Executive Profile
Mike Maroone’s insights on EVs, affordability, expansion, attracting and retaining talent, succession, and much more
The auto industry has experienced several ongoing changes in the five years since CBT News host Jim Fitzpatrick last spoke with industry legend and former AutoNation Executive Mike Maroone in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For the industry to survive in a post-pandemic market, dealers continue implementing new strategies and technologies. On the latest episode of the Executive Profile, Maroone further elaborates on how dealers have managed to stay ahead of EVs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and much more. Watch the full segment here
Top stories
According to Atlas Public Policy, electric vehicle (EV) sales are predicted to account for a record 9% of all passenger vehicles in the U.S. this year. That amounts to a 1.7% increase in new vehicle sales from 2022. While the data indicates notable advancements in electrification, the U.S. is still falling behind nations such as China, with EV sales accounting for 33%, Germany (35%), and Norway at 90% of total EV sales. Read More
Analysis from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) revealed that carbon emissions could be lowered by more than 30% between 2010 and 2022. In the report, researchers suggested that if cars remained the same size, then the large SUV trend would’ve never occurred. Instead, the reduction in car emissions was only 4.2%, nullifying the positive effects of electric vehicles. Read More
According to notices published by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, Honda and Stellantis issued a recall for more than 300,000 Accords, HR-V, and hybrid Jeep Wrangler SUVs. For customers affected, dealers will examine all vehicles and potentially replace the seat belt pre-tensioner assembly at no cost. Those who had paid for these repairs out of pocket may also be reimbursed. Read More
For Dealers
Tips to help spot identity and income verification fraud
With the gloomy economic forecasts that are flooding every media outlet daily, criminals are finding an easier environment to be able to pull off different types of fraud in dealerships nationwide. Fake identification, fake income. And it costs dealers and lenders alike. Read More
Why is there still a technician shortage and what are industry leaders doing about it?
The lack of qualified technicians is an ever-present issue for most dealerships. By next year, this shortfall is projected to increase to 642,000 open positions across the automotive industry. That’s a clarion call that wise dealer executives should be listening to. Fortunately, dealers aren’t alone as automakers ramp up efforts to combat the situation. We’ll look at these and other measures, but first, let’s talk about how we got here. Read More