Maestro reduces time to buy and streamlines purchase process

DEARBORN, Mich. – March. 21, 2018 – Responding to a new generation of automotive buyers who expect to transact quickly with easy-to-use digital tools, FordDirect is unveiling Maestro, a new mobile sales app for Ford and Lincoln dealers that provides a seamless “greet to deliver” sales experience, whether the customer starts the shopping process online or in the dealership.

FordDirect, focused on helping dealers create smarter interactions and connected experiences for their customers, developed Maestro to create an improved consumer buying experience with the goal to reduce vehicle shopping to delivery time to under 90 minutes.  

“Maestro enables dealers to conduct their sales process in a collaborative, transparent manner through a single mobile device, streamlining the shopping experience and increasing customer satisfaction,” says Mike Jurecki, CEO, FordDirect.

Maestro is an iPad-based sales app that allows a single salesperson to handle the entire transaction from vehicle selection, trade-in valuation, credit app/financing and final contracting with minimal to no customer handoff. Engaging with the customer using a shared device creates transparency, a stronger relationship, saves time for the customer and provides the type of sales experience a customer expects and gets in other retail experiences.

Maestro also connects the online to in-store experience without missing a beat. Since the average internet shopper spends 13 hours conducting automotive research online (with 36 percent of this research on mobile devices), according to the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. New Autoshopper Study, consumers don’t want to start the process over when they arrive at the dealership. With Maestro, the salesperson can pick up the customer’s experience precisely where they left off; reducing customer time spent completing the sales process.

Maestro works hand-in-hand with Ford’s Ready.Shop.Go. online shopping platform. Consumers can begin the shopping experience in the convenience of their home, and the Maestro in-store app allows the local dealer to complete the transaction quickly and efficiently at the dealership. Unlike other mobile sales apps for dealers,

Maestro is a fully integrated digital retail experience that leverages dealer data, Ford and Lincoln vehicle and incentive data, and a customer’s online customer shopping preferences.

Dealers benefit from increased flexibility, efficiency and productivity since Maestro is highly integrated and has modular, permissions-based functionality customizable to dealer processes. 

Maestro is a comprehensive fully interactive tool that helps dealers gets customers into the vehicles they want more quickly and does the following:

·Connects online to on-lot shopping, capturing vehicle of interest and vital information that creates data continuity between an online and in-person experience.

·Integrates with CRM tools and allows for appointment/customer look-up/visibility of customer shopping actions. 

·Accesses and integrates VIN-specific data, photos, pricing and incentives, purchase/lease quoting, trade-in valuation and the credit application.

·Increases productivity of the sales team through shared customer sessions and a chat feature.

·Provides inventory lookup of all new, used and certified pre-owned inventory on the lot, in transit and through extended inventory trade partners.

·Obtains trade-in valuation via Kelley Blue Book®, National Auto Dealer Association or Blackbook.

·Provides side-by-side financing/payment quotes by payment or budget and pricing comparison.

·Incorporates integrated online credit app with e-contract and e-signature through FordDirect’s partnership with RouteOne.

Industry’s Only Wholesale Guaranteed First Bid Gets Dealers Paid in Two Business Days

ATLANTA – Committed to giving dealers greater control and options for how and when they want to do business, Manheim is launching Manheim Express SM, a mobile app for dealers. Another 24/7 option within the Manheim Marketplaceä, Manheim Express is a fast, easy and self-service way for dealers to list and sell inventory right from their lots or in-lane in the world’s largest wholesale marketplace.

“Manheim Express is a whole new channel and a whole new way to do business in the Manheim Marketplace,” said Grace Huang, president, Cox Automotive Inventory Solutions. “We are bringing the power of the Manheim Marketplace to the dealer’s lot, in the palm of their hand. On top of that, we are launching the industry’s only wholesale guaranteed first bid and are integrating 3D and 360‑degree vehicle imaging technology that leapfrogs the competition.”

After completing a few quick steps in the Manheim Express mobile app, dealers will have all of the information they need to evaluate a vehicle so that they can decide to take a Guaranteed First Bid SM, list it in the Manheim Marketplace, order an inspection or consign it to a Manheim operating location.

