Inside Automotive
What does the Amazon-Hyundai partnership mean for dealers? — Jim Ziegler | Ziegler Super Systems
In November, Hyundai announced it would partner with Amazon to sell new vehicles online, opening a proverbial Pandora’s box for the retail automotive sector. Dealers are anxiously awaiting additional details from the two companies, hoping to learn what the collaboration will mean for the future of car sales and whether their businesses will be forced to compete with the largest e-commerce platform in the world. Watch the full segment here
Top stories
Dealers are set to end the year on a high note as new vehicle sales approach double-digit percentage gains in December. According to a new joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData, new vehicle sales, including retail and non-retail, are projected to improve modestly from November, hitting 1.396 million units by the end of this month, up 13.2% from the prior-year period. Dealers are expected to account for roughly 83% of December’s total sales volume, selling 1.169 million units, a gain of 9.8% from 2022. Read More
Canada has joined the U.S. in setting a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, calling on automakers to gradually phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) models and sparking frustration and outrage from car manufacturers and electric vehicle critics. Similar to ZEV policies in the U.S., Canada will now require manufacturers to substitute a certain percentage of ICE sales with either electricity or hydrogen powered models. Read More
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that Honda Motor’s American division is recalling around 2.5 million cars due to a potential fuel pump failure that could result in an engine stall while driving and extend the risk of an accident. The NHTSA stated on December 21 that dealers would replace the fuel pump module at no additional charge to resolve the problem. Read More
The Northwood University community is deeply saddened to announce the loss of David Fry, a respected educator, inspiring leader, and beloved figurehead. Fry served as Northwood’s CEO and President from 1982 to 2006. He passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Dr. Fry started his illustrious career as an economics professor with a focus on business, global economics, and free markets. Read More
For Dealers
6 mental health and wellness activities to promote positivity at the dealership
The majority of people in leadership roles have heard the phrase “People are your best asset,” and many would agree this is true. Without dedicated, hard-working employees, a business never runs as smoothly as it could. That being said, management teams need to find ways to keep employees happy and prevent a pattern of “quiet quitting,” but how can this be done? Read More
Diving into the best concept cars of 2023
The new year is the ideal time to reflect on the concept cars that automakers teased in 2023. Not only do these show cars offer inspiration for what’s ahead, but they also offer hope that the auto industry’s recent tumultuous years remain in the past. While some of these marvels will never see a street or showroom, some offer clues as to what dealers will sell in the future. Yet, they all have one thing in common: some form of electrification. Read More
