Fraud identity tool enforces in-store compliance processes

A new software tool helps dealerships fight synthetic-identity fraud by flagging the parts of a loan applicant's personal info that are fishy.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/fraud-identity-tool-enforces-store-compliance-processes

HGreg.com buys Fla. Nissan dealership from AutoNation

The $75 million acquisition adds one of the largest Nissan dealerships in the U.S. to the Canadian auto retailer's growing portfolio of new- and used-car stores in Florida.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/hgregcom-buys-fla-nissan-dealership-autonation

Ford recalls 78,000 Rangers over taillight issues

The 2019 Ford Ranger has been recalled for four other issues this year, according to NHTSA.

source https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/ford-recalls-78000-rangers-over-taillight-issues

Audi launches first locally built EV

Audi started selling its first locally produced full electric vehicle, the battery version of the elongated Q2, in China last week as part of its effort to electrify local product lineup. 

source https://www.autonews.com/china/audi-launches-first-locally-built-ev

Musk suggests Tesla has 200,000 orders for Cybertruck

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has a history of unveiling future products to throngs of excited customers, taking deposits, and then delivering years later.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/musk-says-tesla-has-200000-orders-cybertruck

Musk suggests Tesla has 200,000 orders for Cybertruck

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has a history of unveiling future products to throngs of excited customers, taking deposits, and then delivering years later.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/musk-suggests-tesla-has-200000-orders-cybertruck

Dealers compete for used vehicle inventory with digital tools

Whether dealers are going all-in on digital acquisitions or still want to touch and smell vehicles before buying them, there's no doubt that access to inventory has expanded.

source https://www.autonews.com/marketing/dealers-compete-used-vehicle-inventory-digital-tools

Dealers can find out how to follow ADA

There may be no clear guidelines for accessibility on websites, but it's not hard to find out how to comply with the ADA, writes an Automotive News reader in a letter to the editor.

source https://www.autonews.com/letter-editor/dealers-can-find-out-how-follow-ada

Dealer anniversaries

Dealers featured this week include Jessica Joseph, general manager of Don Joseph Toyota in Kent, Ohio, and Jeff Joseph, dealer principal; and Juliana Curran Terian, CEO of Rallye Motor Co. in Roslyn, N.Y.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/dealer-anniversaries-33

Three keys to dealer survival

 Not only are transparency, honesty and expediency essential in auto retailing to increased customer satisfaction; they may be the keys to survival.

source https://www.autonews.com/commentary/three-keys-dealer-survival

Penske: Audi e-tron's slow start worrisome

The head of auto retail giant Penske Automotive says there had been "significant cancellations" of e-tron preorders from consumers, and the main issue was affordability.

source https://www.autonews.com/sales/penske-audi-e-trons-slow-start-worrisome

Lovering Auto Group aims to diversify workforce

Lovering Auto Group in New Hampshire used video to tell the stories of its female employees to recruit more diverse candidates and promote more women in a historically male-dominated industry.

source https://www.autonews.com/best-practices/lovering-auto-group-aims-diversify-workforce

Automotive News' Fixed Ops Journal Forum: Insights from the experts

At Automotive News’ second annual Fixed Ops Journal Forum, held Nov. 13 in Orlando, attendees heard tips on lifting their game today while getting a glimpse of what parts and service departments will look like tomorrow. Here are photos:

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/automotive-news-fixed-ops-journal-forum-insights-experts

Musk touts 146,000 Cybertruck orders two days after botched reveal

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has a history of unveiling future products to throngs of excited customers, taking deposits, and then delivering years later.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/musk-touts-146000-cybertruck-orders-two-days-after-botched-reveal

Reynolds and Reynolds sued over alleged data breach deflections

Automotive Capital Ventures, formerly known as TradeMotion, claims the dealership management system giant falsely accused TradeMotion of being responsible for data breaches that resulted in fraudulent credit card charges. Reynolds called the suit meritless.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/reynolds-and-reynolds-sued-over-alleged-data-breach-deflections

Reynold and Reynolds sued over alleged data breach deflections

Automotive Capital Ventures, formerly known as TradeMotion, claims the dealership management system giant falsely accused TradeMotion of being responsible for a data breach that resulted in fraudulent credit card charges. Reynolds called the suit meritless.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/reynold-and-reynolds-sued-over-alleged-data-breach-deflections

AutoNation names new CFO

AutoNation Inc., the nation's largest new-vehicle retailer, has named an office-supplies company executive its CFO.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/autonation-names-new-cfo

Global automakers raise bet on gasoline crossovers, SUVs in search of growth opportunities

