Audi stays the course on EVs despite market slowdown Zainal Abidin, 20/01/2026 Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said the VW Group premium brand was committed to going fully electric starting in 2033 despite a market slowdown, as it launched two key EVs this year, the Q6 E-tron SUV and the A6 sedan, a sibling model.The last new Audi internal-combustion engine models will be launched in 2026, Döllner said Tuesday at the automaker’s annual news conference in Ingolstadt, Germany. Those models will be built on the new Premium Platform Combusion, or PPC, architecture, which will debut this year on the next-generation A5 and Q5. The A5 and Q5 will also benefit from a new electric/electronic architecture, Döllner said.The Q6 E-tron is the first model on the Porsche/Audi Premium Platform Electric, or PPE, architecture, which it shares with the Porsche Macan. It will arrive at dealerships in the second half after a delay of over two years partly due to software issues.“Our vision is quite clear. We’re fully committed to electric mobility,” Döllner said, adding that a combination of full-electric, ICE and plug-in hybrid models would be available in all regions for the 10 years, with an EV-only lineup expected around 2033. “But if there are waves or fluctuations in the transition… Continue Reading
Ford shifts from 3-row EVS to smaller, affordable models Zainal Abidin, 17/01/2026 Ford shifts from 3-row EVS to smaller, affordable models | Automotive NewsSkip to main contentNEWSOPINIONDATA CENTERVIDEOSEVENTS & AWARDSJOBSResource Center +MOREAdvertiseLeading Women NetworkPodcastsWebinarsIn the Driver’s SeatPublishing PartnersAPCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamicsAPCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&IAPCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&IAllstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know.Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectivenessAlly All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&IAlly All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profitsAlly All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging timesAlly All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing processAlly All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environmentAlly and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscapeAlly: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The futureAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related eventsAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacksAlly: All Ears Podcast | AI and its impact… Continue Reading
Why Tesla is no longer a luxury car brand Zainal Abidin, 13/01/2026 Why Tesla is no longer a luxury car brand | Automotive NewsSkip to main contentNEWSOPINIONDATA CENTERVIDEOSEVENTS & AWARDSJOBSResource Center +MOREAdvertiseLeading Women NetworkPodcastsWebinarsIn the Driver’s SeatPublishing PartnersAPCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamicsAPCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&IAPCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&IAllstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know.Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectivenessAlly All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&IAlly All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profitsAlly All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging timesAlly All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing processAlly All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environmentAlly and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscapeAlly: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The futureAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related eventsAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacksAlly: All Ears Podcast | AI and its impact… Continue Reading
How Volvo got customers to accept Ferrari-like wait times Zainal Abidin, 12/01/2026 “When I started at Volvo it was written in stone that if you ordered a car in three months you got your car,” Zurhausen, who is head of online business at Volvo Germany, told Automotive News Europe.Today, a customer often has to wait longer than 90 days.For example, because of software issues it will take almost two years for some customers of the EX90 flagship electric large SUV to take delivery. The wait time is up to four months on the new EX30 electric small SUV, according to Volvo Germany’s website.The EX30 was also delayed for a short time at the start of the year.“It is an achievement that the brand has developed to the point where people are willing to wait that long for a Volvo,” Zurhause said. “We’re not a Ferrari.”When asked why Volvo has been able to keep customers from switching to rival automakers, Zurhausen said: “We have the right products at the right time.”The executive, whose Volvo sales career has included providing cars to US military installations around the world and looking after large fleet customers such as Microsoft and IBM, said the automaker’s business in Germany — its fourth-largest… Continue Reading
Is Rivian Stock A Buy Or A Sell After Unveiling The R2 And R3 Product Line? Zainal Abidin, 10/01/2026 Rivian Automotive (RIVN) is looking to challenge Tesla (TSLA), Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) with its adventure-styled electric vehicles. RIVN shares surged 40% in December 2023 but have come back to earth to begin 2024, falling more than 50%. X Rivian stock was handed a price hike on March 15 after shares jumped nearly 13% on positive sentiment around the EV startup’s R2 and R3 vehicle reveal event. However, questions remain whether the company can bring its new product line to market without help amid waning EV demand.UBS raised its price target on Rivian stock to 9, up from its previous 8. However, UBS maintained a sell rating on the shares. The firm noted that after the company’s March 7 product launch the “narrative around Rivian has changed.”UBS added that revealing new products diverts attention from weaker demand for the older R1 vehicle line and that Rivian’s decision to pause construction on its new Georgia plant extends its cash runway. However, the firm still believes Rivian needs additional capital to bring these products to market.Before its product launch, Jefferies Group initiated coverage of Rivian stock with a buy rating and 16 price target.The Rivian Reveal… Continue Reading
