The 10 biggest stories of 2017

The staff of Automotive News ranked the top 10 stories from 2017, and EVs -- absent from the list a year ago -- shot to the No. 1 spot.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180101/OEM/180109987/the-biggest-stories-of-2017

Ford CMO Kumar Galhotra aims to build on success at Lincoln

For Kumar Galhotra, handing out resumes at Ford's product campus 30 years ago paid off with a career that now has him taking on high-stakes responsibilities as the automaker's chief marketing officer.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180101/OEM02/180109982/galhotra-aims-build-success-lincoln

2017 Photos of the year: Disasters

Here are some photos of various disasters that took place in 2017 and the impact they had on the auto industry and beyond.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180101/RETAIL/171229865/2017-photos-of-the-year-disasters

Some interesting digits we found in 2017

A roundup of miles, dollars and other numbers that occured to us as 2017 was winding down.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180101/RETAIL/180109999/2017-top-10-by-the-numbers

How fast is the automotive landscape changing?

The epochal era of owning and driving an automobile -- over a century old -- is about to get smaller and smaller in America's rearview mirror. But let's not overstate the case, either.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171229/BLOG06/171229855/how-fast-is-the-automotive-landscape-changing

Mexico extends used-car import rules to help domestic sales

Mexico extended rules that impose restrictions on the importation of used autos, to bolster domestic sales amid uncertainty over trade ties with the United States, the country's top export market.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171228/RETAIL04/171229869/mexico-imports-used-cars-trade-us

Autonomous cars need tougher batteries, lithium-ion pioneer says

Battery makers must rethink their technology if predictions for a wave of self-driving vehicles pan out, according to one of the inventors of the lithium-ion battery.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171228/MOBILITY/171229874/autonomous-car-battery-lithium-ion-ridesharing

2018 Lincoln Navigator will have familiar face in driver's seat: Matthew McConaughey

Lincoln is putting Matthew McConaughey back in the driver's seat -- this time in the redesigned 2018 Navigator for a new marketing campaign.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171228/RETAIL03/171229885/2018-lincoln-navigator-mcconaughey-advertising-marketing-campaign

7 questions for Nissan Europe sales chief Philippe Saillard

Nissan Europe's sales and marketing chief, Philippe Saillard, spoke with Automotive News Europe about his outlook for the European market and shared his thoughts on the biggest challenges facing automakers in Europe in 2018.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20171228/ANE/171229993/7-questions-for-nissan-europe-sales-chief-philippe-saillard

Plan now for a changing industry

Dealers who just a few months ago may have been reluctant to plan for the future could be shifting their perspectives as the pace of change quickens in auto retail.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171227/BLOG13/171229889/dealers-future-technology-changes

Darwin Online offers a next step toward digital FandI

Tool enables customers on dealership websites to finance vehicles and add FandI products to their shopping carts. Transactions are completed in-store.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171227/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/171229890/darwin-online-financing-lending-hinrichs-expansion

Smooth year-end wind-up springs from 'process, process, process'

The year-end sales frenzy can throw even auto finance veterans off their game. Adherence to FandI procedures and teamwork are key.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171227/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/171229888/dealer-finance-retail-lending-process

First Shift: Most memorable ads of 2017

Most memorable ads of 2017: Kia takes Melissa McCarthy on 'Hero's Journey'; Tears, troops and Hyundai; Escape challenges CR-V; Antarctic adventure; Baby hamster on board.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171227/VIDEO/312279998/first-shift-most-memorable-ads-of-2017

How green version of iconic London taxi will become global

Carl-Peter Forster is a veteran of the industry after stints at BMW, Tata Motors and as head of GM's European operations.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20171227/ANE/171229992/how-green-version-of-iconic-london-taxi-will-become-global

AutoNation supports cancer research

AutoNation Inc. and the Orlando Sports Foundation presented a $3.3 million check to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the AutoNation Cure Bowl on Dec. 16.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL07/171229904/autonation-donation-foundation

Detroit's fierce pickup rivalry gets fiercer

Competition in the pickup sector will be raised a notch in 2018 as Ford, General Motors and FCA US pursue new strategies for their trucks.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL01/171229903/fierce-pickup-rivalry-gets-fiercer

Renault exec to run Nissan N.A.

