Jan. 14, 2020
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NADA Show 2020 Just One Month Away

NADA Show 2020 takes over Las Vegas in just one month, Feb. 14-17. There’s still time to join more than 20,000 industry professionals, key influencers, top exhibitors and vendors as we come together for the Automotive Industry Event of the Year. Don’t miss industry-leading education, world-renowned keynote speakers, important franchise and make updates and the world’s premier auto industry marketplace for dealers, all in one place. Reserve your spot today and take advantage of NADA travel and transportation discounts. Don’t delay, the official NADA hotel deadline ends Jan. 23. Learn more and register.
Source: NADA

FTC Publishes Inflation-Adjusted Civil Penalty Amounts

The Federal Trade Commission has adjusted the maximum civil penalty dollar amounts for violations of 16 provisions of law the FTC enforces, including an increase of the maximum civil penalty amount under Section 5 of the FTC Act from $42,530 to $43,280. The increase reflects an annual inflation adjustment based on a prescribed formula. The new maximum civil penalty amounts will take effect upon their publication in the Federal Register.
Source: FTC

Top Stories

Gently Used Posing Harsh Threat To New Car Sales
Consumers may finally be nearing a breaking point as new vehicle prices continue to rise, causing a seismic shift in the marketplace as shoppers scramble to find the models they desire at prices they can afford—and that’s danger for the automakers. That was the sobering message from Cox Automotive economists during a briefing for the media in Detroit on Monday.
Source: Forbes 

Zeigler Automotive to Buy 3 Luxury Dealerships Near Chicago
Zeigler Automotive Group, a large privately owned dealership group, said Monday it's buying three luxury dealerships in suburban Chicago from the Motor Werks Auto Group in its largest acquisition to date. The deal, expected to close on Jan. 20, includes Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, Jaguar-Land Rover Schaumburg and Infiniti of Hoffman Estates, all in Illinois. The acquisition adds Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, Jaguar and Land Rover to Zeigler's portfolio, its second Infiniti store and grows its presence of stores outside of Chicago.
Source: Automotive News

Renault Alliance Is Here to Stay, Nissan Says After Ghosn Escape
Nissan Motor Co. said it is in no way considering the dissolution of its alliance with Renault SA, which was shaken even further by the dramatic escape of former chairman Carlos Ghosn from trial in Japan. “The alliance is the source of Nissan’s competitiveness,” the Yokohama-based company said in a statement Tuesday, pushing back against reports that its executives have looked at the possibility of breaking with the global carmaking partnership. “Through the alliance, to achieve sustainable and profitable growth, Nissan will look to continue delivering win-win results for all member companies.”
Source: Bloomberg 

Lamborghini’s 2019 Sales Jump 43%, Driven by its Urus SUV
Lamborghini reported a scorching 43% jump in sales in 2019, driven by its new Urus SUV. Lamborghini is the latest high-end car company to report record sales in 2019, boosted by their hulking, powerful SUV’s than traditional sports cars. Lamborghini said it sold 8,205 vehicles worldwide in 2019, up from 5,750 in 2018.
Source: CNBC

Quotable

“That's a huge amount of money for most Americans.”

– Jonathan Smoke, Cox Automotive chief economist, commenting on the average $40,000 sticker price on a new vehicle in 2019, Forbes, Jan. 13

Upcoming Seminars 

Advance Variable Operations Management
March 2-6
Tysons, Va. 

Advance Service Management
March 2-6
Tysons, Va.

Dealership Buy, Sell or Hold
March 3-4
Tysons, Va.

Financial Management
March 16-20
Austin, Texas

Upcoming Webinar

Implementing Change at your Dealership
Jan. 29

NADA Dealer Attitude Survey Now Open

NADA’s 2020 Dealer Attitude Survey (DAS) is now open. Dealers should have received an email directly from chairman@nadasurvey.com with instructions on how to complete the survey, which is open until Thursday, Feb. 6. There is good news and an important change to the survey: Dealers will NOT be asked to enter their zip code to start the survey.

Please participate in the survey and make sure your voice is heard! If any you need any assistance, please email questions@nadasurvey.com or visit nadasurvey.com.
Source: NADA

2019 U.S. New Vehicle Sales Mark 5th Year Over 17 Million Units

The year came to a close with new light-vehicle sales of 17.1 million, according to the Automotive News Data Center. This marks the fifth straight year of more than 17 million units sold.
Source: NADA

Get the Latest Legal and Regulatory Updates for Dealers at NADA Show 2020

NADA Show Legal and Regulatory education sessions will address the latest hot topics for dealers and provide the information you need to stay up-to-date with dealership processes.
Source: NADA