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Joining us today to give a full recap on retail automotive trends and what dealers need to know is Steve Finlay, senior editor at WardsAuto. For a number of years, automotive digital retailing has been a topic of conversation, but the COVID-19 pandemic kicked it into high gear. Steve wonders if the surge of online transactions and home delivery will stick, or if many dealers will revert back to their usual practices. While many consumers would still rather do their shopping online, the flip-side for dealers is that building the infrastructure to facilitate online transactions can be expensive. Steve asks – Can smaller dealers really afford this? However, digital retailing allows consumers to do most of the heavy lifting, while dealers can spend less on marketing and other expenses. Inventory also continues to be a challenge for dealers nationwide. Domestic OEMs have considerably reduced the manufacturing of their sedan models. This is due to the high demand for trucks and SUVs among consumers. Brand loyalty is also not what it used to be according to Steve. Despite these challenges, Steve believes that the auto industry is resilient and pre-COVID sales levels are expected to return in 2022-2023. In addition to being the senior editor at WardsAuto, Steve Finlay is also the editor of WardsAuto Dealer Business Magazine. As such, he covers automobile dealers, OEMs, and retail practices. His career in journalism started 42 years ago as a crime reporter. For the last 23 years, he has followed the automotive retail industry, and continues to write informative and engaging stories. https://www.cbtnews.com/wardsauto-editor-steve-finlay-on-digital-retailing-inventory-struggles-and-more/
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
On today’s show, we welcome back long-time CBT contributor and Senior Editor at WardsAuto, Steve Finlay. In this segment, Steve and Jim talk about digital marketing and why it’s important to keep your data safe during these times. https://www.cbtnews.com/daily-automotive-newscast-may21-2020/
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
Originally posted on CBTNews.com: https://www.cbtnews.com/assessing-5-major-auto-retail-trends-with-steve-finlay-editor-of-wardsauto/ In years past, a common criticism the auto industry has faced is that it’s stuck in the past or slow to innovate. However, industry professionals on the showroom floor every day know this simply isn’t true. Here to walk us through some of the defining auto retail trends for 2019 and exciting new developments to watch for in 2020 is Steve Finlay, Editor at WardsAuto Magazine. -------------- CBT Automotive Network is a multi-media platform for retail automotive professionals. With digital channels including a daily show, informative website, daily eNewsletters, monthly magazine, webinars and 9 network shows hosted by the industry's top trainers and thought leaders. CBT is your dealership's "go to" source from the showroom to the service drive. https://www.cbtnews.com/ CONNECT WITH US! Contact us: info@cbtnews.com Subscribe: https://www.cbtnews.com/freesubscription Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarBizTodayNews Twitter: @CarBizToday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbiztoday/
Entrepreneur Dale Pollak made his name developing software to solve day-to-day dealership issues. But along the way he witnessed the tsunami of changes that would envelope 21st century automotive retailers and chronicled many of them in his book “Like I See It.” Today he joins Autoline to discuss not only his book, but how the changing retail world is affecting your local car dealer and how it impacts both you and me. Joining John McElroy on his journalist panel is Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production and WardsAuto’s Steve Finlay.
Entrepreneur Dale Pollak made his name developing software to solve day-to-day dealership issues. But along the way he witnessed the tsunami of changes that would envelope 21st century automotive retailers and chronicled many of them in his book “Like I See It.” Today he joins Autoline to discuss not only his book, but how the changing retail world is affecting your local car dealer and how it impacts both you and me. Joining John McElroy on his journalist panel is Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production and WardsAuto’s Steve Finlay.
In the old days, the phrase was if you owned a dealership it was like a license to print money. These days, with so many options for consumers, the dealers aren’t making nearly as much on the cars like they used to. But they’re still expected to participate in the community like they always did. This week John McElroy welcomes current NADA chair William Fox to talk about the world of today’s car dealer. He is joined on the panel by Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business and Jeff Bennett of the Wall Street Journal.
