Automotive

Articles

Articles about the broad scope of the automotive industry, dealers, and innovative ways of doing business.

Automotive

Electricity Costs Are Closing A Gap Between ICE And EV.

Electricity costs are still very much tied to fuel costs. If fuel costs are balanced, will consumers stick with the EV experience?

May 18, 2022

Automotive

Cadillac Attracts New Consumers

The Cadillac EV is popular with people out west, young folks, and fans of musiq.

May 18, 2022

Automotive

Stellantis Reverses Supplier Terms

Stellantis profits were up 12% for Q1 this year and suppliers think they can pay full price with all that walkin’ around money.

May 18, 2022

Automotive

Market Research Finds Americans Prefer Dealerships

Consumers value the experience dealers offer and aren’t going anywhere, which means dealers are free to focus on the experience they are offering. #TheCircleOfLife or something.

May 17, 2022

Automotive

Mask Mandates Return to Many Detroit Auto Plants

If it’s good enough for air travel…er, scratch that. We just work here.

May 17, 2022

Automotive

Hyundai And Kia Climb The EV Ranks

So you’re saying the company that has been selling EVs the 2nd longest is the 2nd best at it? Somebody write that down, it seems important.

May 17, 2022

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz Issues "Do Not Drive" Recall

Service Departments everywhere getting ready to play the hero: “Hold my wrench.”

May 16, 2022

Automotive

GM Makes A Deal With Plant Workers

Drawing a big circle around the industry requires acknowledging that without automotive manufacturers, there is no automotive retail. Supporting your people is key from Mom and Pop shops up to multinational corporations!

May 16, 2022

Automotive

David Long and Acquisition Channels

The best sales strategy in the world doesn't work if you have no cars, yall.

May 13, 2022

Automotive

Rivian's Q1 Up and Down

Rivian is sitting on 90K preorders and working on a massive new factory in Georgia. What are billions of dollars in losses when you got a plan?

May 13, 2022

Automotive

Volkswagen Eyes 10% of US Market Share

Ever putting on a master class in brand development, VW moving a model out on its own as a brand definitely feels like a “Shots Fired” moment!

May 13, 2022

Automotive

The Metaverse: The Next Frontier in Retail Automotive

"Oh great another new thing to learn, why can't we just do things the old way?" -Closed-minded folks back when the printing press came around.

May 12, 2022

Automotive

Investment Leader Trims Tesla Holdings

This feels like a sign Tesla’s EV superiority is on a timeline while GM’s lead robotaxi position is on its way up.

May 12, 2022

Automotive

Carvana Lays Off 2,500 Workers

There are already people in the retail automotive space ready to hire people facing this disruption.

May 12, 2022

Automotive

Toyota Announces Expected Cut To Yearly Profits

It would seem they would lose a lot more profit if they passed the full cost increase down the line pricing customers out of buying. This transparent adjustment of expectations seems like a valuable move in the long term sense. What do you think?

May 12, 2022

Automotive

How to build incredible value into your vendor/dealer partnerships.

Pushback Proverb — Actually, the best way to eat an elephant is to bring friends.

May 11, 2022

Automotive

EV Registrations Up 60%

High gas prices + new/used car supply issues + tax incentives + climate anxiety = consumers are trying new options

May 11, 2022

Automotive

Ford Sells 8 Million Shares of Rivian

Ford also launched their EV truck 5 seconds ago, so maybe they don't like Rivian's pace anymore.

May 11, 2022

Automotive

Tackling TikTok With Jodi Porter

New viral TikTok trend — It’s like pet adoption ads but for cars. Leave Sarah McLachlan out of it though…

May 10, 2022

Automotive

Advancing Searchability Strategies with Troy Spring

Sometimes when you search for something, you want to find it…ok fine, all the time.

May 10, 2022

Automotive

Used Car Prices Easing

It would stand to reason good news for consumers looking to buy is good news for dealers looking to sell.

May 9, 2022

Automotive

Battery Maker Eyes New Plant In US

It’s a tough choice, SC has the ocean, but KY has *Googles*... 95% of the world's bourbon production…hmm.

May 9, 2022

Automotive

ATUC Ep 51 Preparing for the Hurricane Warning

Based on the last two years, we doubt even a literal hurricane could make retail automotive take a long weekend.