Load Vehicle Info via VIN Scan – In the new and free Manheim Express mobile app, dealers simply scan the VIN and are immediately presented the vehicle’s value from Manheim Market Report (MMR), AutoCheck Snapshot vehicle history report data, and manufacturer build data (where available). This information provides dealers the necessary information to make smart decisions on taking vehicles in on trade.

Get a Guaranteed First Bid – Manheim Express offers the industry’s only wholesale guaranteed first bid (GFB). Driven from the industry-leading MMR, a minimum floor price is set and if the vehicle does not sell for the minimum floor price or greater after being listed in the Manheim Marketplace for 2 business days, Manheim will buy the vehicle at the GFB price. So, Guaranteed First Bid means that dealers know they can have a check in hand in two business days. Dealers can also be assured that their inventory is in the largest and most active market in the world, which experiences 58 million unique visits per year.

List to the Manheim Marketplace – Simplifying the listing experience, Manheim Express allows dealers to walk a car and create a listing complete with the industry’s first and best-in-class, 360-degree images that can be uploaded into the Manheim Marketplace within three minutes. Manheim is partnering with computer vision company Fyusion to enable dealers to walk cars and create immersive, interactive 3D images, while also being able to apply smart tags to any damaged areas in under 3 minutes.

“Our products are focused on creating intelligent 3D imaging,” said Radu Rusu, CEO of Fyusion. “Any dealer will be able to easily create a fully tagged interactive 3D image from their Android or iOS phone, that's viewable on any device - mobile or desktop.”

Order an Inspection – Manheim research shows that vehicles with a condition report from an independent inspector are three more times likely to sell online. From the app, dealers can order a condition report and an inspector will come right to their lot within 72 hours, making inspections easy and convenient.

Consign to Manheim Auction – If a dealer prefers to not sell the vehicle in any of the Manheim Digital Marketplaces, dealers can now send their inventory to the Manheim operating location of their choice via Manheim Express.

“Manheim Express is another example of how Manheim continues revolutionizing inventory wholesaling and how Manheim Marketplace is uniquely positioned to meet clients wherever they are – even off their lots,” said Huang.

Launching this summer, Manheim Express is one of several solutions that are being integrated into the Manheim Marketplace. Manheim Marketplace has a variety of flexible, customizable solutions that allow clients to buy and sell right off their lots. Comprising Manheim.com, OVE and now ManheimExpress.com as well as OEM-specific marketplaces, Manheim Marketplace is the largest and most active market in the world.  

Manheim will showcase this all-new way to do business with Manheim Marketplace via hands-on demonstrations at NADA:  https://www.coxautoinc.com/nada2018/manheim/

About Manheim North America (www.manheim.com) 
Manheim® is North America’s leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations.

Through its extensive physical, mobile and digital sales network, the company offers diverse solutions for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With more channels and smarter tools, Manheim Marketplace offers the most comprehensive end-to-end solutions and services, enabling wholesale vehicle buyers and sellers faster and more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. In addition, Manheim provides industry-leading data and tools to improve client efficiencies and decision-making, while delivering a value-added customer experience.

Approximately 18,000 team members enable Manheim to offer 8 million used vehicles per year, facilitate transactions representing nearly $58 billion in value and generate annual revenues of more than $3 billion. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

About Fyusion

Fyusion applies 3D computer vision and machine learning expertise to make images as intelligent as they are beautiful. Immersive, interactive photorealistic high definition 3D images are viewable on any mobile, desktop, VR or AR device - all captured using a smartphone or any other camera.

Capturing in 3D means that we give images powers beyond what’s possible with 2D photos & videos; from changing backgrounds & adding rich data tags, to visual search & damage analysis. No professional photographers or tools are needed - it’s immersive imaging at scale.

Based in San Francisco, Fyusion’s core visual technology is covered by over 50 patents and is empowering the growth of the most innovative, visual-centric businesses worldwide.

www.fyusion.com

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across 100+ countries and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

2017 Holiday Sales Event with General Motors up 50 percent compared to 2016 

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 20, 2018 – Affinity Auto Program, which manages Costco Auto Program, announced its 2017 calendar year results. More than 520,000 vehicles were sold through its program to Costco members – a more than 6 percent increase over 2016 in comparison to the total industry sales, which dropped 1.8 percent, according to Automotive News. Additionally, preliminary Holiday Sales Event data indicates the promotion with General Motors in the last quarter of 2017 was up 50 percent compared to 2016. Surpassing two company records in 2017 – the total unit sales for the program overall and total unit sales during the three-month Holiday Sales Event – Affinity Auto Program attributes its success to Costco member demand for quality vehicles at a great value and its dedication to providing a best-in-class car-buying experience for Costco members. 

