Tag: auto news now

45% of used-vehicle loan terms ‘frighteningly’ long at 84 months, up from 25% in 2021

By on April 16, 2026

With high vehicle values and high interest rates compromising affordability, buyers — particularly entry-level ones — have been forced to extend borrowing time frames, Ross said. “Consumers are looking to stay in a consistent monthly payment range to what they used to previously, so the only thing they have is to elongate that loan term,” he said. Ross, Karwel and Abraham saw little relief in sight for buyers as both new- and used-vehicle inventories remained tight. UPSIDE: MORE F&I SALES For dealers, however, the longer loan timelines are creating opportunities. Finance and insurance products, once pitched when selling new-vehicle sales,…

Study reveals drop in customer satisfaction for independents

By on April 5, 2026

Recent numbers from research firm Ducker Carlisle showed growing dissatisfaction with franchised dealership service departments. This week, JD Power released its 2023 US Aftermarket Service Index Study that showed an overall decline in satisfaction with independent repair facilities as well. The data firm revealed independent shops dropped in all three categories that make up the study — quick oil change, full-service maintenance and repair and tire replacement. Shops were scored on seven measures within each of the three segments. These include ease of scheduling, fairness of charges, service adviser courtesy and quality of work. This is the fourth year of…

Aston Martin to renew DB11, Vantage, DBS sports cars in 2023

By on February 25, 2026

LONDON — Aston Martin will reveal the first of its overhauled sports-car range at the end of this month, Chief Financial Officer Doug Lafferty said. The automaker has promised to reveal new versions of its three core sports-car models – the DB11, Vantage and DBS – over the next 12 months. The company has not said which will be first, but the DB11 is the oldest model in its lineup. Aston Martin will increase prices on all three cars as it looks to return to profitability with a target margin of 40 percent. “All the next-generation sports cars carry that…

Tesla will shoot for volume over profit: Elon Musk

By on February 19, 2026

Tesla missed market estimates for first-quarter total gross margin after cutting prices in the US and globally. The electric vehicle maker reported a total gross margin of 19 percent, compared with an expectation of 22 percent from analysts polled by Refinitiv, Reuters reported. Net income during the most recent period dropped 24 percent to $2.5 billion. Tesla reported global deliveries of 422,875 in the first quarter, a 4.3 percent increase compared with the previous quarter. That small growth suggests price cuts were necessary to maintain momentum amid rising EV competition and higher interest rates. The EV maker likely sold 161,630…

LUXURY: Tesla Q1 sales more than double those of BMW

By on December 4, 2025

The entire US luxury sector sales rose 23 percent to 616,970 cars and light trucks in the first quarter, outperforming the broader industry’s 8.4 percent bump. In the first quarter, BMW sales rose 12 percent, and the automaker secured a more than 14,000 vehicle advantage over No. 3 Lexuses. The Toyota luxury brand delivered 68,251 vehicles, up 6 percent from a year earlier. BMW, which commanded a 13 percent share of the luxury segment, extended its lead over German rival Mercedes-Benz with a more than 20,000-vehicle advantage. Mercedes’ sales of 61,531 were down 1.2 percent from the prior year as…

China dealers struggle as price war, emissions rules upend market

By on October 18, 2025

Chinese new-vehicle dealers are struggling to stay afloat after efforts to clear gasoline-fueled cars before tougher emissions standards taking effect later this year are upended by a bruising price war. Auto sales — especially of internal combustion engine light vehicles — haven’t bounced back from pandemic restrictions even with hefty discounts done out by major carmakers including BYD Co., Chery Auto, Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co. New-vehicle sales fell 20 percent in the first two months of the year, with deliveries of gasoline-fueled cars dropping 30 percent. With the next phase of China’s emissions standards to be implemented…

How to Take Care of Your Newly Replaced Windshield

By on August 8, 2025

Knowing what you need to do to take care of a windshield that has recently been replaced is the first step in maintaining your investment. Be sure to keep your new windshield in good condition and make sure it will last as long as possible by using the tips and information found here after installation. These tips include:Don’t drive the vehicle right away Leave your window cracked open a little Keep the area both inside and outside of your vehicle clear Don’t take the retention tape off Avoid using power washers or going through a car wash Go easy…

Where Ford will slash jobs in Europe

By Didi on August 1, 2024

Workers were told to expect concrete numbers of job losses from the automaker in mid-February, according to Cologne’s daily paper, the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. Industrial action threats Ford’s plans triggered a union threat of Europe-wide disruption. “If negotiations between the works council and management in coming weeks do not ensure the future of workers, we will join the process. We will not hold back from measures that could seriously impact the company not just in Germany but Europe-wide,” IG Metal said. Ford of Europe produces, sells and services Ford brand vehicles in 50 markets, employing around 45,000 people at its own…