GMs racketeering case looks to Supreme Court, Volvo’s powertrain improvements, Lincoln’s new EV agreement

Inside Automotive

Dealer Jay Feldman brings first standalone Jeep dealership to Michigan
In December of last year, Feldman Automotive Group, a partnership founded in collaboration with actor Mark Wahlberg, celebrated the grand opening of their 19th dealership; the first freestanding Jeep dealership in Southeast Michigan. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Jay Feldman, the group’s chairman, and CEO, sits down with host Jim Fitzpatrick to discuss the new location and the future of the automotive market. Watch the complete segment here.

Top Stories

General Motors has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in after an appeals court dismissed its racketeering case against Fiat Chrysler automobiles, now known as Stellantis. This case is associated with the ongoing corruption scandal that resulted in the conviction of FCA’s former u.s. operating arm and sent former top UAW leaders and executives to prison. The incident involves the theft and misappropriation of millions of dollars for lavish items including travel, fine dining, and even a Ferrari. Read More

Volvo’s XC40 and C40 Recharge are getting upgrades to their driving range and battery charge time. Both vehicles have been a part of Volvo’s lineup for multiple years, but the new enhancements make the models more comparable with cars releasing later this year. In addition to the powertrain improvements, both the XC40 and C40 will come equipped with rear-wheel drive, making them the first Volvo vehicles in 25 years with the capability. Read More

Ambitious electric vehicle requirements have remained a sticking point between auto retailers and original equipment manufacturers. Lincoln recently reported that 60% of its dealership body had agreed to its new EV requirements, but that still leaves 240 of its 600 total uninterested. Its parent brand, Ford, created a stir in 2022, when it introduced rules for dealers to qualify for EV orders that included expensive investments and charging installations. Read More

Will Ferrell’s appearance in the General Motors 2021 Super Bowl ad was at best foreshadowing. The actor’s comedic rage at being “out-EV’d” by Norway touched on a fact that was a source of pride for Europe. Due to a lack of investment and governmental support, the U.S. has lagged behind China and Europe in electric vehicle sales. The European Union and countries like South Korea view the Biden Administration’s revamped EV tax credit requirements in the $369 billion Inflation Reduction Act, as an “aggressive” competitive threat, Bloomberg news reports. Read More

For Dealers

4 automotive digital marketing trends to watch for in 2023
As we move deeper into 2023, you should keep an eye on a few digital marketing trends in the automotive industry. From new platforms to new strategies, here are four automotive digital marketing you need to know for the year ahead. The focus on customer experience has been increasingly in the spotlight recently. Read More

What is a female friendly culture?
Here at Ask Patty, we talk about being female friendly a lot, and for good reason. We made our reputation on helping car dealers, service centers, tire dealers, collision centers, and quick lubes become Certified female friendly, complete with training on how they could develop their own female friendly culture. However, one question that we get asked from time to time is: “Just what is female friendly culture?” And the answer is… well, complicated, and the answer is also a moving target, evolving over time as attitudes and ideas change. Read More

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