GW Blog

Head-Up Display Gaining Market Traction

Distracted driving is a huge problem today. With cell phones and screens, it’s no surprise that one in four car accidents are caused by distracted drivers. It claimed 3450 live in 2016! How are carmakers responding to this epidemic? With more technology!

Hands-free calling and voice commands were the beginning, but now head-up displays (HUD) are a new solution. HUD is a transparent display that shows up in your line of vision while driving. No need to look at a screen or your dash, keeping your attention on the road.

California Privacy Act and Car Dealerships

The California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, expands the rights of consumers have regarding their personal information, how it’s used and how it’s store. The CCPA was signed into law on June 28, 2018. While it likely won’t take effect until summer of 2020, you should start familiarizing yourself now. Even if you aren’t in California it will likely set a precedent, so expect to see similar laws being passed all over the country. New York already has one in the works. Plus if any of your customers live in California, then you may be subject to the law.

Tesla not closing stores, yet.

After announcing it would be closing the few stores it has, Tesla changed its mind. The company wants to move to an online-only sales model, but apparently they didn’t realize that the change couldn’t happen overnight. It would take several years to happen.

Is Tesla failing? It’s certainly in distress.

tesla fail

 

As the auto industry comes down off if its sales high, the first quarter is looking like it will continue on the declining trend. Everyone is feeling the effects, but one brand might be impacted more than others: Tesla. Founded in 2003, the young automaker is facing lots of problems, and some believe it may lead to the brand’s demise. While the numbers speak for themselves, the premature release of the new Model 3 is a further sign of a company in trouble. In fact, it has been released months ahead of schedule.

Ford & VW Teaming Up on New Technology

electric car

As the push for electric and autonomous cars becomes very real, Ford and Volkswagen are joining forces in this new frontier.

 

Dealership Profitability

Keeping an eye on expenses is critical to maintaining profitability in the future. The retail automotive industry is resilient and extremely resourceful when it comes to navigating economic barriers and trends. Walking the path to profitability can be an easier road by implementing simple strategies to maximize profit. Three simple steps to consider:

 

When Will Canada Return to the Table With USA & Mexico To Talk NAFTA?

As Mexico & the United States near an agreement Canada is in talks to be returning to the negotiation table soon. In the past weeks the United States and Mexico appear to be getting very close to an agreement in regards to automotive manufacturing. David MacNaughton, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., said in a recent interview, "If they can resolve their differences on that, then I think we can move ahead and have the three of us talk about some of the other issues that affect all of us.” 

 

Sergio Marchionne, self proclaimed fixer who built Fiat Chrysler dies at 66.

Marchionne, a brilliant mind was lost this past week. He has been credited with engineering one of the biggest audibles in the automative realm to save both Fiat and Chrysler. His charisma and drive certainly were displayed often throughout his career. Sergio started out as a young Italian immigrant to then sky-rocket to success seemingly out of no where. 

 

Ride-Sharing: Is It Really the Future of Transportation?

Ride-Sharing: Is It Really the Future of Transportation?

 

Don’t believe everything you see on the news folks! There is an overwhelmingly common misconception that consumers (Millennials especially) are ditching their own ride and hopping into someone else’s! This simply is not true! As Millennials age into the next phase of their life they progress into the same structure people before them always have… owning their own home AND owning a vehicle (which is most likely a crossover or SUV). 

 

When Washington Pulls the Plug on EVs: Is There a Market Beyond Federal Incentives?

Government money paves the road beneath EV sales

Edmunds has published an analysis of the eventual end of the Federal $7500 incentive program (200,000 vehicles sold per manufacturer). As great as EVs are, it's a good question whether consumers will buy them in enough volume without the costly government incentives.

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