In the old days, the phrase was if you owned a dealership it was like a license to print money. These days, with so many options for consumers, the dealers aren’t making nearly as much on the cars like they used to. But they’re still expected to participate in the community like they always did. This week John McElroy welcomes current NADA chair William Fox to talk about the world of today’s car dealer. He is joined on the panel by Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business and Jeff Bennett of the Wall Street Journal.
With car and truck sales predicted to hit around 17-million for the year, you’d imagine that most dealers are singing “Happy Days Are Here Again.” But is that really true? Joining John McElroy as his Autoline THIS WEEK guest is Steven Szakaly, the Chief Economist for the National Auto Dealer Association. John and Steven are joined by Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business and the Wall Street Journal’s John Stoll.
With car and truck sales predicted to hit around 17-million for the year, you’d imagine that most dealers are singing “Happy Days Are Here Again.” But is that really true? Joining John McElroy as his Autoline THIS WEEK guest is Steven Szakaly, the Chief Economist for the National Auto Dealer Association. John and Steven are joined by Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business and the Wall Street Journal’s John Stoll.
Where do you buy a car? These days you can do so on the Internet, a big box retailer and even certain OEM stores. But to this day, the tried and true model, and the place where most people still buy their cars, is the local car dealer. And the man currently in charge of America’s dealers is the NADA’s Forrest McConnell. This week he joins host John McElroy along with Steve Finlay from Wards and AutoTrader.com’s Michelle Krebs for a look at the latest in today’s retail world.
Where do you buy a car? These days you can do so on the Internet, a big box retailer and even certain OEM stores. But to this day, the tried and true model, and the place where most people still buy their cars, is the local car dealer. And the man currently in charge of America’s dealers is the NADA’s Forrest McConnell. This week he joins host John McElroy along with Steve Finlay from Wards and AutoTrader.com’s Michelle Krebs for a look at the latest in today’s retail world.
UP FOR DISCUSSION:- Fuel Cell Vehicles or "Fool" Cell Vehicles?- Ford reveals its new Fusion-based Edge and readies it for a global play.SPECIAL GUEST: John Krafcik, President, TrueCar- One of the most dynamic executives in the industry today.All that and more with John McElroy, Autoline.tv; Todd Lassa, Automobile; Steve Finlay, Ward's Dealer Business.
For two decades WardsAuto.com has been choosing what its editors consider the 10 Best Engines of the year. Joining John McElroy to discuss the 20 years of Ten Best Engines as well as this year’s winners are Ward’s editors Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay.
For two decades WardsAuto.com has been choosing what its editors consider the 10 Best Engines of the year. Joining John McElroy to discuss the 20 years of Ten Best Engines as well as this year’s winners are Ward’s editors Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay.
No one knows engines like the editors from WardsAuto.com. Each year for the past two decades they have put together their winners of the top ten powertrains. The Ward's 10 Best Engines list has become a coveted award in engineering circles and a great research tool for the car buying public. John McElroy welcomes four of the Ward's judging panel -- Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay -- for a look at this year's winners.
No one knows engines like the editors from WardsAuto.com. Each year for the past two decades they have put together their winners of the top ten powertrains. The Ward's 10 Best Engines list has become a coveted award in engineering circles and a great research tool for the car buying public. John McElroy welcomes four of the Ward's judging panel -- Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay -- for a look at this year's winners.
No one knows engines like the editors from WardsAuto.com. Each year for the past two decades they have put together their winners of the top ten powertrains. The Ward's 10 Best Engines list has become a coveted award in engineering circles and a great research tool for the car buying public. John McElroy welcomes four of the Ward's judging panel -- Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay -- for a look at this year's winners.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
Scott Painter is the essence of the 21st century entrepreneur. Having started several dot-coms since his days at Berkley, he turned his sights to the auto industry with TrueCar.com, an attempt to educate the automotive consumer with data and pricing. And that’s where all the trouble began. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy welcomes Scott Painter to the studio to talk about how TrueCar is attempting to change the auto buying customer experience. John’s panel of industry experts includes Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com and Joe White from the Wall Street Journal.
