Land Rover Defender launch in U.S. could be delayed

Land Rover Defender launch in U.S. could be delayed https://ift.tt/346elSb

Production of the all-new Defender at Land Rover's plant in Nitra, Slovakia, has been halted since March 20, and Jaguar Land Rover officials have not signaled when output might resume.

Penske Auto cuts exec pay, furloughs staff, delays capital outlays

Penske Auto cuts exec pay, furloughs staff, delays capital outlays https://ift.tt/2WT70nw

CEO Roger Penske and President Robert Kurnick will take no salary during the coronavirus outbreak, while executives and managers throughout the dealership group's global team are taking undisclosed pay cuts.

Automakers poised to signal U.S. sales collapse ahead

Automakers poised to signal U.S. sales collapse ahead https://ift.tt/2UuRAnK

The pessimism on U.S. sales intensified over the weekend when President Donald Trump extended to April 30 the social-distancing guidelines aimed at containing the virus.

Volvo to offer pickup, delivery, loaners for service

Volvo to offer pickup, delivery, loaners for service https://ift.tt/2QZuOCx

Volvo is removing a major pain point for customers with a vehicle undergoing service -- having to schlep to and from the dealership.

Penske Automotive to cut executive pay, furlough employees, postpone capital expenditures

Penske Automotive to cut executive pay, furlough employees, postpone capital expenditures https://ift.tt/3bGzxAX

CEO Roger Penske and President Robert Kurnick will take no salary during the coronavirus outbreak, while executives and managers throughout Penske Automotive Group's global team are taking undisclosed pay cuts.

Robert Garff, chairman of 10th largest U.S. dealer group, dead from COVID-19 complications

Robert Garff, chairman of 10th largest U.S. dealer group, dead from COVID-19 complications https://ift.tt/2UwZxcl

Robert and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 after driving back from a trip to Palm Springs, Calif. Both self-quarantined. He later was admitted to a hospital and died there.

Ford mobile units helping health care workers

Ford mobile units helping health care workers https://ift.tt/2QV5PjG

The automaker aims to have 198 dealerships using Transit vans upfitted with repair equipment this year. Many already offering mobile service have helped doctors, nurses and first responders who are fighting the virus outbreak.

Here's our annual ranking of the largest U.S. dealership groups

Here's our annual ranking of the largest U.S. dealership groups https://ift.tt/2JnRzfd

The top 150 battled a nationwide sales decline last year. Among the biggest of the big, most held their spots.

After shuttering showrooms, dealers lay off employees ? and it may be just the start

After shuttering showrooms, dealers lay off employees ? and it may be just the start https://ift.tt/3dEsvyf

“It was probably the most tragic day of my career,” said one dealer in Washington state, after putting workers on what he called standby unemployment amid the pandemic.

Geely uses drones to maintain safe buffer

Geely uses drones to maintain safe buffer https://ift.tt/2wLPaYV

The automaker began offering no-contact deliveries as part of a new online sales system in February, as the coronavirus outbreak was spreading quickly across China.

Dealers dive into stimulus details as industry takes cautious rescue route

Dealers dive into stimulus details as industry takes cautious rescue route https://ift.tt/2UsgTH5

Unlike the Great Recession, when the Detroit 3 initially asked Congress for $50 billion to stay afloat, automakers have avoided direct pleas for a financial rescue. Instead, automakers, dealers and suppliers advocate for broader relief during a public health crisis..

The survey says ...

The survey says ... https://ift.tt/2wPtGKy

In a survey conducted by the Automotive News Data Center from March 18 to 24, the 314 respondents indicated they expect sharp declines in new- and used-vehicle sales and in their overall businesses.

Ford mobile units to help health care workers

Ford mobile units to help health care workers https://ift.tt/2yaMUdZ

The automaker aims to have 198 dealerships using Transit vans upfitted with repair equipment this year. Many already offering mobile service have helped doctors, nurses and first responders who are fighting the virus outbreak.

