auto trader

KIA: The Total Benefits of Successful Digital Transformation, Part III: Failures to Success!

By on July 25, 2023

This is part three of a three part hot forming series exploring how KIA has researched the current technologies which enable digitization in hot stamping at all business and supplier levels. In this post we see how KIA ininvestigated which software systems could satisfy the requirements of full digitization. They were not afraid to share the reasons for their initial digital transformation failure and what they did to enable this megatrend. Finally, they explored the cost benefits of “digital die spotting” on hot stamped parts as demonstrated in part two. See Part One | Part Two | This is Part…

Inflation persists and car prices are a big reason

By on July 15, 2023

‌Car prices soared after the coronavirus lockdowns, and two years into the United States’ worst inflationary episode since the 1980s, the industry demonstrated that getting back to normal will be a long and lurching ride. In 2021 and early 2022, global shipping problems, a semiconductor shortage and factory shutdowns coincided with strong demand to push vehicle prices sharply higher. Economists had hoped that prices might ease as supply chains healed and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increased deterred borrowers. Instead, prices for new cars have risen further. Domestic automakers are still producing fewer cars and focusing on more profitable luxury…

Used car prices are surging. Here’s why you should buy now

By on May 4, 2023

Well, it was nice while it lasted. For nearly a year, the average used vehicle in the United States has been edging toward affordable again for millions of people. The relief felt belated and relatively slight, but it was still welcome. From an eye-watering peak of $31,400 in April of last year, the average price had dropped 14% to $27,125 early this month. Now, with the supply of used vehicles failing to keep up with robust demand, prices are creeping up again, with signs pointing to further increases ahead. So many buyers have been priced out of the new-car market…