Scott Painter is the essence of the 21st century entrepreneur. Having started several dot-coms since his days at Berkley, he turned his sights to the auto industry with TrueCar.com, an attempt to educate the automotive consumer with data and pricing. And that’s where all the trouble began. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy welcomes Scott Painter to the studio to talk about how TrueCar is attempting to change the auto buying customer experience. John’s panel of industry experts includes Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com and Joe White from the Wall Street Journal.
Scott Painter is the essence of the 21st century entrepreneur. Having started several dot-coms since his days at Berkley, he turned his sights to the auto industry with TrueCar.com, an attempt to educate the automotive consumer with data and pricing. And that’s where all the trouble began. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy welcomes Scott Painter to the studio to talk about how TrueCar is attempting to change the auto buying customer experience. John’s panel of industry experts includes Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com and Joe White from the Wall Street Journal.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
Like it has everything else, you would think the Information Age would have by now worked its magic on the car buying experience. Depending who you ask, it has … maybe. But there is still a lot of confusion over how to negotiate the best deal. How do you know whether you’re getting a fair price or whether you’re being taken for a ride? This week’s guest has been an auto broker for more than 20 years. Now Isaac Bouchard has authored the new ebook, “Car Buying Tips Guide.” We’ll ask him how the average person can improve his or her buying experience. And, whether they should skip the showroom altogether and go through a broker like Isaac. Of course you can expect us to delve into the hot topics of the week as well. Joining John McElroy in studio is his After Hours partner in crime Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Steve Finlay of WardsAuto Dealer Business!
Just a few short decades ago, the only way to get information on a new car was to go to a newsstand or go to a dealership. Since then, as consumers have learned how to use the maturing internet, the number of car-buying options have exploded. One of the newest on the web is TrueCar out of California. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week is Larry Dominique, former Vice President with Nissan, who signed on with TrueCar to help challenge the competition like Edmunds. Included on this week’s panel are Craig Trudell from Bloomberg News and Steve Finlay of WardsAuto Dealer Business.
Just a few short decades ago, the only way to get information on a new car was to go to a newsstand or go to a dealership. Since then, as consumers have learned how to use the maturing internet, the number of car-buying options have exploded. One of the newest on the web is TrueCar out of California. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week is Larry Dominique, former Vice President with Nissan, who signed on with TrueCar to help challenge the competition like Edmunds. Included on this week’s panel are Craig Trudell from Bloomberg News and Steve Finlay of WardsAuto Dealer Business.
The word on the street is the economy is getting better. And we mean “on the street” literally with new car sales leading the way. But how is this happening in the middle of a slow recovery? Are the manufacturers doing something special to move metal or is it simply that the 2008 recession caused such a large pent up demand for new vehicles that consumers couldn’t wait any longer? The man with answers to these questions and more joins John McElroy on Autoline This Week. Jeremy Anwyl is the Vice Chairman of Edmunds.com, the automotive do-all website. He joins John and his panelists, Edward Lapham of Automotive News and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com to talk about the state of automotive retail and more.
The word on the street is the economy is getting better. And we mean “on the street” literally with new car sales leading the way. But how is this happening in the middle of a slow recovery? Are the manufacturers doing something special to move metal or is it simply that the 2008 recession caused such a large pent up demand for new vehicles that consumers couldn’t wait any longer? The man with answers to these questions and more joins John McElroy on Autoline This Week. Jeremy Anwyl is the Vice Chairman of Edmunds.com, the automotive do-all website. He joins John and his panelists, Edward Lapham of Automotive News and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com to talk about the state of automotive retail and more.
The word on the street is the economy is getting better. And we mean “on the street” literally with new car sales leading the way. But how is this happening in the middle of a slow recovery? Are the manufacturers doing something special to move metal or is it simply that the 2008 recession caused such a large pent up demand for new vehicles that consumers couldn’t wait any longer? The man with answers to these questions and more joins John McElroy on Autoline This Week. Jeremy Anwyl is the Vice Chairman of Edmunds.com, the automotive do-all website. He joins John and his panelists, Edward Lapham of Automotive News and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com to talk about the state of automotive retail and more.
