Through our Dealers Do Good campaign, AIADA is recognizing dealers for the positive impact they have in the communities they serve. If you’re a dealer doing good, let us know here, tag us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, or join the conversation with the #DealersDoGood hashtag.
The Gates Auto Family hosted the 4th Annual Madison Secret Families Christmas Charity. All sponsored families came exclusively from local school systems through school principals and family resource centers. Each family received a decorated Christmas tree, presents for each family member, gift card to Meijer for Christmas dinner, and a bible. Click here to watch a video.
This Is Why Some Vehicles Qualify as SUVs, and Some Don’t for the IRA EV Tax Credits
Ever since the Biden administration’s Treasury Department signed the $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August changing the availability of EV and plug-in hybrid incentives, there’s been a lot of confusion regarding which models classify as SUVs and which ones don’t, as this affects whether they qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. To start off, all electrified vehicles must be assembled in North America (…unless they’re being leased), have a battery capacity of at least 7kWh and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of under 14,000 pounds. However, the IRA limits the MSRP depending on vehicle classification. And by MSRP, the Treasury means the base model regardless of how high the rest of the lineup goes – so if you get a fully optioned, loaded top-end version that exceeds that value, it still qualifies, as long as the entry-level model’s MSRP remains under the limit, reports Carscoops. SUVs and trucks can have a base MSRP of up to $80,000 to qualify, while cars, sedans and wagons are limited to a base MSRP of $55,000. Click here to learn how the EPA and the government classifies vehicles.
Toyota Considers New EV-Dedicated Platform as It Looks to Build Scale
Toyota Motor Corp. is looking at rolling out a new manufacturing platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, part of revamped efforts to find the formula for making a large number of EVs profitably. The Japanese car company is considering a platform — a common foundation on which various car models can be built — that is different from the one underpinning the auto maker’s current EVs, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said. “EVs need to be thought of independently,” Mr. Toyoda said. Instead of converting existing vehicles into EVs, “the movement has shifted toward making EVs as EVs and making them properly good cars,” he told The Wall Street Journal. A new EV-specific platform would represent a significant step up in investment from Toyota’s current EV architecture, which is partially repurposed from an existing design for gasoline-powered vehicles. A new platform composed of EV-optimized, standardized parts could help drive up volumes, bringing cost savings in the long term. Click here for the full story.
2024 Nissan GT-R Gets Most Dramatic Upgrade in 7 Years with New Look and Aero
After mysteriously disappearing from the U.S. market for the 2022 model year, the Nissan GT-R just as mysteriously reappeared for 2023 completely unchanged. Now it's back again for 2024 with both cosmetic and performance-oriented upgrades throughout the range. Unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, it's the most dramatic tweak to Nissan's supercar since its 2017 facelift. If that seems like a long time ago, it is, but the GT-R has also been kicking around since the 2009 model year. Happy 15th GT-R. Right off the bat, we see new front and rear fascias across all trims, starting with the base Premium, reports Autoblog. Gone is the V-motion grille that's been part of the GT-R's mug for the past six years. The new nose has a broad grille opening reminiscent of the R34-generation Skyline GT-R, and the whole front bumper has been reshaped for a wider look with an array of funky hexagonal auxiliary lights at each corner. Nissan says that even the mesh pattern in the grille uses a thinner lattice to improve cooling and reduce drag. Click here to learn more about the 2024 Nissan GT-R.
Affordability Critical Issue for EVs — Even with New Tax Credits
The new tax credits for consumers built into the Inflation Reduction Act will do little to speed up the transition to electric vehicles where affordability remains a — if not “the” — critical issue. The ability of consumers of varying economic realities to buy electric vehicles is pivotal to their success, according to panelists at the annual Automotive Insights Symposium. “If you can afford to buy an electric vehicle, you can’t use the tax credit because of the income caps,” said Peter DeLongchamps, senior vice president Group 1 Automotive, one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers during the discussion at the symposium, which revolved around the affordability of electric vehicles. The U.S. Treasury Department won’t have the final rules governing the tax credits ready until March 31, reports The Detroit Bureau. But the credits are limited by family income and the price of the vehicle under the new law. The average price of new vehicle in the U.S. now tops $49,500, according to Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist and senior director of Industry Insights Cox Automotive. “There’s no reason to think these prices are coming down,” he added. Click here for the full story.
Federated Insurance's Claim of the Month — Could it happen to you?
While attempting to enter a dealership, a customer tripped on a gradual raised curb in the parking lot, sustaining a broken wrist that required hospitalization and surgery. The attorney representing the customer argued liability as a result of the elevation change not being differentiated by color, and because an employee told the customer that “people fall there all the time.”
CLAIM AMOUNT: $75,000.00
It is important to be sure that the property is well marked and maintained to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Consider the following:
-
Make documentation of any incidents that occur.
-
Regularly inspect your dealership for cracks, potholes, and uneven ground.
-
Install surveillance cameras that cover the entire lot so that any events can be confirmed.
-
If you find a hazard, draw attention to it with traffic cones or signage
-
Consider moving your vehicles periodically, as vehicles can obscure hazardous conditions.
-
Have all raised surfaces painted as a visual warning on the property.
-
Instruct employees to never admit fault of prior incidents.
Visit federatedinsurance.com or contact your local marketing representative for resources you can use to create or enhance your own risk management program.
Around the Web
Mercedes Could Drop EQ Naming Convention As Early As 2024 [Carscoops]
The Kia Stinger GT2 Wagon Is a Fresh Take on Kia's Most Vicious Sports Car [HotCars]
Alaskan Woman Told It Will Take Four Years to Replace Her Recalled Chevy Bolt Battery [Carbuzz]
Hyundai Built a Car That Can Drive Sideways and Spin [Fox News]
