Wells Fargo, seeking fresh start, renames beleaguered auto unit

Wells Fargo is renaming its auto-loan business a year after it was beset by regulatory scandals and operational hurdles.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180131/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/301319996/wells-fargo-seeking-fresh-start-renames-beleaguered-auto-unit

AutoNews Now: Ex-union VP implicated in FCA-UAW scandal

Ex-union VP implicated in FCA-UAW scandal; Nearly flat Jan. sales expected; Daimler, BMW move, suspend workers tied to fumes tests; Hyundai's Super Bowl ad spotlights cancer charity.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180131/VIDEO/301319963/autonews-now-ex-union-vp-implicated-in-fca-uaw-scandal

Penske ponders the costs of FandI managers

Penske Automotive Group's used-only stores generate $300 to $400 more gross profit per vehicle than the group's franchised stores. One reason: no FandI managers.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180131/BLOG13/180139961/penske-ponders-the-costs-of-fi-managers

Ford's late arrival to U.S. subcompact crossover segment symbolic of CEO's need to overhaul

To understand why CEO Jim Hackett is urgently overhauling Ford, look no further than the surging subcompact crossover segment.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180131/RETAIL/180139958/ford-ecosport-subcompact-crossover-suv-hackett

No Audi, but a quattro-like freeride skier

Audi partners with a freeride skiing expert and transports him to new locations in the newest video to join our charts.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180131/VIRALVIDEO/301319998/no-audi-but-a-quattro-like-freeride-skier

Ford credit rating threatened by negative Moody's outlook

Nearly six years after Ford reclaimed its good name in the credit community, the automaker was put on notice when Moody's signaled its investment-grade rating could again be at risk.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180131/OEM01/180139971/ford-credit-rating-moodys

January U.S. auto sales on similar pace as a year ago

U.S. new-vehicle sales this month are expected to roughly match the levels of January 2017, though the selling rate is projected to decline as the industry prepares for a second straight year of lower volume.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180130/RETAIL01/180139975/january-us-auto-sales-on-pace

Autoliv Q4 adjusted earnings rise 8%; strong sales growth expected in 2018

Autoliv forecasted higher organic sales growth this year after fourth-quarter adjusted earnings rose 8.2 percent and revenues increased 5 percent.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180130/ANE/180139992/autoliv-q4-adjusted-earnings-rise-8-strong-sales-growth-expected-in

Autoliv Q4 profit rises 8% as supplier sees strong 2018 sales growth

Autoliv forecasts higher than expected organic sales growth this year after fourth-quarter earnings rose 8.2 percent.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180130/ANE/180139992/autoliv-q4-profit-rises-8-as-supplier-sees-strong-2018-sales-growth

How Silicon Valley startup Nuro envisions delivery van of the future

The future of driverless driving looks like a giant toaster with a funny hat. That's an approximation of a new autonomous vehicle unveiled by Nuro, a Silicon Valley startup that's been cryptic about its business plan.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180130/MOBILITY/180139994/nuro-driverless-delivery-van

Opel, Spanish unions reach deal over Corsa plant

Opel and its Spanish unions have reached an agreement on worker conditions at its Zaragoza plant after threats by owner PSA to cut investment at the factory that builds the best-selling Opel Corsa.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180130/ANE/180139995/opel-spanish-unions-reach-deal-over-corsa-plant

Autotrader revamps to prepare for digital retailing

The Autotrader shopping site is changing so that it can shepherd consumers through much of a deal online and save them time when they connect with dealers.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL/180129751/autotrader-revamps-to-prepare-for-digital-retailing

Hyundai plans another live Super Bowl ad

Hyundai's Super Bowl spot will again take shape on game day. The brand will highlight its Hyundai Hope on Wheels initiative and the 60-second spot will air in the fourth quarter.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL/180129756/hyundai-super-bowl-ad-marketing

Hyundai pushes philanthropy in Super Bowl ad

Hyundai said it plans to use a 60-second ad spot in Sunday's Super Bowl to plug an organization dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL/180129759/hyundai-super-bowl-ad-philanthropy

Audi starts taking deposits for e-tron SUV

Audi is taking deposits from potential customers for its new e-tron full-electric SUV in four European markets. The e-tron will launch later this year as a rival to cars such as the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180129/ANE/180129814/audi-starts-taking-deposits-for-e-tron-suv

AutoNation looks other way when applicants test positive for marijuana

AutoNation no longer refuses to hire job applicants who test positive for marijuana in drug screenings, CEO Mike Jackson said.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL/180129762/autonation-applicants-test-positive-for-marijuana

Can Toyota's hardy Tacoma climb this hill?

