Inside Automotive
Why form submissions deter modern car buyers — Kevin Frye
Understanding the wants, needs and pain points of modern car buyers has become more critical than ever since the COVID pandemic. Dealers must constantly analyze the preferences and expectations kept by their customers so they can provide excellent service and drive growth for their business. On this episode of Inside Automotive, host Shyann Malone is joined by Kevin Frye, marketing director for the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family. Watch full segment here.
Top Stories
Ford is launching a new F-150 Lightning model called the F-150 Lightning Flash, a technologically advanced vehicle that includes most of the features that current customers love and costs less than $70,000. With the addition of in-demand tech features like an extended-range battery with a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, and a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen for easy interactions and navigation, the F-150 Lightning Flash builds on the XLT model line. Read More
The United Auto Workers union submitted a counteroffer to General Motors on Monday as its members faced a new wave of layoffs in Ohio and Illinois. Out of all its talks with Detroit-Three automakers, the union’s negotiations with GM have been particularly contentious. Although the UAW has previously applauded Ford and Stellantis for their willingness to compromise on various demands, it has awarded no such praise to General Motors. Read More
Kia and Hyundai sales rose in September throughout the U.S. but trended in opposite directions over the course of the third quarter. Hyundai reported sales of 68,961 for the month, an increase of 16% from September 2022 and 6% from August 2023. This set a new sales record for the period, which the company notes was primarily driven by its Tucson and Sante Fe lineups. Read More
General Motors would incur fines totaling $6.5 billion and Chrysler parent Stellantis $3 billion due to Biden’s administration plan to raise fuel economy standards through 2032. In a letter to the U.S. Energy Department on September 29, the American Automotive Policy Council, which is made up of representatives for GM, Stellantis, and Ford, referred to the scale of the anticipated fines for failing to comply with the planned Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rules as “alarming.” Read More
For Dealers
How to build a culture of accountability in your dealership
Building a culture of accountability in any business is not easy, but it is critical for the success of teams, including those within dealerships. Without accountability, productivity is reduced, and the blame for any mishaps gets shifted, often unfairly. Improving accountability in your dealership can take time, but it can also improve your business operations and the work quality of your staff. Read More
Accelerating trust: How ethics can drive success in auto sales
The automotive industry has long suffered from a lack of trust due to perceptions of dishonesty and aggressive sales tactics. In order to foster long-term success, it’s essential for auto sales professionals and franchised car dealers to prioritize ethical behavior in all aspects of their business, including pricing, product information, and customer interactions. Read More