May 6, 2022

Automotive

Rising Interest Rates Drive Higher Auto Loans Payments

Look for other areas to help your customers save money and let them know that you understand that they're being stretched really thin. -Paul J Daly

May 6, 2022

Automotive

Nikola Has Impressive First Quarter

Dad Joke Incoming — Now that’s a startup who knows how to deliver.

May 6, 2022

Automotive

Volkswagen Group Invests In Spain

OEMs are making major moves towards these 2030 EV goals. We wonder how those who wait until 2029 to adapt will make out.

May 6, 2022

Automotive

Cryptocurrency Use Is Becoming More Common Among Dealers

List of fast things — Light, Crypto transactions, toddlers with something in their mouth they should not have.

May 5, 2022

Automotive

Georgia Offers Rivian Big Incentive Deal

Tax breaks and incentives don't an economy make, but they go a long way.

May 5, 2022

Automotive

Porsche Leads EV Battery Startup Investment

Group14— “How much are you willing to pay for dibs?” Porsche: “yes.”

May 5, 2022

Automotive

Toyota EV Tax Credit Nears End

Take away for Auto Dealers — It’s good to pay attention to the air war, but you will always win or lose based on the ground game YOU control.

May 4, 2022

Automotive

Vehicle Deliveries For April Drop

“[OEMs] have not failed, they just found another way to not [adapt to supply chain disruptions.]” - Thomas A. Edison (Modern interpretation)

May 4, 2022

Automotive

India's Hydrogen Policy Draws Companies

Rocks Vs. Sticks, DVDs Vs. Blu Ray, Hydrogen VS Lithium, etc

May 4, 2022

Automotive

Apollo Rescues Carvana Adesa Deal

Apollo also got Carvana’s cat out of a tree and helped them put sunscreen on that spot between their shoulder blades.

May 3, 2022

Automotive

US To Boost Battery Production

Consumers are interested in EVs. OEMs are interested in EVs. The government is interested in EVs. If anybody is hoping this would just disappear, it ain't!

May 3, 2022

Automotive

Stellantis Invests $2.8B in Canada

Truth be told, it's a little weird Canada isn’t already packed full of electric Jeeps. They just seem right for one another.

May 3, 2022

Automotive

All Things Used Cars Ep. 50 "Are you ready for a changing market?"

Riddle — “How do you read a consumer’s mind?” Cars.com: “ask em?”

May 2, 2022

Automotive

FTC Announces Data Security Rules For Dealers

Calling all lawyers-turned-tech-development vendors, Pitch Tank is about to be LITIGIOUS…

May 2, 2022

Automotive

Tesla Recalls 48K Vehicles

Let's just add ethernet cables to charging stations. Two for one.

May 2, 2022

Automotive

LIFO Tax Relief Gains Support

Maybe deferring tax payments will have the same effect on the supply chain issues as deferring rent has on water heater repairs?

April 29, 2022

Automotive

Ford's Q1 Moves

Remember a few weeks ago when Ford said “Nah, we aren’t splitting our business?”

April 29, 2022

Automotive

Nissan's Japanese Output Plunges

The line between disrupting existing production and launching new products is an interesting one. Where would you fall?

April 29, 2022

Automotive

Parts And Service Recover

“Nothing is certain but death and taxes (and also oil changes)”

April 28, 2022

Automotive

GM to Tie Executive Compensation to EV Targets

Coming soon to GM dealers — Now announcing our “Get cool with EVs in a hurry, please” program.

April 28, 2022

Automotive

Saudi Government Orders 100,000 Vehicles From Lucid

Lucid: Number one EV choice for people who are invested in Lucid.

April 28, 2022

Automotive

Detroit Auto Show Set For September

Circles Dates With Pencil - Saves Room For ASOTU Event

April 27, 2022

Automotive

Ford To Increase F-150 Lightning Production

Most EVs feel like leaving what is normal, the F-150 is about as normal as American vehicles get.

April 27, 2022

Automotive

Corvette Goes Electric

Theory — The new electric Corvette will slightly recharge every time somebody stops to watch it pass.

April 27, 2022

Automotive

Nissan Shared Slump 5%

Nissan said they would buy some of whatever Renault sells off, so now they will do so for a lower cost.

April 26, 2022

Automotive

The New York Auto Show

Are auto shows like these a glimpse of the EV showrooms of the future?

April 26, 2022

Automotive

Toyota and Nissan Enter The Metaverse

Brian Kramer was there to welcome them to the metaverse with orange slices and root beer.

