Watch payments, not unit sales, economist says

The industry counts vehicle sales as a broad measure of consumers' economic health, but the monthly payment may provide a better assessment, an economist said.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180124/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180129889/watch-payments-not-unit-sales-economist-says

JD 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/jd-power-launches-branded-fi-products

Zurich pulls back on some dealerships' insurance

Zurich North America no longer will offer property and casualty insurance to independent dealerships and some franchise dealerships. FandI products are not affected.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180119/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/180119641/zurich-dealership-insurance

BMW, Daimler close to merging car-sharing units, exec says

Daimler and BMW are close to agreeing to combine their car-sharing services Car2Go and DriveNow, a senior executive at one of the carmakers told Reuters.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180123/MOBILITY/180129897/bmw-daimler-close-to-merging-car-sharing-units

Jeep's sales decline dents Marchionne's ambitions for key brand

Jeep's global vehicle sales fell 1 percent to less than 1.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180123/ANE/180129915/jeeps-sales-decline-dents-marchionnes-ambitions-for-key-brand

VW expects 4% growth in China market

VW Group expects China's passenger car market to rise around 4 percent this year, with its own vehicle sales growing at a similar pace, partly due to its continued emphasis on SUVs.

source http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180123/ANE/180129916/vw-expects-4-growth-in-china-market

Subaru sticks with dog-friendly ad campaign

Subaru of America is sticking to its dog-friendly formula with its "Dog Tested. Dog Approved" ad campaign.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20180122/RETAIL03/180129923/subaru-dog-ad-compaign