Direct sales take two steps forward in the US and one step back in Europe. The one step back is part of making real progress forward. Like Indiana Jones, you never know which step may have a booby-trap.
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Some say Hyundai's partnership with Amazon is a game-changer for the auto industry, signaling a significant shift towards online car sales. This move introduces direct sales of Hyundai cars on Amazon, with fixed, non-negotiable prices and integrated financing options. It's a sign that the traditional dealership model is evolving, especially as this approach could encourage other manufacturers to adopt similar online sales strategies.
The strategy for US auto dealers looking to stay ahead is clear: adapt or get left behind. Dealerships should consider ramping up their online sales game by offering transparent pricing and exceptional digital experiences. Specializing in electric vehicles and leveraging technology for better customer service is also crucial.
What do you think? Amazon is known for claiming markets, but they've never moved in on something as robust and well-established as the US dealer network. Hit reply and let us know how you see this playing out in 1, 5, 10, or 50 years.
Tesla says they will release the Roadster next year. No, like, for real.
Why now? BYD just announced its $233K sports car, which stands as a direct challenge to the sub-one-second 0-60 super Tesla, and Musk just can't have that.
Whatever happened to that Roadster in space? Since its launch in 2018, it has drifted toward Mars. Forever floating as a publicity stunt for Tesla and a show of application for SpaceX. It should reapproach Earth in 20 years and crash into Earth, Venus, or the Sun within 15M years.
Toyota has not responded to union wage demands in the second round of their talks. The next round is set for March 6, so we won't know much before then.
Aston Martin is delaying its first BEV by one year until 2026. The delay follows a new deal the automaker signed with Lucid Group to enhance electrification through partnership. While they join companies like Mercedes-Benz in postponing their electric goals, they do still have a 2B euro commitment to transitioning from ICE to BEV tech.
The Apple Car is dead. Apple canceled its project to develop an autonomous EV and will instead focus its effort on AI. So, instead of robots crashing our cars, they may crash our society.
The entire car team has been disbanded, so if Apple were to enter the automotive market, it would require a whole new beginning for their efforts.
We saw news about Jaguar Land Rover abandoning its fixed-price car sales plan in Europe and will continue with a traditional franchise model.
We asked our friend Michael Wood, General Manager of Jaguar and Land Rover of Virginia Beach, for his thoughts.
"It is a bit shocking to see this occurring in Europe with JLR. My understanding was that they were moving along smoothly, which seems to not be the case.
Joe Eberhardt, CEO of JLR North America, announced an alternative to this Agency model for the USA stores in 2022. The modern luxury sales platform was to roll out in 2023 but was met with resistance in a few states based on a few key features, like selling out of each other's inventory and market-based MSRP fluctuations based on demand. I, for one, was invigorated by Joe's plan. He recognized that there is a need and desire from the consumer for a better sales experience, all while recognizing that the dealer franchise model is key in delivering a leading-class after-sales experience.
Regardless of what has occurred in Europe, I stand behind the vision that Mr. Eberhardt has for JLR North America and am bullish on our future!"
Check out this chat with Michael on the Auto Collabs podcast.
Attacking Experience with Michael Wood | Auto Collabs
Grab your ticket to ASOTU CON 2024 to hear more from Michael and many other leaders from the auto community in Baltimore May 14-17.
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Stories are weird. Almost all of them are told from the comfort of a place beyond their conclusion. Not many people possess the ability to look around in a given moment of tense uncertainty and say, “Well… this certainly seems to be unfolding.”