Carvana scales up with entry into new-car dealer networks
Carvana is expanding its footprint by moving into new-car dealerships, signaling a shift from its online-only model toward partnerships with traditional dealer channels.
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Hiring a Car Negotiator: Help or Hassle in a Real-World Deal
A New Hampshire buyer hired a professional negotiator to land a better car deal, but the plan dragged on for two months due to the middleman insisting on handling registration and a clash with the dealership, which says deals can be done over the phone and that it routinely handles registration. The story highlights that negotiating services exist and can help some buyers, but they don’t guarantee a smoother process, and in many cases the dealership manages paperwork, financing, and taxes more directly.
Jaguar's EV-Upscale Bet Faces Dealer Doubts and Lease-Only Plan
Jaguar is pivoting to an EV-only, low-volume, high-margin future aimed at rivaling Bentley, reportedly leasing rather than selling its new electric grand tourer to control the used-car market. The plan targets around 10,000 units per year with order books opening around a $130k price tag; dealers express uncertainty about a viable business case and the brand's future customer base, while Jaguar trains dealers and prepares to reveal the Type 00 prototype later this year, with the first production model expected in late 2025. The shift could alienate current buyers but may carve a niche among ultra-wealthy customers if successful.
Florida Man Rejects Costly Chevrolet Repairs, Declines Dealership's Offer
A Florida man’s experience with a faulty certified pre-owned Chevy highlights issues with warranty coverage, dealership communication, and repair delays, raising questions about the true value of CPO programs and consumer protections.
Amazon Launches Online Car Sales with Hyundai Partnership
Amazon has launched Amazon Auto, an online car dealership in partnership with Hyundai, allowing customers in 48 US cities to browse, finance, and purchase Hyundai vehicles through Amazon's platform. While the end sale is still conducted by the dealer, Amazon acts as a middleman, offering a new sales channel to connect dealers with its vast customer base. The initiative includes trade-in options and a limited-time $2,300 gift card offer for purchases made through the site, aiming to simplify the car buying process and expand Amazon's e-commerce reach.
Amazon Launches Hyundai Car Sales in 48 US Cities
Amazon has launched Amazon Autos, allowing customers in 48 U.S. cities to purchase new Hyundai vehicles online through participating local dealers. The service offers a streamlined car buying experience with features like browsing, financing, and scheduling pick-up, all within the Amazon platform. This initiative aims to make car shopping more transparent and convenient, with plans to expand to more brands and cities in the future.
Thousands of 2023 Dodge Chargers and Challengers Remain Unsold
Over 5,000 new 2023 Dodge Chargers and Challengers remain unsold at dealerships across the U.S., despite the end of their production in December 2023. The cars, now two-model-years old, include a mix of trims, with some dealers still marking up performance models like the Charger Hellcat Widebody. While discounts are available on some models, the popularity of V8 engines and dealer markups make it challenging for buyers to find deals on these muscle cars.
Toyota Dealers Prepare for Massive Tundra V6 Replacement Effort
Toyota is preparing for a massive recall involving the replacement of 100,000 engines in 2022 and 2023 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX SUVs due to metal debris contamination. The recall, one of the largest in Toyota's history, involves replacing the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engines, a process that is labor-intensive and requires significant resources. Toyota aims to streamline the process to minimize complexity for technicians and sees it as an opportunity for training junior technicians. The recall will be managed by appointment, with Toyota covering the cost of loaner vehicles.
Fisker Announces Major Layoffs to Sustain EV Startup
Electric vehicle startup Fisker has initiated another round of layoffs affecting multiple teams, including User Experience, Technical Training, Human Resources, and Social Media, amid ongoing financial struggles and challenges in securing new investments. The company has also halted direct vehicle sales in states without dealership locations and discontinued roadside assistance services in the U.S. and Europe. Despite expanding its dealership network in Europe and the U.S., Fisker remains in a precarious financial position, with its future uncertain.
"Amazon's Vision for the Future of Car-Buying Sparks Dealer Skepticism"
Amazon is piloting a program to allow a small number of Hyundai dealers to sell vehicles through its platform to employees, aiming to bring a seamless online car-buying experience to a highly regulated industry. While some dealers are skeptical, a significant portion of car buyers, especially those interested in electric vehicles, are interested in online purchasing. Amazon's entry into the market has raised concerns among dealers, but its technological sophistication and resources could potentially reshape the future of car-buying.
"Fisker Shifts Gears with No-Haggle Dealership Partnerships to Accelerate EV Sales"
Fisker, an electric vehicle company, is expanding its sales strategy by incorporating dealerships into its distribution model, aiming to boost sales and delivery of its vehicles. The company plans to add up to 50 dealer partners in the US and Canada, as well as a similar number in Europe, to complement its existing direct-to-customer approach. This move comes as Fisker seeks to address distribution constraints that limited its deliveries to about 4,700 units of the Ocean SUVs, despite producing over 10,000 vehicles in 2023. The first Ocean vehicles are expected to reach new dealers by the end of the first quarter.
Fisker Shifts Gears with Hybrid Direct and Dealership Sales Strategy to Accelerate EV Growth
Fisker, an electric vehicle startup, is shifting away from its direct-to-consumer sales strategy to partner with traditional dealerships in the U.S. The move comes as the company faced challenges with the direct model, including high costs and delays in delivering cars to customers. Fisker's CEO, Henrik Fisker, aims to secure agreements with at least 50 dealers within the year to improve the distribution of their EVs.
GM's Buyout Offer Reduces Buick Dealership Network by Half
General Motors (GM) has bought out approximately half of its Buick dealers across the U.S. as they were reluctant to sell electric vehicles (EVs). GM plans to transition to EVs and aims for the Buick brand to be 100% electric by 2030. About 1,000 Buick dealers accepted the voluntary buyout, allowing them to no longer sell Buick vehicles but continue selling other GM brands. Last year, GM informed dealers to invest at least $300,000 in EV-related initiatives or give up the Buick franchise. Despite reducing the number of dealer points by 47%, Buick sales have increased by nearly 60% this year.
"Buick Dealership Network Cut in Half as GM Offers Buyouts"
Nearly half of Buick dealers in the US have chosen to take buyouts from General Motors (GM) instead of committing to selling and servicing electric vehicles (EVs). As Buick plans to go all-electric by 2030, GM offered dealers the option to invest in preparing for EV sales or voluntarily give up their franchise. The number of Buick dealerships in the US is expected to decrease by 47% by the end of 2023. Despite the drop in dealerships, Buick remains unfazed and believes that the remaining network is strong and effective.
Buick Dealership Network Halved as Buyouts Take Effect
General Motors has announced that nearly half of its Buick dealerships have opted for buyouts rather than investing in selling and servicing electric vehicles (EVs). This move comes as GM aims to transition all its brands to electric by 2030. As a result, GM will end 2023 with approximately 1,000 Buick stores nationwide, a 47% decrease from the beginning of the year. The buyout program remains voluntary, and despite the reduction in dealerships, Buick sales have increased by almost 60% this year.