Gary A. Hollidge

The threat of competition from China, workforce development and tensions brewing in the supply chain were all top of mind at #MPC24. Kurt Nagl of Crain's Detroit Business and I talked about all of the automotive storylines out of the conference from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Watch here! https://lnkd.in/gzDYN4pg Automotive News #automotive #autoindustry

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🏬 Lucid Motors is considering building a dealer network in certain markets, the company's Interim Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, Gagan Dhingra, said today. When asked whether the EV maker was considering adopting a mixed business model, including selling its vehicles through third-party dealerships, the CFO remained open to the possibility, stating that the company is “exploring multiple options.” 📰 Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iZcdrw ✍️ Story by Cláudio Afonso  https://lnkd.in/dcfEvRPn #Lucid #LucidMotors #ElectricVehicles #Automotive

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Stellantis' $406 million investment in three Michigan facilities is not directly causing revolt from dealers. The investment itself is actually aimed at expanding #ElectricVehicle and hybrid production capabilities. However, there are separate issues causing tension between Stellantis and its U.S. dealers: 1. Inventory and Sales Concerns: Despite Stellantis reporting a 21% increase in August sales compared to July and a reduction in dealer inventory, dealers have expressed concerns about the company's overall performance. The President of the Stellantis National Dealer Council criticized CEO Carlos Tavares for the "swift decline" of the company's brands. 2. Allegations of Short-Term Decision Making: Dealers have accused Tavares of making "short-term decisions" that boosted last year's profits and increased his compensation but allegedly led to a decrease in market share. 3. North American Performance Issues: Stellantis' operating income for the first half of the year dropped by 40%, primarily due to disappointing performance in North America, which is a key profit driver for the company. Sales of leading brands Ram and Jeep have each fallen by at least 33% when comparing the first half of 2023 to the same period this year. 4. Production and Inventory Challenges: Tavares acknowledged that the automaker's North American operations faced challenges stemming from high vehicle inventories, production difficulties, and a lack of sophistication in addressing the local market. 5. Job Concerns: Despite the investment, there are plans for a shift reduction at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant due to the discontinuation of the Ram Classic pickup, which could affect up to 2,450 workers. It's important to note that while these issues are causing tension, they are not directly related to the $406 million investment in Michigan facilities. The investment is actually part of Stellantis' strategy to bolster its #EV lineup and meet its Dare Forward 2030 goals. The dealer concerns seem to be more about overall company performance, inventory management, and market strategy rather than the specific investments in EV production. https://lnkd.in/ghSzdYC4

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Matt Damasceno writes: The auto industry faces rocky ground. Yesterday, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned, a year earlier than expected for his retirement. This unexpected departure may be a clear indication of divisions at the board, CEO, and shareholder levels, which the company has been grappling with for years. Stellantis faces others issues, including excessive inventory, significantly lower sales in the key U.S. market, job cuts, fights with stakeholders and growing political pressure, and recent calls from UAW for his resignation, highlights Detroit Free Press. #ENERGYDM #automotive #electricvehicles #Detroit #Stellantis

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Join us today for the Dealership Insights Forum at 11:30 am EST/8:30 am PST. Today's discussion will focus on the parts chain. REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/gipP3_Rv Join the conversation: - The parts chain is broken. Where are we seeing the breaks? - A look at vendor numbers: who are the gold standards? What are they doing that makes the lives of dealers easier? - What can dealers do to minimize the impact of parts chain inefficiencies?

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If you are a classic car owner in Michigan, you will want to learn more about the new bill signed into law allowing the use of historical vehicles from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gWb_awYj #classiccars

