CBT automotive newscast: December 2, 2021

Featured Show:

Key components your dealership needs for a robust digital marketing strategy
On the latest episode of Kain and Co., host David Kain, president of Kain Automotive, explains how to make plans for digital marketing strategy as you head into a new quarter and the new year. 2020 and 2021 have presented many challenges for everyone to have to work through. Kain says to look at the fundamentals and KPIs when it comes to your marketing, processes, and tactics. Watch the complete segment here.

Headlines:

Volkswagen Group’s raw materials for its new battery cell plants have increased by almost $34 billion. Volkswagen is seeking outside partners to help finance the automaker’s push to open six large battery cell plants in Europe by 2030. The battery cell push is in light of the company’s bid to become the world’s top EV seller.

Global Automotive supplier Marelli plans to become carbon neutral within its operations by 2030. The company aims to cut down its greenhouse gas emissions, including using new, higher-efficiency equipment at its plants, using renewable electricity, and generating its own power. CEO Beda Bolzenius said, “This is a first step for Marelli in outlining firm plans to reduce our overall carbon emissions.”

The future of Brampton Assembly plant, owned by Stellantis, is at stake until U.S. lawmakers consolidate or withdraw a bill backed by the Biden administration directed at boosting EVs adoption south of the border. Unifor Local 1285 President Danny Price stated that North American automaker COO Mark Stewart was the union leader and the company’s product allocation choices include funding automakers and incentives for U.S. EV buyers. Stewart says it all depends on the outcome of the bill. Stellantis declined to comment on the meeting with the union leadership.

Due to the ongoing chip crisis, Hyundai and Kia sales dipped for the fourth consecutive month. Last month, volume fell 20% at Hyundai, the biggest decline, and 5.4% at Kia. Hyundai ended last month with 17,096 vehicles in stock, down from 19,894 at the end of October and 145,885 at the close of November, last year. Kia models, Telluride, Seltos, Sportage, and soul, all posted declines. The automaker says it sold 77% of available U.S. inventory in November.

News & Opinion:

Porsche to follow Apple’s example, set to open “Studio” in US in 2022
Sports car brand Porsche is taking a page out of the Apple playbook with a new design concept. This concept isn’t a unique vehicle design this time, but rather an immersive way to experience Porsche in a setting unlike a dealership. The first Porsche Studio is set to open in Portland, Oregon in 2022 with more to follow in coming years. The purpose for Porsche Studio is an educational experience for its models and technologies, and retailing is not the primary objective. It’s been reported that Porsche corporate aims to have Studio locations owned by Porsche dealers rather than sell directly to the consumer in a Tesla-style transaction. Read more

Is your service department equipment safe?
Workplace accidents are unfortunate and, in many cases, altogether avoidable. Some incidents can be minor losses to property alone or it could be a minor injury like a burn or a cut. The automotive service department can be a dangerous place at times, and a mishap can drop a heavy vehicle to the ground in an instant, crushing whatever is in its path. Such is the case for a work accident in mid-November at a dealership in Pensacola, FL. WEAR-TV reports that an experienced mechanic, Cleveland Fountain, was killed when a heavy-duty truck shifted on the hoist before toppling off, pinning the tech under the vehicle. The accident is under investigation by OSHA and a cause has not been confirmed. Read more