Category Archives: marketing

CarMax FY Q3 Net Profit Up 1.2%

Posted on 19 December 2024 by Ken Zino

CarMax (NYSE: KMX) today reported results for the third quarter ended November 30, 2024. Total gross profit of $677.6 million increased  by 10.6% year-over-year (YoY) because of higher volumes and margins. Gross profit per retail used unit was $2306, in line with the prior year’s Q3. Gross profit per wholesale unit  was $1015, up $54 per unit. Extended Protection Plans (EPP) margin per retail unit of $573, was an increase of $53.

“I am pleased with the positive momentum that we are driving across our diversified business model. Our solid execution and a more stable environment for vehicle valuations enabled us to deliver robust EPS growth driven by increases in unit sales and buys, solid margins, growth in CAF income, and ongoing management of SG&A,” said Bill Nash, president and chief executive officer. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Sculptor Charles Sykes – Spirit of Ecstasy Creator

Posted on 18 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“Best known to posterity as the creator of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Charles Sykes was a multi-talented artist with deep connections to the principal players in the Rolls-Royce story. His professional and artistic relationship with Eleanor Thornton was pivotal in his work, for which she was perhaps his greatest muse; he also benefited from two powerful patrons in Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and Claude Johnson, on whose behalf he produced some of the finest and most enduring works of art. His paintings of Rolls-Royce motor cars uniquely capture their grace and beauty, and in his depictions of their almost exclusively aristocratic owners, he provides a fascinating window into a world that has now vanished,” said Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

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US Auto Sales Forecast Trump Bump or Bumpy 25?

Posted on 17 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The experts at Cox Automotive said today that the U.S. Automotive forecast for 2025 is likely positive with what they termed the Goldilocks economy – not too hot nor too cold but just right.

“Instead of a slowing economy, we have a stabilizing economy and most importantly, a stabilizing labor market,” said the estimable Jonathon Smoke Cox, Automotive chief economist. “We can stop fretting about a soft landing and acknowledge we’ve navigated restrictive rates, slowing job growth and increasing unemployment. But as we end 2024, momentum is back on our side. And the labor market is expected to remain at full employment,” said Smoke. Continue reading →

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Toyota Slashes 2025 Electric Vehicle Prices $6000

Posted on 17 December 2024 by Ken Zino

Toyota said today in Plano Texas that the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) for the 2025 bZ4X is $6000 lower for the XLE grade and $5380 lower for the Limited grade.** The 2025 bZ4X also adds a new Nightshade edition, making it the first-ever Toyota Nightshade BEV. There is more standard driver assistance technology on the Limited grade, including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

“For drivers thinking about going all electric, the Toyota bZ4X just made the choice even easier,” Toyota said. “With a smooth, quiet ride, and an EPA estimated range rating of up to 252 miles on FWD models, the bZ4X is a great value for drivers that want a BEV from a trusted brand. For 2025, that value starts at an MSRP of $37,070 on the XLE FWD grade, a reduction of nearly 14-percent. Continue reading →

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November Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate 93 Million

Posted on 16 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate for November* stood at 95 million units/year, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.** a small improvement on the previous month, and the best result so far in 2024. Market volumes continued to grow in November as YoY sales were up 6% compared to November 2023. YTD sales stood at 80 million units.

“In November, sales saw sustained growth in key markets like the US and China. Chinese consumers are capitalizing on scrappage subsidies and a very competitive pricing environment. In the US, an extra selling day compared to the previous year contributed to increased sales YoY. Sales in Western Europe remain lackluster, mirroring previous trends, as political and economic challenges persist, exacerbated by recent government turmoil in Germany and France,” the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecast Team said. Continue reading →

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December U.S. Auto Sales Start Strong

Posted on 13 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The Q4 2024 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) released today shows growing optimism among U.S. auto dealers. Despite current weak market conditions, the post-election survey indicates increasing dealer confidence. The final Auto Market Report video of the year, noted that after a very strong November, December appears to be off to a strong start.

“We saw a surge in the outlook, technically the largest surge we have had quarterly in the history of the data,” said  Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “It is the best fourth quarter since 2021, which was the most profitable quarter in dealer history.” Continue reading →

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Mustang GTD Laps Nürburgring in under Seven Minutes

Posted on 10 December 2024 by Ken Zino

A 2025 Ford Mustang GTD completed of the 12.9-mile at the 73-turn “Green Hell” in 6:57.685 at the Nürburgring Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today.* This means Mustang GTD is only the sixth stock, production sports car to complete an officially certified sub-seven-minute lap and the fifth fastest in the production sports car class according to the Nürburgring’s records.

