When consumers purchase cars at an auto dealer, they often buy supplemental products and services called voluntary protection products (VPPs). These provide additional coverage and protection for certain vehicle components or services not covered by or beyond the manufacturer’s original warranty. This not only impacts the consumer and the dealer’s bottom line, but impacts lenders […]

Car dealers are asking President Joe Biden to “tap the brakes” in his administration’s electric vehicle (EV) push. A total of 3,882 franchised car dealers the U.S., calling themselves the EV Voice of the Customer, published the letter on Nov. 28 that urged a slowdown due to U.S. car buyers not ready to make such […]

A recent report found car dealers offering consumers the ability to do a deal online has grown to 40% in the last year—but an urgent need to cutdown on repetitive steps happening in the showroom. Nearly all car dealers currently using digital retailing tools claim it has positively impacted their business, especially in customer experience […]

The Ciocca Dealership group is growing its holdings in Pennsylvania. The agreement has Ciocca purchasing Apple Automotive, the automotive division of York County, Pa- based Stewart Companies. Terms of the deal was not disclosed, with the final transaction expected to be completed in February 2024. Ciocca Dealerships is a family-owned company operating 42 dealerships and […]

Mercedes-Benz is offering a change to the way Americans charge their vehicles in the same way Starbucks altered the routine of getting a cup of coffee. Mercedes, in a joint venture with MN8 Energy to launch a network of premium electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across North America, inaugurated its first x-Benz Charging Hub at […]

Digital Dealer has revealed its new branding and announced the launch of DealerPoint, a dynamic addition to its event portfolio.   This unveiling of the refreshed logos marks a symbolic step forward for Digital Dealer, aligning with its commitment to innovation and growth.   DealerPoint is a new, high end, focused networking event for automotive retail solution […]

Amazon is getting into the (virtual) car dealership business. At the Los Angeles Auto Show Nov. 16, the Seattle-based online behemoth announced auto dealers for the first time will be able to sell vehicles on Amazon’s U.S. store in 2024—with Hyundai being the first brand available for customers to purchase. Dealers will be the end […]

Despite concerns that resulted in a closer than expected vote, General Motors (GM) union workers approved the deal negotiated by United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The deal was supported by roughly 54% of the more than 34,700 autoworkers at GM who voted, according to results posted Nov. 16  by the union. Results are still outstanding at […]

There has been plenty of chatter leading up to the new Safeguards law that went into effect earlier this year. Among many other components to the legislation and new requirements, the law requires auto dealerships to obtain clear and informed consent from website visitors before collecting and using their personal data, However, there are finer […]