Ford Fusion was the right car at the wrong time

In 2012, it finally looked like Ford had an answer to the Japanese automakers' dominance of the segment. Now it's headed for the scrap heap.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180701/RETAIL01/180709981/ford-fusion-sedan-sales

Hyundai Veloster ready for close-up in Marvel's 'Ant-Man'

The diminutive Hyundai Veloster gets more than a cameo in superhero flick Ant-Man and the Wasp, which hits U.S. theaters Friday.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180701/RETAIL03/180709974/hyundai-veloster-marvel-ant-man-movie

CNG-powered car sales set to rise on tougher emissions rules

European demand for cars powered by compressed natural gas has shown signs of life after a half-decade slump. VW Group was the main driver of the 60 percent increase in CNG registrations in Europe in the first quarter.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180630/ANE/180619948/cng-powered-car-sales-set-to-rise-on-tougher-emissions-rules

Toyota sees chance to grow stronger as Camry rivals drop out

Toyota is treating plummeting U.S. car sales as an opportunity, not as a worrisome trend threatening one of its biggest strengths.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180630/RETAIL01/180709980/toyota-camry-sales-sedan-rivals

CNG-powered car sales set to increase as automakers face tougher emissions rules

European demand for cars powered by compressed natural gas has shown signs of life after a half-decade slump. VW Group was the main driver of the 60 percent increase in CNG registrations in Europe in the first quarter.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180630/ANE/180619948/cng-powered-car-sales-set-to-increase-as-automakers-face-tougher

Will electric Subaru Forester help Japan consumers forget about the fuel data scandal?

Incoming Subaru President Tomomi Nakamura is banking on the redesigned Forester to stoke U.S. sales and help rebuild the brand's tarnished image at home.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180630/RETAIL01/180709979/subaru-fuel-scandal-japan-electric-forester

2 charged in identity fraud scheme affecting 6 New York car dealerships

Other arrests are pending and the investigation stems from a federal investigation in multiple states that involves the Department of Homeland Security.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180629/RETAIL07/180629733/identity-fraud-theft-new-york-car-dealerships

Auto broker-turned-con man arrested in Miami

After more than a year on the run, Albert Golant was arrested, in part because of his earlier involvement in bogus dealings with a Wisconsin auto dealer.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180629/RETAIL/180629739/golant-dealer-conman-arrested-florida

Autonomous vehicles will deliver groceries with Kroger, Nuro partnership

Kroger is looking to enter the at-home grocery delivery sphere through a new partnership with two-year-old tech startup Nuro.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180629/RETAIL/180629740/kroger-autonomous-vehicle-grocery-delivery

Ford will miss 2019 Geneva show

Ford will miss the 2019 Geneva auto show saying the show's timing didn't fit its launch schedule and therefore wouldn't represent good value.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180629/ANE/180629743/ford-will-miss-2019-geneva-show

GM lowers base price on several 2019 Chevy Silverado models

General Motors is expanding the price range of the redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Silverado by lowering the starting price of several entry-level models and increasing pricing on some high-end trims.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180629/RETAIL/180629745/gm-chevy-lowers-price-2019-silverado

VW's EV push could hurt profits, labor boss says

VW Group needs to sell 1 million EVs by 2025 to comply with proposed EU anti-pollution rules, a move which may ruin profits, labor chief Bernd Osterloh said.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180629/ANE/180629749/vws-ev-push-could-hurt-profits-labor-boss-says

June U.S. auto sales expected to increase from last June, fall from May 2018

After U.S. auto sales experienced growth throughout the first half of 2018, the market could be near a tipping point and decline during the second half, according to three forecasts issued this week.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180628/RETAIL01/180629761/june-us-auto-sales

OneRepublic, Alice Cooper lead FCA's musical ad blitz

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, known for frequently making music the centerpiece of its ads, is cranking up the volume even louder this summer.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180628/RETAIL03/180629770/fca-onerepublic-cooper-ad-blitz

Google affiliate Waymo needs 'large number' of cars in Europe for robotaxi service

Google's self-driving affiliate Waymo will need "a large number" of cars to expand its robotaxi service to Europe, CEO John Krafcik said, declining to say who could supply the vehicles.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180628/COPY01/306289964/google-affiliate-waymo-krafcik-self-driving-europe-robotaxis

Volvo counts on V60 wagon to help balance SUV surge

Volvo is counting on the V60 station wagon to provide a strong alternative to buyers who are looking for something other than the SUV body types that have accounted for roughly half of the Swedish brand's global sales this year.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180628/ANE/180619850/volvo-counts-on-v60-wagon-to-help-balance-suv-surge

Waymo says it needs 'large number' of cars for Europe robotaxi service

Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo will need "a large number" of cars to expand its robotaxi service to Europe, CEO John Krafcik said, declining to say who could supply the vehicles.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180628/ANE/180629779/waymo-says-it-needs-large-number-of-cars-for-europe-robotaxi-service

