BMW cutting U.S. jobs in a down market

A spokesman declined to disclose the number of jobs being axed but noted the cuts do not affect the automaker's assembly plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/bmw-cutting-us-jobs-down-market

Ohio approves tax credit for Carvana distribution center near Cleveland

The e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars plans a new inspection, reconditioning and distribution facility near Cleveland.

source https://www.autonews.com/used-cars/ohio-approves-tax-credit-carvana-distribution-center-near-cleveland

World ‘totally different' as Fay retires from Toyota

Longtime executive Bill Fay, who is retiring after 38 years, says strong dealer relations have allowed Toyota and Lexus to recover from disasters more quickly.

source https://www.autonews.com/executives/world-totally-different-fay-retires-toyota

Park Place founder is back in with a new dealership group

Ken Schnitzer is now chairman of Avondale Group, a new luxury retailer with eight stores selling brands that include Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Aston Martin and Bentley.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/park-place-founder-back-new-dealership-group

Mayflies a dark spot on GM's launch of big SUVs

Add mayfly mayhem to the list of auto industry woes in 2020. GM blames the insects for stubborn black residue on more than 2,600 Chevrolet Tahoes and GMC Yukons.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/mayflies-dark-spot-gms-launch-big-suvs

Hurricane Laura's impact on Gulf Coast dealers, supply unclear

For dealerships, the storm arrived at a time of low used-vehicle inventory and high prices because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/hurricane-lauras-impact-gulf-coast-dealers-supply-unclear

Porsche sees path for its subscription service

The luxury brand is expanding its program, even as some automakers steer away from the unproven mobility model.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/porsche-sees-path-its-subscription-service

As simple as pick up, drop off, communicate

When the coronavirus pandemic spread in the U.S. starting in March, Walser Automotive Group introduced vehicle pickup and drop-off for service customers — and soon made tweaks to best accommodate clients.

source https://www.autonews.com/best-practices/simple-pick-drop-communicate

Auction buyers relying on condition reports for online sales

With the rise of digital sales, such information has never been more important to the wholesaling process.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/auction-buyers-relying-condition-reports-online-sales

Dealers grapple with hurricane devastation in La.

Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association President Will Green said many dealers in the state don't have electricity or water.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/dealers-grapple-hurricane-devastation-la

La. dealers assess damage after Hurricane Laura blasts Gulf Coast

Less than 50 miles north of Hurricane Laura's landfall, Louisiana dealer Phillip Tarver hunkered down with 30 other people overnight in his Lake Charles Toyota dealership.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/la-dealers-assess-damage-after-hurricane-laura-blasts-gulf-coast

Vehicle sales drop 4.2% in first 20 days of August

In the 20-day period, sales of light vehicles including sedans, crossovers and SUVs dropped 7.9 percent to about 825,000 units. Deliveries of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks surged 36 percent to about 114,000, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said.

source https://www.autonews.com/china/vehicle-sales-drop-42-first-20-days-august

Dealers brace as Hurricane Laura blasts Louisiana

Hurricane Laura on Thursday hit Lake Charles, La., with 150 mph winds and a storm surge that could reach 40 miles inland, The Weather Channel reported. Dealerships along the coast spent the week closing down and moving inventory.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/dealers-brace-hurricane-laura-blasts-louisiana

Texas, La. dealers brace as Hurricane Laura hits Category 4

Hurricane Laura is forecast to hit the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 4 storm, causing dealerships to close and move their inventories to safer ground.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/texas-la-dealers-brace-hurricane-laura-hits-category-4

Dealers across Gulf Coast brace for Hurricane Laura

Hurricane Laura is forecast to approach the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 3 storm. Galveston, Texas, implemented mandatory evacuations on Wednesday.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/dealers-across-gulf-coast-brace-hurricane-laura

Prime Automotive launches branded F&I product line

Prime Automotive Protect, which formally launched this month, is supported by Safe-Guard Products International, one of the largest U.S. finance and insurance product providers. This is Safe-Guard's second-largest white label agreement with an auto retailer, after its relationship with AutoNation Inc.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/prime-automotive-launches-branded-fi-product-line

Dealers across northern Gulf Coast brace for second storm as Marco weakens

Hurricane Laura is forecast to approach the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 3 storm.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/dealers-across-northern-gulf-coast-brace-second-storm-marco-weakens

