Dealers across southeast brace as Hurricane Dorian nears

Dealers across southeast brace as Hurricane Dorian nears https://ift.tt/2MOSx7V

In Florida, where it's more common to see a hurricane season with a storm than without one, CarMax closed ten stores while AutoNation said its stories would remain open Saturday and Sunday as Dorian, a Category 4 storm, approaches.

August sales gain threatened by Dorian

August sales gain threatened by Dorian https://ift.tt/2ZsYZYI

Dorian could take a bite out of the month's U.S. auto sales, which were projected to rise in part due to the holiday weekend. Labor Day weekend sales count toward August results.

Florida dealers brace as Hurricane Dorian approaches

Florida dealers brace as Hurricane Dorian approaches https://ift.tt/2ZvGD8Z

Earl Stewart, whose Earl Stewart Toyota is but 1,000 yards from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, reflected the experience of a state where it's more common to see a Hurricane season with a storm than without one. AutoNation and CarMax are monitoring the situation closely.

Tesla gets exemption from China?s 10 percent tax on car sales

Tesla gets exemption from China?s 10 percent tax on car sales https://ift.tt/2ZyqnzW

The exemption, which previously applied only to domestic makers of electric vehicles, affects all Tesla models sold in China, the nation’s industry ministry said.

Lithia buys Pa. Honda store from troubled dealership group

Lithia buys Pa. Honda store from troubled dealership group https://ift.tt/2PjnWkO

Lithia Motors says its acquisition of Hazleton Honda in Hazle Township, Pa., gives it a presence in eastern Pennsylvania, helping connect its stores in western Pennsylvania with dealerships in New York and New Jersey.

Porsche expands subscription service to four cities in U.S., Canada

Porsche expands subscription service to four cities in U.S., Canada https://ift.tt/2MHAeS4

The luxury sports-car brand is adding Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Toronto to the pilot program it started in Atlanta almost two years ago. Porsche dealers will start running the subscription programs instead of the manufacturer.

Mitsubishi dealer, amid FBI probe, sues former employees

Mitsubishi dealer, amid FBI probe, sues former employees https://ift.tt/2ZmANar

Mark Hoover against the former general manager and finance manager at his dealership, Hoover Mitsubishi, accusing the two of committing crimes the FBI is investigating, without his knowledge.

Lenders, do due diligence on dealership clients

Lenders, do due diligence on dealership clients https://ift.tt/2MGvzzR

Fraud thrives when lenders don't undertake due diligence. Banks and credit unions have a variety of measures available to them that could prevent losses in the long run.

Fair secures $100M debt facility from Ally

Fair secures $100M debt facility from Ally https://ift.tt/2znWZS6 deal, which also includes an equity investment from Ally, brings the used-vehicle subscription service to a total debt facility exceeding $1 billion, said one of the company's co-founders.

Nissan names David Kershaw to head U.S. sales

Nissan names David Kershaw to head U.S. sales https://ift.tt/2L8dM18

David Kershaw, 54, replaces Billy Hayes, 44, as Nissan division vice president of sales and regional operations, effective Sept. 1. Kershaw, a 30-year Nissan veteran, referred to himself as a "dealer guy" in an interview Tuesday.

China mulls relaxing curbs on auto sales to spur market

China mulls relaxing curbs on auto sales to spur market https://ift.tt/324b9Eo

As new-vehicle demand remains weaker, the State Council said local governments that have restrictions on auto sales should explore gradually relaxing or removing them, and encourage purchases of new-energy vehicles.

Nissan loses key North American sales executive

Nissan loses key North American sales executive https://ift.tt/2NAi3xl

Billy Hayes, 44, Nissan North America's division vice president of sales, will leave the company. Hayes, an Automotive News Rising Star this year, is Nissan’s liaison with U.S. dealers. He is the latest in a series of Nissan execs to bolt for the exits.

The computer glitch that crashed Nissan

The computer glitch that crashed Nissan https://ift.tt/33YoBvh

The power went out at Nissan's Denver data center and the automaker's North American retail business was stymied for four days. Many are wondering how that's possible.

Volvo tweaks subscription service, adding crossovers, vehicles on lot

Volvo tweaks subscription service, adding crossovers, vehicles on lot https://ift.tt/2ZbL0GG revamped Care by Volvo program has shortened the time it takes dealers to qualify, approve and get subscription customers into vehicles.

Buy, sell or hold your store?

Buy, sell or hold your store? https://ift.tt/2PeHQ0q

Dealers face confusing choices in these volatile times in the automotive industry, but may be wise to stay the course with their businesses for now.

CDK, Reynolds challenge Ariz. dealer data law

CDK, Reynolds challenge Ariz. dealer data law https://ift.tt/30Ba6eK

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona by co-plaintiffs CDK and Reynolds, argues that the law is unconstitutional. The Arizona statute goes into effect Aug. 26, according to the complaint.

