CBT Now
Car market update: customer pain points and inventory instability — Jessica Caldwell | Edmunds
Dealers across the U.S. are doing their best to keep up as the new car market heads in unpredictable directions. But with both external and internal factors in constant flux, it can be difficult to track, much less understand, the trends affecting automotive retail. On this episode of CBT Now, host Shyann Malone is joined by Edmunds executive director of industry insights Jessica Caldwell. Watch full segment here.
Top Stories
Ford sales rose 2% from in August thanks to a strong electric vehicle lineup, which helped counteract stagnating demand for new cars. The automaker sold a total of 161,300 units in the U.S. throughout the month, representing a decline of roughly 7% from July. While sales of the automaker’s ICE lineup were virtually identical to last year’s, considerable gains in hybrid and electric vehicle sales ultimately helped the brand score a minor victory over August 2022. Read More
In a video statement published August 5, General Motors global manufacturing chief Gerald Johnson expressed concerns over the United Auto Workers (UAW) union’s demands as contract negotiations between the organization and Detroit-Three automakers remain at a standstill. In the video, Johnson appeared next to General Motors President Mark Reuss to discuss the negotiations. Read More
Automakers have boasted that their vehicles are “computers on wheels” to highlight their cutting-edge technology for years. However, the debate about what computer use means for its occupants’ privacy has yet to grab on. Car manufacturers stealthily entered the data industry by converting their vehicles into potent data-gobbling machines. Mozilla researched 25 brands for their data collection and usage practices. Shockingly, every single brand collected more personal data than necessary. Read More
The U.S. government is taking significant action to get a recalcitrant Tennessee business to recall 52 million air bag inflators that have the potential to explode, throw shrapnel, and cause severe injury or death to individuals. On September 5, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it has determined, in its preliminary assessment, that the inflators produced by ARC Automotive and under license by another company are flawed. Read More
For Dealers
The power and necessity of owning your advertising accounts
Marketing managers, general managers, and advertising or marketing agencies might not agree on this one: You should create your own ads account whenever you start advertising your business somewhere, whether it’s social media, Google, or anywhere else. Let’s dive into why having your own advertising accounts is a good idea, and what could happen if you don’t. Read More
Dealer downtime: exploring hobbies and interests that fuel auto retail professionals
It’s restating the obvious, but a career in automotive retail requires dedication, energy, and laser-sharp focus. Besides a paycheck, the benefits of this type of work include the adrenaline rush that comes from a fast-paced environment and high-stakes deals. Yet, even the most dedicated professional needs an outlet outside work to recharge their batteries. The good news is that the competitive and creative instincts that often motivate an auto retail professional translate seamlessly into engaging hobbies and interests. Read More
