Penske, automaker testing subscriptions

Penske, automaker testing subscriptions https://ift.tt/2oudMkt

Penske Automotive Group has a subscription experiment in the works with an automaker and continues to expand its used-only supercenters business.

Hiring advice for dealers

Hiring advice for dealers https://ift.tt/2mMeDN3

An employment data analyst says dealerships need to change their hiring practices to stem the loss of qualified applicants to other sectors of the job market.

The CarMax approach: Personalize car buying

The CarMax approach: Personalize car buying https://ift.tt/2nIL276 woman with a newborn who didn't want to trek into the city to buy a car, and instead had one delivered, is a perfect example of an omnichannel customer, CarMax CEO Bill Nash said.

NAAA: Don't count out brick-and-mortar

NAAA: Don't count out brick-and-mortar https://ift.tt/2nOyOK0

Leaders of the auction association argue for a permanent place for brick-and-mortar in an increasingly digital world.

FCA sales, diesel scandals resurface

FCA sales, diesel scandals resurface https://ift.tt/2otpPhV Fiat Chrysler Automobiles updates its portfolio with fresh products and forges ahead with a revised leadership team led by CEO Mike Manley, it's contending with old scandals that continue to play out in the legal sphere.

Dealers lean on used cars, cost cuts, data

Dealers lean on used cars, cost cuts, data https://ift.tt/2mfrUxg

Declining new-vehicle margins and tougher stair-step target programs, coupled with higher expenses, have challenged dealers' profitability.

Smiles are guaranteed at California stores

Smiles are guaranteed at California stores https://ift.tt/2mLS6zX

Capistrano Volkswagen and Capistrano Mazda stand out thanks to the core promises of the Smileage Guaranteed program.

Behind sales, a profit struggle at BMW, Mercedes

Behind sales, a profit struggle at BMW, Mercedes https://ift.tt/2mFo4O7

BMW and Daimler find themselves in unfamiliar territory: trailing mass-market rivals in profitability. The two saw returns shrink in their normally lucrative second quarters.

Dealerships prepare for down cycle

Dealerships prepare for down cycle https://ift.tt/2mtmsXu

For dealerships, some experts say increasing scale could be a beneficial strategy, not just to prepare for a downturn, but to prepare for future  shifts in the auto retail model.

Fiat Chrysler to pay $40 million for inflated U.S. sales figures, SEC says

Fiat Chrysler to pay $40 million for inflated U.S. sales figures, SEC says https://ift.tt/2nUUCnB

The settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission follows nearly four years of litigation over FCA's inflated sales reports that were released from 2012 to 2016. In July 2016, the company revised more than five years of monthly U.S. vehicle sales figures to reflect a new reporting method, amid an investigation by federal authorities.

Fiat Chrysler to pay $40 million over inflated U.S. sales figures, SEC says

Fiat Chrysler to pay $40 million over inflated U.S. sales figures, SEC says https://ift.tt/2nc3RiW

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said that between 2012 and 2016 Fiat Chrysler's U.S. unit issued monthly press releases falsely reporting new vehicle sales and falsely touting a "streak" of uninterrupted monthly year-over-year sales growth, when the growth streak ended in September 2013.

GPB Capital seeks fresh start for Prime

GPB Capital seeks fresh start for Prime https://ift.tt/352ci1K

In July, Prime Automotive CEO David Rosenberg sued the owner of his dealership group, GPB Capital Holding. Now, two months later, the prominent New England dealer has been removed as GPB seeks a fresh start for the 56-store portfolio.

Dealer anniversaries

Dealer anniversaries https://ift.tt/352B15W

Dealers featured this week include Paula Callari, president of BMW of Darien in Connecticut; John Ventura, dealer principal of Courtesy Nissan in Altoona, Pa.; Thomas Norris, dealer principal of Toyota of Easley in South Carolina; and Tim Dahle, dealer principal of Tim Dahle Nissan Murray, in Utah.

Basking in the glow: Automotive News' Best Dealerships To Work For

Basking in the glow: Automotive News' Best Dealerships To Work For https://ift.tt/2M88N14

Dealers and their employees gathered in Chicago last week to celebrate their inclusion in the 2019 Best Dealerships To Work For rankings. Here is a glimpse of the celebration.

Manheim, SiriusXM offer pre-activation in pre-owned vehicles

Manheim, SiriusXM offer pre-activation in pre-owned vehicles https://ift.tt/2lB8ouV

Dealers will no longer need to individually activate radios for vehicles purchased from Manheim, the companies said in a statement. New customers will get a free three-month subscription as part of the arrangement. 

Bill banning forced arbitration clears U.S. House

Bill banning forced arbitration clears U.S. House https://ift.tt/2naJpPe

Consumer advocates have pushed for the end of mandatory arbitration in contracts, which can shield companies from lawsuits by consumers pursuing claims of wrongdoing. But the so-called FAIR Act faces an uphill battle in the Senate.