Most of us have read it at one time or another. The small yellow reference guide that tells you what a used car is worth. Well the National Auto Dealers Association has been publishing that book since 1933 but it’s really the only NADA effort that consumers touch. Most times the group is serving the needs of the more than 17,000 new car and truck dealers in the United States. And each year those members elect one of their own to run the organization. In 2011 Stephen Wade, a multiple brand franchisee from Utah has been leading the U.S. dealer body as they fight to survive our fickle economy. This week John McElroy welcomes Mr. Wade to the Autoline studios to hear what’s going on with the retail end of the business. Joining them on the panel are Steve Finlay of Wardsauto.com and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal.
Most of us have read it at one time or another. The small yellow reference guide that tells you what a used car is worth. Well the National Auto Dealers Association has been publishing that book since 1933 but it’s really the only NADA effort that consumers touch. Most times the group is serving the needs of the more than 17,000 new car and truck dealers in the United States. And each year those members elect one of their own to run the organization. In 2011 Stephen Wade, a multiple brand franchisee from Utah has been leading the U.S. dealer body as they fight to survive our fickle economy. This week John McElroy welcomes Mr. Wade to the Autoline studios to hear what’s going on with the retail end of the business. Joining them on the panel are Steve Finlay of Wardsauto.com and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal.
It’s the first AAH of the new decade (depending on who you ask) and we’re ready for a dose of automotive rebirth. How convenient, then, that we also find ourselves on the cusp of the 2010 North American International Auto Show, which is in the process of renewal. Doug Fox, Co-Chair of NAIAS joins us to discuss what we can expect at the show this year and what’s new at Cobo Hall. We wonder, is it time for major change for the show by losing the “NAIAS?” And will the EcoXperience still, well, stink? Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business magazine join John McElroy in studio.
There’s been a lot said lately about what Chrysler has done wrong in the past but not much has been said about what it has done right. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss what Chrysler does best and also what impact Fiat will have when its products are added to Chrysler’s lineup. The panel also discusses the Chevy volt and whether it’s a good idea for GM to advertise a car you can’t even buy yet. And they also discuss what Chevy must do to get back on its feet. Joining John in the discussion are Michael Robinet from CSM Worldwide, Christie Nordheilm a professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan and author of the book “The Big Picture”, and Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business magazine.
"Green" Cross When the economic tsunami struck the auto industry last year leaving Chrysler and GM in shambles, the U.S. government role-played as the "Green" Cross, if you will, providing the relief both corporations required to stay afloat. But now after surprisingly brief visits to Chapter 11 yielding fewer dealers, a much smaller work force as well as a shrunken brand and/or product lineup for both, the future looks bright...or does it? Some say they cut to the bone in too many areas while still others believe each needs a transfusion of new blood to drive them farther into the 21st Century. Joining John McElroy this week to discuss the present and future of the (formerly) Bankrupt Two in three essential areas are product analyst Michael Robinet of CSM Worldwide, Steve Finlay of Ward's Dealer Business as well marketing expert and author of the "The Big Picture," Professor Christie Nordhielm of the University of Michigan.
"Green" CrossWhen the economic tsunami struck the auto industry last year leaving Chrysler and GM in shambles, the U.S. government role-played as the "Green" Cross, if you will, providing the relief both corporations required to stay afloat. But now after surprisingly brief visits to Chapter 11 yielding fewer dealers, a much smaller work force as well as a shrunken brand and/or product lineup for both, the future looks bright...or does it? Some say they cut to the bone in too many areas while still others believe each needs a transfusion of new blood to drive them farther into the 21st Century. Joining John McElroy this week to discuss the present and future of the (formerly) Bankrupt Two in three essential areas are product analyst Michael Robinet of CSM Worldwide, Steve Finlay of Ward's Dealer Business as well marketing expert and author of the "The Big Picture," Professor Christie Nordhielm of the University of Michigan.
