AIADA Dealers Storm Capitol Hill, Discuss Tariffs
Last week, hundreds of international nameplate auto dealers descended upon Washington, D.C., for a two-day crash course in current politics, industry trends, and an opportunity to shape the future of their businesses by meeting one-on-one with their elected officials on Capitol Hill. In total, more than 150 meetings were held with members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including leadership of both house and members from 32 states. Dealers tackled tough topics – like trade and tariffs – while also sharing crucial information with lawmakers about their impact on their local economies. Cody Lusk congratulated all the dealers in attendance for their participation and commitment to remaining engaged with their lawmakers. “I appreciate every single one of you in the room tonight – because you are the dealers, and the manufacturers, and the industry reps who truly get it,” he told them. “You know that you can’t just choose to stay away from politics because it’s a messy business. You understand that politicians are deeply involved in YOUR business, and it’s crucial that you have a say in their decisions.” Read more about AIADA’s Tariff Fly-In, held last week in Washington, by clicking here.
Dinosaur Cars: Pickups, Minivans, Hot Rods That Haven't Been Updated in Ages
Call them Jurassic cars. USA Today reports that as the 2019 New York Auto Show kicks off with media previews this week, automakers are gearing up to tout their brand-new car designs, powerful and efficient engines, slick interiors and advanced technology. So why are so many vehicles becoming dinosaurs? While the auto industry touts brand new vehicles to come, many already on sale haven't gotten major redesigns in ages. For example, the Nissan Frontier has gone 14 years without an overhaul. The Dodge Charger hasn't gotten a complete makeover in 13 years. And the Toyota Sienna hasn't been redesigned in eight years. To be sure, these Jurassic cars aren’t necessarily at risk of turning into fossils. In fact, some of them are still selling well and raking in profits. Read more here.
Storms Damage Dealerships in Texas, Ohio
Several dealerships suffered significant losses from powerful storms that traveled from Texas to Ohio over the weekend, reports Automotive News. North Park Lexus at Dominion, in San Antonio, Texas, had nearly $1 million in damage after a hailstorm struck the area on Saturday. The hail damaged more than 500 cars, including cracked windows and dented bodies. One image showed an imprint where hail broke through a vehicle's rear window. Two dealerships located about 90 miles southwest of Cleveland in Shelby, Ohio, suffered significant damage after a tornado touched down in the area Sunday. The violent weather had left nearly 115,000 customers without electricity in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio and North Carolina as of early Monday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.US. The severe weather first targeted the South on Saturday and continued its path of destruction into the mid-Atlantic by Monday morning. Read more here.
A Luxury Van? Lexus Says Yes with LM 350
Lexus will pioneer a fresh premium segment with the LM 350 people mover van, an entry trying to tap burgeoning demand for palatial limousine transport in Asia by luring industrious high rollers with thrown-like seating in an on-the-go office space, reports Automotive News. The roomy LM, unveiled Tuesday at the Shanghai auto show, responds to the needs of Asia’s increasingly affluent “next generation of luxury consumers,” Lexus said. And in case anyone doubts its premium credentials, Lexus promises the upcoming nameplate will get the “largest ever Lexus spindle grille” with chrome accents galore along its side. Among other accouterments: A 26” color screen, refrigerator, umbrella storage, massage chairs and glass privacy partition. The minifridge can chill two champagne bottles, Lexus notes. Don’t expect the new Lexus LM in the U.S. anytime soon. Toyota Motor Corp.’s premium brand says the Lexus van will be offered first in China and select Asian markets. Read more here.
Five Big New Vehicles Not to Miss at New York Auto Show
Crossovers remain the new favorite American family car. Indeed, compact and mid-sized crossovers are the favorites of people who don't have any kids too. Forbes is featuring a look at five big new vehicles not to miss at the New York Auto Show. Subaru has been one of the most successful brands of the last decade, and the company is unveiling an all-new version of its flagship Outback. This new model is based on a new platform Subaru is using for its new Ascent and Forester SUVs as well. Toyota is taking the wraps off an all-new Highlander SUV. The Highlander, long one of the most solid entries in the category goes up against Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot in the marketplace. New styling for the Highlander leans a but more rugged than the Highlanders of past years, and fuel economy of the hybrid version is improved. The new version has better passenger space, better egress through the doors and a suite of safety features, all features that well-off suburban families are looking for and willing to pay for. Read more here.
Smart Technology Sets the Pace for Accelerating Sales
Your service drive is rife with profitable opportunities to sell customers cars, as long as you know how to find them and communicate them in the right way. AIADA’s April AutoTalk features Kendall Billman, AutoAlert Senior VP. Listen on Tuesday, April 16th at 2:00 p.m. EDT as Kendall discusses:
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Service drive sales and Smart Technology helps you predict, and even drive customer behavior
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Use the service drive to re-engage customers and convert new prospects
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Leverage geo-framing technology to deliver targeted ads at the right time
Around the Web
63% of American Consumers Give Specific Reasons for Driving EVs [Auto Remarketing]
American-Style Luxury Cars Are Back [Automobile]