Waymo needs 'large number' of cars for Europe robotaxi service, CEO says

Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo will need "a large number" of cars to expand its robotaxi service to Europe, CEO John Krafcik told a newspaper, declining to say who could supply the vehicles.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180628/ANE/180629779/waymo-needs-large-number-of-cars-for-europe-robotaxi-service-ceo-says

Why Apple CarPlay, Google's Android Auto were found to be less distracting than automakers' built-in systems

Built-in vehicle infotainment systems designed by automakers are more distracting to drivers than Apple CarPlay and Google's Android Auto, according to AAA research.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180627/RETAIL/180629799/google-apple-aaa-infotainment-systems-less-distracting

How Chase flexes marketing muscle for auto partners

Chase's marketing real estate sets it apart from its auto lending peers.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180627/BLOG13/180629810/how-chase-flexes-marketing-muscle-for-auto-partners

Study finds that online montlhy auto pricing quotes, especially from Audi, get payment right

When car shoppers are quoted a monthly payment online nowadays, most of the time, that is what they're actually going to pay, an online survey found.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180627/COPY01/306289997/audi-study-online-monthly-quote

Former auto dealers launches Blinker mobile app

After decades in the brick-and-mortar world as a dealer, Rod Buscher launched Blinker, a mobile app for customers looking to buy, sell or refinance used cars without visiting a dealership.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180627/COPY01/306289998/blinker-mobile-used-vehicles

New venture capital infusion led by Costanoa Ventures doubles startup Roadster's funding

The investment will propel the technology startup's efforts to expand operations and update products to meet the demands of dealership and automaker customers.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180627/RETAIL07/180629828/roadster-doubles-funding-to-30-million

Jaguar is working hard to turn i-Pace buzz into sales

Jaguar is winning lots of praise for its I-Pace battery-electric vehicle, but how can it turn all those good vibes into sales? It won't be easy.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180627/COPY/306299995/jaguar-i-pace-sales

2019 Lincoln Nautilus gets higher price with new name, updates

The midsize utility will start at $41,335, Lincoln

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180626/RETAIL/180629837/2019-lincoln-nautilus-price

Internet-ready Toyota Corolla rolled out in hopes of luring young Japanese buyers

Toyota began selling a fully redesigned Corolla Sport hatchback in Japan -- along with a new Crown, the flagship sedan akin to the Avalon in the U.S. -- as its first generation of fully connected cars.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180626/OEM04/180629857/toyota-corolla-internet-young-japanese-buyers

Audi may unveil Tesla rival in U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi has delayed the launch of its purpose-built e-tron EV and switched the event to the United States from Brussels after the arrest of CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over VW Group's premium brand in Europe.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180626/COPY01/306269967/audi-may-unveil-tesla-rival-in-u-s-after-ceo-arrest

Audi may unveil Tesla rival in U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi cancelled a marketing event in Brussels where it was due to launch its first purpose-built electric vehicle after the arrest of CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over the brand in Europe.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180626/ANE/180629863/audi-may-unveil-tesla-rival-in-u-s-after-ceo-arrest

Jaguar Land Rover will invest $18 billion in EVs to reduce diesel dependence

Jaguar Land Rover said it will invest $18 billion over the next three years to be able to offer electrified versions of all its models after customers' wariness about buying diesel-fueled vehicles hit margins and profitability.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180626/COPY01/306269962/jlr-will-invest-18-billion-in-evs-to-reduce-diesel-dependence

Audi switches unveiling of Tesla rival to U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi has delayed the launch of its purpose-built e-tron EV and switched the event to the United States from Brussels after the arrest of its CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over VW Group's premium brand in Europe.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180626/COPY01/306269967/audi-switches-unveiling-of-tesla-rival-to-u-s-after-ceo-arrest

Jaguar Land Rover will invest $18 billion in EVs to reduce diesel dependence

Jaguar Land Rover will raise investment by about a quarter over the next three years as part of a plan by the automaker to be able to offer electric versions of all its models.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180626/ANE/180629865/jaguar-land-rover-will-invest-18-billion-in-evs-to-reduce-diesel

Audi switches unveiling of Tesla rival to U.S. after CEO arrest

Audi has delayed the launch of its purpose-built e-tron EV and switched the event to the U.S. from Brussels after the arrest of its CEO Rupert Stadler put a shadow over VW Group's premium brand in Europe.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180626/ANE/180629863/audi-switches-unveiling-of-tesla-rival-to-u-s-after-ceo-arrest

Jaguar Land Rover will boost spending to $18 billion to fund EVs

Jaguar Land Rover will raise global investment by about a quarter over the next three years to a total of 13.5 billion pounds ($18 billion) as part of a plan by the automaker to be able to offer electric versions of all its models.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180626/ANE/180629865/jaguar-land-rover-will-boost-spending-to-18-billion-to-fund-evs

