Inside Automotive
Why auto shows are still relevant for the modern consumer — Tim Jackson
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant decline in attendance at auto shows, which raises the question of whether auto shows are still relevant today. On today’s Inside Automotive, we’re pleased to welcome back Tim Jackson, the Former President and CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, to give us his perspective on auto shows. Watch the full segment here
Top stories
Ford saw increased sales in the second quarter thanks to improved electric vehicle inventory and increased pickup demand in the U.S. From April through June, the automaker sold 531,662 vehicles across its segments, achieving a 10% gain over the previous quarter. Sales of Ford trucks rose 26.2%, boosted by demand for the brand’s F-series, whose deliveries increased 34%. Read More
German auto giant Volkswagen said it would start testing its self-driving electric cars in Austin, Texas, later this month. Although the carmaker already has two autonomous vans in the U.S. and is scheduled to begin testing before the end of July, Volkswagen aims to deploy an additional ten ID Buzz electric vans equipped with Mobileye-developed autonomous driving systems by the end of 2023. Read More
Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised China’s work on artificial intelligence during a Thursday event in the country. Speaking by video to attendees of the state-run World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Musk encouraged Chinese developers to continue advancing the technology. “I admire the Chinese people’s wisdom and determination,” he stated. “As long as the Chinese people decide to do well in one thing, they will, including in AI.” Read More
The modifications Tesla made to its Autopilot, partially automated driving system, including how it ensures drivers are paying attention and how it identifies and reacts to objects, are being closely scrutinized by U.S. auto safety regulators. According to a statement on July 6, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested specifics about modifications made to all system versions, including dates and thorough descriptions. Read More
For Dealers
Does speed hurt quality? Taking a closer look at digital retailing
Somewhere between the so-called “normal,” “COVID normal,” and “new normal,” we got it into our heads that it’s okay to be an order taker. That customers were so obsessed with convenience that our websites would become the sales engine of the dealership. Select the interior and exterior color of your Camry and click submit. Your new Toyota will be ready to ship tomorrow! Who needs a sales team? Who needs a closer? Tell the GM to pack his bags! Read More
Weekly roundup: Tesla’s record-breaking quarter, Toyota’s new solid state EV batteries
Earlier this week: Tesla reported that it sold a total of 466,140 units between April and June while manufacturing 479,700 electric vehicles. Toyota announced it devised a new, cost-effective method to produce solid-state EV batteries. Frank Fletcher Subaru donated more than 70 blankets to patients of the Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute, and more headlines to stay on top of this week in automotive industry news. Read More