“Costco members are at the forefront of everything we do,” said Beth Chaponis, company representative. “From providing online resources that help Costco members make an informed buying decision to the experience at the dealership, and even after they drive their vehicle home, Costco Auto Program works with both members and participating dealerships to ensure an exceptional and transparent car-buying experience.” 

Dealers Report December U.S. Sales Figures

Alexandria, VA (January 4) – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released December sales figures for the international nameplate auto industry. Brands sold by America's 9,600 international nameplate franchises accounted for 55.1 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States last month, down from 56.2 percent a month earlier. International brands sold 55.6 of all vehicles purchased in the United States last year. 

AutoData Corp. reports that the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for December was 17.9 million units versus 18.2 million units a year ago. Total industry unit deliveries, unadjusted for business days and including all brands, decreased 5.2 percent compared to last December and 1.8 percent from 2016, marking the first year since the Great Recession that auto sales did not grow. International nameplate brands were down six percent from December 2016 and 0.69 percent when compared to the whole of 2016. 

"Dealers are entering 2018 with an optimistic outlook," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "Despite the expected slip in sales, the auto market remains healthy and consumer interest in new vehicles, particularly trucks and crossovers, is high." 

International brands were led last month by Audi (up 16.3 percent from last December), Hyundai (up 1.8 percent), and Mercedes-Benz (up 9.4 percent). Subaru's sales rose 0.3 percent in December to 63,342 vehicles, making 2017 its best year ever with a total of 647,956 vehicles sold. Despite being down seven percent in sales from December 2016, American Honda, which includes the Acura division, set an annual sales record in 2017 of 1,641,429 vehicles sold, up 0.2 percent from 2016. Light trucks continued to drive demand last month, rising 4.3 percent as a segment for the year, while cars continued to lag, slipping 10.9 percent. 

International auto sales in the U.S. totaled 882,393 units in December, up from 782,288 units in November and 748,614 units in October, but down from 939,324 vehicles sold in December 2016. Asian brands occupied 44.7 percent of the December auto market, down from 45.9 percent in November. Overall, Asian nameplate dealers sold 715,897 vehicles in December, a 7.3 percent drop from December 2016. 

European brands sold 166,496 units in December, up from 143,065 units in November and 130,171 units in October, but down slightly from 166,903 vehicles sold in December 2016. They held 10.4 percent of the December U.S. auto market, up just 0.1 percent from November. Overall sales for European brands were down 0.2 percent from last December but up two percent for the year. 

To read AIADA's complete coverage of December's international nameplate auto sales, click here. 

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About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America's international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

Dealers Report Monthly U.S. Sales Figures

Alexandria, VA (December 4) – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released November sales figures for the international nameplate auto industry. Brands sold by America's 9,600 international nameplate franchises accounted for 56.2 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States last month, up from 55.3 percent a month earlier.

AutoData Corp. reports that the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for November was 17.48 million units versus 17.71 million units a year ago. Total industry unit deliveries, including domestic brands and unadjusted for business days, increased nearly one percent compared to last November. International brands as a group slightly outperformed the whole, rising 1.76 percent. Sales for all brands were down 1.5 percent year to date, increasing the likelihood that 2017 will mark the first year since the Great Recession that auto sales did not grow. These numbers include an estimate of sales for the Nissan and Infiniti brands, which were prevented from reporting November figures by a systems glitch.

"International nameplate brands continue to perform well in today's market," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "Demand is steady, and dealers are in a position to end the year on solid footing and begin 2018 with a competitive edge."

International brands were led last month by Honda (up 8.2 percent from last November, a brand record for the month), Mercedes-Benz (up 3.6 percent), and Mitsubishi (up 24.8 percent). Most sales improvements were driven by light truck purchases, which rose 6.6 percent as a segment from last November, while cars continued to lag, down 8.2 percent from a year ago.

