VW EVs getting video games for charging entertainment
Volkswagen EV drivers in Europe will soon be able to play video games while they charge. The automaker announced Monday that it will add the AirConsole gaming platform to certain models in some...
GM, Samsung SDI push back opening of Ind. battery plant to 2027
General Motors and Samsung SDI finalized their partnership that will invest $3.5 billion in an EV battery plant in Indiana.
Hyundai plans plug-in hybrid SUV for 2026, 21 EVs by 2030
Hyundai will launch plug-in hybrid SUVs as a “bridge to electrification” in 2026, but still plans to launch 21 EVs globally by 2030. Announced during the automaker’s 2024 CEO...
First Shift: CDK says data wasn’t compromised
• Dealership sold after almost 50 years • How Infiniti plans to regain share • Toyota, BMW to upgrade fuel cell alliance • CDK says data wasn’t compromised • Court allows Tesla lawsuit in...
Polestar hires former Vinfast boss as new CEO
Polestar named Michael Lohschelle as its new CEO Michael Lohscheller’s resume includes Opel, Vinfast, and Nikola Volvo spun off Polestar Polestar has appointed Michael Lohscheller as its new...
Mercedes-Benz AMG PureSpeed enters final testing
The PureSpeed is the first member of Mercedes’ Mythos series of low-volume specials Mercedes will build 250 examples of the PureSpeed, with help from Pininfarina Power will likely come from a...
F&I data: Share of car owners upside down on loans creeps up in Q2
In the second quarter of 2024, the percentage of consumers with negative equity was smaller than in 2019 and 2020. But compared with five years ago, the amount of negative equity that consumers have...
F&I tip: The finance team should be product experts
F&I managers should make sure that each customer leaves knowing what the product is, how to file a claim and how they benefit.
Hyundai to double hybrid lineup, expand to Genesis by 2025
Hyundai will expand its hybrid lineup to Genesis, and double its current hybrid lineup overall A new plug-in hybrid will be a midsize SUV that uses its gas engine to recharge its battery pack Its EV...
GM-Samsung $3.5B battery plant coming to Indiana
Samsung SDI on Wednesday said it had signed an agreement with General Motors for a joint EV battery factory in Indiana. First reported by Reuters, the deal calls for the two companies to invest $3.5...
Smart plans 2025 Europe launch for #5 midsize electric SUV
Smart says the #5 will appeal to owners of the brand’s small city cars, many of whom have a midsize SUV as a second car.
Public dealerships’ F&I gross profits fall in Q2 but most above $2,000 a vehicle
AutoNation, Lithia, Group 1, Sonic and Asbury all had same-store finance and insurance gross profit per vehicle above $2,000 in the second quarter.
CDK Global outage highlights gaps in finance office preparation
Finance managers had to adapt with no notice or preparation, and many came out of the experience with important lessons learned.
Westlake Financial launches fleet financing product to power micro leasing at dealerships
The vehicles used in micro lease programs can fall into a gap not covered by traditional floorplan or rental financing.
Guest commentary: What’s keeping Larry up at night?
Dealers need to protect customer information, train staff and invest in technology to sleep better at night.
Porsche R&D boss: E-fuel plant should serve as “role model”
Porsche aims to scale production of synthetic fuel Porsche’s R&D boss believes synthetic fuel will play a big role in reducing emissions Ferrari’s counting on synthetic fuel too;...
2025 Mini Countryman priced from $39,895, offers gas or electric power
The redesigned 2025 Mini Countryman has two gas options and one electric The electric Countryman has a 212-mile range estimate Driver assistance offers hands-free driving in some situations The...
First Shift: Ford’s product roadmap
• Ford’s product roadmap • Canada to impose new EV tariffs • Automakers urged to prioritize privacy • Ford’s Bronco Sport adds steel bumpers • Nvidia CEO tops compensation...
Dodge Charger Daytona possibly preparing for police duty
Dodge is preparing its next-gen cop car Dodge teased what appears to be a police-spec Charger Daytona EV The old gas-powered Charger was popular with police fleets The outgoing gasoline Dodge...
Electric Porsche Panamera to live alongside gas-powered model
Product strategy continues to shift at Porsche as market winds blow. In an interview with Autocar, Porsche’s research and development boss Michael Steiner said the gas-powered Panamera will...