer profits fall http://bit.ly/2KgL92Z

Many dealers say that cutting vendor costs is a priority this year. The reviews follow a year in which the average U.S. light-vehicle dealership reported a loss on operations for the first time in at least a decade.

The sudden rise of the subcompact crossover

The sudden rise of the subcompact crossover http://bit.ly/2WIbRIE

In a U.S. market with an almost insatiable appetite for spacious crossovers and SUVs, there's plenty of room for their bite-size counterparts.

U.S. auto sales expected to slip 5th-straight month

U.S. auto sales expected to slip 5th-straight month http://bit.ly/2HNDOGn U.S. auto industry is limping into the usually robust summer selling season, analysts say, as rising new-vehicle prices and affordability concerns continue to outweigh strong employment growth and high consumer confidence.

Musk wants regular internal meetings on Tesla deliveries

Musk wants regular internal meetings on Tesla deliveries http://bit.ly/2Qw9nYh

Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote that, starting Thursday, he will hold calls with teams in America, Asia and Europe every two days to “understand what’s needed to accelerate” Tesla’s rate of deliveries.

Reagor ordered to pay Ford Credit what it's owed

Reagor ordered to pay Ford Credit what it's owed http://bit.ly/2JNJ0MD

U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings of Texas signed an order saying that due to the passage of time, Ford Credit can file an amended judgment for what is owed in the case. It must do so on or before June 3.

United Development Systems acquired by Brown & Brown

United Development Systems acquired by Brown & Brown http://bit.ly/2Kalfhm nearly four decades in the F&I business, product and training company United Development Systems Inc. has been acquired by Brown & Brown of Kentucky Inc.

A captive's varied approach to subscriptions

A captive's varied approach to subscriptions http://bit.ly/2XeKkez

When it comes to all-inclusive financing options, Hyundai Capital America isn't putting all its eggs in one basket.

KPA under new leadership as auto portfolio expands

KPA under new leadership as auto portfolio expands http://bit.ly/2WdVV0Y

Chris Fanning, a former software executive, will take the reins at compliance software and services company KPA, effective immediately. While the company provides software and services for a variety of industries, KPA has focused attention on its auto business in the last several years with a spate of acquisitions.

How credit unions can boost dealerships' profit

How credit unions can boost dealerships' profit http://bit.ly/2I4HMtp

Credit unions should expand ties to dealers -- with an eye on the service lane, F&I product sales and used-vehicle inventory -- to give dealerships additional profit avenues, dealers say.

For online buyers, a mostly digital deal saves time and hassles

For online buyers, a mostly digital deal saves time and hassles http://bit.ly/2JJyIxk

Even though a vehicle purchase still isn't as simple as clicking and buying a pair of shoes on Amazon, many customers appreciate the simplified buying experience that the advance in digital retailing tools can bring about.

For online buyers, a mostly digital deal saves time and hassles

For online buyers, a mostly digital deal saves time and hassles http://bit.ly/2EDjJk2 though a vehicle purchase still isn't as simple as clicking and buying a pair of shoes on Amazon, many customers appreciate the simplified buying experience that the advance in digital retailing tools can bring about.

Nissan could end scorned stair-steps

Nissan could end scorned stair-steps http://bit.ly/2YRAdwN

Nissan is considering pulling the plug on its contentious incentive program as early as this summer. A shift would mark a sea change for the brand.

Tornado causes heavy damage to Chevy store in Missouri

Tornado causes heavy damage to Chevy store in Missouri http://bit.ly/2WqQFGG

The toll at Riley Chevrolet: 750 vehicles damaged, a wrecked showroom, a destroyed service department.

 

 

Dealership ducklings a delight

Dealership ducklings a delight http://bit.ly/2M8Bj5T dealerships have a mascot. Sutherlin Nissan of Orlando has 16 of them.

Dealers: Focus on experience, not price

Dealers: Focus on experience, not price http://bit.ly/2Wqzghq

Dealers should focus on the customer experience, more than the price, to maximize competitiveness in the retail market.

Subaru store dazzles with customized models

Subaru store dazzles with customized models http://bit.ly/2YQMDou

A Subaru store near Portland knows what looks hot in a customized vehicle, even before a customer wants it.

In U.S.-China fight, fortune may favor bold

In U.S.-China fight, fortune may favor bold http://bit.ly/2HC0wkJ

President Trump's escalating trade war with China could end up being a competitive advantage for some Chinese automakers racing to launch their retail networks in the U.S.

How rising depreciation will affect the used-vehicle market

How rising depreciation will affect the used-vehicle market http://bit.ly/2HXee0H

Last year's depreciation rates were relatively low thanks to several factors that simply can't last forever. The rate is expected to grow this year, which will affect the used-vehicle market.