Nissan Motor Co. has tapped a Renault executive with a deep background in the European and Russian auto industry to take over as chairman of Nissan North America.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/OEM02/171229905/nissan-renault-executive-alliance

Lease returns to power used-car sales in 2018

The most challenging environment in 2018 may be for independent dealers specializing in older used vehicles, which are in relatively short supply.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL04/171229911/off-lease-used-sales-2018-prediction

If you struggle at the sedan game, maybe it's time to bow out

So the year comes to an end without providing much in the way of answers to a series of mind-bending questions that face the U.S. auto industry.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL01/171229934/sedan-sales-editorial-opinion

Understanding the key to vehicle individualization

A top industry analyst at J.D. Power asks: Why do we suddenly have so many different versions of one vehicle on the market?

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL01/171229954/tanja-schweiger-column-vehicle-versions

Online used car trade-in evals curtail haggling

Haggling over a trade-in's value at the dealership is going the way of tailfins, in large part because of valuation services available online, a survey shows.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL04/171229973/haggling-used-vehicle-trade-ins-survey

Rising risk from uninsured, flooded cars

Warning to used-car buyers: Uninsured vehicles damaged by Hurricane Harvey flooding won't be retitled as junk or salvage, may be resold in private sales.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171225/RETAIL04/171229976/rising-risk-from-uninsured-flooded-cars

Storm-driven sales gains disappear

Used and new auto replacements tied to hurricanes Harvey and Irma almost disappeared in November after driving substantial gains in September and October.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171224/RETAIL04/171229974/storm-driven-sales-gains-disappear

Forecasters see 2018 sales falling below 17 million

It looks like 2018 will be the first time in four years that U.S. new-vehicle sales fall short of 17 million, though the tax reform bill that Congress passed last week could give the industry a boost.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171223/RETAIL01/171229902/forecast-2018-auto-sales

A century of loyalty keeps Chevy trucks moving

What makes someone a "Chevy Guy?" Chevrolet pickup owners say it's a mix of tradition, family and a respectful dislike of any truck with a Blue Oval.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171223/RETAIL01/171229956/chevy-loyalty-keeps-trucks-moving

Used-car recall dispute flares in Tennessee

Proponents of a new Tennessee law regulating sales of recalled vehicles call it a step forward in closing what some call the used-car loophole. Consumer and safety groups call it a sham.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171223/RETAIL04/171229913/used-car-recall-dispute-flares-in-tennessee

Renault exec shares secrets of automaker's low-cost car success

Marc Suss oversees Renault's line of low-cost cars sold in Europe, India, Brazil and Russia. Suss spoke with Automotive News Europe about the future of the program.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20171223/ANE/171229960/renault-exec-shares-secrets-of-automakers-low-cost-car-success

December U.S. sales predicted to be strong but down from 2016

December is projected to produce the highest U.S. new-vehicle sales volume of the year, but it won't be enough for 2017 to top last year's record-setting total.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171222/RETAIL01/171229920/december-us-auto-sales-forecast

The cloudy demographic future for collectible cars

Do the next generations really want to inherit all those collectible cars from their baby boomer parents? Auction prices offer a hint.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171222/BLOG06/171229923/collectible-cars-boomers-auction-prices

Bracing for EV shift, NGK Spark Plug ignites all solid-state battery quest

Facing the eventual demise of gasoline engines, the world's biggest maker of spark plugs is turning its focus to a component it believes will be just as vital in the coming era of electric vehicles -- next-generation all solid state batteries.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171222/OEM05/171229928/solid-state-battery-development-ngk-japan

CarMax Q3 earnings rise 8.9%

CarMax said its net earnings rose 8.9 percent to $148 million in its third fiscal quarter from the year-earlier period, led by an 8.2 percent rise in used-vehicle sales.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171221/RETAIL/171229939/carmax-q3-earnings-used-sales-technology

CarMax Q3 earnings rise 8.9%

CarMax Inc.'s net earnings rose 8.9 percent to $148 million in its third fiscal quarter from the year-earlier period, led by an 8.2 percent rise in used-vehicle sales, the company reported Thursday.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171221/RETAIL/171229939/carmax-q3-earnings-rise-8-9

NIADA acquires assets, operations of buy-here, pay-here association

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has acquired the assets and operations of the National Alliance of Buy Here, Pay Here Dealers.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171221/RETAIL07/171229951/used-cars-association-merger

Uber's loss in Europe shows trans-Atlantic split over technology, regulation

A European Union decision to treat Uber like a taxi company spotlights a divide over how governments cope with disruptive technologies and could embolden U.S. cities to restrict ride-sharing.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171221/MOBILITY/171229953/uber-regulation-europe-us-cities-taxis

