Welcome to the November edition of AutoTalk Australia magazine. This month we've heard first-hand accounts from dealers about how deep the pre-reporting rabbit hole goes, as overstocking expenses spiral senselessly for some.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association has asked its members to come forward about factors hindering their businesses. The Cox Automotive Australia Dealer Sentiment Index survey has heard from 92 private and publicly-listed dealerships across Australia and published its first six-monthly report.
The sold-out Australian Automotive Dealer Association Convention and Expo 2018 on the Gold Coast is almost here. It takes place at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 3-5.
Dealership management software provider Dealer Solutions has a new look. With a new logo and brand identity replacing its decade-old look, Dealer Solutions says it is also "innovating solutions we will be launching soon on all our media channels".
US auto sales dropping for the first time in years will be further hit if interest rates rise as expected.
Vehicle sales in New Zealand and Australia are expected to continue to go well next year, but not in the US. One growth area in all three countries is expected to be in electric vehicles.
A United States district judge has hit former Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt with a seven-year jail term. Schmidt, 48, pleaded guilty to two criminal charges of conspiracy to defraud and for violating the Clean Air Act, Automotive News reports.
Cox Automotive Australia has made two senior appointments as chief executive Gary Martin departs. Rob Whiten, formerly Manheim national retail director, has been appointed to replace Martin as chief executive of Cox Automotive Australia-New Zealand, overseeing Manheim, Dealer Solutions, CarsGuide and AutoTrader, and Xtime businesses.
Up to 900,000 vehicles in the United States were damaged during Hurricane Irma and Harvey. The two storms ravaged the southern United States in recent months, with between US$2.7 and US$4.9 billion worth of automotive damage, Fortune.com reports.
The 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention is set to be the biggest event in its history, with a line-up of highly influential speakers prepared to share with the industry.