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Text Messaging: The Secret Weapon of Automotive BDCs Nobody has time to play phone tag—especially when they're shopping for a car or scheduling a service appointment. Enter text messaging, the unsung hero of Automotive BDCs. With open rates as high as 98%, text messages are quickly becoming one of the most effective ways to communicate with customers. For BDC agents, texting isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game changer. Whether it’s confirming appointments, sending service reminders, or following up on leads, text messaging allows you to connect with customers quickly and efficiently. Customers appreciate the instant nature of a text, and it’s a fantastic way to show your dealership’s customer-first mentality. But how do you use text messaging professionally while keeping it personal? Here are a few tips: Be Prompt and Clear: Respond quickly to inquiries, but make sure your messages are concise and to the point. No one wants to read a novel in a text! Personalize Your Messages: A simple “Hi [Customer's Name]!” goes a long way in making the interaction feel less robotic and more human. Stay Professional: Even though text messages are informal, keep the tone respectful. Use proper spelling and grammar, and avoid slang or emojis unless the customer initiates it. Offer Value: For example, instead of just confirming a service appointment, send a helpful tip or reminder like “Don’t forget to bring your car in for its 30K-mile checkup!” Text messaging may be small in character count, but it’s big on results. Keep it timely, personal, and professional, and you’ll turn texts into customer loyalty in no time. https://zurl.co/oGJC #AllCall #AllCallBDC #AllCallAgents #AllCallAnswers #Texting #SecretWeapon #AutomotiveBDC #AutomotiveIndustry #SalesAndService #OutsourceYourBDC

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Michigan dealership group takes branding to the skies with hot air balloon. Zeigler Automotive Group goes above and beyond to spread the word about their dealerships. Literally. Flying high above billboards and car lots, a hot air balloon emblazoned with the name of the Kalamazoo, Mich., dealership group dances through Midwest skies every summer. In an increasingly competitive market following the inventory shortage, Zeigler's balloon advertising strategy is to connect positive emotions with their brand, said Sam D'Arc, Zeigler's COO. "We buy from people that we trust and that we have an emotional connection with. That is what the balloon does," D'Arc said. "I have never seen someone watching a hot air balloon who doesn't have a smile on their face." The dealership group bought the custom balloon in 2021 for about $75,000 and it will last about 15 years, CEO Aaron Zeigler said. Pilot Derrick Jones flies it almost every weekend from May to October at dealership grand openings, balloon shows, charity events and more. Jones typically takes two passengers at a time for trips that last about an hour. Riders range from Zeigler staff to clients to members of the public who bid for the opportunity at charity auctions. Many people also post pictures of it on social media when they see it overhead. "It is singular in its ability to engage with communities," D'Arc said. Memorable marketing The balloon is a key piece of branding as the dealership group grows, Zeigler said. It added six stores last year, bringing its total to 41, and retailed 20,644 new vehicles. Zeigler ranks No. 45 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S. Jones, who also is the director of Zeigler's Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat dealerships in Grandville, Mich., sees firsthand how the balloon creates a "circle of brand and marketing," he said. "If people are thinking about the Zeigler balloon, they think of Derrick. And if they are looking for a car, I usually get a call, text or email saying: 'My uncle, my neighbor, my friend, my coworker is looking for a vehicle,' " Jones said. "People just don't forget about it — it's memorable." It is tricky to calculate any direct return on investment for the balloon, D'Arc said. But the auto group is counting on the balloon's unique ability to inspire joy, loyalty, and brand awareness. "You cannot buy a bigger billboard," D'Arc said. "And it's traveling, so everyone who sees it is pointing it out to people." Team becomes crew Being a top performer at Ziegler could mean the chance to travel to the top of the skies. The dealership group uses balloon rides as an incentive for team members, Zeigler said. It is a rare opportunity for employees and their family members so it brings out people's competitive sides.

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Michigan dealership group takes branding to the skies with hot air balloon. Zeigler Automotive Group goes above and beyond to spread the word about their dealerships. Literally. Flying high above billboards and car lots, a hot air balloon emblazoned with the name of the Kalamazoo, Mich., dealership group dances through Midwest skies every summer. In an increasingly competitive market following the inventory shortage, Zeigler's balloon advertising strategy is to connect positive emotions with their brand, said Sam D'Arc, Zeigler's COO. "We buy from people that we trust and that we have an emotional connection with. That is what the balloon does," D'Arc said. "I have never seen someone watching a hot air balloon who doesn't have a smile on their face." The dealership group bought the custom balloon in 2021 for about $75,000 and it will last about 15 years, CEO Aaron Zeigler said. Pilot Derrick Jones flies it almost every weekend from May to October at dealership grand openings, balloon shows, charity events and more. Jones typically takes two passengers at a time for trips that last about an hour. Riders range from Zeigler staff to clients to members of the public who bid for the opportunity at charity auctions. Many people also post pictures of it on social media when they see it overhead. "It is singular in its ability to engage with communities," D'Arc said. Memorable marketing The balloon is a key piece of branding as the dealership group grows, Zeigler said. It added six stores last year, bringing its total to 41, and retailed 20,644 new vehicles. Zeigler ranks No. 45 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S. Jones, who also is the director of Zeigler's Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat dealerships in Grandville, Mich., sees firsthand how the balloon creates a "circle of brand and marketing," he said. "If people are thinking about the Zeigler balloon, they think of Derrick. And if they are looking for a car, I usually get a call, text or email saying: 'My uncle, my neighbor, my friend, my coworker is looking for a vehicle,' " Jones said. "People just don't forget about it — it's memorable." It is tricky to calculate any direct return on investment for the balloon, D'Arc said. But the auto group is counting on the balloon's unique ability to inspire joy, loyalty, and brand awareness. "You cannot buy a bigger billboard," D'Arc said. "And it's traveling, so everyone who sees it is pointing it out to people." Team becomes crew Being a top performer at Ziegler could mean the chance to travel to the top of the skies. The dealership group uses balloon rides as an incentive for team members, Zeigler said. It is a rare opportunity for employees and their family members so it brings out people's competitive sides.