Kia's 'Gift' takes top viral video spot

Kia's Christmas tear-jerker, "The Gift," featuring a cute, ignored and seemingly sad dog, debuts in the No. 1 spot on our list of top viral videos this week.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171220/VIRALVIDEO/312209997/kias-gift-takes-top-viral-video-spot

Private equity firm purchases 10% stake in Cars.com

An activist investor has purchased a 9.9 percent stake in Cars.com under the notion that the auto sales website is undervalued with potential to increase profit margins.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171219/RETAIL/171219731/cars-dotcom-retail-dealer-private-equity

Private equity firm purchases 10% stake in Cars.com

Starboard Value bought a 9.9 percent stake in Cars.com under the notion that the auto sales website is undervalued with potential to increase profit margins.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171219/RETAIL/171219731/private-equity-firm-purchases-10-stake-in-cars-com

Waymo partners with insurance firm to cover AV riders

Waymo, the self-driving company spun out from Google, is partnering with insurance startup Trov to provide trip-based coverage for autonomous vehicle riders.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171219/MOBILITY/171219732/waymo-autonomous-rider-insurance

UPS pre-orders 125 Tesla electric semi-trucks -- largest order yet

United Parcel Service said it is buying 125 Tesla all-electric semi-trucks -- the largest order for the big rig so far.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171219/OEM05/171219739/tesla-truck-ups-electric-musk

Many EVs on the way, but few buyers await

Automakers with ambitious plans to roll out more than a hundred new battery-powered models in the next five years appear to be forgetting one thing: Drivers aren't yet buzzed about the technology.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171219/OEM05/171219747/electric-vehicle-supply-demand-sales

PSA got a bargain with Opel, former GM Europe boss says

PSA got a "good deal" when it bought General Motors' European operations, Opel/Vauxhall, says Nick Reilly, who was GM's troubleshooter before he retired in 2011.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20171219/BLOG15/171219801/psa-got-a-bargain-with-opel-former-gm-europe-boss-says

BMW electric cars hit 100,000 global sales target

BMW said it reached its target of selling 100,000 electrified cars this year around the world, benefiting from stronger demand in western Europe and the United States.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/OEM05/171219753/bmw-electric-sales-global-goal

Time for dealers to refresh harassment policies

With famous men being outed weekly on charges of sexual misconduct, a dealer lawyer warns dealers it's time to refresh sexual harassment policies and procedures.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/BLOG06/171219754/time-for-dealers-to-refresh-harassment-policies

Wildfires rattle Calif. dealership community

As the California wildfires push westward, curtains of ash and smoke continue to stifle dealership communities as they grapple with damage, customer slowdown and personal property loss.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL/171219756/california-fires-auto-dealership-rattled

Dealers selling service gift cards, certificates as stocking stuffers

Dealership service departments say that gift cards/certificates/coupons make great stocking stuffers this holiday season.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL05/171219907/dealership-service-gift-cars

EV obstacles falling for buyers, automakers

Several factors that limit the appeal of electric vehicles, to consumers and manufacturers, are changing fast.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL05/171219905/ev-obstacles-falling-for-buyers-automakers

Future of Ford Fusion unclear as North America production ending

Ford last week told suppliers that it was canceling plans to build the next-generation Fusion starting in 2020 at the Mexico plant that makes the car now, sources said.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL01/171219780/ford-fusion-sedan-manufacturing

Pay us for recalled used cars, dealers say

Federal law requires automakers pay a dealer 1 percent of the value of a new car that is under recall to cover floorplanning, insurance, depreciation and other costs, but there is nothing similar for used vehicles in most states.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL07/171219774/dealers-recall-legislation-used-vehicles

AMG up to nearly 10% of Mercedes U.S. sales

After numerous product introductions and explosive U.S. sales growth in 2017, the Mercedes-AMG performance subbrand is on the cusp of representing 10 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA's luxury-vehicle business.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL01/171219772/amg-up-to-nearly-10-of-mercedes-u-s-sales

Lincoln missed an opportunity

Lincoln Motor Co. must have determined a consumer need that translates loosely to superlative customer service. It is a great story, and if executed, could capture new brand loyalists. But that was not my experience.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20171218/RETAIL03/171219825/lincoln-missed-an-opportunity