Open, then shut, then open: One Colorado dealer's version

Open, then shut, then open: One Colorado dealer's version https://ift.tt/2UL0P1Z can listen to Colorado auto dealer Aaron Wallace talk about being ordered to shut down one day and being allowed to partially reopen the next on the Daily Drive podcast from Automotive News.

Many sales only deferred amid outbreak

Many sales only deferred amid outbreak https://ift.tt/2WRFIOd

Analysts say the majority of customers who have disappeared from showrooms are simply waiting for a period of more stability and economic confidence -- and in many states, for orders keeping them at home to be lifted.

Fully online process proves its value

Fully online process proves its value https://ift.tt/2QVRuTV

Mastria Auto Group launched its end-to-end digital retailing process in the fourth quarter of 2019. Little did they know that this process was finalized mere weeks before a global pandemic would make in-store sales next to impossible in many states.

Are dealers essential? Readers have opinions

Are dealers essential? Readers have opinions https://ift.tt/2UPtSSl

Readers weigh in with their thoughts about whether dealerships should stay open during the unfolding health crisis.

Keeping stores open is ?just not worth it,' N.Y. dealer says

Keeping stores open is ?just not worth it,' N.Y. dealer says https://ift.tt/3awyZ0m

On March, 19 Todd Caputo decided to close his four Syracuse-area stores, a day before the state would have made that decision for him.

Dealer anniversaries

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

Dealers featured this week include Rick Hamilton of Hamilton Nissan in Hagerstown, Md.; Anthony Borelli, president of Pleasantville Ford in New York; George Grubbs Jr., dealer principal of Grubbs Infiniti in Grapevine, Texas; Tom Seeger, dealer principal of Seeger Toyota in St. Louis; Kurt Koch, dealer principal of Koch 33 Toyota in Easton, Pa.; Alan Teffertiller, owner of Teffertiller Motors in McLeansboro, Ill.; Ted Chapman, CEO of Chapman BMW Chandler in Arizona; Harris Wildstein and Chip Ott, dealer principals of Hamilton Mazda in Hamilton Square, N.J.; and Randy Wise, dealer principal of Randy Wise Chevrolet in Flint, Mich.

Pandemic accelerates adoption of digital tools

Pandemic accelerates adoption of digital tools https://ift.tt/39rPR6U

The shift to online vehicle sales has been underway for years. Some dealers say the changes they're making to respond to COVID-19 may be here to stay.

Making the hard call to close store

Making the hard call to close store https://ift.tt/2UE5NxC

When one of his employees' siblings tested positive for coronavirus, the chairman of a Michigan Ford dealership acted quickly, shuttering the store for two weeks and switching commissioned workers to a daily pay rate. 

Feds add leasing, rentals to essential-worker guidelines

Feds add leasing, rentals to essential-worker guidelines https://ift.tt/2WPtQMF

An earlier memo covered automotive repair and maintenance as well as transportation equipment manufacturing and distribution facilities. Guidance for retail operations, including leasing and rental activities, had not been clear.

Trump signs $2 trillion virus relief bill after House passage

Trump signs $2 trillion virus relief bill after House passage https://ift.tt/2vSGS0P

The unprecedented stimulus package provides about $500 billion in loans and assistance for big companies and a separate pot of about $350 billion for small businesses loans. The auto industry did not seek a specific bailout.

Trump signs $2 trillion virus relief bill

Trump signs $2 trillion virus relief bill https://ift.tt/2WKYd73

The unprecedented stimulus package provides about $500 billion in loans and assistance for big companies and a separate pot of about $350 billion for small businesses loans. The auto industry did not seek a specific bailout.

House approves $2 trillion virus relief bill, sends to Trump

House approves $2 trillion virus relief bill, sends to Trump https://ift.tt/2QO8gnY

The unprecedented stimulus package provides about $500 billion in loans and assistance for big companies and a separate pot of about $350 billion for small businesses loans. The auto industry did not seek a specific bailout.

