U.S. Regulators to More Closely Monitor Advanced Driver Safety Systems
U.S. regulators on Tuesday said they would keep a closer eye on the automotive industry as it rolls out advanced driver safety systems, tracking the new technologies to spot potential defects faster, reports Reuters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an order requiring automakers and operators of vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance or automated driving systems to report crashes within one day of learning of an incident. "Gathering data will help instill public confidence that the federal government is closely overseeing the safety of automated vehicles," Steven Cliff, the NHTSA's acting administrator, said on a Tuesday briefing with reporters. The safety agency's chief counsel, Ann Carlson, added: "It is critical that NHTSA has timely access to the information it needs to identify potential defects in the vehicles equipped with these systems." Read more here (Source: Reuters).
Lithia Buys Toyota and Subaru Dealerships Near Seattle, Swickard Adds Toyota Store
Lithia Motors Inc. has expanded its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the purchase of the largest Toyota store in Washington state based on new-vehicle sales, reports Automotive News. The auto retailer said the store is expected to add $235 million in annual revenue. Lithia on Tuesday said it paid for Michael's Toyota of Bellevue, near Seattle, using funds from its balance sheet capacity. It also bought Michael's Subaru of Bellevue. Both dealerships' names will remain. The transaction closed on Monday. Lithia bought the dealerships from Seattle-area dealer David Broadus. Erik Paulson, a minority partner and general manager at both stores, is staying on as general manager. Broadus also sold Magic Toyota in Edmonds, Wash., to Swickard Auto Group on Monday. The store has been renamed Swickard Toyota, said Jeff Swickard, the group's dealer principal. Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
U.S. Commerce Chief Urges Congress to Act on Chip Funding by August
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Monday urged U.S. lawmakers to complete action on a $52 billion boost in government funding for semiconductor production and research before Congress leaves for its August recess, reports Automotive News. The U.S. Senate on June 8 voted 62-38 to approve the funding and to authorize $190 billion intended to boost the country's ability to compete with Chinese technology. “It's vital, it's necessary and I hope they finish it and I hope they finish it soon – certainly before they break for summer recess in August," Raimondo told Reuters in a telephone interview. "All signals from the House have been positive that they support getting something done in a short period of time.” Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
Detroit Automakers Lift Mask Mandates for Fully Vaccinated Workers
Leaders of the Detroit automakers and the United Auto Workers union have agreed to make face masks optional for employees who are fully vaccinated against Covid -19, reports CNBC. Workers for the companies, including non-salaried employees, won’t have to show proof of vaccination, according to officials with the UAW and General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler). The Tuesday announcement comes after a task force between the companies and the union reviewed medical experts’ reports, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards on how to safely work through the pandemic. The UAW and automakers last month lifted some Covid-19 protocols but not the masks, which have been a major complaint of plant employees, many of whom do physical work in hot environments. Read more here (Source: CNBC).
Maybe Small Cars Aren't Dead: Subaru Teases Redesigned Subaru WRX Performance Car
Who said small cars are dead? According to USA Today, Subaru on Tuesday teased a total redesign of its WRX, a compact car with a powerful engine and zippy handling. The automaker is saying next to nothing about what to expect with the overhauled WRX, except that it will debut in 2021 as a 2022 model. "The newest WRX will be here so fast, it will take your breath away," the automaker said on its website alongside a teaser image showing part of the vehicle's silhouette. "The legend of the WRX gets an all-new, even more thrilling chapter." This much we know: The 2021 Subaru WRX starts at $28,420 with a standard 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine boasting 268 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive. An upgraded powertrain and automatic transmission are available. Read more here (Source: USA Today).
Vote for CNA National in the Dealers' Choice Awards
Since its founding in 1982, CNA National has been providing automobile dealerships with unparalleled program offerings and award-winning service. As a result, the company has earned 28 accolades in the Dealers’ Choice Awards, far more than any competitor. “As an industry leader, CNA National has set a high standard for products, claims administration, participation program management and overall customer service,” says Jeff Weston, chief revenue officer. “In response, dealers have named us their number-one provider for 16 years in a row!” Help AIADA’s longest-standing affinity partner continue its winning streak by voting for CNA National in the 2021 Dealers’ Choice Awards. Visit vote.cnanational.com to access the survey.
* Best Service Contract Provider 2005-2010, 2012-2020; Best Reinsurance Provider 2011-2013, 2017, 2020.
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