Park Place execs form new dealership group as Asbury deal closes

Avondale's name derives from the cross street at Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas where Ken Schnitzer founded the company in 1987 with one Mercedes-Benz store.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/park-place-execs-form-new-dealership-group-asbury-deal-closes

Porsche to offer new entry-level subscription tier

The new program starts at $1,500 per month for the Porsche Macan crossover and tops out at $2,600 for the Porsche 911 Carrera.

source https://www.autonews.com/sales/porsche-offer-new-entry-level-subscription-tier

Dealer honors teachers — like his mom

A Mazda dealer in Florida whose mother was a teacher is offering free oil changes and car washes to educators as they begin a challenging and chaotic school year.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/dealer-honors-teachers-his-mom

AutoNation cost cuts hit collision parts unit

The retail giant's aftermarket parts collision business, launched in 2018, never made a profit.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/autonation-cost-cuts-hit-collision-parts-unit

‘Salesman' steals car; Facebook in on arrest

Workers at a Nissan dealership in Kansas got fooled by a car thief who was dressed like one of its salespeople, but video the dealership posted on Facebook helped catch him soon afterward.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/salesman-steals-car-facebook-arrest

GM Financial efforts aid dealers, boost status

The captive stepped up for its dealers during the pandemic. And its efforts have helped it reach its goal of displacing Ally as the primary source of floorplan financing for GM dealers.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/gm-financial-efforts-aid-dealers-boost-status

Stray dog gets home, job at Hyundai dealership

Tucson Prime has become an Instagram star at a store in Brazil, where buyers come back to see the dog and take pictures with him.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/stray-dog-gets-home-job-hyundai-dealership

Jeep-only stores are sure to be successes

Jeep-only showrooms have a proven track record, writes an Automotive News reader in a letter to the editor.

source https://www.autonews.com/letter-editor/jeep-only-stores-are-sure-be-successes

Cadillac exec's task: Engage dealers on EVs

In his 16-plus years with GM, Mahmoud Samara has driven record sales in Canada, stabilized Cadillac's U.S. Western region and helped improve GM's digital retail tool. His toughest task lay ahead.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/cadillac-execs-task-engage-dealers-evs

Mercedes-Benz to drop Freightliner Sprinter van in U.S.

The company, amid a review of its global product portfolio, cited multiple factors for the decision to kill the Freightliner van, including high homologation costs, current and future economic conditions, as well as the COVID-19 outbreak. A Mercedes-Benz version of the Sprinter will continue to be sold and built in the U.S.

source https://www.autonews.com/future-product/mercedes-benz-drop-freightliner-sprinter-van-us

Virtual Canadian auto show in '21 a go as in-person event is weighed

Organizers of the Canadian International AutoShow have until early fall to decide whether the country’s largest consumer trade show will proceed as a live event during the pandemic. Mazda has pulled out of the live Toronto show while Hyundai is planning alternative product reveals.

source https://www.autonews.com/retail/virtual-canadian-auto-show-21-go-person-event-weighed

Washington Auto Show moves to early spring 2021

The event, which had been scheduled to run Jan. 29 through Feb. 7, is now slated for March 26 through April 4, with a number of safety protocols in place.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/washington-auto-show-moves-early-spring-2021

AutoNation to shutter aftermarket collision parts business

The move, expected to be complete by the end of the year, comes amid a cost-cutting effort by the nation's largest new-vehicle retailer.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/autonation-shutter-aftermarket-collision-parts-business

Industry strengthens opposition to fortified Safeguards Rule

In a recent industry workshop discussing the efficacy of the proposed changes, industry leaders reiterated claims the cost-burden of the new procedures proposed by the federal watchdog would be crushing to U.S. retail operations, which primarily function as small local businesses.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/industry-strengthens-opposition-fortified-safeguards-rule

F&I role will change, but never vanish

Though their roles are rapidly adapting to accommodate customers needs outside of the dealership, F&I manager positions are even less likely to disappear after the pandemic.

source https://www.autonews.com/fi-blog/fi-role-will-change-never-vanish

DealerPolicy adds mobile feature

The expansion comes during increased remote and digital change in dealerships as the nation copes with the continuing effects of the viral coronavirus pandemic. The tool, FastPass, allows customers to shop insurance quotes with the dealership's assistance at the store or at home.

source https://www.autonews.com/finance-insurance/dealerpolicy-adds-mobile-feature

Lessons learned from online coaching

As states continue to combat the virus through the summer and adjust to restrictions, the coaches' early online experiences offer useful insights into how to provide customer service from a distance. Here are a few keys.

