BMW cutting U.S. jobs in a down market

BMW cutting U.S. jobs in a down market https://ift.tt/31HBfQd

A spokesman declined to disclose the number of jobs being axed but noted the cuts do not affect the automaker's assembly plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

Ohio approves tax credit for Carvana distribution center near Cleveland

Ohio approves tax credit for Carvana distribution center near Cleveland https://ift.tt/2DeKDkW

The e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars plans a new inspection, reconditioning and distribution facility near Cleveland.

World ‘totally different' as Fay retires from Toyota

World ‘totally different' as Fay retires from Toyota https://ift.tt/3lAe5TZ

Longtime executive Bill Fay, who is retiring after 38 years, says strong dealer relations have allowed Toyota and Lexus to recover from disasters more quickly.

Park Place founder is back in with a new dealership group

Park Place founder is back in with a new dealership group https://ift.tt/3jrTAXC

Ken Schnitzer is now chairman of Avondale Group, a new luxury retailer with eight stores selling brands that include Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Aston Martin and Bentley.

Mayflies a dark spot on GM's launch of big SUVs

Mayflies a dark spot on GM's launch of big SUVs https://ift.tt/3hIzRCp

Add mayfly mayhem to the list of auto industry woes in 2020. GM blames the insects for stubborn black residue on more than 2,600 Chevrolet Tahoes and GMC Yukons.

Hurricane Laura's impact on Gulf Coast dealers, supply unclear

Hurricane Laura's impact on Gulf Coast dealers, supply unclear https://ift.tt/3bbcajF

For dealerships, the storm arrived at a time of low used-vehicle inventory and high prices because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Porsche sees path for its subscription service

Porsche sees path for its subscription service https://ift.tt/31H1g1Y

The luxury brand is expanding its program, even as some automakers steer away from the unproven mobility model.

As simple as pick up, drop off, communicate

As simple as pick up, drop off, communicate https://ift.tt/2EwFcPa

When the coronavirus pandemic spread in the U.S. starting in March, Walser Automotive Group introduced vehicle pickup and drop-off for service customers — and soon made tweaks to best accommodate clients.

Auction buyers relying on condition reports for online sales

Auction buyers relying on condition reports for online sales https://ift.tt/3gDZYcx

With the rise of digital sales, such information has never been more important to the wholesaling process.

Dealers grapple with hurricane devastation in La.

Dealers grapple with hurricane devastation in La. https://ift.tt/34Jdvxc

Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association President Will Green said many dealers in the state don't have electricity or water.

La. dealers assess damage after Hurricane Laura blasts Gulf Coast

La. dealers assess damage after Hurricane Laura blasts Gulf Coast https://ift.tt/3b1twiV

Less than 50 miles north of Hurricane Laura's landfall, Louisiana dealer Phillip Tarver hunkered down with 30 other people overnight in his Lake Charles Toyota dealership.

Vehicle sales drop 4.2% in first 20 days of August

Vehicle sales drop 4.2% in first 20 days of August https://ift.tt/2D43Qpn

In the 20-day period, sales of light vehicles including sedans, crossovers and SUVs dropped 7.9 percent to about 825,000 units. Deliveries of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks surged 36 percent to about 114,000, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said.

Dealers brace as Hurricane Laura blasts Louisiana

Dealers brace as Hurricane Laura blasts Louisiana https://ift.tt/2EvsQ9P

Hurricane Laura on Thursday hit Lake Charles, La., with 150 mph winds and a storm surge that could reach 40 miles inland, The Weather Channel reported. Dealerships along the coast spent the week closing down and moving inventory.

Texas, La. dealers brace as Hurricane Laura hits Category 4

Texas, La. dealers brace as Hurricane Laura hits Category 4 https://ift.tt/32sinnA

Hurricane Laura is forecast to hit the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 4 storm, causing dealerships to close and move their inventories to safer ground.

Dealers across Gulf Coast brace for Hurricane Laura

Dealers across Gulf Coast brace for Hurricane Laura https://ift.tt/2Ero3WM

Hurricane Laura is forecast to approach the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 3 storm. Galveston, Texas, implemented mandatory evacuations on Wednesday.

Prime Automotive launches branded F&I product line

Prime Automotive launches branded F&I product line https://ift.tt/3hxZ6XZ

Prime Automotive Protect, which formally launched this month, is supported by Safe-Guard Products International, one of the largest U.S. finance and insurance product providers. This is Safe-Guard's second-largest white label agreement with an auto retailer, after its relationship with AutoNation Inc.

Dealers across northern Gulf Coast brace for second storm as Marco weakens

Dealers across northern Gulf Coast brace for second storm as Marco weakens https://ift.tt/3jbLbra

Hurricane Laura is forecast to approach the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 3 storm.