International auto sales in the U.S. totaled 782,288 in November, up from 748,614 in October but down from 848,906 in September. Asian brands occupied 45.9 percent of the November auto market, up from 45.6 in October. Overall, Asian nameplate dealers sold 639,223 vehicles in November, a 1.3 percent improvement from November 2016.

European brands sold 143,065 units in November, up from 130,171 vehicles in October and 140,857 in September. They held 10.3 percent of the November U.S. auto market, up from 9.6 percent in October. Overall sales for European brands were up 3.8 percent from last November and 2.2 percent for the year.

To read AIADA's complete coverage of November's international nameplate auto sales, click here. 

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About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America's international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

IRVINE, Calif., November 16, 2017 – After kicking the tires and running the numbers on 2018 model-year cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs, Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com expert editors today announce the 2018 Best Buy Award winners. Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Awards honor the top vehicles in 12 major vehicle categories, as well as an Overall Best Buy of 2018, which is awarded to the newly redesigned 2018 Honda Accord.

The awards are the culmination of a year-long regimen of expert vehicle evaluation and testing of nearly every new vehicle available in America, along with analysis of a broad swath of vehicle-related data, including vehicle pricing/transaction prices, 5-Year Cost to Own data (which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, fees and taxes for new cars), consumer reviews and ratings, and vehicle sales/retail sales information. Of more than 300 new-car models available for 2018, Kelley Blue Book’s expert editors initially narrowed the field to a few dozen Best Buy Award contenders in 12 major vehicle categories and then spent several weeks testing and evaluating all the finalists head-to-head to ultimately determine the winners. Kelley Blue Book recently launched a new digital campaign outlining the testing regimen.

“Kelley Blue Book takes great pride in providing a significant consumer service by identifying the new vehicles our experts believe to be the absolute best-value choices for new-car shoppers,” said Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book. “This year’s Best Buy Award winners can help shoppers narrow the consideration list of new models across every major vehicle category, providing car buyers with confidence in their next new-car purchase.”

In fact, according to a recent study, 64 percent of consumers say they were influenced on their vehicle opinion when that model earned a Kelley Blue Book award, nearly 20 percentage points higher than an award offered by the next closest third-party automotive resource.1

2018 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners

Overall Winner: 2018 Honda Accord

The mid-size sedan segment has long been a sweet spot of needs, wants and value, and the totally redesigned 2018 Honda Accord is the most appealing car in the category. The Accord’s storied refinement and resale value advantages remain, but the new model now outclasses the competition in almost every meaningful measure. It also sells for far less than the average new car while providing more features, better fuel economy and a more proven reputation for quality and reliability. Value without compromise is as rare as it is desirable, and it’s why the all-new Honda Accord is our Overall Best Buy for 2018.

Small Car: 2018 Honda Civic

Honda’s venerable compact car has now claimed our Small Car Best Buy Award three years in a row. And while it doesn’t also three-peat as our Overall Best Buy this year, the refined, reliable and downright desirable Civic remains one of the country’s most recommendable cars, a trait confirmed by its strong sales number.

Mid-Size Car: 2018 Honda Accord

Totally redesigned for 2018, the 10th-generation Honda Accord sets a new standard for the popular mid-size sedan segment. Groundbreaking style and excellent tech are backed by standout roominess, comfort and efficiency, not to mention one of the best reputations on the road.

Full-Size Car: 2018 Chevrolet Impala

This is the fourth year in a row the Impala has won over our editors’ heads and hearts to capture a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy recommendation and award. Chevrolet’s full-size sedan continues to earn its stripes and reward its owners for making a smart car-buying decision.

Luxury Car: 2018 Audi A5 Sportback

We thought the Audi A4 might be a slam dunk to repeat as our Luxury Car Best Buy this year, but then we got our hands on its new stablemate, the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback. With sleeker styling, hatchback utility and a slightly roomier feel, the all-new A5 Sportback offers even more to love.

Performance Car: 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster

That a two-seat Porsche sports car would collect awards is not surprising. That it might be the year’s best sports-car value, however, is a notion that may take some getting used to. In fact, this is the second year in a row Porsche’s mid-engine magician has earned our Best Buy Award in the Sports Car category.

Electric/Hybrid Car: 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

Honda’s newest offering combines five-passenger capacity, 47 miles of all-electric range and an available $7,500 federal tax credit to bring electrified transportation closer to the mainstream and claim this year’s Electric/Hybrid Car Best Buy Award.