Chevy dealership in Mo. pummeled by 'direct hit' tornado

Chevy dealership in Mo. pummeled by 'direct hit' tornado http://bit.ly/2WnDI0k

Images from Riley Chevrolet in Jefferson City, Mo., showed damage to its dealership building and vehicles stacked on top of each other like Matchbox cars.

Lynk & CO CEO outlines plans for 'wild horse' brand

Lynk & CO CEO outlines plans for 'wild horse' brand http://bit.ly/2VMd1hw

Lynk & CO's Alain Visser said the new automaker sees itself as a "mobility brand with a car," making it the "wild horse" in China's Geely Holding Group that also includes Volvo and Lotus.

Alfa Romeo, Honda tops in consumer trust, AMCI study finds

Alfa Romeo, Honda tops in consumer trust, AMCI study finds http://bit.ly/2JxAhhH

AMCI Global's latest Trusted Automotive Brand Study found that the traditional focus on quality, satisfaction and the elimination of problems has little influence of consumers' trust in an automotive brand.

F&I cheat sheet keeps critical info within customers' reach

F&I cheat sheet keeps critical info within customers' reach http://bit.ly/2HxCgQV

To cut down on calls from confused customers, an Indiana finance manager writes out a cheat sheet that answers the most frequently asked follow-up questions at his dealership. The move saves time, satisfies customers and reduces chargebacks, he says.

Why the highest, lowest credit tiers gain auto origination share

Why the highest, lowest credit tiers gain auto origination share http://bit.ly/2VK07k2 interest rates have caused alarm in the auto industry but they haven't kept every consumer group from the market. The bookends of the credit spectrum — those with the highest credit scores and those with the lowest — are boosting their share of loan and lease originations.

Chevy expands V-8 engine availability on 2020 Silverado

Chevy expands V-8 engine availability on 2020 Silverado http://bit.ly/2wfbI0o

The Silverado's 6.2-liter gasoline engine — rated at 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque — will expand to five of eight trim levels for the upcoming model year.

Chevy expands V8 engine availability on 2020 Silverado

Chevy expands V8 engine availability on 2020 Silverado http://bit.ly/30D71v1

The Silverado's 6.2-liter gasoline engine — rated at 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque — will expand to five of eight trim levels for the upcoming model-year.

China's GAC Motor delays U.S. entry on trade frictions

China's GAC Motor delays U.S. entry on trade frictions http://bit.ly/2VS1guO

China's GAC Motor had an aggressive goal to sell cars in the U.S. in early 2020 but is now postponing that target as tariffs threaten to make the importing of cars from China more expensive. The company cited "the escalation of China-U.S. trade frictions" and distribution "uncertainties."

GM postpones launch of diesel engines for big trucks to 2020 MY

GM postpones launch of diesel engines for big trucks to 2020 MY http://bit.ly/2WhAR9e

The EPA’s emissions certification process for a new inline-six turbodiesel engine in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra is taking longer than anticipated. The delay means dealer orders for the models must be canceled and resubmitted.

Digital retailing grabs automakers' attention

Digital retailing grabs automakers' attention http://bit.ly/2JtfvzK automakers, digital retailing is now seen as essential as other tools at franchised dealer, vendors say.

Korea's 1-2 punch in the battle of the big crossovers

Korea's 1-2 punch in the battle of the big crossovers http://bit.ly/2HtzEUe

Kia's muscular Telluride has elbowed into the crowded three-row crossover segment with gusto. And as the market cools, Hyundai is warming up for the fight with the Palisade.

Flexdrive partners with Hyundai captive

Flexdrive partners with Hyundai captive http://bit.ly/2JPHcC1 CEO Jose Puente says the two companies share a similar marketplace perspective.

Sales staffers sue Hendrick, await class-action ruling

Sales staffers sue Hendrick, await class-action ruling http://bit.ly/2JtCsmk Florida lawsuit against Hendrick Automotive Group and 33 former Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples employees alleges the company and dealership fraudulently underpaid sales commissions.

Public dealership groups: Small in number, huge in clout

Public dealership groups: Small in number, huge in clout http://bit.ly/2YwcbHA

Public ownership of big dealership groups helped transform an industry made up mostly of self-funded small businesses into one flush with cash from big banks and private-equity firms.

Berkshire Hathaway dealership bill passes Texas legislature

Berkshire Hathaway dealership bill passes Texas legislature http://bit.ly/2Q7AhFy

The Texas House approved a bill that would allow a vehicle manufacturer or distributor to also own a dealer or dealership, as long as it was for a different type of vehicle than what that company manufacturers.