Dealer anniversaries

Dealer anniversaries https://ift.tt/2ZojQM1

Consider all aspects of selling EVs

Consider all aspects of selling EVs https://ift.tt/30J9KTH

The emerging EV market needs a lot more thought or the auto industry will be in trouble, writes an Automotive News reader in a letter to the editor.

Lincoln confers with dealers, restarts program for standalone stores

Lincoln confers with dealers, restarts program for standalone stores https://ift.tt/2U1Hx7Z

The luxury brand has tweaked the program to make it more flexible after months of discussion with its dealers.

Jeep Gladiator: FCA's new accessories king

Jeep Gladiator: FCA's new accessories king https://ift.tt/2U6rXI7

Mopar said Gladiator buyers spend an average of around $1,000 per vehicle on accessories, topping Wrangler purchasers, who shell out about $800.

Amazon joins Walmart in saying Tesla solar panel caught fire

Amazon joins Walmart in saying Tesla solar panel caught fire https://ift.tt/2TYWac9

News of the Amazon fire comes just three days after Walmart dropped a bombshell lawsuit against Tesla, accusing it of shoddy panel installations that led to fires at more than a half-dozen stores.

Event unites aspiring techs with dealerships

Event unites aspiring techs with dealerships https://ift.tt/2HlMX8s

As Hellcat Challengers and Chargers roared nearby during the Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge event this month, aspiring service technicians who could one day find themselves working on those very vehicles for a living were networking with dealerships in need of fresh talent.

Liebert severance to dent AutoNation Q3 earnings

Liebert severance to dent AutoNation Q3 earnings https://ift.tt/2TZT1Zr

AutoNation said its third-quarter after-tax earnings will be hurt by $10 million to $11 million for expenses related to a severance agreement with former CEO Carl Liebert.

Walmart, Tesla look to address issues surrounding solar systems

Walmart, Tesla look to address issues surrounding solar systems https://ift.tt/2HnTPlT

Walmart and Tesla said they were looking to "re-energizing Tesla solar installations at Walmart stores, once all parties are certain that all concerns have been addressed."

Ford dealership gives new Escape to husband of El Paso shooting victim

Ford dealership gives new Escape to husband of El Paso shooting victim https://ift.tt/2L5XHc7

Casa Ford-Lincoln donated the vehicle to replace one stolen shortly after the funeral of Margie Reckard, whose husband invited the public to attend because the couple had no nearby family.

Communications system for Nissan-Infiniti dealers back online

Communications system for Nissan-Infiniti dealers back online https://ift.tt/2Zmu7o2

The system -- which helps North American dealerships order cars and parts, obtain product rebate information, check on recalls, and file warranty claims -- was fully operational as of 7 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, the automaker said. 

Nissan-Infiniti outage left U.S. dealers in the dark; some systems resume

Nissan-Infiniti outage left U.S. dealers in the dark; some systems resume https://ift.tt/2Nkdd7b

A power outage on Saturday at a Nissan North America data center in Denver had shut down a critical communications system that Nissan and Infiniti dealers use to order cars and parts, obtain product rebate information, monitor recalls and file warranty claims. Nissan said some systems were being restored on Wednesday. 

Goldman Sachs explores sale of service contract unit Safe-Guard, report says

Goldman Sachs explores sale of service contract unit Safe-Guard, report says https://ift.tt/2zfTvRC

Goldman Sachs is working with advisers on an auction for Safe-Guard, though there is no certainty a deal will be reached, sources told Reuters.

Goldman Sachs explores sale of auto warranty business Safe-Guard, report says

Goldman Sachs explores sale of auto warranty business Safe-Guard, report says https://ift.tt/2ZhDmdc

Goldman Sachs is working with advisers on an auction for Safe-Guard, though there is no certainty a deal will be reached, sources told Reuters.

Adding alternative data to customer credit scores helps dealers, lenders

Adding alternative data to customer credit scores helps dealers, lenders https://ift.tt/2ZjzPXQ

For customers returning to — or entering for the first time — a vehicle shopping market with higher transaction prices and interest rates, boosting a score even slightly could have a major impact on vehicle affordability.

Automakers, captives ease back on leasing

Automakers, captives ease back on leasing https://ift.tt/2HhI4gU

Leasing is becoming too expensive to incentivize, experts say, and automakers are prioritizing profits over loyalty.

Gen Z: Coming to a dealership near you

Gen Z: Coming to a dealership near you https://ift.tt/2TVWRTt

Time will tell if the youngest drivers in the vehicle market are seeking transportation models radically different from what's available today, but the backgrounds and budgets of these buyers will be key to unlocking the mystery.

Nissan-Infiniti outage leaves U.S. dealers in the dark

Nissan-Infiniti outage leaves U.S. dealers in the dark https://ift.tt/2KLKjLp

A power outage on Sunday at a Nissan North America data center in Denver has shut down a critical communications system that Nissan and Infiniti dealers use to order cars and parts, obtain product rebate information, monitor recalls and file warranty claims.