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The day after the election brings both uncertainty and opportunity for the automotive industry. As we navigate these changes, dealerships are looking to adapt and recalibrate in response to the evolving market. Check out our insights on the post-election landscape and what it means for your auto parts business.

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Michigan dealership group takes branding to the skies with hot air balloon. Zeigler Automotive Group goes above and beyond to spread the word about their dealerships. Literally. Flying high above billboards and car lots, a hot air balloon emblazoned with the name of the Kalamazoo, Mich., dealership group dances through Midwest skies every summer. In an increasingly competitive market following the inventory shortage, Zeigler's balloon advertising strategy is to connect positive emotions with their brand, said Sam D'Arc, Zeigler's COO. "We buy from people that we trust and that we have an emotional connection with. That is what the balloon does," D'Arc said. "I have never seen someone watching a hot air balloon who doesn't have a smile on their face." The dealership group bought the custom balloon in 2021 for about $75,000 and it will last about 15 years, CEO Aaron Zeigler said. Pilot Derrick Jones flies it almost every weekend from May to October at dealership grand openings, balloon shows, charity events and more. Jones typically takes two passengers at a time for trips that last about an hour. Riders range from Zeigler staff to clients to members of the public who bid for the opportunity at charity auctions. Many people also post pictures of it on social media when they see it overhead. "It is singular in its ability to engage with communities," D'Arc said. Memorable marketing The balloon is a key piece of branding as the dealership group grows, Zeigler said. It added six stores last year, bringing its total to 41, and retailed 20,644 new vehicles. Zeigler ranks No. 45 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S. Jones, who also is the director of Zeigler's Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat dealerships in Grandville, Mich., sees firsthand how the balloon creates a "circle of brand and marketing," he said. "If people are thinking about the Zeigler balloon, they think of Derrick. And if they are looking for a car, I usually get a call, text or email saying: 'My uncle, my neighbor, my friend, my coworker is looking for a vehicle,' " Jones said. "People just don't forget about it — it's memorable." It is tricky to calculate any direct return on investment for the balloon, D'Arc said. But the auto group is counting on the balloon's unique ability to inspire joy, loyalty, and brand awareness. "You cannot buy a bigger billboard," D'Arc said. "And it's traveling, so everyone who sees it is pointing it out to people." Team becomes crew Being a top performer at Ziegler could mean the chance to travel to the top of the skies. The dealership group uses balloon rides as an incentive for team members, Zeigler said. It is a rare opportunity for employees and their family members so it brings out people's competitive sides.

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🚘 GM Restructures in China Amid $5B Write-Down General Motors is revamping its joint venture operations with SAIC Motor in China, incurring over $5 billion in non-cash charges and writedowns. The restructuring includes plant closures and portfolio changes, aiming to boost efficiency and profitability in a challenging market. Despite sales declines for U.S. brands like Buick and Chevrolet, GM’s joint ventures with SAIC and Wuling remain strong, accounting for 60% of its 2023 sales in China. After three consecutive quarters of losses in 2024, GM projects improved performance by 2025. As the company adapts to a competitive EV market, restoring profitability in China is key to its global strategy. #GeneralMotors #ChinaMarket #EVGrowth #AutomotiveIndustry

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