Jim Press’ perspective on Toyota’s electrification strategy Zainal Abidin, 03/01/2026 Jim Press’ perspective on Toyota’s electrification strategy | Automotive NewsSkip to main contentNEWSOPINIONDATA CENTERVIDEOSEVENTS & AWARDSJOBSResource Center +MOREAdvertiseLeading Women NetworkPodcastsWebinarsIn the Driver’s SeatPublishing PartnersAPCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamicsAPCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&IAPCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&IAllstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know.Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectivenessAlly All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&IAlly All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profitsAlly All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging timesAlly All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing processAlly All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environmentAlly and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscapeAlly: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The futureAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related eventsAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacksAlly: All Ears Podcast | AI and its impact on auto… Continue Reading
California, Stellantis strikes vehicle emissions deal Zainal Abidin, 29/12/2025 California, Stellantis strike vehicle emissions deal | Automotive NewsSkip to main contentNEWSOPINIONDATA CENTERVIDEOSEVENTS & AWARDSJOBSResource Center +MOREAdvertiseLeading Women NetworkPodcastsWebinarsIn the Driver’s SeatPublishing PartnersAPCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamicsAPCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&IAPCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&IAllstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know.Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectivenessAlly All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&IAlly All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profitsAlly All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging timesAlly All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing processAlly All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environmentAlly and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscapeAlly: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The futureAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related eventsAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacksAlly: All Ears Podcast | AI and its impact on auto retail… Continue Reading
BMW as the Ultimate Prop for Lifestyle & Fashion Photoshoots Zainal Abidin, 27/12/202527/12/2025 A great photoshoot is not only about the outfit or the location. It is also about the small details that set the mood. One powerful detail is the vehicle in the shot. For lifestyle and fashion shoots, a BMW can be the perfect prop because it adds style and a luxury feel without taking attention away from the main subject.Why a BMW Fits Many Photoshoot StylesBMW cars have a clean, modern look that works with many themes. The design feels sharp and polished, which can make photos look more high-end. Whether your shoot is street-style, luxury lifestyle, or modern editorial, a BMW can match the vibe. It can also help tell a story, like arriving at a hotel, stepping out for dinner, or heading to a special event.How BMW Looks on CameraA BMW often photographs very well. The body lines, the shape of the headlights, and the smooth finish can look strong in photos. The car adds bold angles and reflections that can make simple poses feel more dynamic. It also creates natural framing. A model leaning on the hood, sitting in the seat, or walking beside the car can make the shot feel balanced and … Continue Reading
Study: Dealerships’ responses to online inquiries improving Zainal Abidin, 06/12/2025 Study: Dealerships’ responses to online inquiries improving | Automotive NewsSkip to main contentNEWSOPINIONDATA CENTERVIDEOSEVENTS & AWARDSJOBSResource Center +MOREAdvertiseLeading Women NetworkPodcastsWebinarsIn the Driver’s SeatPublishing PartnersAPCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamicsAPCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&IAPCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&IAllstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know.Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectivenessAlly All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&IAlly All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profitsAlly All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging timesAlly All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing processAlly All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environmentAlly and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscapeAlly: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The futureAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related eventsAlly: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacksAlly: All Ears Podcast | AI and its impact on auto… Continue Reading
Dealer news: 2 M&A moves in North Carolina; NADA assists dealers’ vehicle donations | Auto Remarketing Auto Remarketing Zainal Abidin, 05/12/2025 Holman has closed its acquisition of North Carolina-based Leith Automotive Group, a deal Holman says nearly doubles its automotive retail business.The companies announced an agreement for the transaction in January.The purchase, which Holman says is the largest in the company’s 100-year history, includes 13 new-car franchises and an auction center — the first in Holman’s portfolio — in the Raleigh area and Aberdeen, NCIn addition to its other enterprises, Holman now operates 58 dealerships representing 34 brands, with almost 4,500 auto retail employees in nine states. Business North Carolina reported Leith Automotive has annual revenues of more than $1 billion.“In our centennial year, we’re excited about the opportunities to strengthen and grow our automotive retail footprint, which began in 1924 with a single dealership,” Holman CEO Chris Conroy said. “This acquisition represents the culmination of extensive strategy, hard work and vision to put our employee partners and our business in a position to win for the next 100 years.”The newly acquired dealerships will keep the Leith name, and their staff will be retained, Holman said.“Like Holman, Leith has placed the highest priority on delivering excellent customer service by building a strong network of employee… Continue Reading