Even small interest-rate cuts help, retailers say

Even small interest-rate cuts help, retailers say https://ift.tt/2naf9nC

Auto analysts say reductions in the Federal Reserve's benchmark interest rate are unlikely to move the needle much for car shoppers this year, but some car dealers disagree.

One-touch system points at possibilities

One-touch system points at possibilities https://ift.tt/2n8TCM1

Some dealerships that experimented with one-touch hybrid sales and F&I managers over the years ended up going back to separating the roles, saying the change ultimately dragged out the process for customers and cost them thousands in profit.

CarMax says Q2 net income rises 5.8% amid robust used-vehicle sales

CarMax says Q2 net income rises 5.8% amid robust used-vehicle sales https://ift.tt/2lopSuf

Pre-owned vehicle unit sales rose 6.2 percent for the nation's largest used-vehicle retailer.

Group 1 estimates at least $12.5 million in damages from storm

Group 1 estimates at least $12.5 million in damages from storm https://ift.tt/2kUoQ9f

Group 1 said its stores in Houston reopened Friday. Stores in Beaumont, Texas, are "open on a more limited basis."

A renewed Darvish returns to auto retail

A renewed Darvish returns to auto retail https://ift.tt/2AJRU7j

Pushed out of her family business, retail veteran Tammy Darvish started over, and now aims to turn around AutoCanada's U.S. unit.

AutoNation's new CEO: ?We'll be opportunistic'

AutoNation's new CEO: ?We'll be opportunistic' https://ift.tt/2ACfaUL Miller talks with Automotive News about her first two months leading the largest dealer group in the United States.

Dealer anniversaries

Dealer anniversaries https://ift.tt/352B15W

Dealers featured this week include Paula Callari, president of BMW of Darien in Connecticut; John Ventura, dealer principal of Courtesy Nissan in Altoona, Pa.; Thomas Norris, dealer principal of Toyota of Easley in South Carolina; and Tim Dahle, dealer principal of Tim Dahle Nissan Murray, in Utah.

Basking in the glow: Automotive News' Best Dealerships To Work For

Basking in the glow: Automotive News' Best Dealerships To Work For https://ift.tt/2QqVkXs and their employees gathered in Chicago last week to celebrate their inclusion in the 2019 Best Dealerships To Work For rankings. Here is a glimpse of the celebration.

GPB Capital seeks fresh start for Prime

GPB Capital seeks fresh start for Prime https://ift.tt/352ci1K

In July, Prime Automotive CEO David Rosenberg sued the owner of his dealership group, GPB Capital Holding. Now, two months later, the prominent New England dealer has been removed as GPB seeks a fresh start for the 56-store portfolio.

CDK chief says AVs no threat to dealers

CDK chief says AVs no threat to dealers https://ift.tt/2APPhBj Krzanich, CEO of dealer software giant CDK Global Inc., said self-driving vehicles are about a decade away and will present new opportunities for dealers.

Dealer has the 'The Right Stuff'

Dealer has the 'The Right Stuff' https://ift.tt/34YaO8J

Crews filming "The Right Stuff," an upcoming TV series about the early days of the U.S. space program, used part of a Florida Nissan dealership to recreate an Apollo-era Chevrolet store that leased Corvettes to astronauts for $1 a year.

A Nissan dealer wish list for the next CEO

A Nissan dealer wish list for the next CEO https://ift.tt/2M5IfNT

Asked to give advice to a CEO who hasn't been hired yet, Nissan retailers from around the country asked for consistency more than anything else.

2 Reagor-Dykes employees plead guilty in $23M 'check kiting scheme'

2 Reagor-Dykes employees plead guilty in $23M 'check kiting scheme' https://ift.tt/31FCxZG U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas said the employees admitted that "the dealer group had an entire team at its headquarters specifically designated to kite checks."

General manager finds his purpose creating a place for employees to achieve success

General manager finds his purpose creating a place for employees to achieve success https://ift.tt/2IfWEWw Cil finds purpose in recruiting and retaining employees, especially those who — like him — hail from unlikely places.

Dealership works on boosting employee morale even when sales are down

Dealership works on boosting employee morale even when sales are down https://ift.tt/30yTfsn Nissan of Turnersville in Turnersville, N.J., has been able to maintain its position near the top of the Best Dealerships To Work For list despite a significant sales slump is testament to the creativity general manager John Fanelli is applying to store's employment practices.

How to be the best? Start with what you know

How to be the best? Start with what you know https://ift.tt/2Icj62H president of Best Companies Group says improving employee engagement cannot happen unless there is a keen understanding of what motivates and drives employees.