With China's carbon credit program enacted at the start of this year, Beijing seeks to expand annual electrified vehicle output in China to 2 million in 2020 from 1.27 million in 2018. But for global automakers operating in the country, the top priority is to find out ways to revive weak sales amid the slowing Chinese economy.

source https://www.autonews.com/china-commentary/global-automakers-raise-bet-gasoline-crossovers-suvs-search-growth-opportunities

Chase Auto CEO says lender faces headwind from lost Mazda business

Mitigating the loss of its partnership with Mazda is a goal for Chase Auto in the coming year. The lender also aims to reinforce the benefits of its diversified credit businesses to its automaker and dealership clients.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/chase-auto-ceo-says-lender-faces-headwind-lost-mazda-business

RouteOne developing F&I menus dealers can send to customers

The tool is produced by MaximTrak, a subsidiary of RouteOne that builds tools for F&I product sales, such as interactive menus, presentation technology, performance dashboards and electronic contracting.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/routeone-developing-fi-menus-dealers-can-send-customers

Consumer protection activity is ramping up. Is your F&I office ready?

Dealers should keep an eye on regulatory activity at the state level regarding sensitive consumer data — even if they don't do business in that state.

source https://www.autonews.com/fi-blog/consumer-protection-activity-ramping-your-fi-office-ready

Cadillac subscription service to return in February

Deborah Wahl, GM's chief marketing officer, said the revamped and redirected Book by Cadillac program will be more integrated with the luxury brand's U.S. retail network.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/cadillac-subscription-service-return-february

Investment firm Apollo buys 34 auto retail properties in 15 states, D.C.

Apollo Global Management's deal, valued at $585 million, includes automotive and motorcycle dealership properties in 15 states and Washington, D.C.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/investment-firm-apollo-buys-34-auto-retail-properties-15-states-dc

Lithia appoints new COO

Chris Holzshu, 45, previously oversaw regional platforms and operations teams as an executive vice president for the nation's third-largest public dealership group.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/lithia-appoints-new-coo

Ford puts marketing muscle behind the ?new breed of Mustang'

Longer TV ads will begin running this week, including during live sports such as Thanksgiving Day football games. A 60-second spot shows the Mach-E tearing through the open road and into the streets of L.A.

source https://www.autonews.com/marketing/ford-puts-marketing-muscle-behind-new-breed-mustang

Engage next-gen car shoppers with digital tools

The year 2019 may be remembered as one of the most uncertain in terms of U.S. auto sales. After a decade of robust sales, dealers are probably wondering if that era is behind us, and what to do next.

source https://www.autonews.com/commentary/engage-next-gen-car-shoppers-digital-tools

Investment firm buys 34 auto retail properties

The deal, valued at $585 million, includes automotive and motorcycle dealership properties in 15 states and Washington, D.C.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/investment-firm-buys-34-auto-retail-properties

Asbury plans overhaul of dealerships nationwide

The retailer will add technologies, adjust pay scales and eliminate dealership positions across its 88-store footprint to increase customer satisfaction and expedite the vehicle purchase process.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/asbury-plans-overhaul-dealerships-nationwide

Dealers capitalize on boom in used-vehicle sales

It's a good time to be a used-car dealer, so long as you can find quality inventory.

source https://www.autonews.com/used-cars/dealers-capitalize-boom-used-vehicle-sales

New Orleans dealer Ray Brandt dies at 72

The two-time head of the Nissan dealer council held more than a dozen import and domestic franchises in two states and was a 2017 nominee for Time magazine's Dealer of the Year award.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/new-orleans-dealer-ray-brandt-dies-72

Dodge moves into top 10 for first time in Consumer Reports reliability survey

Dodge, in eighth place, is the highest-ranked Detroit 3 brand in this year's Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey. Lexus led the way as Japanese brands secured the top three slots and four of the top 10 positions.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/dodge-moves-top-10-first-time-consumer-reports-reliability-survey

Zotye parent says new cloud platform will simplify operations for dealers

HAAH Automotive Holdings is touting what it calls the industry's first all-cloud digital ecosystem, which integrates a broad range of functions from sales to dealer management systems to call centers.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/zotye-parent-says-new-cloud-platform-will-simplify-operations-dealers

Discontinuance of compact cars challenges brand loyalty, Edmunds says

Former Focus and Cruze owners' brand loyalty steadily declined over the last three years. In 2019, 23 percent of former Chevy Cruze owners and 31 percent of former Ford Focus owners bought a car from a competitor, Edmunds said in a report Wednesday.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/discontinuance-compact-cars-challenges-brand-loyalty-edmunds-says

