January 14, 2025
Car Culture
Unemployment Rates Rose in Many Metropolitan Areas
Staff Writer
January 06, 2025
Unemployment rates were higher in November than a year earlier in 308 of the 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 60 areas, and unchanged in 21 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic reported. A total of 65 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0% and 6 areas had rates of at least 8%. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 32 metropolitan areas and was essentially unchanged in 357 areas. The national unemployment rate in November was 4.0%, not seasonally adjusted, up from 3.5 % a year earlier.
PPI Increases in November
Staff Writer
December 15, 2024
The Producer Price Index for final demand rose 0.4% in November, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Final demand prices increased 0.3% in October and 0.2% in September. On an unadjusted basis, the index for final demand advanced 3.0% for the 12 months ended in November, the largest rise since moving up 4.7% for the 12 months ended February 2023.
In November, nearly 60% of the broad-based rise in final demand prices can be attributed to a 0.7-percent increase in the index for final demand goods. Prices for final demand services moved up 0.2%.
The index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services inched up 0.1% in November after rising 0.3% in October. For the 12 months ended in November, prices for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services advanced 3.5%.
Michigan Businesses Alarmed Over Sick Time Act
Staff Writer
December 08, 2024
Small business owners are sounding the alarm, as changes to how they operate are bearing down, sans legislative action within the next couple of weeks. The Small Business Association of Michigan’s (SBAM) quarterly survey shows nearly unanimous concerns about the coming effects of the Earned Sick Time Act, with less than half saying they’re optimistic about their business prospects over the next six months.
“With the inflated costs of our economy, workers are looking for increased compensation – and small businesses are responding,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of SBAM. “While some groups claim to speak for all workers, the reality is that this policy will force employers to divert resources in ways that employees do not prefer.”
Seventy-five percent of SBAM survey respondents said higher compensation is the most common employee request, with 79% reporting that they have raised wages in the last year to attract or retain employees. Just 17% of employers said more paid time off is the most common employee request, and two-thirds of members already offer 80 hours or more of paid time off per year.
Only a quarter of those surveyed currently offer paid time off and sick time as separate time banks – a policy reflective of employee wishes, as most workers prefer one bank of time off. Yet under ESTA, employers will be required to separate PTO from paid sick time and track accruals for each, rather than offering a set number of hours at the start of the calendar year. Upfront time is preferred by both employers and employees, due to the ability for advance planning.
ESTA also allows for a three-day no show, no call policy for workers without any ramifications, a policy which 94% of SBAM members call problematic in the survey.
Most survey respondents also said their business is facing ‘substantially higher cost increases’ compared with past years. Despite those increases, 79% say they have increased wages within the past year.
The survey was conducted from Nov. 12 to 29, 2024. Eighty-three percent of respondents have 50 employees or less.
Polaris Donates to Riding Clubs
Staff Writer
November 26, 2024
Polaris Inc. is donating nearly $85,000 to off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobile riding clubs, and organizations across the United States and Canada as a part of its TRAILS GRANTS program.
The TRAILS GRANTS program offers support to organizations and programs that promote safe and responsible riding, facilitate trail preservation, and help protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems.
“Local riding clubs play a critical role in maintaining trails and promoting responsible riding,” said Reid Wilson, vice president and general manager, of Off-Road Vehicles, Polaris. “Our bi-annual TRAILS GRANTS are one way Polaris supports their efforts and helps create opportunities for riders to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.”
Awarded twice annually, TRAILS GRANTS support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs who use the grant for trail development, maintenance projects, safety and responsible riding education initiatives and other projects. In April, Polaris awarded 14 organizations Spring TRAILS GRANTS, making the combined donation amount for 2024 more than $220,000.
“We are thrilled to partner with Polaris to increase safety and education for our trail network,” said Tommy O’Connor, executive director, Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association. “Polaris continues to be a valued partner in the efforts of growing ATV riding in Vermont and nationwide.”
“On behalf of North Routt Snow Riders, which is a group of all volunteers that work tirelessly to maintain over 100 miles of snowmobile trails in Routt County, Colorado, I want to thank Polaris for selecting us as a recipient of the 2024 Fall Polaris Trails Grant Program,” said Gary Doven, president of North Routt Snow Riders. “These funds will go a long way in helping us maintain trails through the 2024-2025 season.”
Hispanic Motor Press Announces Award
Staff Writer
November 26, 2024
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been named Family Vehicle of the Year by the 2025 Hispanic Motor Press Awards. The fifteenth-annual awards program recognizes the best vehicles for Hispanic consumers based on advancements in technology, safety, infotainment, styling, driving satisfaction, value, and more.