Park Place execs form new dealership group as Asbury deal closes

Park Place execs form new dealership group as Asbury deal closes https://ift.tt/3guD9b7

Avondale's name derives from the cross street at Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas where Ken Schnitzer founded the company in 1987 with one Mercedes-Benz store.

Porsche to offer new entry-level subscription tier

Porsche to offer new entry-level subscription tier https://ift.tt/2QpsvYK

The new program starts at $1,500 per month for the Porsche Macan crossover and tops out at $2,600 for the Porsche 911 Carrera.

Dealer honors teachers — like his mom

Dealer honors teachers — like his mom https://ift.tt/3hqPcrb

A Mazda dealer in Florida whose mother was a teacher is offering free oil changes and car washes to educators as they begin a challenging and chaotic school year.

AutoNation cost cuts hit collision parts unit

AutoNation cost cuts hit collision parts unit https://ift.tt/34tjw0S

The retail giant's aftermarket parts collision business, launched in 2018, never made a profit.

‘Salesman' steals car; Facebook in on arrest

‘Salesman' steals car; Facebook in on arrest https://ift.tt/3goxkfd

Workers at a Nissan dealership in Kansas got fooled by a car thief who was dressed like one of its salespeople, but video the dealership posted on Facebook helped catch him soon afterward.

GM Financial efforts aid dealers, boost status

GM Financial efforts aid dealers, boost status https://ift.tt/3j8KyP7

The captive stepped up for its dealers during the pandemic. And its efforts have helped it reach its goal of displacing Ally as the primary source of floorplan financing for GM dealers.

Stray dog gets home, job at Hyundai dealership

Stray dog gets home, job at Hyundai dealership https://ift.tt/3aYgaEk

Tucson Prime has become an Instagram star at a store in Brazil, where buyers come back to see the dog and take pictures with him.

Jeep-only stores are sure to be successes

Jeep-only stores are sure to be successes https://ift.tt/2CRCjHC

Jeep-only showrooms have a proven track record, writes an Automotive News reader in a letter to the editor.

Cadillac exec's task: Engage dealers on EVs

Cadillac exec's task: Engage dealers on EVs https://ift.tt/2E928no

In his 16-plus years with GM, Mahmoud Samara has driven record sales in Canada, stabilized Cadillac's U.S. Western region and helped improve GM's digital retail tool. His toughest task lay ahead.

Mercedes-Benz to drop Freightliner Sprinter van in U.S.

Mercedes-Benz to drop Freightliner Sprinter van in U.S. https://ift.tt/2CRGof4

The company, amid a review of its global product portfolio, cited multiple factors for the decision to kill the Freightliner van, including high homologation costs, current and future economic conditions, as well as the COVID-19 outbreak. A Mercedes-Benz version of the Sprinter will continue to be sold and built in the U.S.

Virtual Canadian auto show in '21 a go as in-person event is weighed

Virtual Canadian auto show in '21 a go as in-person event is weighed https://ift.tt/32dzRUr

Organizers of the Canadian International AutoShow have until early fall to decide whether the country’s largest consumer trade show will proceed as a live event during the pandemic. Mazda has pulled out of the live Toronto show while Hyundai is planning alternative product reveals.

Washington Auto Show moves to early spring 2021

Washington Auto Show moves to early spring 2021 https://ift.tt/2CQqgdO

The event, which had been scheduled to run Jan. 29 through Feb. 7, is now slated for March 26 through April 4, with a number of safety protocols in place.

AutoNation to shutter aftermarket collision parts business

AutoNation to shutter aftermarket collision parts business https://ift.tt/2FCiKEd

The move, expected to be complete by the end of the year, comes amid a cost-cutting effort by the nation's largest new-vehicle retailer.

Industry strengthens opposition to fortified Safeguards Rule

Industry strengthens opposition to fortified Safeguards Rule https://ift.tt/3kYzTrP

In a recent industry workshop discussing the efficacy of the proposed changes, industry leaders reiterated claims the cost-burden of the new procedures proposed by the federal watchdog would be crushing to U.S. retail operations, which primarily function as small local businesses.

F&I role will change, but never vanish

F&I role will change, but never vanish https://ift.tt/2Q746H1

Though their roles are rapidly adapting to accommodate customers needs outside of the dealership, F&I manager positions are even less likely to disappear after the pandemic.

DealerPolicy adds mobile feature

DealerPolicy adds mobile feature https://ift.tt/2Q5sOaH

The expansion comes during increased remote and digital change in dealerships as the nation copes with the continuing effects of the viral coronavirus pandemic. The tool, FastPass, allows customers to shop insurance quotes with the dealership's assistance at the store or at home.

