GM joint venture agrees to raise pay, Nissan’s upcoming EV lineup, Aug. new car sales forecast

Inside Automotive 

Leveraging AI as an asset in the dealership rather than being afraid of it – Shep Hyken
Artificial Intelligence is changing how some companies conduct business, especially in customer service. It may already replace roles in some industries, but is that necessarily bad? On today’s Inside Automotive, we’re joined by Shep Hyken, Customer Service and Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and a New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author. Hykne explores how dealerships can best elevate their customer service experience using AI. Apart from his most recent research, the ACA study, it focuses on this very topic. Watch the full segment here

Top stories

After several U.S. senators criticized General Motors and LG Energy Solution joint venture battery plant for paying employees as little as $16 an hour, the facility announced that it would increase workers’ compensation at its Ohio operation by an average of 25%. However, Ultium Cells stated that workers must still ratify the interim salary rise that goes into effect on August 28. Read More

Nissan pulled back the curtain for dealers this week, giving a sneak peek into its upcoming electrified arsenal, according to reporting from Automotive News. At the heart of their presentation were three promising models. First, they unveiled an updated version of the Nissan Leaf. The new Leaf boasts a sportier look and a longer driving range. Read More

When automakers release their new vehicle sales figures, they are predicted to show significant year-over-year growth with a modest slowdown from last month’s sales pace. The new vehicle inventory reaching its highest level over two years is a substantial factor in the volume increase. Higher sales volumes are anticipated to be supported by more robust fleet sales. Read More

In an inspiring display of dealers doing good, over 80 local new car dealerships, rallied behind our nation’s military under the banner of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA). CATA partnered with the USO for the 10th time to present the annual USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers, according to a press release. The events, which took place on July 15, included barbecues, patriotic ceremonies, and classic car exhibitions. Read More

For Dealers 

Navigating EV maintenance: what dealerships need to know
Imagine walking onto your showroom floor first thing in the morning. The familiar hum of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles buzzes in the background. But right at the forefront, a lineup of shiny, sleek electric vehicles beckons. As you admire them, a long-time customer walks up beside you, eyeing an EV. “I’ve heard these hardly need any maintenance. Is that true?” they ask. Read More

Building rapport with prospective car buyers over the phone
Deve­loping a strong rapport with potential car buyers over the phone is crucial for sales professionals in the automotive industry. It involves establishing a ge­nuine connection, comprehe­nding the buyer’s require­ments, and assisting them in finding the perfect vehicle. Read More