The award was presented by the Hispanic Motor Press at AutoMobility 2024 at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. The top vehicles were chosen by a distinguished jury panel of Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators, and industry experts. Hyundai’s Santa Fe stood out among finalists for its innovative design, advanced safety features, and family-friendly appeal.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the ‘Family Car of the Year’ award from the Hispanic Motor Press,” said Ricky Lao, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing vehicles that prioritize safety, convenience, and innovation for families. The Santa Fe exemplifies what Hyundai stands for an ideal blend of performance, practicality, and design.”
“The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers an unbeatable combination of style, technology, and practicality - the perfect fit for Hispanic families looking for a reliable and safe vehicle,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder and president, Hispanic Motor Press. “Hyundai has consistently demonstrated an understanding of what is important to Hispanic car buyers, and the Santa Fe is a shining example of this commitment.”
Former NIADA Speaker Named GOP Majority Leader
Staff Writer
November 14, 2024
U.S. Senator John Thune, who was a guest speaker at the NIADA 2023 Policy Conference Congressional Reception, was elected the Republican Senate Majority Leader Nov. 13.
The South Dakota senator is in his fourth term and has served on the Transportation and Finance Committees among his many assignments.
Thune discussed issues facing independent automobile dealers during the Policy Conference.
NIADA looks forward to continuing discussions on issues within the automobile industry in the future.
Employment Trends Index Rises
Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) ticked up to 107.66 in October, from a downwardly revised 107.58 in September. The Employment Trends Index is a leading composite index for payroll employment. When the Index increases, employment is likely to grow as well, and vice versa. Turning points in the Index indicate that a change in the trend of job gains or losses is about to occur in the coming months.
“The ETI was nearly unchanged in October, holding steady at roughly 2018-19 levels, where it has persisted throughout the summer months,” said Mitchell Barnes, Economist at the Conference Board. “The labor market continues to cool from its rapid post-pandemic pace, but the ETI suggests that this trend may be leveling out. This comes at a time when we expect business uncertainty to begin lifting, as the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts start taking hold and uncertainty around the US election subsides.”
Economic data releases in October underscored the resilience of the US economy, including in production, incomes, and spending. Real Manufacturing and Trade Sales (an ETI component) improved in October and were up nearly 1.5% over the last three months compared to Q1 2024. Measures of output and productivity also remained strong year-over-year, including Industrial Production (an ETI component).
“Although October’s jobs report provided mixed results due to hurricane and strike impacts, several labor market indicators within the ETI improved,” added Barnes. “We expect some of October’s data blips to reverse in subsequent months, and generally see an economy growing at a healthy pace heading into 2025 as inflation and wage pressures continue to moderate.”
Man Pleads Guilty in Identity, Vehicle Theft
Staff Writer
November 05, 2024
A Louisiana man pled guilty to two counts of conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a scheme to use the stolen identity of others to purchase expensive vehicles in the Jackson, Miss., metro area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately May 2023 through June 13, 2023, Paul Anthony Robinson, 33, of New Orleans, and his co-conspirators, obtained the identity information of credit-worthy individuals, created false identity documents in the names of those individuals, then posed as those individuals at automotive dealerships in order to apply for vehicle financing. Robinson and his co-conspirators filled out credit applications and purchased or attempted to purchase expensive vehicles from dealerships in the Jackson metro area. The conspirators fraudulently purchased two vehicles worth a total of more than $127,000 and had plans to fraudulently obtain more vehicles before law enforcement intervened.
Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Robinson’s coconspirators, Sarah Elizabeth Calderon, Joshanique Elouise Bailey, David L. Jones Jr., and Anna Waldei are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Their cases are still pending trial. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Unemployment Rate Unchanged
Staff Writer
November 05, 2024
Total nonfarm payroll employment was essentially unchanged in October (+12,000), and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Nov. 1. Employment continued to trend up in health care and government. Temporary help services lost jobs. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity.
The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1% in October, and the number of unemployed people was little changed at 7.0 million. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.8%, and the number of unemployed people was 6.4 million.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.9%), adult women (3.6%), teenagers (13.8%), Whites (3.8%), Blacks (5.7%), Asians (3.9%), and Hispanics (5.1%) showed little or no change over the month.
Among the unemployed, the number of permanent job losers edged up to 1.8 million in October.
The number of people on temporary layoff changed little at 846,000.
Hip Hop Artist Headlines Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview
Staff Writer
November 03, 2024
Multi-platinum recording artist and hip-hop icon Flo Rida will headline the black-tie Charity Preview on Jan. 10, 2025, at Huntington Place in Detroit. The signature Motor City event will benefit six children’s charities in Southeast Michigan.
The Detroit Auto Show announced all tickets are on sale for the 2025 event, including Charity Preview (Jan. 10), Industry Days (Jan. 15-16) and the Public Show (Jan. 11-20) at detroitautoshow.com. Held at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall) in Detroit, the iconic show returns to January with a lineup of new products and emerging technologies and increased hands-on experiences and educational programming.