Lessons learned from online coaching

Lessons learned from online coaching https://ift.tt/327X4Ya

As states continue to combat the virus through the summer and adjust to restrictions, the coaches' early online experiences offer useful insights into how to provide customer service from a distance. Here are a few keys.

Ford cuts prices on segment-leading 2021 Explorer

Ford cuts prices on segment-leading 2021 Explorer https://ift.tt/2DZGotO

Depending on trims, the 2021 model year crossover will be up to $3,700 cheaper than the 2020 model, according to a price list reported by blog Ford Authority.

Startup Digital Motors looks to give dealerships online chops

Startup Digital Motors looks to give dealerships online chops https://ift.tt/322vbke

CEO Andreas Hinrichs says the company pushed up its launch by four months as the coronavirus pandemic led to showroom closures across the country.

Dealers challenge Hyundai upgrades

Dealers challenge Hyundai upgrades https://ift.tt/3kR9YT3

Eight state dealer associations are pushing back on Hyundai and Genesis facility programs as costly and coercive.

Retailers spend big to split off Jeep showrooms

Retailers spend big to split off Jeep showrooms https://ift.tt/3ay5RGw

After spending a decade consolidating its brands under one roof, FCA is now seeking exclusivity for its highly profitable SUV brand in certain markets. Some dealers have been happy to do so and say their investments are paying off.

Cadillac preps dealer network for upcoming EVs, including Lyriq

Cadillac preps dealer network for upcoming EVs, including Lyriq https://ift.tt/3g7aNU6

Before production of the Lyriq begins in 2022, Cadillac is asking dealers to install charging stations on-site and go through training to sell and repair EVs. Service bays will need special tools and lifts that can accommodate batteries.

Could a decade of stability in dealership count be ending?

Could a decade of stability in dealership count be ending? https://ift.tt/3iKNlOf

Declining new-vehicle sales have in the past been a leading indicator that a lower dealership count is imminent.

After loss of husband to COVID-19, Katharine Garff takes the helm

After loss of husband to COVID-19, Katharine Garff takes the helm https://ift.tt/2PY8Fn1

Katharine Garff, who in March lost her husband of nearly 55 years, Robert Garff, to complications from the coronavirus, will now lead megadealer Ken Garff Automotive Group and Garff Enterprises Inc. as chairwoman.

Empire Automotive creates toll-free help line

Empire Automotive creates toll-free help line https://ift.tt/3h5ZXiv

It became clear the dealership group was not going to be selling any vehicles at the height of the pandemic. So it used its cars to help.

Software review eliminates costs, redundancy

Software review eliminates costs, redundancy https://ift.tt/3kRu9Ag

When service-lane volume dramatically decreased in April, Lehigh Valley Honda Service Manager Dan Carcione found a way to save the parent company, Vinart Auto Group, $250,000 a year.

Expanded auto repair financing options gain traction

Expanded auto repair financing options gain traction https://ift.tt/2PZ1WJu

Finance products specifically devoted to repair lending have emerged in recent years. No one expected them to come in handy during a pandemic, but they have.

5 minutes with: Tim Turvey, GM global vice president of customer care and aftersales

5 minutes with: Tim Turvey, GM global vice president of customer care and aftersales https://ift.tt/30ZH4s0

It's always good to go out on a high note, and that's what Tim Turvey, General Motors' global vice president of customer care and aftersales, will do Sept. 1, when he retires after a 37-year career.

Taking initiative helps keep business rolling

Taking initiative helps keep business rolling https://ift.tt/2Y3fkAM

As state-mandated shutdowns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic slowed business in the service lane, many fixed ops directors reduced hours and, in some cases, limited appointments to emergencies only.

Fixed in time: Selling parts in 1937

Fixed in time: Selling parts in 1937 https://ift.tt/3kPK41P

A parts salesman for Parkinson-Neal Motor Co., a Ford dealership in Enid, Okla., makes a sales visit to a gas station and repair facility in that state.

Fixed ops leaders find out what their teams are made of in hard times

Fixed ops leaders find out what their teams are made of in hard times https://ift.tt/2Y7tvow

Operating during a crisis often leaves little time for reflection. Still, three fixed ops directors shared a revelation brought to light by these difficult times.

Consistent pricing, better processes build trust

Consistent pricing, better processes build trust https://ift.tt/31XJMNN

During the recent business downturn, service department officials at Hansel Auto Group in California had time to take a deeper dive into the capabilities of a Dynatron Software platform. A discovery could result in six-figure revenue increases at each of the groups' nine stores.

App or adviser? Service customers go either way

App or adviser? Service customers go either way https://ift.tt/2EbWTmd

Mobile apps let customers set appointments, check in and even compile a list of needed repair work, all without customers ever speaking to a service adviser. But do customers prefer this mobile method?