There’s been a lot said lately about what Chrysler has done wrong in the past but not much has been said about what it has done right. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss what Chrysler does best and also what impact Fiat will have when its products are added to Chrysler’s lineup. The panel also discusses the Chevy volt and whether it’s a good idea for GM to advertise a car you can’t even buy yet. And they also discuss what Chevy must do to get back on its feet. Joining John in the discussion are Michael Robinet from CSM Worldwide, Christie Nordheilm a professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan and author of the book “The Big Picture”, and Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business magazine.
Chairman and CEO of AutoNation, Mike Jackson joins John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. Mr. Jackson is in charge of the nation’s largest automotive retailer with dealerships that cover just about every brand. Watch to see Mr. Jackson give his candid opinions on the domestic’s products and dealership network and what needs improvement. Joining in the discussion are Bill Vlasic from The New York Times and Steve Finlay of Ward’s Dealer Business.
Chairman and CEO of AutoNation, Mike Jackson joins John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. Mr. Jackson is in charge of the nation’s largest automotive retailer with dealerships that cover just about every brand. Watch to see Mr. Jackson give his candid opinions on the domestic’s products and dealership network and what needs improvement. Joining in the discussion are Bill Vlasic from The New York Times and Steve Finlay of Ward’s Dealer Business.
"Mass" Exodus Each time a dealer makes a sale and a car drives off the lot, along with it goes a few thousand pounds. And depending on the number of sales, those pounds can add up. But imagine losing one and a half billion pounds. Crazy? Well, that's just what America's largest automotive retailer AutoNation does every year. The company with nearly 250 dealerships across the country sells more than 500,000 units each year, which means more than 1.5 billion pounds of vehicles drive off its lots every twelve months. When it comes to the automotive retail world, all three of those numbers are staggering. On this week's Autoline, AutoNation Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson joins John McElroy to talk about the industry, sales and how they're both reeling amid the economic disaster that is 2008. After that, they'll turn their attention to product. As a retailer who deals with nearly every OEM selling almost every kind of car and truck, he has unique insight into each manufacturer, its performance and its products. Plus, with dealerships throughout the United States, there isn't a demographic or geographic group he doesn't know or sell to. Joining Mr. Jackson and John McElroy on the panel are Bill Vlasic from The New York Times and Steve Finlay from Ward's Dealer Business. As a reminder, you can now watch the latest Autoline immediately after receiving this email. Just click the link, http://www.autoline.tv/ and you'll find yourself at our website where you can watch this week's program, Autoline EXTRA or any of our archived shows 24/7. So if you really want to know what's going on behind the curtain at your local dealer, check out this week's Autoline for the inside scoop.
"Mass" ExodusEach time a dealer makes a sale and a car drives off the lot, along with it goes a few thousand pounds. And depending on the number of sales, those pounds can add up. But imagine losing one and a half billion pounds. Crazy? Well, that's just what America's largest automotive retailer AutoNation does every year. The company with nearly 250 dealerships across the country sells more than 500,000 units each year, which means more than 1.5 billion pounds of vehicles drive off its lots every twelve months. When it comes to the automotive retail world, all three of those numbers are staggering.On this week's Autoline, AutoNation Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson joins John McElroy to talk about the industry, sales and how they're both reeling amid the economic disaster that is 2008. After that, they'll turn their attention to product. As a retailer who deals with nearly every OEM selling almost every kind of car and truck, he has unique insight into each manufacturer, its performance and its products. Plus, with dealerships throughout the United States, there isn't a demographic or geographic group he doesn't know or sell to. Joining Mr. Jackson and John McElroy on the panel are Bill Vlasic from The New York Times and Steve Finlay from Ward's Dealer Business.As a reminder, you can now watch the latest Autoline immediately after receiving this email. Just click the link, http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/ and you'll find yourself at our website where you can watch this week's program, Autoline EXTRA or any of our archived shows 24/7.So if you really want to know what's going on behind the curtain at your local dealer, check out this week's Autoline for the inside scoop.