A competitive barrage in midsize pickups could be tough for the Toyota Tacoma, the segment leader for more than a decade. Or it could be an opportunity for the burly Toyota to kick sand in the face of yet another challenger.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL01/180129774/can-toyota-hardy-tacoma-climb-this-hill

Buick raises forecasts for Regal TourX wagon

Buick believes the vehicle could account for as much as 50 percent of Regal sales in the U.S.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL01/180129777/buick-raises-forecasts-for-regal-wagon

Jeep's global growth plans hit a pothole

Jeep's global vehicle sales fell nearly 1 percent last year and are likely to miss a 2 million target set for this year, denting plans to make the brand a global powerhouse.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL01/180129783/jeep-global-sales-fleet

Cadillac builds pricing power, even as sales sag

Cadillac reports its average transaction price has risen 25 percent in the last five years to $54,488 per vehicle sold in 2017 -- making it among the best in the luxury segment.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL01/180129804/cadillac-builds-pricing-power-even-as-sales-sag

For Tesla buyers, no arm and leg

Luxury buyers are among the least-stretched in meeting monthly car payments, a study found.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL01/180129800/for-tesla-buyers-no-arm-and-leg

U.S. consumers choose pickups in a landslide

A map breaking down sales by county across the country shows how dominant pickups are in the United States.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL01/180129802/u-s-consumers-choose-pickups-in-a-landslide

Reebok wants to convert gas stations to fitness centers

Reebok has a plan for unused gas stations in a future of electric vehicles: turn them into fitness centers.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/MOBILITY/180129803/reebok-wants-to-fill-up-former-gas-stations-with-fitness-buffs

Mini's U.S. boss Thomas Felbermair calls for sales rebound, higher dealership profitability in 2018 on strength of Countryman sales

With a full year of the redesigned Countryman available, Mini's U.S. chief expects to turn around a sales decline -- and help sluggish dealership profitability

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL07/180129808/mini-sales-dealership-countryman

No letup in blitz of new products, Manheim says

Manheim will extend rapid introductions of digital enhancements into 2018, as the technology race among auctions rages.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL04/180129815/manheim-auction-technology-digital

Slowing growth in off-lease volumes, better mix will help in '18

Used-vehicle sales will grow modestly to 39.5 million units in 2018, driven by a more desirable mix of off-lease vehicles and consumers with more take-home pay.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL04/180129817/used-vehicles-sales-dealers-retail

Keith Crain: A great week if you like cars

Last week was a very special time for the automobile industry in America, with something for everyone. It was one of those periods that make you understand why the industry is so terrific.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL03/180129831/keith-crain-column-great-week-for-autos

Mercedes-Benz G-class sales should increase with redesigned models, Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler says

With its first thorough overhaul since 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G class should see higher sales, U.S. boss says.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL/180129837/mercedes-g-class-sales-increase

Boston dealership offers free fitness club access for customers

Through a partnership with NB Fitness Club, Boston Volvo Village customers waiting to have their vehicles serviced can go to the gym for free.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL/180129840/boston-volvo-dealership-best-practices

GM is the real leader in EVs

When will it ever end? Tesla this, Tesla that ... Tesla, Tesla, Tesla! In fact, it is General Motors that is the leader in electric vehicles.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/OEM05/180129845/gm-is-the-real-leader-in-evs

EVs fall short of government goals

I applaud Keith Crain's 'Don't invest in steam engines' for pointing out the deficiencies of electric vehicles regarding the inability of the battery to store sufficient energy and long recharging times.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/OEM05/180129846/evs-fall-short-of-government-goals

Infrastructure is real hydrogen barrier

I agree with Keith Crain's comments regarding battery-electric vehicles ('Don't invest in steam engines,' Jan. 15).

