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    Franchised Dealers Will Outperform Direct Sales to Consumers

    Despite a public image that often disparages dealers, the traditional franchise model will trump the direct-to-consumer model. The direct model has worked well in other industries. But we’re talking cars here, not laptops or tablets that can be delivered to your doorstep.

    By John McElroy • June 28, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for June 24

    Used Car Prices About to Go Down; All-New Infiniti QX60 Debuts; Ford Offers Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance

    June 24, 2021
  • Robots in action on the new line at Toyota Kentucky as future Camrys seamlessly roll through the production process. Explore the Trendline
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    Trendline

    Automotive Manufacturing

    Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.

    By WardsAuto staff
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for June 18

    Baidu Introduces Level 4 Robotaxi; Senators Propose Tax Credit for Chip Makers; Mazda Lays Out EV Plans

    June 18, 2021
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    Lordstown Motors Still Viable, Company Executives Say

    Company President Rich Schmidt is confident Lordstown Motors can survive through the winter and into next spring, even though documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicated the company was in danger of running out of cash.

    By Joseph Szczesny • June 16, 2021
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    Column

    What’s Driving Automotive Dealmaking in 2021?

    Coming out of 2020, strong companies have managed to recover, continue to take advantage of access to relatively cheap capital and accommodate fiscal policies in the U.S. and Europe.

    By Christopher Boll and Steve Hilfinger • June 16, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for June 15

    Ford Kicks Off Bronco Production; JLR Develops Fuel Cell Defender; VW & Audi Hit by Hackers

    June 15, 2021
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    Mack Site Lives On As New Grand Cherokee L Launches

    Planning for the new Grand Cherokee assembly plant began in 2019, when a $1.6 billion investment was announced for a retooled generally assembly hall and body shop, as well as an all-new five-story paint shop.

    By Tom Murphy • June 11, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for June 11

    Tesla Reveals Model S Plaid; VW ID.4 Test Drive Impressions; Jeep Grand Cherokee L Rolls Down the Line

    June 11, 2021
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    Take Technology 1 Byte at a Time, Says Car Saleswoman

    “Before, I would clench up with new technology,” says Robin Hill of Hendrick Lexus of Charlotte. “I didn’t think it was dangerous. I was just uncomfortable with it.”

    By June 11, 2021
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    Jones Second Ex-UAW President Sentenced in Corruption Probe

    Gary Jones’ sentencing leaves the UAW facing an internal tug-of-war between union members demanding reform of what they see as a corrupt system and the union’s old guard, which insists the scandal is an aberration and the current system has worked well over the years.

    By Joseph Szczesny • June 10, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for June 9

    Nissan Pathfinder Impressions; Lordstown Motors Struggling to Survive; BMW Introduces New X3 & X4

    June 9, 2021
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    Ghosn Learning to Live With Limits on Freedom

    “I think when you look at what I’ve done for these three companies and see how I’ve been treated by them, probably the future will say this is tragic. Obviously, it’s been tragic for me, but even for the three companies, I think,” Carlos Ghosn tells Wards.

    By Roger Schreffler • June 7, 2021
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    Auto Inspire Interview: Richard Vaughan, Rivian’s Luxury Expert

    "You’d be hard-pressed to think of a part of the vehicle that consumers can see, feel or touch that I haven’t worked on,” says Richard Vaughan

    By June 2, 2021
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    Does One-Person Sales Model Work at Car Dealerships?

    “Roofs should be fixed on sunny days, not rainy days,” says A2Z CEO Chip Perry.

    By May 24, 2021
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    Subprime Borrowers’ Share of Auto Loans, Leases Slips

    Auto originations to consumers with subprime credit fell to just 15% of the total in the first quarter. That’s the lowest subprime share of originations since the New York Federal Reserve started keeping track in 1999.

    By May 18, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for May 14

    Hummer EV Off-Road Tests; Fisker & Foxconn Finalize Partnership; Stellantis Gives Brands 10 Years to Survive

    May 14, 2021
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    Germany Ranked No.1 in Recycling Automotive Waste

    The issue has become vital for European automakers having to help their countries meet the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles Directive intended to reduce the annual volume of vehicle waste being generated among EU members.

    By May 14, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for May 13

    Blame Used Car Prices for Inflation; Mitsubishi Reviving Ralliart Brand; Ford Details Its OTA Capabilities

    May 13, 2021
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    Ex-UAW President Williams Sentenced in Corruption Probe

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Cares says Williams’ lavish tastes, which included extended stays at luxury resorts in Southern California paid for with union funds, opened a wide gulf between union members and the UAW’s top leadership.

    By Joseph Szczesny • May 13, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for May 12

    VW Tiguan Updated; Genesis Unveils Wagon Version of The G70; Daimler Bus Tests Mobile 3D Printing Stations

    May 12, 2021
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    Registration, Titling Undergoing Digital Revolution

    Out of necessity, the pandemic has pushed forward many digital processes that may not have been previously prioritized. As a result, we’ve seen a rapid increase in adoption of electronic registration and title processing, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

    By Kait Gavin • May 12, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for May 10

    Mercedes Electric Van Concept; Electric Macan Development Details; New Mitsubishi Outlander Impressive

    May 10, 2021
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    Autoline Daily 2021: Top Industry News for May 7

    Ferrari Unveils 812 Competizione; BMW Sets Q1 Delivery Record; Volvo XC90 Recharge Impressions

    May 7, 2021
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    Consumer Preferences Shifting Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

    The challenges of the past year tested the strength and resiliency of the automotive industry. But while initially hit hard by the effects of COVID-19, the industry is recovering.

    By Marty Miller • May 7, 2021
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    With Eye on Future, MSU Forms Mobility Advisory Council

    More than 50 faculty members from seven colleges at Michigan State – including Social Science, Engineering, Communication Arts and Sciences and the Eli Broad College of Business – are collaborating and will be active with the new council.

    By May 4, 2021