GMC Sierra with carbon fiber box starts at nearly $67,000

GMC Sierra with carbon fiber box starts at nearly $67,000 http://bit.ly/2HqmNC3

GM plans to produce less than 1,000 of the carbon fiber boxes for the 2019 model-year, followed by less than 20,000 for 2020.

2020 Lincoln Corsair crossover to start at $36,940

2020 Lincoln Corsair crossover to start at $36,940 http://bit.ly/2LR5gHD two-row crossover, formerly known as the MKC, goes on sale this fall.

Mercedes-Benz USA chief Exler is stepping down

Mercedes-Benz USA chief Exler is stepping down http://bit.ly/2Jp94xK

Dietmar Exler, who led Mercedes to three straight U.S. luxury sales titles before a decline this year, is said to have told the dealer board he was offered opportunities inside Daimler that would have required him to leave the U.S., which is something he didn’t want to do.

Mercedes-Benz USA chief Exler poised to step down

Mercedes-Benz USA chief Exler poised to step down http://bit.ly/2LOrJFf

Dietmar Exler, who led Mercedes to three straight U.S. luxury sales titles before a decline this year, is expected to announce his departure to employees Friday, Automotive News has learned.

Longtime investor Lampert boosts stake in AutoNation

Longtime investor Lampert boosts stake in AutoNation http://bit.ly/2WMxvbm Sears CEO Eddie Lampert, a longtime Auto Nation shareholder, has started to accumulate shares in the retailer after several years of cutting his stake.

Indiana governor signs bill to legalize document fees

Indiana governor signs bill to legalize document fees http://bit.ly/2JIe1kz

Coming amid consumer lawsuits, a new law allows Indiana dealerships to charge customers document preparation fees but caps those fees at $199. The change legalizes a practice some Indiana dealerships have had of charging document fees in the range of $150 to $199.

Iron Man in limited-run Hyundai Kona

Iron Man in limited-run Hyundai Kona http://bit.ly/2HjCOcN

Hyundai is rolling out the limited-run Iron Man Edition of the Kona crossover, the world's first production vehicle to be themed after a Marvel character.

Lithia acquires high-volume Honda store in New Jersey

Lithia acquires high-volume Honda store in New Jersey http://bit.ly/2YrO5gU

Hamilton Honda, once a top 10 U.S. store for the brand, was sold by a dealership group sued last year amid allegations that the group defaulted on millions of dollars in floorplan loans.

Ind. governor signs bill to legalize document fees

Ind. governor signs bill to legalize document fees http://bit.ly/2w1HDRS

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill this month that allows dealerships to charge customers document preparation fees but caps those fees at $199. The change legalizes a practice some Indiana dealerships have had of charging document fees in the range of $150 to $199. The legislation also extended the state's moratorium on vehicle subscription plans to May 1, 2020.

GM's Engle touts pickups' transaction price gains

GM's Engle touts pickups' transaction price gains http://bit.ly/2JE1ePQ is losing market share in the light-duty pickup segment this year, but it's hauling in thousands of dollars more on average for each model.

Subprime borrowers drive auto loan origination growth, says N.Y. Fed

Subprime borrowers drive auto loan origination growth, says N.Y. Fed http://bit.ly/2W83UvR

Auto loan debt grew in the first quarter, driven primarily by borrowers in the lowest credit tiers, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Total auto loan debt in the U.S. rose 4 percent year over year to $1.28 trillion in the quarter, the central bank said.

Daimler Financial forms division to expand digital products

Daimler Financial forms division to expand digital products http://bit.ly/2LJi2rn

The Digital and Mobility Solutions division will oversee digital solution centers in the U.S., China, Germany and Singapore and identify markets in which to roll out products and platforms.

Craving transparency in auto retail is universal

Craving transparency in auto retail is universal http://bit.ly/2YwcYIA

While many dealers have made strides in creating greater price and process transparency in the traditional auto retail model, some still have a long way to go.

Iron Man lives on in limited-run Hyundai Kona

Iron Man lives on in limited-run Hyundai Kona http://bit.ly/2HpeVRv

Hyundai is rolling out the limited-run Iron Man Edition of its Kona crossover, the world's first production vehicle to be themed after a Marvel character.

Lithia acquires high-volume Honda store in N.J.

Lithia acquires high-volume Honda store in N.J. http://bit.ly/30nb0Mr

Hamilton Honda, once a Top 10 U.S. store for the brand, was sold by a dealership group sued last year by two captive finance companies alleging that the group defaulted on millions of dollars in floorplan loans.

Volvo CEO determined to shake up vehicle ownership model

Volvo CEO determined to shake up vehicle ownership model http://bit.ly/2YqZa1P

Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said the automaker's Care by Volvo subscription service and new M brand for mobility services will help change the way automaker brings its products to customers, but he said dealers should not fear they will no longer be needed.