Hendrick Automotive lands 9 stores on the '19 list

Hendrick Automotive lands 9 stores on the '19 list https://ift.tt/30yTcgb taking a three-year break from entering its stores to be considered for ' Best Dealerships To Work For list, Hendrick Automotive Group roared back in a big way in 2019.

Perks that go a long way

Perks that go a long way https://ift.tt/2M4nqlL

Not-so-formal incentives can encourage employee loyalty, say industry experts and some of the Best Dealerships To Work For.

Dealership creates family atmosphere but still offers benefits of large, profitable company

Dealership creates family atmosphere but still offers benefits of large, profitable company https://ift.tt/34YOZWg

For the second consecutive year, the Best Dealership To Work For in the U.S. is part of a huge Penske Automotive Group auto mall in Turnersville, N.J., about 20 miles southeast of Philadelphia.

Buy a car, get a job

Buy a car, get a job https://ift.tt/2M4nphH

Some dealerships are employing a surprising strategy for hiring employees that are less prone to turnover.

Successful branding can attract potential employees just as it does shoppers

Successful branding can attract potential employees just as it does shoppers https://ift.tt/34ViU1J

Recruiting experts say dealers aren't doing enough to combat the churn of workers in and out of their stores. One potential solution? Developing an employment brand.

Families add to the fun

Families add to the fun https://ift.tt/2Ig0v66 events are a way to show appreciation, encourage work-life balance and celebrate employees' biggest supporters at the Best Dealerships To Work For.

Dealerships turn to job fit assessments, personality tests to hire workers and work things out

Dealerships turn to job fit assessments, personality tests to hire workers and work things out https://ift.tt/34WCgna

Job fit assessments, which test an applicant's judgment capacity, are considered more effective — and ethically superior — to personality tests, hiring experts say. But personality tests still serve a valuable purpose.

Tesla, state regulators sued by New Jersey dealer association

Tesla, state regulators sued by New Jersey dealer association https://ift.tt/2M3qnmQ

The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers says the state is not addressing violations of franchise, dealer licensing and consumer protection laws by Tesla.

New Jersey dealer association sues Tesla, state regulators

New Jersey dealer association sues Tesla, state regulators https://ift.tt/2OaoKGw New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers says the state is not addressing violations of franchise, dealer licensing and consumer protection laws by Tesla.

Feds sue Okla. dealership over allegation of hiring discrimination

Feds sue Okla. dealership over allegation of hiring discrimination https://ift.tt/30bHhcB U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit on behalf of a sales associate who said that because of her gender, she was not hired during an ownership change.

More rate cuts won't help shoppers, Cox says

More rate cuts won't help shoppers, Cox says https://ift.tt/34UiSav

As borrowers and lenders anticipate the Federal Reserve will shave another 50 basis points off short-term, benchmark interest rates this year, including another cut expected Wednesday, auto experts say car shoppers won't see an appreciable difference in the rates they secure to borrow for a new crossover or pickup.

Longer loan terms worse for customers, AAA says

Longer loan terms worse for customers, AAA says https://ift.tt/3014ltW

The average yearly cost of owning a vehicle is creeping closer to $10,000 — driven by shifting finance conditions and in some cases, longer loan terms, a AAA study finds.

GPB Capital names Westfall interim CEO of Prime Automotive, removes Rosenberg

GPB Capital names Westfall interim CEO of Prime Automotive, removes Rosenberg https://ift.tt/32Uj0VJ move comes two months after David Rosenberg sued GPB, which is embroiled in several regulatory investigations and lawsuits.

Dealer inventories ease in August

Dealer inventories ease in August https://ift.tt/32LXWQZ

Stockpiles at new-vehicle dealerships in China dipped to a 45-day supply in August from 53 days the previous month, according to the China Automobile Dealers Association.

Don't like the car you bought? Pick another

Don't like the car you bought? Pick another https://ift.tt/2LvlJPg

After buying a car from stores in the Ricart Automotive Group, customers have 72 hours to change their minds and exchange the vehicle for another – no questions asked.

Inventory dips as summer wanes

Inventory dips as summer wanes https://ift.tt/32GyNHt

Estimated automotive inventories have fallen for the second consecutive month as dealers continue to sell off existing stocks while automakers work through the end of their traditional summer production shutdowns and model-year changeovers.

Buy-sell action likely to rebound after falloff

Buy-sell action likely to rebound after falloff https://ift.tt/2NdX3Nz

The number of transactions in the second quarter fell from a year ago but is expected to rise in the second half of the year, according to two companies that track deals.

Dealers worried but used profits offer hope

Dealers worried but used profits offer hope https://ift.tt/2I92zwC

Setting aside price pressures and softening new-vehicle sales, 2019 has been remarkably stable for U.S. auto dealers, Cox Automotive notes in its latest Dealer Sentiment Index survey.