Infiniti QX80 SUV Redesign Aims for U.S. Luxury Brands
Infiniti is aiming bigger and higher with its flagship. The third-generation QX80 SUV is getting a bold redesign and an equally ambitious marketing strategy. The three-row light truck now wears the boxy looks of a Range Rover and a price that will reportedly top $100,000. But the QX80 redesign represents more than a sheet metal redo. it's a Hail Mary for the brand. Until last year, Infiniti was on a multiyear sales slide that plumbed a low in 2022. Executives are betting the 2025 QX80 will re-spark brand enthusiasm and sales when the SUV arrives at dealerships in July. Infiniti Americas boss Craig Keeys told Automotive News that the redesigned QX80 is the "next step in a product renaissance" that will drive showroom traffic. The brand seeks to boost U.S. sales to 100,000 vehicles by mid-decade — more than 50 percent higher than last year's volume. Infiniti is pitting its flagship, which accounted for a fifth of the brand's sales last year, against vehicles quintessential to the large luxury SUV market's DNA. Click here for the full story.
Emissions Rules Soften as BEV Demand Slows
Bowing to consumer interest and softening demand for battery-electric vehicles in an election year, the Biden Admin. has backed off its clean-air regulations designed to have BEVs comprise 50 percent of new-vehicle sales by 2030. The concession, brokered with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the White House by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Congressional Automotive Caucus, will help automakers avoid heavy financial penalties potentially reaching $10.5 billion through 2032. According to Wards, it will allow automakers to use a wider menu of technology offerings to meet emission targets and sell more internal-combustion-engine vehicles through 2030, especially full-size pickups. The previous proposal required gas-equivalent EV mileage ratings to be cut by 72 percent by 2027. That means the petroleum equivalency factor (PEF) was set at 23.2 kilowatt hours per gallon by 2030, a standard automakers complained was too severe. The new rules are easier, allowing automakers to phase in their mileage requirements by 2030. Click here for the full story.
Dealerships' Responses to Website Inquiries Improving, New Study Shows
More dealerships than ever provided more thoughtful and thorough personal responses to inquiries on their websites, according to a new study from Pied Piper. The study, released this month, ranks dealerships on a 100-point scale based on how they responded to mystery-customer inquiries on their websites within 24 hours. The industry average score rose to the highest since Pied Piper started tracking responses in 2011. Many dealerships implemented digital strategies to increase online effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pied Piper CEO Fran O'Hagan told Automotive News. While car sales are primarily still in-person, these digital strategies are improving customer satisfaction, he said. "2024 is a more challenging business environment for car dealers, and many have responded by improving their interactions with online customers," O'Hagan said in a statement. In this year's study, 34 percent of dealership groups received a score above 80, indicating they thoroughly and adequately responded to the inquiry in the allotted time. Click here for the full story.
Relational Vs. Transactional Strategies for Lasting Customer Loyalty
Welcome to the world of loyalty-based selling strategies, where every interaction is a step towards forging lasting connections and creating memorable experiences. In this dynamic interview with CBT News and Jen Suzuki, we delve into the art of relational selling versus transactional selling and uncover the secrets behind building authentic customer relationships beyond immediate sales. From Jen’s firsthand experiences in the automotive industry to her insights on utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems effectively, get ready to explore the power of personalization, customer care, and long-term engagement in driving success and customer loyalty. Join us as we embark on a journey of transforming transactions into meaningful relationships and making every customer feel valued, appreciated, and eager to return. Suzuki highlights the difference between relational selling and transactional selling. Relational selling involves building long-term relationships with customers and personalized interactions. In contrast, transactional selling is more focused on making immediate sales and meeting quotas without much concern for customer relationships or long-term loyalty. Click here for the full story.
Volkswagen, Mobileye to Bring New Automated Driving Functions to Series Production
Volkswagen will bring new automated driving technologies to series production as it deepens its partnership with Mobileye in automotive driving technologies, Europe's biggest carmaker said on Wednesday. Israeli automotive tech company Mobileye will provide driving assistance software based on its SuperVision and Chauffeur platforms to VW's luxury brands such as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, reports Reuters. The technologies, which later will be integrated by VW's software unit Cariad, include assistance systems for highway and urban driving, such as automated overtaking on multilane highways, automatic stopping at red lights and stop signs, and support in intersections and roundabouts. "New automated driving functions will significantly boost convenience and safety," VW Chief Executive Oliver Blume said. Mobileye is also set to supply further automated driving software to Volkswagen's commercial vehicles unit. In future, the German carmaker aims to rely on its own complete in-house software system. Click here for the full story.
Around the Web
More Car Owners Are Underwater on Loans Because of Lower Trade-In Values [The Washington Post]
One Generation Is Road Raging Harder than the Others [Carbuzz]
Best Cars for Teens: $20,000 or Less [Autoblog]
Honda CR-V e:FCEV Is a Novel Take on a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle [Car and Driver]