VW could benefit most in U.S. from Ford alliance

VW and Ford's announcement that they are exploring a development and production alliance for commercial vehicles may be a big gain for VW, who could potentially cut costs and gain access to Ford's U.S. factories.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180625/BLOG15/180629876/vw-could-benefit-most-in-u-s-from-ford-alliance

Italy aims to pass Norway as Europe's No. 1 EV market

Italy's new government has a plan to put 1 million electric vehicles on the nation's roads by 2022 in an push to go from being the region's weakest EV market to replacing Norway as its strongest.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180625/COPY01/306259978/italy-aims-to-pass-norway-as-europes-no-1-ev-market

Italy aims to pass Norway as Europe's No.1 EV market

Italy's new government has a plan to put 1 million electric vehicles on the nation's roads by 2022 in an push to go from being the region's weakest EV market to replacing Norway as its strongest.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180625/ANE/180629879/italy-aims-to-pass-norway-as-europes-no-1-ev-market

BMW and Audi dealers in U.S. call Trump tariff plans 'scary' and 'tragic'

Ask dealers about President Trump's threatening to tax imports of European models, and they'll tell you buyers of those cars might as well throw the money saved on their tax bills out the window.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180622/COPY/306229919/trump-tariff-angers-us-auto-dealers

CarMax profits rise on tax-rate change

CarMax's profits rose in the quarter ended May 31 largely because of a lower income tax rate, the nation's largest used-car retailer said Friday.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180622/RETAIL04/180629919/carmax-profits-rise-on-tax-rate-change

Germany's glitziest car awards canceled over diesel

Germany's most prestigious automaker awards will go to no one this year as manufacturers reel from the latest turns in a diesel-emissions scandal plaguing the industry.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180622/ANE/180629929/germanys-glitziest-car-awards-canceled-over-diesel

Audi stops sales, recalls A6s and A7s over sensor issue in U.S.

Audi issued a stop sale and recall for 2012-18 A6 and A7 sedans equipped with certain seats after determining that a sensor designed to detect whether the passenger seat is occupied can malfunction.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180621/RETAIL/180629951/audi-a6-a7-recall-seat-sensor-airbags

Nearly 500 Corvette ZR1s recalled over airbag issues, GM says

Nearly 500 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s from the 2019 model year are being recalled because of airbag deployment issues "under certain conditions."

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180621/RETAIL/180629952/corvette-zr1-recall-airbag-nhtsa-chevrolet

Toyota bets on Camry hybrid to boost fleet sales in Europe

Toyota will launch sales of its Camry midsize sedan in Europe early next year to replace the discontinued Avensis as it seeks to boost its fleet volume in Europe.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180621/ANE/180629963/toyota-bets-on-camry-hybrid-to-boost-fleet-sales-in-europe

Toyota cuts marketing costs to fund randd

Toyota wants to follow the example of Tesla and Google, which rely heavily on cheaper, non-traditional marketing. Savings will be invested in emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180621/COPY/306219979/toyota-cuts-marketing-costs-to-fund-rd

Toyota, pressed to innovate, cuts marketing outlays to fuel randd

Toyota has begun slashing costs, starting with sales and marketing, and shifting resources into research that will help it keep up with new competitors, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180621/COPY/306219979/toyota-pressed-to-innovate-cuts-marketing-outlays-to-fuel-rd

DealerRater survey finds what bothers consumers at auto dealerships

A small percentage of car shoppers say negotiations over prices and terms could be handled better, and an even fewer feel that way about the presentation of FandI products.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180620/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180629986/dealerrater-survey-car-dealerships-customers

BMW launches first U.S. ad from new agency

Goodby, Silverstein and Partners channels Albert Einstein in its first work for BMW since winning the account in March. The ad, "Relativity," promotes the brand's "Summer On" sales event.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180620/RETAIL03/180629988/bmw-advertising-marketing-retail

Market Scan powers financing technology revolution

Market Scan's database powers many of the companies that are enabling online transactions, whether on dealership sites or independent apps.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180620/COPY01/306219995/market-scan-financing-tech

Selling cars online calls for multiple skills

As a tech expert but car-buying rookie, Drive Motors' CEO knew he needed automotive expertise to understand how to make the product easy and useful for dealerships.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180620/COPY01/306219994/aaron-krane-car-buying-online

Finance techology startups can find success by mixing skill sets

For a fintech startup breaking into automotive retail, should the top leadership have dealership experience, finance expertise or software skills?

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180620/COPY01/306219996/fintech-startups-can-find-success-by-mixing-skill-sets

Ontario green vehicle rebate program ripe for the picking under PC rule

If we closely read the tea leaves and review some recent history, it appears the program that provides Ontarians rebates worth up to $14,000 on certain green vehicles could be in jeopardy.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180620/BLOG30/180629991/ontario-green-vehicle-rebate-program-ripe-for-the-picking-under-pc