April 26, 2022

Automotive

Perfecting Your Appraisal Process

Big takeaway — Don’t call anything “instant” if you hope to communicate quality. Also, don’t call anything “instant” that takes 24 hours to complete.

April 25, 2022

Automotive

Texas Accuses Vroom of Deceptive Trade Practices

Who’da thunk selling somebody a car included giving them the paperwork needed to actually OWN the car?

April 25, 2022

Automotive

Renault Considers Splitting ICE and EV Business

Sitcom plot translation — EV and ICE are growing up. It’s time they ditch their bunk beds and have their own rooms.

April 25, 2022

Automotive

The Psychology of Why Carmax is a Vacuum for Acquiring Used Vehicles

Brian Kramer takes a look at the human aspect behind used car appraisals.

April 22, 2022

Automotive

Carvana Reports Larger Than Expected Q1 Losses

Dealers are trying to add the right amount of online presence to their operations. Will Carvana look to add a little more physical presence to its operations?

April 22, 2022

Automotive

COX Automotive Take-Aways From Q1 2022

No two markets are the same, but if you look the whole country as one huge market, some things stand out.

April 22, 2022

Automotive

Toyota Invests $383M in US Production

With all these productions investments going around, it seems when the inventory shortage breaks there will be no putting it back together.

April 22, 2022

Automotive

Lithia Motors Reports Doubled Income For Q1

People are going back to work, getting their tax returns, and looking for better gas mileage. In spite of reduced supply, the high profits are still available to dealers with the right inventory.

April 21, 2022

Automotive

European Auto Industry Seeks Resource Independence

Europe's mom just told it “we got rare earth metals at home.”

April 21, 2022

Automotive

Ford Starting Early Delivery of EVs This Month

Lowest cost? ✅ First to market EV pickup? ✅ Had to shut down registrations at 200k? ✅ Considers dealers an essential part of the plan???

April 20, 2022

Automotive

EV Sales Remain Strong Despite Battery Costs

Evs are popular but there is also an unprecedented inventory situation at play here resulting in people paying more for vehicles across the market.

April 20, 2022

Automotive

Rivian Confident Despite Shortages

So far, Rivian is matching its self-proclaimed rival Tesla in terms of media attention. Production, sales, and consumer favor... no comment

April 19, 2022

Automotive

Chinese Auto Factories Are Reopening

The data will show whose downtime planning pays off. Maybe there is something for all OEMs to learn coming up?

April 19, 2022

Automotive

Manufacturing Rebound In March

Manufacturing has been like roll-starting a car uphill. Maybe the engine has finally turned over?

April 18, 2022

Automotive

BMW Cautions Against Abandoning ICE Completely

Translation — Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Look around, disruptions are bound to happen.

April 18, 2022

Automotive

All Things Used Cars EP.48 "Perfecting Your Appraisal Process"

Leads are meant to be followed, yall.

April 15, 2022

Automotive

Toyota Issues Recall For Glitch

Service Centers everywhere - “Hello, when would you like to schedule your new brake download?”

April 15, 2022

Automotive

Volkswagen Q1 Profits Rise

VW’s stocks went up, but VW’s stock went down. 🤔

April 15, 2022

Automotive

Carmax Released Q4 Data

The data is clear that individuals are selling their cars online more than ever. As David Long would say, “How do we future-proof ourselves?”

April 14, 2022

Automotive

Lucid Debuts Latest Tesla Rival

Other things you could buy with $200K — 4 Teslas, 7 horses, or 168K taco bell tacos. Choose wisely.

April 14, 2022

Automotive

Chinese Car Market In Disarray

Some studies say lockdowns are a fast track to crushing covid numbers, let’s hold hope the people of China get stability soon. For them and the industry.

April 14, 2022

Automotive

GM Strikes Cobalt Deal

Several of these long-term partnerships have popped up recently. Evidence that things get better when our circles grow, not just wider, but deeper.

April 13, 2022

Automotive

Hyundai Investing In US Production

Commercial idea for Hyundai — Make me a hybrid that flies from Montgomery…

April 13, 2022

Automotive

Honda Targets 30 EVs By 2030

2030 is starting to feel like a hyped-up OEM boxing match waiting to happen…

April 13, 2022

Automotive

Toyota Adjusts Inventory Goals

We all learned new tricks during the pandemic. Some of us learned to make bread and others restructured the inventory strategy of international corporations.

