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Ford/UAW reach tentative agreement, Stellantis invests in Leapmotor, Lexus reveals next-gen EV concept

Inside Automotive 

Matt Easton elaborates on what dealers are doing to climb the ladder of sales success on today's episode of Inside Automotive.Revving up dealership sales: 3 essential components you can’t afford to ignore – Matt Easton
Being Successful in Sales comes down to three Things. On the latest episode of Inside Automotive, Matt Easton, Sales Coach, Consultant, and Founder of Easton University, elaborates on what those are and what dealers are doing to climb the Ladder of Sales Success. Watch the full segment here

Top stories

On the evening of October 25, Ford and the UAW announced they had reached a “historic” tentative agreement to end a 41-day strike. 
UAW President Shawn Fain & VP of the Ford department Chuck Browning | UAW

On the evening of October 25, Ford and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced they had reached a “historic” tentative agreement to end a 41-day strike targeting the automaker. The deal includes a 25% increase in base pay through April 2028 and will raise the top pay from $32.32 an hour to more than $40 an hour. Starting wages will also increase to more than $28 per hour throughout the contract. Read More

Stellantis will purchase a 20% stake in Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor, with plans to help the brand secure overseas market share.Stellantis has announced a $1.58 billion investment into Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor. The investment will give the manufacturing conglomerate a 20% stake in the business and two seats on the company’s board. As part of the agreement, both brands will launch a joint venture titled Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis will own a 51% share. Read More

Although Lexus has already launched its first EV, the RZ, the Japanese brand, unveiled its promising LF-ZC concept at the Japan auto show. 
Lexus LF-ZC // Image source: Car and Driver

Although Lexus has already launched its first EV, the RZ, the Japanese brand, unveiled its promising LF-ZC concept at the Japan Auto ShowThe company’s chief branding officer, Simon Humphries, presented the EV as a “Fusion of physical and digital technology.” The LF-ZC is a strikingly styled concept that sits on an all-new electric architecture. A production-ready model will debut in 2026. Read More

New vehicle sales are expected to rise in October, despite ongoing manufacturing disruptions and economic instability.Cox Automotive predicts that new vehicle sales will rise in October despite ongoing economic and manufacturing headwinds. According to the firm’s forecast, new vehicle sales will top 1.23 million units, an increase of 3.8% from last year. Although the number also represents a 7.7% decline from the previous month, Cox Automotive notes that September contains one more selling day than October. Read More

For Dealers 

candidatesWhat should you look for when interviewing candidates for the dealership?
Finding the perfect fit for your dealership isn’t just about sifting through resumes or looking at years of experience in the automotive industry. It’s about recognizing the unique blend of character, passion, and capability that makes someone a standout addition to your team. The landscape of hiring has evolved, and while credentials still play a role, the essence of an individual – their values, communication style, and genuine enthusiasm for the auto industry – can be the real game-changers. First, let’s check out some qualities of a good candidate.  Read More

Weekly roundup: October auto sales forecasts, UAW labor deals, and EV charging developments

UAW picketers // Image source: UAW.org

Earlier this week: October, U.S. car sales were projected to rise despite ongoing manufacturing challenges, according to S&P Global Mobility. Labor relations saw a significant development as Ford and the UAW tentatively agreed to end a 41-day strike. On the business front, Hudson Automotive Group is slated to acquire Vic Bailey Automotive, signaling further consolidation among dealerships. Meanwhile, Tesla faces scrutiny from the DOJ concerning its Autopilot technology and other performance claims. In the EV charging realm, Toyota and Lexus announce plans to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard by 2025. Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week in automotive industry news.  Read More

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Jaelyn Campbell
Jaelyn Campbell
Jaelyn Campbell is a staff writer/reporter for CBT News. She is a recent honors cum laude graduate with a BFA in Mass Media from Valdosta State University. Jaelyn is an enthusiastic creator with more than four years of experience in corporate communications, editing, broadcasting, and writing. Her articles in The Spectator, her hometown newspaper, changed how people perceive virtual reality. She connects her readers to the facts while providing them a voice to understand the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the digital world.

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