CBT 09/13/23 Newsletter

Today's top automotive industry headlines with Shyann Malone .

United Auto Workers bends on pay demands days before contract deadline

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union and Detroit-Three automakers have made slight progress toward negotiating a contract before current agreements expire in just two days on September 14. (LEARN MORE)

Porsche and Audi recall nearly 7,000 EVs due to safety concerns

Two of Volkswagen's premium brands, Porsche and Audi, are issuing recalls for versions of their 2023 EVs, including the Taycan and e-tron GT. Due to a lack of battery sealant, nearly 7,000 EVs have been affected because it could allow liquid to seep through and cause a fire. (LEARN MORE)

Toyota port facility to use renewable energy system with hydrogen byproducts

Toyota and FuelCell Energy have completed what they call the world’s first “tri-gen system,” a power generator capable of producing renewable electricity, hydrogen and water. (LEARN MORE)

BMW abandons its plan to bill customers monthly fees for heated seats

BMW owners may now enjoy the comfort of a warming backside throughout the chilly winter months without worrying about paying an outrageous monthly fee. The company abandoned its proposal to charge customers $18 a month for heated seats after they objected to paying more to use their cars' built-in features. (LEARN MORE)

How new vehicles are trending in today’s market – Brian Moody | AutoTrader

The average transaction price of a new vehicle has increased since last year, but not by much. Could this be the incentive and relief consumers are looking for? On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Brian Moody , Executive Editor at Autotrader, joins us to share insights on the latest data from Cox Automotive.

Unleashing the power within: innovative strategies for creating an engaged workforce

There’s good and bad news when it comes to dealership employee engagement. According to Cox Automotive’s The State of Dealership Staffing report, released in 2021, 67% of dealers said motivating and retaining employees was challenging. However, there’s a silver lining: interest in working at dealerships increased 9% between 2019 and 2021 (25% vs. 36%). The professionals are interested. The challenge is how to keep them once they join your team. See our tips to help inspire your employees to stick around.

Vehicle sales are cooling off. Is this ad platform the solution?

It’s no secret that vehicle sales have leveled out in many parts of the country. According to a report by Automotive News, dealers have nearly two million new cars sitting on their lots, and?Cox Automotive expects a slowdown in the second half of the year due to high prices and tight credit. Many dealerships are struggling right now to reach new customers. But, one powerful tool that's emerged to meet this challenge is Amazon Video Advertising. This cutting-edge platform offers a range of benefits that make it the right choice for dealers looking to rejuvenate their sales efforts. Let's explore why Amazon Video Advertising is the ideal solution for dealerships in need of a sales boost.

CBT Cartoon of the Day