Earlier this week: The vice presidential debate spotlighted contrasting visions on energy and manufacturing. A three-day port strike ended with a new agreement, while Hurricane Helene disrupted the semiconductor supply chain. U.S. automakers posted mixed Q3 sales, and Chevrolet awarded scholarships to HBCU students. CDK Global renewed its contract with Sonic Automotive, and Cox Automotive launched its Retail360 tool to improve the car-buying experience.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Vance and Walz debate clean energy, manufacturing, and U.S. competitiveness in Vice Presidential clash
During Tuesday’s vice presidential debate, Republican Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz sparred over clean energy policy and manufacturing jobs, laying out contrasting visions for U.S. industry and global competitiveness, particularly against China. The debate, moderated by CBS News, highlighted their divergent strategies for tackling climate change and boosting the economy, a central issue in the November election. Read More
2. U.S. dock workers end three-day strike, averts major supply chain disruptions
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has reached a tentative agreement with U.S. port operators, immediately ending a three-day strike that halted shipping across the East and Gulf Coast. The deal, announced on October 3, includes a wage hike of around 62%, following the union’s initial demand for a 77% increase and the employer group’s previous offer of nearly 50%. Read More
3. Hurricane Helene raises concerns over semiconductor supply chain
Operations at two critical North Carolina facilities that mine high-purity quartz, essential for semiconductor production, remain suspended following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The Sibelco Group and The Quartz Corp., located in Spruce Pine, N.C., were forced to halt production on September 26 due to severe flooding caused by the storm. Read More
4. U.S. automakers face mixed Q3 sales as affordability concerns weigh heavily on consumers
Ford, Stellantis, and other major U.S. automakers reported mixed third quarter sales results, highlighting ongoing challenges in the industry as consumers grapple with affordability concerns and shifting preferences. Ford saw a modest 0.7% increase in sales, while Stellantis reported a sharp 20% decline, underscoring the disparity in market performance. Read More
5. Chevrolet’s Discover the Unexpected program empowers HBCU students with $18,000 in scholarships
Chevrolet recently concluded its Discover the Unexpected (DTU) internship program by hosting ten HBCU students from across the U.S. for a series of closing activities. The students, selected for their marketing, communications, and content creation skills, completed a ten-week immersive experience focused on the automotive industry’s latest advancements and professional growth opportunities. Read More
6. CDK Global extends DMS contract with Sonic Automotive amid cyberattack recovery
CDK Global has successfully renewed its dealership management system (DMS) agreement with Sonic Automotive, securing a key partnership following significant challenges posed by two cyberattacks on June 19, resulting in a three-week operational shutdown. While the specific terms of the contract, including its duration, remain confidential, CDK typically extends agreements for three to five years. Read More
7. Cox Automotive launches Retail360 tool to enhance the buyer experience
ATLANTA, September 30, 2024 – Cox Automotive, the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider, today announces Retail360 – a comprehensive suite of tools that enables the industry’s only true omnichannel experience. Omnichannel connects the entire auto retail ecosystem, along every step of the car-buying and owning journey- an industry first that finally creates the transparent experience car buyers want with the deal control dealers need. Read More
8. Glenn Lundy on elevating dealership culture and unlocking success at 800% Elite Auto
On this episode of Training Camp, Adam Marburger welcomes renowned industry leader and personal development coach Glenn Lundy. With a fresh venture into automotive retail, Lundy shares his insights on building successful dealerships, implementing personal growth principles, and creating high-performance cultures. Lundy, known for his transformative 800% principles, discusses the mindset shift that propelled his success and how he applies it to elevate not only his team but the entire automotive industry. Watch the full segment here.
9. How dealers can push limits and master consistency for success – Dave Anderson
As part of our series, today’s episode of Inside Automotive features three more chapters from the book Elevate Your Excellence: The Power of Doing Ordinary Things Extraordinarily Well. We’re joined by the Author, Dave Anderson. Dave is also a Speaker, host of the wildly popular podcast The Game Changer Life, and President of LearnToLead. His insights offer valuable lessons for leaders, managers, and anyone striving to reach their full potential. Watch the full segment here.
10. Why regular website audits are essential for dealership success – Colin Carasquillo
In this episode of Marketing Matters, Colin Carasquillo, Digital Marketing Director at Nielsen Automotive Group, sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of dealership management—your website. While many dealers set up their websites and assume all is well, Colin emphasizes the importance of regular audits to prevent costly errors, enhance user experience, and boost conversions. Learn why making your website “grandma-proof” and staying proactive is essential for thriving in today’s increasingly digital automotive market. Watch the full segment here.
