CBT Automotive Newscast: July 15, 2020

Today’s Featured Interview:

DealerPRO Training CEO Don Reed on Rebooting Your Fixed-Ops Department:
With a shortage of technicians, strained advertising budgets, and a national pandemic, it can be tricky for dealers to navigate fixed-ops management. Service drives were largely considered essential services at the height of the pandemic. There was a lot of pressure put on them to make up some of that lost revenue. Here to help us shed some light on these topics is Don Reed, CEO of DealerPRO Training. Watch the full-length interview here.

Top Headlines: 

Cheryl Miller has resigned from her position as CEO of AutoNation. Miller has been on a medical leave of absence since mid-April. Temporary CEO mike Jackson will remain in the position until 2022 according to a statement from AutoNation. Miller held her position with the Fort Lauderdale-based auto retailer for 20 years. Read more about this story here.

Speaking of new chapters, the wait is over. The Bronco is back. The rebirth of the Bronco includes three different models: the Bronco sport, Bronco two-door, and the Bronco four-door. The new family of SUVs is splashing into the off-road space sometime in early 2021.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-owned values are reaching surprising record highs. Wholesale used-vehicle values on Cox Automotive’s Manheim used vehicle value index rose nine percent in June. The index also hit a record high for June, posting a six percent year-over-year increase.

News Stories & Opinion:

New Stimulus Package Expected, But Payments Likely Smaller This Time
When Congress returns on July 20^th, Mitch McConnell expects that a new COVID-19 stimulus package will be on the agenda. The Senate Majority Leader made the comments regarding a rescue package when speaking at a public event in Kentucky on July 6^th. McConnell said, “I can’t comfortably predict we’re going to come together and pass it unanimously like we did a few months ago. The atmosphere has become more political than it was in March, but I think we will do something. The country needs one last boost.” Read More

How Jody DeVere is Zooming Her Way Through 2020
I adjust my new selfie light-ring (a Best Seller on Amazon), check to make sure my high-quality podcast mic volume is good, change my virtual background to set the stage, and start my video… another day Zooming along in 2020. Utilizing technology options like Zoom and other forms of video conferencing is a brave new world for many automotive industry trainers and trainees. I highly recommend making time to subscribe to Zoom learning opportunities with consultants, trainers, community builders, and industry professionals to enrich your insight, knowledge, and capabilities. Read More

Did you enjoy today’s automotive newscast? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic with host Jim Fitzpatrick at jfitzpatrick@cbtnews.com.