Small SUV/Crossover: 2018 Honda CR-V

Another Honda with multiple Best Buy Award trophies on display, the Honda CR-V is still fresh off a 2017 redesign that further separated it from the competition. Whether you want a flexible and fuel-efficient errand-runner or a leather-laden commuter with enough premium amenities to pass for a luxury SUV, the Honda CR-V has you covered.

Mid-Size SUV/Crossover: 2018 Honda Pilot

Combining style and substance with an established reputation for reliability, the 2018 Honda Pilot this year fended off some strong new challengers to retain its title as our Mid-Size SUV Best Buy. Excellent resale value remains an ace up the Pilot’s sleeve among smart shoppers.

Full-Size SUV/Crossover: 2018 Ford Expedition

A decade is a long time to wait for a major model makeover, but Ford’s efforts have earned the Expedition its first Best Buy Award right out of the gate. From powertrain and driving dynamics to technology and practicality, the 2018 Ford Expedition is the new class leader.

Luxury SUV/Crossover: 2018 Audi Q5

Audi’s compact luxury SUV has been the company’s best-selling vehicle for several years, but the new-for-2018 model has upped the Q5’s game. Larger, more luxurious and more powerful, the Q5 expands and improves on what Audi is known for, namely, a refined driving experience, tech-friendly cabin and stylish, elegant design.

Truck: 2018 Ford F-150

For four years straight, the Ford F-150 has taken the pickup truck honors in our Best Buy competition. And, for four years straight, nobody else has come close to toppling it. This year, Ford updated the styling, added a new base engine, expanded the availability of its excellent 10-speed automatic, and promises to add a turbodiesel to its lineup of engines later this year.

Minivan: 2018 Honda Odyssey

In our first review of the totally redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey we called it the best family car in the world. After a thorough back-to-back evaluation alongside the other class leaders, we’re only more convinced. Money matters weigh heavily in our annual Best Buy Awards, and that’s where our resale value and 5-Year Cost to Own data once again played heavily in Honda’s favor.

1Source: Cox Automotive Consumer Brand Tracker Study, September 2017. Third-party automotive resource defined as: J.D. Power & Associates, Car and Driver, Edmunds, Cars.com, Motor Trend, North American Car/Truck of the Year, World Car of the Year and Automotive Lease Guide.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive™ brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, vAuto®, Xtime® and a host of other brands. The global company has 32,000-plus team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises’ other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.

Dealers Report Monthly U.S. Sales Figures

Alexandria, VA (November 2) – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released October sales figures for the international nameplate auto industry. Brands sold by America's 9,600 international nameplate franchises accounted for 55.3 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States last month, up from 54.5 percent a year ago.

AutoData Corp. reports that the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for October was 18.09 million units versus 17.87 million units a year ago. Total industry unit deliveries, including domestic brands and unadjusted for business days, decreased 1.3 percent compared to last October. International brands bucked that trend by rising 0.08 percent as a group. Sales for all brands were down 1.7 percent year to date. Industrywide, 1,354,875 vehicles were sold in October compared to 1,372,320 units sold a year ago.

"October's steady sales rate is a testament to the quality of light vehicles being sold today and the American consumers' confidence in the health of our economy," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "Last month's SAAR, the second highest of 2018, gives dealers every reason to believe we will close out the year on a high note."

International brands sold just 634 more light vehicles from a year ago, with sales down year to date 0.36 percent. Brands like Honda (up 1.2 percent from last October), Nissan (up 10.2 percent), and Toyota (up 2.5 percent – thanks to a 19 percent jump in light truck sales) were responsible for the month's solid results. Most sales improvements were driven by light truck purchases, which rose 3.6 percent as a segment from last October, while cars continued to lag, down 9.1 percent from a year ago.

International auto sales in the U.S. totaled 748,614 in October, down from 848,906 in September and 822,952 vehicles in August. Asian brands occupied 45.6 percent of the October auto market, down from 46.5 in September. Overall, Asian nameplate dealers sold 618,443 vehicles in October, a half a percent dip from October 2016.

European brands sold 130,171 in October, down from 140,857 vehicles in September, and held 9.6 percent of the October U.S. auto market, up from 9.2 percent in September. Overall sales for European brands were up three percent from last October and 2.1 percent for the year. 