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/OEM05/180129842/infrastructure-is-real-hydrogen-barrier

What bet? EV demand is clear

Huge auto companies aren't just betting on customer demand for electric vehicles, they are watching it happen.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/OEM05/180129844/what-bet-ev-demand-is-clear

Distance before recharge worrisome

I am apprehensive about the fact that electric cars may soon be mandated by politicians or their regulatory counterparts.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/OEM05/180129843/distance-before-recharge-worrisome

AutoNation's initiative to beat cancer becomes a brand

After AutoNation decided to dedicate itself to fighting breast cancer, the mission has become visibly embedded in its culture and unmistakably linked to the company's brand.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180129/RETAIL07/180129847/autonation-beat-breast-cancer-campaign

Skoda veteran named Audi's China sales chief

Audi has appointed Marco Schubert, Skoda's sales chief for Asia, as president of sales at VW's joint venture with China FAW Group.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180126/ANE/180129824/skoda-veteran-named-audis-china-sales-chief

Hammer named to head ADESA

John Hammer has been named president of the ADESA unit of KAR Auction Services, effective Feb. 26. He replaces Stephane St-Hilaire, who resigned.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180125/RETAIL/180129829/kar-adesa-hammer-ceo

Kia releases Super Bowl teaser

Kia released a Super Bowl ad teaser on YouTube for its 2018 Kia Stinger sport sedan, starring Brazilian racing icon Emerson Fittipaldi and a mystery driver.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180125/RETAIL/180129834/super-bowl-kia-ad-teaser

GM sued over copyright infringement

A Swiss artist has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against GM, accusing the automaker of using one of his outdoor murals in a marketing campaign without his knowledge or consent.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180125/RETAIL03/180129841/gm-lawsuit-copyright-marketing-advertising

Lexus releases 'Black Panther' Super Bowl ad

When most brands talk about luring younger buyers, millennials or Gen Z kids come to mind. But Lexus will settle for getting a few more fortysomethings in the fold during the Super Bowl.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180125/RETAIL03/180129854/lexus-super-bowl-ad

Opel threatens to move Corsa production from Spain in union standoff

Opel could move production of the Corsa hatchback from its Zaragoza plant in Spain after failing to reach a deal with unions to improve the factory's competitiveness. Opel's new owner, PSA, says its Spanish plants are more efficient.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180125/ANE/180129865/opel-threatens-to-move-corsa-production-from-spain-in-union-standoff

Volvo could build Lynk and CO cars in Europe, CEO Samuelsson says

Volvo could build cars for Lynk and CO in Belgium and may also extend its European service and logistics infrastructure to the new brand, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180125/ANE/180129866/volvo-could-build-lynk-co-cars-in-europe-ceo-samuelsson-says

Hyundai sees tough U.S. market, after dismal 2017

Hyundai said challenges are expected to persist in the U.S. market, where its sales have already been battered by a lack of SUVs, after earlier reporting its worst annual earnings in seven years.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180125/OEM/180129863/hyundai-sees-tough-u-s-market-after-dismal-2017

Opel threatens to move Corsa production from Spain

Opel could move production of the Corsa hatchback from its Zaragoza plant in Spain after failing to reach a deal with unions to improve the factory's competitiveness. Opel's new owner, PSA, says its Spanish plants are more efficient.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180125/ANE/180129865/opel-threatens-to-move-corsa-production-from-spain

Volvo could build Chinese cars in Europe, CEO Samuelsson says

Volvo could build cars for the LYNK and CO in Belgium and may also extend its European service and logistics infrastructure to the new Chinese brand, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180125/ANE/180129866/volvo-could-build-chinese-cars-in-europe-ceo-samuelsson-says

Ally commits $750 million for retail contracts at DriveTime

Ally Financial said it will commit $750 million to finance retail contracts for used-vehicle retailing giant DriveTime this year.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180124/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180129877/ally-commits-750-million-for-retail-contracts-at-drivetime

Ally, DriveTime form partnership

Ally Financial will commit $750 million to finance retail contracts for DriveTime this year.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180124/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180129877/ally-drivetime-form-partnership

Redesigned Ram goes from farm to city

Ram shows off the redesigned 1500 in a new ad campaign with a new take on a classic tune.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180124/VIRALVIDEO/301249976/redesigned-ram-goes-from-farm-to-city

J.D. Power launches branded FandI products

J.D. Power has begun offering FandI products, labeled J.D. Power Automotive Protection Products, for new-car buyers across the U.S.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180124/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180129892/j-d-power-launches-branded-fi-products

Wrestling with Military Lending Act? Insiders offers help

Dealerships and lenders that have been grappling with the latest interpretation of the Military Lending Act may have solutions that will help them remain compliant with the guidelines.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180124/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180129879/military-lending-act-compliance