Category Archives: marketing

2018 Auto Retail Sales Down. Transaction Prices Set Record

“Despite retail sales falling for the sixth consecutive month, the continued growth in transaction prices is allowing manufacturers to offset lower sales with higher revenue,” claims Thomas King, Senior Vice President of the Data and Analytics Division at J.D. Power. “Consumers are on pace to spend nearly $45 billion on autos in December, up 1% from last year and the highest level ever recorded.” Continue reading

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Korean Made 2019 Hyundai Kona starts at $37,495

Kona Electric rides on an all-new CUV platform. It is Hyundai’s first compact electric crossover for the U.S. market, appealing to consumers with – marketing babble alert – “active, eco-focused lifestyles of all kinds.” Continue reading

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NADA 2019 Light Vehicle Sales Projected at 16.8 Million

Based on a strong November, new-vehicle sales are expected to reach 17 million units in 2018, which would mark the fourth straight year of U.S. auto sales above 17 million units. (see AutoInformed: Auto Loans – Payments Higher, Subprime Lending Lower. The Federal Reserve Board is likely to raise rates in December 2018. More rate increases are likely during the early half of 2019 and then rates are expected to hold.) Continue reading

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Global Light Vehicle Sales Fall Again in November

The Chinese LV market continues to slow down, “a major source of concern given the importance of this market to global sales.” Other regions are also struggling, with YoY losses in Europe and North America, though selling rates remain robust in North America. Continue reading

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Aston Martin Valkyrie Cosworth V12 Rated at 1000 Horsepower

The program it’s claimed called for a normally aspirated engine. Aston notes, correctly, that while turbocharging has absolutely come of age and offers significant and widespread benefits, especially in road applications, what is arguably the greatest driver’s car of today needed an internal combustion engine that is the “pinnacle for performance, excitement and emotion.” Rationalization or reality here? Ultimately a peck of buyers will decide. Continue reading

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Auto Loans – Payments Higher, Subprime Lending Lower

Some look to vehicle affordability trends – or lack thereof – as a driving force behind consumer choices. The monthly payments for new and used vehicles again reached record highs in Q3 – $530 and $381, respectively – and the gap between new and used monthly payments continues to widen, reaching $149. The difference between leasing and buying on roughly the top Ten sellers is about $100 a month less for leasing. The average loan is now 72 months, but consumers on average change vehicle every 34-36 months. Continue reading

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Restructuring Storm Building as Ford Announces Senior Retirements in Treasury, Product Development, Manufacturing

A couple of the exits are noteworthy for signaling that major disruptive actions are about to occur. For example – was Kent responsible for the addled brained idea that Ford would cut its dividend that Ford Family members depend on? Nevertheless, the pressure remains for Ford to cut costs and start once again, yet again on a restructuring plan. to increase shareholder value. Continue reading

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Brick-Built McLaren in Central London PR Stunt

Consider that a new McLaren has been spotted during dynamic testing ahead of its introduction in January. The car’s brick-based construction has made it necessary for development to move from McLaren’s usual secret facility near Idiada in Spain to a busy LEGO Store in Central London. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor November US Sales Flat

Reflecting prevailing U.S. market trends TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions posted best-ever November for light truck sales. Continue reading

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Ford Motor November U.S. Sales Drop -7%

Only one Ford brand car increased its sales year-to-date, except for the new GT (125 total). Overall car sales were off -19.5% for the month (34088), -17.5% for the year at 425,508. Continue reading

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Fully electric Audi e-tron and e-tron GT concept at Los Angeles

Audi e-tron is the first all-electric production model from the brand. It’s a five-seater, electric mid-sized crossover SUV that will arrive in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2019. ALA Tesla it’s is available now for U.S. customers to place reservations. Continue reading

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ChargePoint Secures $240 Million in Series H Funding

The latest fundraising effort comes during a growth period caused by what it says is a broad solution portfolio that is accelerating the mass adoption of electric mobility for drivers and businesses. Continue reading

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Subaru, Land Rover Win ALG Residual Value Awards

The awards will be presented to automakers this week at Automobility LA. ALG has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for more than 50 years and in Canada since 1981. Continue reading

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Automobility LA – Fast EV Charging Network Plugged and Supported by Volkswagen Subsidiary Electrify America

However, industry observers note that there isn’t a clear focus in the U.S. to create an open electric vehicle charging network. In fact, the grid is to varying degrees populated by self-interested players in for a buck – as in charges via fees – and not necessarily for creating or sustaining potential consumer demands and expectations for convenience, reliability and speed. It’s true that these might ultimately become benefits, but one need only recall Enron* and its history with utility companies and how that worked out for consumers. Continue reading

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Aston Martin Cuts Deal with Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi

Aston Martin’s 105-year history is steeped in competitive motorsport and this latest partnership with the most expensive – 1$ billion – F1 circuit in the world, “reinforces that commitment.” Aston Martin currently competes at the top-level of motorsport with Aston Martin Red Bull racing in Formula One and Aston Martin Racing in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). Continue reading

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