April 12, 2022

Automotive

Nissan Partners With NASA For Battery Development

“Collaboration is rocket-fuel in the engine of innovation” - Henry Ford, probably.

April 12, 2022

Automotive

CMA CGM To Acquire GEFCO

This Russia state-owned asset yard sale brought to you by sanctions?

April 12, 2022

Automotive

Dealers Partner With College Athletes

Fans can rejoice in their chosen college teams + student athletes get paid = dealers win. Seems like ad money well spent.

April 11, 2022

Automotive

Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index

TL:DR — Used car values are declining(ish), but sales are still on the rise.

April 11, 2022

Automotive

All Things Used Cars Ep. 47 "Q2 Economic Outlook with Jonathan Smoke"

“The next night Pharaoh dreamed about 7 sickly cars devouring the 7 healthy cars…” Economist 41:4

April 8, 2022

Automotive

Investment Firm To Acquire CDK Global in Q3

Y’all hear that? The sound of a lot of red tape being peeled off?

April 8, 2022

Automotive

Toyota Boosts Autonomous Driving Development

We’re crossing our fingers and adding a tally mark next to “Tesla has self-driving figured out” on our wall.

April 8, 2022

Automotive

Jeep Pulls Ahead in Auto Ad Ranking

Jeep should just start paying Jeep owners for the advertising they’re constantly doing...

April 8, 2022

Automotive

VW Scraps Models To Shift Focus

Telling it like it is - Another OEM is working toward releasing more EVs by 2030. Seriously haven’t they all said this already?

April 7, 2022

Automotive

Boosting production or price gouging?

Confidence? Are they saying gas prices will go down if we give them a pep talk?

April 7, 2022

Automotive

Rivian Q1 Reports

Rivian Investors are like — “You go to your assembly plant and think about what you’ve done.”

April 7, 2022

Automotive

GM and Honda Team Up

Band Together (verb): To create partnerships where competition formerly dominated in order to achieve far more than you previously imagined.

April 6, 2022

Automotive

Average New Car Monthly Payments Reach All-Time Highs

Good news/bad news — Traditional lessees are looking to buy. Traditional buyers are considering bikes.

April 6, 2022

Automotive

Mercedes Broadens Chip-Shortage Vacation

Telling it like it is — Taking a production break to build a cushion between the OEM and supply shortage is smart. Making sure your workers don’t feel the pinch while you take that break is smarter.

April 6, 2022

Automotive

Hertz Announces Deal with Polestar

How long before self-driving tech allows EV startups to bypass rental agencies like direct sales try to bypass dealers?

April 5, 2022

Automotive

Senate Urges Tax Relief For Dealerships

Who ever said NADA just throws parties?

April 5, 2022

Automotive

The US Sets New Fuel Standards

We had our doubts about Air Force 1 being traded for a hang glider at first, but you can’t beat that mileage!

April 5, 2022

Automotive

Tesla Has Record Q1

Tesla took first place in EV sales from the previous market leader: Tesla. Should be interesting when 2023 comes around and legacy OEMs roll out their competition…

April 4, 2022

Automotive

FTC Brings $10M Suit Against Napleton Automotive Group

No funny quips on this one. If we learn anything from this, let it be that transparency and consistency are not optional.

April 4, 2022

Automotive

All Things Used Cars EP 46 "Grow Your Used Car Market With Your People"

David Long, Adam Arens, and Patrick Abad shared some insights about the critical roles people play in the success of a dealership.

April 1, 2022

Automotive

Furrow Automotive Adds $17M Campus in Knoxville.

Dealers are in a unique position. They never have to guess what their customer base wants because the conversation is always going.

March 31, 2022

Automotive

Japanese Automakers Push Back

It's really nice to read an article that isn't doom and gloom. Here's to more of them in the future!

March 31, 2022

Automotive

Luxury Korean Automaker Opens First US Retail Store

Does America have room in its heart for another Genesis? Phil Collins and the Bible think “sure.”

March 31, 2022

Automotive

The US Seeks To Boost Microchip Production

Sounds like thunder on a dry day.

March 30, 2022

Automotive

Shanghai Locks Down Amid Covid Spike

Some of us remember lockdown life: We hope somebody brought a deck of cards, some books, or at least a playlist to enjoy between shifts.

March 30, 2022