New digital tool tracks auto interest rates, pricing

In jointly launching mGauge, Market Scan Information Systems and Experian believe wider access to vehicle pricing, interest rates and other information will allow auto lenders to offer competitive prices for dealership customers, helping to increase profitability and drive buyer loyalty.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/new-digital-tool-tracks-auto-interest-rates-pricing

Auto finance market healthy but under pressure

Lenders should use data to keep delinquencies down, TransUnion advises.

source https://www.autonews.com/fi-blog/auto-finance-market-healthy-under-pressure

Auto lenders look to dealer sites for trouble signs

General Forensics, a San Diego technology company, regularly scans dealership websites and other online sources for signs of trouble. Its clients include several major auto lenders, which are getting advisory services and data reports to protect them from risky dealership partners.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/auto-lenders-look-dealer-sites-trouble-signs

U.S. dealerships need more EVs, environmental group says

The Sierra Club said its survey of more than 900 U.S. dealerships found that 74 percent did not stock a single EV, but noted about 40 percent of dealerships in states that have adopted California's zero emission vehicle mandate had EVs for sale.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/us-dealerships-need-more-evs-environmental-group-says

Porsche, Buick top J.D. Power sales satisfaction ratings

This was the second straight year for Porsche to top the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index rankings and the fourth time since 2015.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/porsche-buick-top-jd-power-sales-satisfaction-ratings

Consumers want more personalization in online auto shopping, survey says

Just 26 percent of those surveyed said dealership websites provided a personalized experience and only 47 percent of websites "proactively recommend vehicles of interest based on the customer's browsing behavior."

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/consumers-want-more-personalization-online-auto-shopping-survey-says

FCA prodded dealers to absorb glut of unordered cars, report says

Four dealers said Fiat Chrysler has revived what’s known in industry circles as a “sales bank,” Bloomberg reported. The automaker denies it has restarted the practice.

source https://www.autonews.com/sales/fca-prodded-dealers-absorb-glut-unordered-cars-report-says

Terminated Chrysler dealers lose case against government, plan to appeal

The nearly 300 U.S. dealers who joined the lawsuit waited nearly a decade for the matter to go to trial. About 500 dealers chose not to participate. Len Bellavia, a lawyer for the dealers, said they plan to file an appeal later this week or early next week.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/terminated-chrysler-dealers-lose-case-against-government-plan-appeal

Customer service focus boosts CDK's DMS sales

A focus on improving customer service has had a positive effect on CDK Global DMS sales, says CEO Brian Krzanich.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/customer-service-focus-boosts-cdks-dms-sales

Lawsuits trade blame for key-maker's troubles

KAR Global has accused Jay Wiener, the founder of the company's High Tech Locksmiths subsidiary, of sabotaging the company he built. Wiener has countersued, saying KAR mismanagement ruined his key-making firm.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/lawsuits-trade-blame-key-makers-troubles

Automakers build brands with CPOs

Automakers are after the two-thirds of used-car shoppers who are buying from independent and private sellers.

source https://www.autonews.com/used-cars/automakers-build-brands-cpos

Ford, Toyota get high marks for diversity

Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors topped the industry in the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's 2019 Automotive Diversity Scorecard released this month.

source https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/ford-toyota-get-high-marks-diversity

Where the appraisal process is the center of attention

Sonic Automotive has a centralized Retail Trade Center, where it quickly prices Sonic franchise and EchoPark used-vehicle trade-ins, outright purchases and vehicles that come through its CarCash appraisal app. The company sees its system, which varies from those of some peers, as a competitive advantage.

source https://www.autonews.com/used-cars/where-appraisal-process-center-attention

Unclear ADA compliance rules on websites flummox dealers

Some dealers, lawyers and compliance experts say the lack of specific federal regulations governing how a website must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act has led to uncertainty over what steps to take to meet ADA compliance.

source https://www.autonews.com/commentary/unclear-ada-compliance-rules-websites-flummox-dealers

Carvana's rapid expansion, sales gains continue

CEO Ernie Garcia says the number of vehicles Carvana buys from consumers more than tripled on an annual basis in the third quarter, and that's a good sign.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/carvanas-rapid-expansion-sales-gains-continue

Inventory declines on UAW strike against GM

The number of vehicles on hand at the beginning of November fell to the lowest level in three years.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/inventory-declines-uaw-strike-against-gm

Divergent paths for top retailers

Lithia Motors continues to expand its new-vehicle store footprint, while Sonic Automotive sold five dealerships and exited Ohio.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/divergent-paths-top-retailers