Senate passes $2 trillion virus rescue plan, sends bill to House

Senate passes $2 trillion virus rescue plan, sends bill to House https://ift.tt/33LYuIp

The package includes an unprecedented injection of loans, tax breaks and direct payments for major corporations and individual taxpayers to help the U.S. economy get through an abrupt shutdown. The auto industry did not seek a specific bailout. 

Group 1 furloughs 3,000 U.S. employees, closes stores abroad

Group 1 furloughs 3,000 U.S. employees, closes stores abroad https://ift.tt/2UimAal

As U.S. sales collapse, the dealership group is also reducing executive pay and slashing marketing spending as it re-sizes to "minimal activity levels" before an expected recovery.

Colorado governor signs EV bill into law

Colorado governor signs EV bill into law https://ift.tt/33MGFJl

The law allows manufacturers that build only electric vehicles to sell directly to consumers through factory-owned stores, provided they have no franchised dealerships in the state.

U.S. retail auto sales could fall 45% in March, J.D. Power says

U.S. retail auto sales could fall 45% in March, J.D. Power says https://ift.tt/3dqqoOu

The selling rate was 35 percent lower than expected last week and is forecast to plunge even further after a number of states ordered most residents to stay home as much as possible to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Now is no time to panic

Now is no time to panic https://ift.tt/3dvUm3t a time of crisis, an F&I training expert says the best antidote to powerlessness, fear and uncertainty is to be proactive.

GM Financial tool helps dealers accelerate approvals, gain new-car buyers

GM Financial tool helps dealers accelerate approvals, gain new-car buyers https://ift.tt/2xnvdrq Financial is putting much of the deal structure into F&I managers' hands to speed up the car-financing process and make financing available to dealers and most customers at any time of day.

Asbury terminates Park Place acquisition

Asbury terminates Park Place acquisition https://ift.tt/2xZVmg3

One of the biggest dealership buy-sell deals in years was aborted days before it was scheduled to close. Asbury also tapped a credit line in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Tech vendors waive fees, offer aid to dealerships

Tech vendors waive fees, offer aid to dealerships https://ift.tt/2UhvLbm providers, listings sites and other vendors are waiving or reducing dealerships' fees through April, or longer.

Canadian dealers want government assistance 'before it's too late'

Canadian dealers want government assistance 'before it's too late' https://ift.tt/2UzTm60

While CADA economist Oumar Dicko applauded the Canadian government’s C$82 billion package to help support individuals and businesses affected by the crisis, he said the government needs to act quickly to distribute the money so that it can have an immediate impact.

Porsche offers U.S. dealers relief package

Porsche offers U.S. dealers relief package https://ift.tt/39ftLVf

The German sports car maker is guaranteeing payouts, relaxing dealer performance bonus objectives and extending finance. Its captive finance arm also is offering retail customers lease extensions.

Trump says he would love to see businesses reopen by April 12

Trump says he would love to see businesses reopen by April 12 https://ift.tt/2WC4MsB

In an interview on Tuesday with Fox News, President Trump said: "I’d love to have it (businesses) open by Easter. I will tell you that right now."

California showrooms closing as more states issue stay-at-home orders

California showrooms closing as more states issue stay-at-home orders https://ift.tt/3dsvoC8

Dealerships across the country may be faced with the reality they'll need to temporarily close showrooms under various state governors' orders to stay at home and shutter nonessential businesses to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Pelosi?s $2.5 trillion stimulus bill delays mortgage, car payments

Pelosi?s $2.5 trillion stimulus bill delays mortgage, car payments https://ift.tt/2WLxOGl

There are currently no plans for House members to return to Washington to vote on the bill, and the proposal appears to be a list of demands Democrats want to see included in the Senate bill. Senate leaders expect a deal with Democrats as soon as this morning. 

Ontario dealers deemed 'essential workplaces' during 14-day lockdown

Ontario dealers deemed 'essential workplaces' during 14-day lockdown https://ift.tt/2QJcDkd

The Canadian province's exempted list includes "car and truck dealerships and related facilities.” Several dealerships across Canada service and repair police vehicles, ambulances, firetrucks and delivery vehicles.

