Earlier this week: In a significant blow to the UAW, workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama have voted against joining the union. Using its new AI-powered data-mining software, Dave Cantin Group can now provide accurate, reliable data-driven valuations for any new-car dealership in the U.S. According to a report by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen have sourced parts from a company on a U.S. import ban list due to alleged links to Chinese forced labor. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has seen a gradual increase in price since its launch in April. Ford announced its support for the Biden administration’s ambitious plan to drastically reduce vehicle emissions by 2032. California is considering a groundbreaking bill to require all new cars to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit, aiming to reduce traffic deaths. The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R has set new standards in performance and comfort during its recent testing in California’s Mojave Desert.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Mercedes-Benz Alabama workers reject UAW unionization bid, halting momentum
In a significant blow to the United Auto Workers (UAW), workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama have voted against joining the union. This halts the momentum the UAW had been building with recent organizing successes. Read More
2. Dave Cantin Group launches first-ever AI-powered software to accurately value the nation’s 18,000+ franchise dealerships
Using its new AI-powered data-mining software, Retail automotive M&A advisory firm Dave Cantin Group (DCG) can now provide accurate, reliable data-driven valuations for any new-car dealership in the United States, regardless of brand, location, or direct input from the dealership. Read More
3. BMW, JLR, and VW linked to parts from Chinese Forced Labor, U.S. Senate reports
According to a report by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and Volkswagen have sourced parts from a company on a U.S. import ban list due to alleged links to Chinese forced labor. This revelation follows a monthslong investigation led by Wyden, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, which highlighted significant enforcement gaps and called for stronger measures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Read More
4. 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance sees price hikes, maxes out federal tax credit cap
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has seen a gradual increase in price since its launch in April, underscoring the benefit of early orders. Currently, Tesla’s U.S. website lists the top-tier Model 3 Performance at $54,990, not including $1,640 in obligatory fees. This price reflects a $1,000 increase from April 29 and a $2,000 increase from the initial launch price. Read More
5. Ford backs Biden’s ambitious vehicle emissions cuts amidst Republican opposition
Ford announced Monday its support for the Biden administration’s ambitious plan to drastically reduce vehicle emissions by 2032, dismissing Republican claims that the new climate rules are detrimental to business. The second-largest U.S. automaker endorsed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations introduced in March, which aim to cut passenger vehicle fleetwide tailpipe emissions by nearly 50% from 2027 levels by 2032. Read More
6. California pushes for speed limit alerts in new cars by 2032
California is considering a groundbreaking proposal to require all new cars to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit, aiming to reduce traffic deaths. This initiative could have nationwide implications due to California’s significant influence on the automotive market. Read More
7. 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R: setting new standards in performance and comfort
The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R has set new standards in performance and comfort during its recent testing in California’s Mojave Desert. Priced at $110,225 (excluding destination charge), this ultimate desert racer boasts more power, advanced electronic controls, and significant suspension upgrades. Read More
8. The Niello Company’s winning retention strategy for the service departments – Tully Williams
Summer is right around the corner, meaning more people are hitting the roads. Therefore, now is a huge opportunity to fine-tune your retention strategies and keep customers returning for more. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, we’re discussing retention with Tully Williams, the fixed operations director at The Niello Company. Watch the full segment here.
9. Holman’s strategic expansion and sustainable growth in a dynamic industry landscape – Chris Conroy | Holman
Holman, one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the U.S., recently expanded with the acquisition of Leith Automotive. On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Chris Conroy, the CEO of Holman, joins us to discuss the acquisition and what lies ahead. Watch the full segment here.
10. How dealerships can maximize sales through strategic AI integration – Durran Cage | Cage Automotive
With today’s tech, our ability to reach the right consumer with the right message is better than ever—and often, it’s done right from the palms of teams’ hands. On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Durran Cage, the Founder and Owner of Cage Automotive, will walk us through ways you can better leverage tech, like artificial intelligence (AI), to help your teams win. Watch the full segment here.