Mustang GTD represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance. Ford said it benefits from lessons learned by the Ford Performance Motorsports and Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 program, in particular around aerodynamics and setup for tracks such as the Nürburgring. However, Mustang GTD isn’t subject to the rules and regulations of GT3 racing, which prohibit much of the technology that allow a sub-seven-minute Nürburgring lap. Ford Motor is hardly the first company to use a speed run as a marketing ploy, however meaningless it is when the green flag waves in a real race, AutoInformed notes. Continue reading →

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November Western European Car Sales Up

Posted on 6 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“Year-to-date (YTD) sales experienced a slight decline of 0.2% compared to the first eleven months of 2023. The recent collapse of both the German and French governments has heightened political uncertainty in the region. Despite support coming from rate cuts and new model introductions in2025, the combination of political headwinds, high pricing and challenges faced by domestic manufacturers will continue to challenge market activity in the short term,” the GlobalData European Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team said. Continue reading →

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Kevin Magnussen Joins BMW M Motorsport LMDh

Posted on 5 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“Kevin Magnussen is an outstanding addition to our LMDh program. He has regularly demonstrated his speed at the highest level in Formula 1 over the past decade. Thanks to his extensive experience, he is a true asset to our project. His previous full season with a sports car prototype in 2021 is another advantage for us, as it will surely ease his acclimatization to the BMW M Hybrid V8. I am very delighted that Kevin Magnussen is part of the BMW M Motorsport family now,” said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. Continue reading →

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Porsche Motorsport and Iron Dames in WEC

Posted on 3 December 2024 by Ken Zino

Porsche Motorsport said today that during 2025 with the start of the Asian Le Mans Series next weekend in Sepang (Malaysia). Four fast female drivers will compete in four top series at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R. Michelle Gatting from Denmark, Rahel Frey from Switzerland, Sarah Bovy from Belgium and Célia Martin from France will race for the Iron Dames squad in Asia, Europe and the USA. The schedule also includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Iron Dames is now in a partnership with Porsche – in essence a factory supported racing team.

“Porsche stands for a culture of equal opportunities and diversity. Encouraging women to get involved in motorsport and then supporting them in open competition is something we value highly. In this context, we’ve seen that the Iron Dames project is well-structured and was very successful in recent years,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “Since our customer teams have already celebrated victories with the Iron Dames, we’re now taking the next logical step. We’re very confident that the collaboration in all series will reap excellent results and we can highlight our contribution to supporting female racing drivers with victories and podium finishes.” Continue reading →

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Bernie Ecclestone Selling His F1 Car Collection

Posted on 2 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“I have been collecting these cars for more than 50 years, and I have only ever bought the best of any example. Whilst many other collectors over the years have opted for sports cars, my passion has always been for Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars,” said Ecclestone. “A Grand Prix and in particular a Formula 1 car is far more important than any road car or other form of race car, as it is the pinnacle of the sport, and all the cars I have bought over the years have fantastic race histories and are rare works of art.”

“I love all of my cars but the time has come for me to start thinking about what will happen to them should I no longer be here, and that is why I have decided to sell them. After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone and not leave them for my wife to deal with should I not be around,” said Ecclestone. Continue reading →

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F1 – Qatar Investment Authority Buys Into Sauber

Posted on 29 November 2024 by Ken Zino

QIA was founded in 2005 to invest and manage the state reserve funds. QIA is among the largest and most active sovereign wealth funds globally. QIA invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions as well as in partnership with institutions around the world “to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns and contribute to the prosperity of the State of Qatar.” It is the subject of controversies, including its dealings with Russia, embezzlement charges of former executives, it’s ownership of Heathrow airport, the PGA tournaments, the football World Cup, among others. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Broad Arrow Auctions and BMW

Posted on 27 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Thus Broad Arrow Auctions makes its overseas live auction debut following annual North American sales events, including the Monterey Jet Center Auction and The Amelia Auction, where Broad Arrow is the official auction house of The Amelia (Concours d’Elegance). At each of these auctions, Broad Arrow claims rapid growth, continuing to increase total sales and the average value of cars sold year-over-year.

Founded in 1929, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is one of the world’s oldest concours d’elegance events. Hosted by BMW Group Classic and Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, Saturday’s tickets for the events at Villa d’Este are limited, while the parade of Historic Cars is open to the public on Sunday at Villa Erba. Broad Arrow’s auction will be held on Saturday 24 May 2025 at Villa Erba. Continue reading →

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General Motors via Cadillac F1 Bound in 2026

Posted on 25 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The move comes after Max Verstappen took the 2024 driver’s title driving for Red Bull at Las Vegas over the past weekend. An announcement of some sort was widely rumored in the paddock. This starts another era in F1 as Cadillac would be the first new team to join F1 since 2016 and the eleventh team on the grid. In addition to the Cadillac F1 partnership with GM, TWG Global owns and operates Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports. [It will also open up a couple of driver’s seats in the world’s most expensive motor sports series.  Seven different drivers won more than one race in 2024, which has two races remaining. Gentleman, let the driver speculation intrigue begin. Gentlewoman? – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Subaru 2025 Forester Wilderness SUV – $36,415

Posted on 22 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today said pricing on the rugged 2025 Forester Wilderness SUV will range from $36,415 to $38,415 with the only option package including destination.* In addition to longer coil springs and shock absorbers, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness adds 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels with All-Terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires for increased traction on muddy, wet, or snowy roads or trails. A full-size spare is underneath the cargo area. Continue reading →

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