Auto trade groups ask Trump for clearer guidance on 'essential services'

Auto trade groups ask Trump for clearer guidance on 'essential services' https://ift.tt/2Jaua0t

In a letter to the White House, the coalition said initial counsel resulted in some states and other jurisdictions prohibiting vehicle sales by dealerships.

CDK cuts dealership fees; CEO slashes salary to $1

CDK cuts dealership fees; CEO slashes salary to $1 https://ift.tt/2J7v7Xh DMS giant, hoping to maintain "balance" as dealerships face lower revenues stemming from the coronavirus, said it will temporarily waive or and reduce subscription fees for certain products and services.

Average sales revenue at China dealerships still in slump

Average sales revenue at China dealerships still in slump https://ift.tt/2Uers0r

New-car dealerships have a long way to go to shrug off the severe impact of the lingering coronavirus epidemic, with average revenue from sales operations still less than half of normal levels.

Senate fails to reach deal on $2 trillion rescue package; House Dems plan counterproposal

Senate fails to reach deal on $2 trillion rescue package; House Dems plan counterproposal https://ift.tt/2QHhO42

While many details of the Senate plan had been hashed out, some fundamental differences hadn’t been bridged Monday afternoon. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is hoping to bring House members back to vote on Democrats’ version of the coronavirus stimulus bill.

Average sales revenue at dealerships still in slump

Average sales revenue at dealerships still in slump https://ift.tt/2UuLfYh

New-car dealerships have a long way to go to shrug off the severe impact of the lingering coronavirus epidemic, with average revenue from sales operations still less than half of normal levels.

Industry builds case for federal aid as it awaits stimulus details

Industry builds case for federal aid as it awaits stimulus details https://ift.tt/3bg9gcc

In an email to Congress obtained by Automotive News, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation reiterated the automotive industry's role in the economy and the negative impact caused by the coronavirus to all aspects of the sector, as the country awaits further details of a $2 trillion economic stimulus package.

Dealer confusion grows as more states issue stay-at-home orders

Dealer confusion grows as more states issue stay-at-home orders https://ift.tt/2xUK4tt

Governors across the country continue to issue stay-at-home orders requiring nonessential businesses to close. In many cases, dealerships have been deemed essential businesses for service and parts. But auto sales have been treated differently in the orders, leading to uncertainty and confusion for dealerships.

More states issue stay-at-home orders, creating added confusion for dealers

More states issue stay-at-home orders, creating added confusion for dealers https://ift.tt/2UvCcX1

Governors across the country continue to issue stay-at-home orders requiring nonessential businesses to close. In many cases, dealerships have been deemed essential businesses for service and parts. But auto sales have been treated differently in the orders, leading to uncertainty and confusion for dealerships.

Senate fails to reach deal on $2 trillion rescue package; Mnuchin optimistic deal gets done today

Senate fails to reach deal on $2 trillion rescue package; Mnuchin optimistic deal gets done today https://ift.tt/3dmAoID

While many details of the plan had been hashed out, some fundamental differences hadn’t been bridged late Sunday. The recriminations began after a procedural vote failed. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he thinks a deal will get done today. 

Europe's dealers fear automakers' crisis help may not be enough

Europe's dealers fear automakers' crisis help may not be enough https://ift.tt/2WD8YIC

Automakers are implementing measures to help safeguard the liquidity of their retail partners in Europe, such as revising sales targets, guaranteeing bonus payments and deferring invoices for demo vehicles. But dealers are still faced with a massive loss of revenue.

Lawmakers fail to reach deal on $2 trillion U.S. rescue package

Lawmakers fail to reach deal on $2 trillion U.S. rescue package https://ift.tt/3bkMhga

While many details of the plan had been hashed out, some fundamental differences hadn’t been bridged late Sunday. The recriminations began after a procedural vote failed. An incensed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cited plummeting stock futures to express the urgency to act Monday.