July 19, 2016 — As news leaked yesteday that the FBI and SEC is investigating Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for possible sales fraud, a key question kept popping up in conversations — how is what FCA allegedly did any different than what other automakers do when it comes to reporting sales? For years — even decades —… Continue Reading
July 18, 2016 — In a meeting with dealers on Friday, Volkswagen executives said they would make a decision within the next month regarding compensating its dealers for damages from the diesel emissions scandal. Friday’s event is part of a series of meetings with dealers in which VW executives are outlining how the company plans to… Continue Reading
To steal a phrase, Silicon Valley appears to be gripped by an “irrational exuberance” for the future utopia promised by connected and autonomous vehicle technology. At the recent Connected & Charged conference presented by Prospect Silicon Valley held at the SAP campus in Palo Alto, CA, it was striking to see the attention given by panelists and speakers on… Continue Reading
July 5, 2016 — The four day rally is over. Automotive retail stocks are getting slaughtered today along with the rest of the stock market today. A steep drop in crude oil prices along with Brexit fears which reignited as Great Britain’s Conservative party began the first round of selecting its new leader today are… Continue Reading
July 3, 2016 — The long term effects on the auto industry resulting from Great Britain’s vote to exit the European Union may well be determined by how amicable the divorce proceedings are. Early indications are that the breakup could be ugly. But it’s only been a week since the Brits shocked the world so…
June 30, 2016 — Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took the unusual step of warning the public not to drive certain 2001 – 2003 Honda and Acura vehicles, due to the high likelihood of their Takata-made airbag inflators exploding in a crash. The agency says that within laboratory settings, the inflators have a 50% chance… Continue Reading
(UPDATED June 30 with dealer information) June 28, 2016 — Volkswagen is expected to announce settlements with U.S. regulatory agencies and 475,000 customers for lying about its diesel emissions today that could exceed $15 billion. According to numerous media reports, the deal only affects the 475,000 customers that purchased 2009 – 2015 2.0 liter diesel Volkswagen…
May 19, 2016 — Here’s some potentially good news for those of you sitting on patents that you’ve done nothing with — someone may want to buy those old patents. Over a two week period from May 25th to June 8th, patent owners can submit their patents to a special portal set up by Allied Security… Continue Reading
May 10, 2016 –In an intriguing decision last week, the New York’s Court of Appeals determined in a 5 – 1 decision that General Motors’ use of its Retail Sales Index to evaluate its dealers’ sales performance violates state law. The ruling could force manufacturers to change how they measure their dealers’ retail performance. GM used the RSI In 2011 in… Continue Reading
April 10, 2016 — On Wednesday, Ed Napleton, owner of one of the largest dealer groups in the country, filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen alleging the automaker engaged in criminal racketeering. Napleton owns three Volkswagen dealerships acquiring the Urbana, IL store three days before the diesel emissions scandal exploded in September. Napleton also claims the manufacturer… Continue Reading