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Maria Haven is a middle school teacher and was recently named by the Griffin-Spalding County School District as the district-wide Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year. One of the perks of that award is a one-year lease on the Nissan Rogue courtesy of Cronic Automotive Group, the largest car dealership in Griffin, Georgia. “This is a unique way to recognize our county’s Teacher of the Year, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Wanda Cronic Howell, president of Cronic Automotive Group. “I hope the award not only is enjoyed by this year’s winner, but that it generates excitement among teachers across the county in the future.” Click here to view a photo.
Hyundai to Be First Automaker to Sell New Cars on Amazon
Hyundai customers who want to skip going to a dealership will have a new option next year: shopping on Amazon.com. According to The Wall Street Journal, the South Korean automaker announced the move Thursday with Amazon at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Starting in 2024, U.S. auto dealers will be able to sell new vehicles on the tech company’s platform, making Hyundai the first automotive brand to offer such an option for customers. “Despite the industry’s focus on improving this experience, customers continue to express frustration with the process,” José Muñoz, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor said at the LA Auto Show. “They see how easy it is to buy all the products on Amazon, and they want that convenience when buying a car.” The companies said the arrangement will allow customers to purchase a new car on Amazon from a local dealership and then either pick it up or have it delivered. Prospective buyers will be able to search on Amazon’s website for available vehicles in their area by model, color, and features, and then complete the process using their chosen payment and financing options. Click here for the full story.
How Dealers Are Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry – Charlie Chesbrough | Cox Automotive
As we continue to navigate the vastly changing landscape of retail automotive, it’s imperative to take note of the recent developments that have shaped the market. On the latest episode of CBT News’ Inside Automotive, Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist at Cox Automotive, joins us to further elaborate on the industry’s ongoing challenges. Chesbrough confirms that the industry should be pleased with the overall strength it has seen so far this year. For example, the industry has seen a pace of 15.5 million vehicles sold. Nonetheless, some dealers and analysts remain concerned about the uncertain outlook moving forward. Despite the 46-day United Auto Works union strikes, the results had minimal effect on the retail side of the industry. However, there was a significant drop in the industry’s fleet activity. Chesbrough notes, “Fleet sales in October were down 10 percent according to early estimates.” This activity also signifies the industry’s first fall in fleet sales for the entire year. Click here for the full interview.
U.S. House Panel Opens Probe into Proposed FTC Car Buyer Rule
A U.S. House committee said Thursday it is investigating the Federal Trade Commission's planned rules to require new consumer protections for car buyers that are sharply opposed by auto dealers. According to Automotive News, House Oversight Committee chair James Comer, a Republican, asked FTC Chair Lina Khan to turn over documents and answer questions by Nov. 30 on the proposed rule he said "threatens harm to consumers and small businesses by making car purchases more difficult and inhibiting innovation in the industry. "A group of 17 Democratic lawmakers in June urged the FTC to "adopt strong regulatory protections for car buyers," arguing "unfair and deceptive practices involving motor vehicle dealers have widespread consequences." A spokesperson for Khan did not immediately comment. The FTC in June 2022 proposed banning fees and bait-and-switch advertising tactics and requiring dealers to make key disclosures to consumers, including providing a true "offering price" and making disclosures about optional add-on fees. The FTC said the rules "would save consumers time and money and help ensure a level playing field for honest dealers.” Click here for the full story.
Crown Signia Expands Toyota’s CUV Lineup
When Toyota reintroduced the Crown model to the U.S. after decades of absence to replace the Avalon sedan, it was a big shift from a very conservative sedan to a sport-sedan hatchback that suggests CUV without committing to it. For 2025, Toyota adds the Crown Signia, which not only fully commits but also embraces elements of wagon styling. Indeed, the production Signia holds closely to the Crown Estate Type Concept from 2022, reports Wards. The Crown Signia’s styling is unique in the marketplace among CUVs, which should help it stand out as an example of form following function. A 5-passenger CUV with length – 79 in. behind the front seats when the second row is folded flat – there is probably little chance Toyota will ever try to cram a third-row seat into the Crown Signia since the automaker already has the Grand Highlander for that. The arrival of the Signia, though, does make us wonder if the similarly sized Venza will be long for the U.S. market. Click here to learn more about the Crown Signia.
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