The automotive industry's power players in acquiring, reconditioning and selling used vehicles aren't about to be left behind in exploring artificial intelligence use cases. In fact, giants in used-vehicle retail and wholesale sales have taken hard looks at where different types of AI can be applied — whether that's automating multistep vehicle inspection and reconditioning procedures or smoothing … [Read more...]

The automotive industry's power players in acquiring, reconditioning and selling used vehicles aren't about to be left behind in exploring artificial intelligence use cases. In fact, giants in used-vehicle retail and wholesale sales have taken hard looks at where different types of AI can be applied — whether that's automating multistep vehicle inspection and reconditioning procedures or smoothing … [Read more...]

From its sales numbers, the Ford Bronco is having a tough 2024. U.S. deliveries are down 16 percent through September, the only double-digit decline for a Ford brand nameplate still in production. Bronco inventory has jumped from a year ago, according to analysts, and dealerships are taking longer to sell the SUVs. But none of that raises any alarm bells for Steve Olliges, the owner of Team Ford … [Read more...]

ANDERMATT, Switzerland — If Bentley had to slap the franchise tag on one model, it would likely be the Bentayga, the brand's top seller worldwide and biggest moneymaker. But the Continental GT is the Bentley that embraces and oozes the brand's hallmarks — racing inspired performance, posh comfort and rarified luxury. And it's the car credited with saving and reviving Bentley after Volkswagen Group … [Read more...]

A September editorial in Automotive News ("Affordability crisis shrank the market and could do long-term damage") has sparked a conversation within the auto industry, articulating a sentiment that many have come to accept: We may never return to a 17 million vehicle sales rate. J.D. Power's Tyson Jominy stated, "We need to reframe the way we think about the industry," stressing the reality of our … [Read more...]

Many companies are anxiously awaiting the results of the Nov. 5 presidential and congressional elections before finalizing the size and shape of investment plans. Source: autonews.com … [Read more...]

40 with Volvo Brad Surian, left, executive vice president of Volvo Cars of Bloomington in Indiana, and Andy Long, dealer principal, received a 40-year award from Volvo Car USA. /cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js 35 with Nissan Robert Miller, left, and Mort Shapiro, dealer principals of Freedom Nissan in South Burlington, Vt., received a 35-year award from Nissan North … [Read more...]

Daniel Polett, 89, died Oct. 2 in Gladwyne, Pa. He was known for his significant contributions to the Philadelphia area and beyond. Polett’s life was marked by his dedication to business excellence and community service. In 1971, he purchased Wilkie Buick and opened 12 dealerships in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida and West Virginia. Wilkie Lexus in Haverford and Lexus of Chester Springs, both in … [Read more...]

General Motors is using artificial intelligence to improve quality, from software inside vehicles to the factory floor. GM has developed an automated tool that runs simulations around the clock to spot glitches before the software code is integrated into a vehicle. In addition, cameras, sensors and analytics monitor manufacturing equipment to ensure it works properly and increase plant … [Read more...]

Here are highlights from the latest episodes of 'Daily Drive', Automotive News' weekday podcast, Oct. 7-10, hosted by Jamie Butters with Kellen Walker. “The three kind of primary objectives we have are really promoting the adoption of electronic signatures, driving towards electronic processing of title and registration transaction, and then, ultimately, getting to a place where we’re doing truly … [Read more...]

Nissan says it will give retailers escalating bonuses on the Rogue, Pathfinder and Frontier if they reach or exceed October sales targets. It's the return of a scorned sales practice to help lift margins and market share. Source: autonews.com … [Read more...]

TO THE EDITOR: There has been a call this election cycle to roll back government mandates on electric vehicle production and alternative fuels research for the sake of protecting current automotive job levels. The internal combustion engine age has brought unbridled prosperity to Detroit and Michigan. What problems did the ICE age solve at the turn of the … [Read more...]

One of the best feelings as a car buyer is to know that you got a deal, and that the car is fully loaded. You were able to get all the great add-ons that make the driving experience one you look forward to every time you get in the car. Well, the same thing can be said for your dealership as an employer. Ask yourself this: Is my dealership fully loaded when it comes to the things that people … [Read more...]

With so many stores across the U.S. creating great workplaces, Automotive News has expanded its Best Dealerships To Work For program to include 150 honorees, up from 100 in previous years. For the first time we are recognizing the top rural stores and single-point dealerships not owned by a group, both of which face unique challenges. We're also honoring the best dealerships with minority … [Read more...]

Audi Tysons Corner General Manager Sam Alimi places a huge priority on taking care of his employees. Alimi, 41, joined the Penske Automotive Group Inc. dealership in Vienna, Va., as a salesperson almost 14 years ago after selling the restaurant he and his father ran in the tony Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. In 2020, he assumed his current position, which he said allowed him to make the … [Read more...]

For auto dealerships trying to hire more women, Heather Krieves offers a straightforward observation on how to succeed. "I don't think it's that complicated," said Krieves, human resources manager for Capitol Auto Group in Salem, Ore. "It's your reputation and how you treat people and giving people the opportunity — male or female — for upward mobility if they want it." That approach may sound … [Read more...]

Community outreach and cross-training help Friendship Family of Dealerships position its Kia store in Mount Hope, W.Va., for success attracting and retaining employees. And it works: Friendship Kia of Beckley snagged the No. 1 Rural Dealership in Automotive News' 2024 Best Dealerships To Work For list. The store ranks No. 25 overall and joins six other Friendship stores on the 2024 list. The … [Read more...]

Employees among the 2024 Automotive News Best Dealerships To Work For are more likely to feel appreciated and also are given enough time away from the workplace, according to staff surveys of the winners compared with stores that applied but did not make the list. The employee data compiled by Automotive News awards partner Workforce Research Group revealed qualities and benefits found more … [Read more...]

BMW and VW are working with AirConsole to provide video game apps for in-car entertainment. Source: autonews.com … [Read more...]

Stellantis upped its incentive spending in the third quarter, but its U.S. sales still fell 20 percent, and it warned of lower profits than expected this year. Source: autonews.com … [Read more...]