Category Archives: marketing

CDK Cyberattacks Wound June US Light Vehicle Sales

“Although the industry has become accustomed to dealing with adversity in recent years, the CDK cyberattack was another curve ball that disrupted activity on a number of levels during June. Many dealers that use CDK’s software found it difficult to conduct normal business operations, although reports suggest that workarounds were found in many cases,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading

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First Gen Four BMW 1 Series Made in Leipzig

The first of the fourth-generation BMW 1 Series came off the production line at BMW Group Plant Leipzig today. BMW said  it was a 120 model in Alpine White for a customer in Germany.* The new BMW 1 Series is due for market launch in October 2024. When first introduced in 2007, the 1-series was a successful bet that a small hatchback doesn’t need to equate to cheap. Continue reading

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May 2024 Car Sales Drop 3% in EU

Registrations of battery-electric (BEV) cars declined by 12% to 114,308. The total EV market share dropping to 12.5%. Belgium – now the third-largest market by volume for BEVs – and France were the only key markets to record growth, at 44.8% and 5.4%, respectively. Germany (-30.6%) and the Netherlands (-11.7%) had significant declines. From January to May, a total of 556,276 new battery-electric cars were registered. This is a 2% increase from the same period last, according to the ACEA trade group. Continue reading

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May 2024 Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate Up Slightly

“Key markets, China and the US, benefited from improved selling rates versus the previous month. In Europe, there was little change for the West of the region in its month-over-month (MoM) selling rate evolution. While Eastern Europe made progress, with the latter once again supported by recovery in Russia. In Japan, the selling rate declined notably as supply issues persist,” the GlobalData light-vehicles sales forecast team said. Continue reading

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Chinese Trade Wars – Exports Growing, Prices Dropping

Two very real problems are increasing for non-Chinese global automakers. First, is the penetration rate. This is the market share of the vehicles that are the future of the companies that will survive what is an historic reshaping of a global industry. Here, so-called New Electric Vehicles – [NEVs – battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles combined] that have been heavy promoted, subsidized and pushed forward by the Chinese government are now accounting a 43% share in April, an historic high. The economies of scale are enormous and a clear Chinese competitive advantage. Continue reading

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Stellantis Promise or Puff? – Clean, Safe, Affordable Mobility

No matter how nuanced a view you take, Jeep is central to the plan. The China Leapmotor Strategy is either daft – given the expanding global trade war with China or dictated by reality. Perhaps more significant in this moment, Stellantis re-affirmed its 2024 financial guidance and capital return plan, which promises double-digit Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) margin and positive industrial free cash flows. Stellantis will provide  ≥€7.7 billion in dividends and buybacks during 2024. Continue reading

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Milestones – Three Millionth Subaru Outback

The first-generation Outback, was a more expensive variant of the Legacy wagon, with two-tone paint, white-letter tires, large fog lights, and a raised roof. Equipped with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive and 7.5 inches of ground clearance, it was a crossover support utility of sorts. During 30 years of production, Outback has won many awards and has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for 16 years running (2009-2024). Renowned for its reliability, 97% of Outbacks sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. Continue reading

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Subaru 2025 WRX tS Debuts at Wicked Big Meet

Today Subaru announced its new performance 2025 model WRX tS will make its first public appearance at Wicked Big Meet, America’s largest Subaru enthusiast festival, on June 2. The tS trim level offers increased performance and handling capability and ride comfort with a new STI-tuned suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers and revised suspension tuning. Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2025 model, which will be at dealers early next year. Continue reading

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OPTIQ EV- Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV

Cadillac today revealed the new 2025 OPTIQ, an entry-level Cadillac luxury EV. OPTIQ is the least-expensive EV in lineup. This is Cadillac’s fourth EV, positioned below the barely-selling LYRIQ mid-size crossover, with a base price of ~$59,000. This fall OPTIQ joins the expensive ~$300,000+ CELESTIC sedan and the Escalade SUV (~ $130,000). Next year, the VISTIQ appears in showrooms. OPTIQ pricing starts at an estimated $54,000 for the Luxury trim, Sport will be more  expensive [footnote 10],* including destination charges, excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Obvious competitors include Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-EQ EQB, and Lexus RZ. Continue reading

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EV Grumblings – VW ID.7 Luxury Sedan Delayed or Killed?

In a terse statement issued by Volkswagen today in Reston VA, the German automaker said that it is delaying the introduction of the ID.7 sedan in the U.S. and Canada, “as market dynamics continue to change.” Rough translation from AutoInformed: the car market in the US continues to shrink and VW has been a weak player in this segment for decades. More economic dollars and sense can be obtained promoting the ID.Buzz van due in the Fourth Quarter and marketing the already on sale 2024 ID.4 SUV. Continue reading

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SubieEvents Starts 2024 at Stafford Motor Speedway

“The joy of Subaru fans celebrating together is the best part of the SubieEvents series. We have it all, from Lightning Lap leaders to Goodwood Festival favorites to enthusiasts’ own rides, and we’re excited to share amazing vehicles and experiences with even more attendees this year,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America. Continue reading

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Honda 2025 Civic Hybrid – Most Powerful and Safest Ever

“The new Civic hybrid is a perfectly-timed addition to the Honda lineup as hybrid-electric sales continue to grow, providing Honda with an important building block toward 100% zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2040,” said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Company. “Honda hybrid-electric models represented over one-quarter of our overall brand sales in 2023, and the fun-to-drive Civic hybrid is a fantastic new product at the gateway of our popular electrified lineup along with Accord hybrid, CR-V hybrid and the all-electric Prologue.” Continue reading

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Team Penske Front Row for 108th Indianapolis 500, But…

Chevrolet now holds 13 earned pole awards historically, and seven in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era since 2012. Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden led the two-hour practice today as teams shifted from the all-out speed of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying last weekend to stable setups for the race Sunday, 26 May. Newgarden turned a best lap of 226.238 mph in the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet. However, 17 of the 33 starting positions are occupied by Honda, always a formidable racing competitor on any track. Continue reading

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April Global Light Vehicle Sales Tick Up Slightly

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate was 86 million units annually in April 2024, a modest improvement on the previous month, according to an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData consultancy.* With 6.8 million vehicles sold in April, this was a 2.8% improvement year-on-year (YoY), with year-to-date (YTD) sales increasing 3.8%.

Regional selling rates continued to see mixed results GlobalData said. In the US, the selling rate grew month-on-month (MoM). China’s selling rate eased despite the continuation of the price war. Europe also saw a moderate contraction in the selling rate in April versus March. In Japan, sales bounced back after production disruptions at major brands. Continue reading

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Chinese Trade Wars – Leapmotor International Established

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd (9863.HK) yesterday announced that the two companies have received all required authorizations. The formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51%/49% Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete. The notice was made as the US escalated its tariffs and sanctions against Chinese made EVs, batteries and other industrial products. Continue reading

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