source https://www.autonews.com/commentary/lessons-learned-online-coaching

Ford cuts prices on segment-leading 2021 Explorer

Depending on trims, the 2021 model year crossover will be up to $3,700 cheaper than the 2020 model, according to a price list reported by blog Ford Authority.

source https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/ford-cuts-prices-segment-leading-2021-explorer

Startup Digital Motors looks to give dealerships online chops

CEO Andreas Hinrichs says the company pushed up its launch by four months as the coronavirus pandemic led to showroom closures across the country.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/startup-digital-motors-looks-give-dealerships-online-chops

Dealers challenge Hyundai upgrades

Eight state dealer associations are pushing back on Hyundai and Genesis facility programs as costly and coercive.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/dealers-challenge-hyundai-upgrades

Retailers spend big to split off Jeep showrooms

After spending a decade consolidating its brands under one roof, FCA is now seeking exclusivity for its highly profitable SUV brand in certain markets. Some dealers have been happy to do so and say their investments are paying off.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/retailers-spend-big-split-jeep-showrooms

Cadillac preps dealer network for upcoming EVs, including Lyriq

Before production of the Lyriq begins in 2022, Cadillac is asking dealers to install charging stations on-site and go through training to sell and repair EVs. Service bays will need special tools and lifts that can accommodate batteries.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/cadillac-preps-dealer-network-upcoming-evs-including-lyriq

Could a decade of stability in dealership count be ending?

Declining new-vehicle sales have in the past been a leading indicator that a lower dealership count is imminent.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/could-decade-stability-dealership-count-be-ending

After loss of husband to COVID-19, Katharine Garff takes the helm

Katharine Garff, who in March lost her husband of nearly 55 years, Robert Garff, to complications from the coronavirus, will now lead megadealer Ken Garff Automotive Group and Garff Enterprises Inc. as chairwoman.

source https://www.autonews.com/dealers/after-loss-husband-covid-19-katharine-garff-takes-helm

Empire Automotive creates toll-free help line

It became clear the dealership group was not going to be selling any vehicles at the height of the pandemic. So it used its cars to help.

source https://www.autonews.com/best-practices/empire-automotive-creates-toll-free-help-line

Software review eliminates costs, redundancy

When service-lane volume dramatically decreased in April, Lehigh Valley Honda Service Manager Dan Carcione found a way to save the parent company, Vinart Auto Group, $250,000 a year.

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/software-review-eliminates-costs-redundancy

Expanded auto repair financing options gain traction

Finance products specifically devoted to repair lending have emerged in recent years. No one expected them to come in handy during a pandemic, but they have.

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/expanded-auto-repair-financing-options-gain-traction

5 minutes with: Tim Turvey, GM global vice president of customer care and aftersales

It's always good to go out on a high note, and that's what Tim Turvey, General Motors' global vice president of customer care and aftersales, will do Sept. 1, when he retires after a 37-year career.

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/5-minutes-tim-turvey-gm-global-vice-president-customer-care-and-aftersales

Taking initiative helps keep business rolling

As state-mandated shutdowns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic slowed business in the service lane, many fixed ops directors reduced hours and, in some cases, limited appointments to emergencies only.

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/taking-initiative-helps-keep-business-rolling

Fixed in time: Selling parts in 1937

A parts salesman for Parkinson-Neal Motor Co., a Ford dealership in Enid, Okla., makes a sales visit to a gas station and repair facility in that state.

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/fixed-time-selling-parts-1937

Fixed ops leaders find out what their teams are made of in hard times

Operating during a crisis often leaves little time for reflection. Still, three fixed ops directors shared a revelation brought to light by these difficult times.

source https://www.autonews.com/commentary/fixed-ops-leaders-find-out-what-their-teams-are-made-hard-times

Consistent pricing, better processes build trust

During the recent business downturn, service department officials at Hansel Auto Group in California had time to take a deeper dive into the capabilities of a Dynatron Software platform. A discovery could result in six-figure revenue increases at each of the groups' nine stores.

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/consistent-pricing-better-processes-build-trust

App or adviser? Service customers go either way

Mobile apps let customers set appointments, check in and even compile a list of needed repair work, all without customers ever speaking to a service adviser. But do customers prefer this mobile method?

source https://www.autonews.com/fixed-ops-journal/app-or-adviser-service-customers-go-either-way