Nissan-Infiniti outage leaves U.S. dealers in the dark

Nissan-Infiniti outage leaves U.S. dealers in the dark https://ift.tt/2KKQZJT

A power outage on Sunday at a Nissan North America data center in Denver has shut down a critical communications system that Nissan and Infiniti dealers use to order cars and parts, obtain product rebate information, monitor recalls and file warranty claims.

Care by Volvo faces Calif. probe for possible franchise breaches

Care by Volvo faces Calif. probe for possible franchise breaches https://ift.tt/30gN6l8

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is reviewing whether Volvo's 2-year-old subscription service diverts customers from dealers to the company and if Volvo failed to properly notify franchisees and the state's New Motor Vehicle Board about the program, among other complaints by the state's new-vehicle dealers.

Take steps to increase dealership foot traffic

Take steps to increase dealership foot traffic https://ift.tt/2za1bVu

By tracking visits, loyalty and crossover, auto brands can inform better strategies and campaigns that more effectively drive foot traffic into their stores.

Gile family selling dealerships to help other stores navigate changing business

Gile family selling dealerships to help other stores navigate changing business https://ift.tt/2NfCTlu

The owners of two successful stores in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, soon will be concentrating their efforts on a new endeavor: Motorcars Consulting.

Lexus, Hendrick Automotive top new study of online reputation

Lexus, Hendrick Automotive top new study of online reputation https://ift.tt/2YWffBv

Dealerships listening to consumers voicing their opinions online is critical to having a positive reputation, a new report says.

Amid technician shortage, group is hiring ? now

Amid technician shortage, group is hiring ? now https://ift.tt/2Nfo3LN

Warren Henry Auto Group, headquartered in Miami, last month began holding job fairs promising to hire qualified technicians on the spot.

In a disruptive future, carmakers need to partner with retailers

In a disruptive future, carmakers need to partner with retailers https://ift.tt/2KEqNQZ

Carmakers and retailers should partner to weather the future forces of technology and competition.

Some dealers adapt; some opt out

Some dealers adapt; some opt out https://ift.tt/2Z1UkNq

Some auto retail advisers recommend dealerships develop long-term plans for future success amid talk of industry disruption.

U.S.: Fraud made ex-NIADA leader millions

U.S.: Fraud made ex-NIADA leader millions https://ift.tt/2zaXBKZ

Andrew Gabler, who resigned as president of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association earlier this year, faces bank fraud and wire fraud charges.

Dealer anniversaries

Dealer anniversaries https://ift.tt/2TN6GmO

The dealer featured this week is David Ray, president of Bill Ray Nissan in Longwood, Fla.

?Lifted my head, saw this horror show': Why Bernie Moreno (mostly) quit auto sales

?Lifted my head, saw this horror show': Why Bernie Moreno (mostly) quit auto sales https://ift.tt/2TN6J1Y

A few years ago, Moreno was a thriving auto retailer with 15 dealerships and $1 billion in annual sales. He has now reassessed auto retail, and his prognosis is not good.

Despite lawsuit dismissal, disputed Ford lug nuts continue to complicate dealership service

Despite lawsuit dismissal, disputed Ford lug nuts continue to complicate dealership service https://ift.tt/2HcOePm nuts used by Ford Motor Co. remain a source of controversy — and concern for some Ford dealership service departments — even after a federal court this year dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that the two-piece design was defective and dangerous.

News items from the world of fixed operations

News items from the world of fixed operations https://ift.tt/2ZcfuHS

AutoNation seeks more service techs; Hoist accident leads to dealer fine; Tesla opens more service centers; Cox's Xtime offers real-time updates

How Honda's oil dilution issue arose

How Honda's oil dilution issue arose https://ift.tt/2ZaRtB3

Here's an explanation of the engine oil dilution issue potentially affecting as many as 1 million Honda CR-V and Civic models, transcribed from a video American Honda posted in October.

Nissan's stair-step program of sales incentives hurts dealership fixed operations, skeptics say

Nissan's stair-step program of sales incentives hurts dealership fixed operations, skeptics say https://ift.tt/30dFWOJ

The aggressive sales targets in Nissan's incentive program encourage many of its dealerships to sell more vehicles to subprime borrowers with lower credit ratings, experts say.

Top 50 dealership groups in the U.S. ? ranked on 2018 parts and service revenue

Top 50 dealership groups in the U.S. ? ranked on 2018 parts and service revenue https://ift.tt/30gwFFr

Among the publicly-traded U.S. dealership groups, AutoNation generated the most parts and service revenue in 2018, eclipsing the next group by more than $1 million. Lithia saw the greatest percentage jump in revenue vs. 2017. Sonic was alone among this group with declining year-over-year service and parts revenue.

Trump's levies on Chinese-made repair parts aren't pinching service shops ? yet

Trump's levies on Chinese-made repair parts aren't pinching service shops ? yet https://ift.tt/2z5IqT5

As the U.S.-China trade war gets hotter, retailers and industry experts predict that franchised dealerships will be forced to pass tariff-related price increases for repair parts on to their service customers or accept lower fixed ops profit margins.