To read AIADA's complete coverage of October's international nameplate auto sales, click here. 

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About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America's international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

TYSONS, Va. (Oct. 19, 2017) – Employment and payroll at U.S. new-car dealerships continued to rise through the first six months of 2017, according to a new midyear report released today by the National Automobile Dealers Association. 

New-car dealerships directly employed 1,134,200 workers through the second quarter of 2017, up from a record 1,131,900 in 2016, according to NADA Data 2017: Midyear Report, which provides a biannual financial profile of new-car dealerships, as well as data on employment, payroll and more. 

"We expect to see employment at new-car dealerships reach an all-time high at the end of 2017," said Patrick Manzi, NADA senior economist. "In addition to the direct employment provided by dealerships, more than another million other jobs in local communities are dependent on dealerships." 

Payroll at new-car dealerships reached nearly $33 billion in June 2017 year-to-date, up more than 11 percent compared to the same six months in 2016. 

The average compensation for employees at new-car dealerships was $69,784 per year in 2016. 

"For the past several years, dealership employees have seen steady increases in their incomes as well as in their total compensation," Manzi added. "Dealership jobs offer significantly higher compensation than other retail sectors." 

To download the midyear report, click here: https://www.nada.org/nadadatamidyear2017/

Despite rising price tags, large trucks on pace to become second-best selling vehicle segment of 2017                                                                                                    

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — October 12, 2017 — Large trucks are becoming just as common in the school drop-off line as they are at the jobsite, according to new data from Edmunds, the leading car shopping and information platform. Full-size trucks are on pace to become the second-best selling vehicle segment in the U.S. in 2017 and achieve the segment’s highest market share since 2007.

Edmunds analysts say this increase in popularity is due in part to the fact that it’s now easier to use a truck as a daily driver. So far in 2017, crew cabs (trucks that offer four full-size doors and a full back seat), now comprise 74.4 percent of all retail truck registrations, up from 63.7 percent five years ago.

“Shoppers used to just see trucks as a either a work vehicle or a second vehicle used primarily for towing and chores,” said Ivan Drury, Edmunds senior manager of industry analysis. “But trucks now have many of the same creature comforts as SUVs, but with added utility. For a growing family looking for a single vehicle that can serve all of their needs, a full-size truck has now become an attractive choice.”

However, the all-in-one amenities of a full-size truck don’t come cheap; so far in 2017 the average transaction price of a full-size truck is $47,250, up 24.5 percent from just five years ago. To help ease the strain on their wallets, truck buyers are now turning to a familiar solution for shoppers who want more car for their money - leasing. While still far below the industry average, the lease penetration rate for full-size trucks is 16.7 percent so far in 2017 - nearly three times the rate it was just five years ago (5.6 percent).

“While it remains to be seen how much demand there will be for a truck that pushes six figures, there’s no question truck buyers are ready and willing to spend more to get what they want. And for automakers who have strong truck offerings in their portfolios, this shift in consumer preference is a great opportunity, since truck buyers are the most loyal in the industry,” Drury said. “More than 55 percent of large truck buyers trade their vehicle in for another vehicle from the same brand, which is more than 17 percentage points higher than industry average.”

Edmunds can shopping experts say October is one of the best times of year to find a bargain on a new truck, as many automakers offer special deals on outgoing 2017 models as part of larger “truck month” promotions. Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan and RAM are all advertising zero-percent financing offers on select models, along with varying amounts of bonus cash.

More insight into recent auto industry trends can be found in the Edmunds Industry Center at http://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/.

About Edmunds
Edmunds is the leading car information and shopping platform, helping millions of visitors each month find their perfect car. With products such as Edmunds Your Price, Your Lease and Used+, shoppers can buy smarter with instant, upfront prices for cars and trucks currently for sale at more than 13,000 dealer franchises across the U.S. Edmunds’ in-house team of unbiased car-shopping experts provide industry-leading vehicle reviews and shopping tips, as well as welcome all car-shopping questions to the free Shopper Advice line at 1-855-782-4711, via email at help@edmunds.com, via text at ED411 and on Twitter and Facebook. The company is regarded as one of America's best workplaces by Fortune and Great Place to Work. Edmunds is based in Santa Monica, California, and has a satellite office in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

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