Charity Preview has raised more than $100 million for children’s charities in Southeastern Michigan over the past 25 years alone. In total, the event has generated over $125 million since its inception in 1976.
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Job Openings, Hires Unchanged in September
Staff Writer
October 30, 2024
The number of job openings was little changed at 7.4 million on the last business day of September, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Over the month, hires changed little at 5.6 million. The number of total separations was unchanged at 5.2 million. Within separations, quits (3.1 million) and layoffs and discharges (1.8 million) changed little.
Las Vegas Hotel Debuts Aston Martin Experience
Staff Writer
October 24, 2024
Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the Strip’s newest luxury resort and casino and the gateway to Race Week 2024, is making history in November with the debut of the exclusive Aston Martin British Bloodline experience. A curated collection of current and rare vintage performance cars, the Aston Martin British Bloodline experience celebrates the intensity and unmistakable style of the British ultra-luxury brand amid the backdrop of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Beginning Nov. 1 through Nov. 24, more than 20 iconic Aston Martin models will be showcased throughout curated spaces of the resort, bringing fans closer than they have ever been to the bespoke craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that defines one of the world’s most prestigious automotive marques.
“As the excitement builds toward Race Week, we are thrilled to offer our guests an intimate look at the history and evolution of Aston Martin, a brand that symbolizes both excellence and sophistication,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas President, Maurice Wooden.
Featured vehicle displays include the brand’s full line-up of next generation sportscars including return of an icon, Vanquish, the brand’s V12 flagship, the recently launched Vantage sportscar, the world’s first Super Tourer, DB12, and the Supercar of SUV’s DBX707 with a striking new interior design.
Joining the current lineup of Aston Martin vehicles is the marque’s AMR24 Formula 1® challenger, whilst the 60th anniversary of Aston Martin’s long-running association with the James Bond film franchise will be celebrated through display of a DB5 stunt car, used in action scenes of the 007 movie ‘No Time To Die.’
Celebrating the rich 111-year heritage of the British marque, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will feature a vintage collection of rare Aston Martin vehicles, powered by Hagerty, an automotive enthusiast brand and specialty vehicle insurer. Each car represents a significant piece of automotive history and reflects the timeless appeal of Aston Martin. Highlights include the elegant 1952 DB2 and the 1957 DB2/4 MKIII, as well as the 1960 DB4 and the 1963 DB4 SS Convertible. The exhibit also features the rare 1963 DB4GT, the striking 1968 DBS and a 1970 DB6 MKII. Rounding out the collection is a 1965 DB5, the iconic model introduced to James Bond in ‘Goldfinger’ 60 years ago.
REV Group Names New Board Member
Staff Writer
October 15, 2024
David C. Dauch has been elected as an independent member of the Board of Directors at REV Group, a designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles.
Dauch serves as chairman of the board & chief executive officer of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM), a Fortune 500, Global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier headquartered in Detroit. Having spent nearly 30 years at AAM, Dauch is currently responsible for developing and implementing AAM’s operating and strategic objectives as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of AAM which include nearly 80 facilities in 18 countries.
“David brings nearly four decades of automotive industry expertise to REV Group’s Board of Directors. We believe his significant experience and insights will further REV Group’s strategic and operational imperatives,” said Board Chair Jean Marie (John) Canan. “On behalf of the REV Group Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome David to the Board.”
Dauch has served on the Board of Directors of AAM since 2009 and currently serves on the Boards of Amerisure Mutual Holdings, Inc., the Amerisure Companies, and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). He is also a member of the Stellantis Supplier Advisory Council and the Miami University Business Advisory Council.
Dauch holds a bachelor’s degree in management (Production/Supply Chain) from Miami University and an MBA from Michigan State University.
Labor Dept. Reports Strong Jobs Numbers
Staff Writer
October 07, 2024
The economy added 254,000 jobs in September, according to the Labor Dept. jobs report released last week.
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su issued the following statement on the September 2024 Employment Situation report:
“Today’s jobs report shows that our economy continues to thrive, adding 254,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.1 percent. With an average of 186,000 jobs added over the past three months, it’s clear that people who need a job are finding a job. That’s how strong our economy is.
“We’re seeing steady growth across sectors like Private Education & Health Services (+81,000), Leisure & Hospitality (+78,000), Government (+31,000) and Construction (+25,000). At the same time, wages have risen 4.0 percent over the past year, putting more money in working families’ pockets. Since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office in January 2021, our economy has added over 16.2 million jobs, including 729,000 in manufacturing and 940,000 in construction.
“Four years ago, students were logging into school via Zoom, trick-or-treating was canceled, and we faced unprecedented challenges. Today, as we approach Halloween 2024, our economy is on strong footing with record employment gains, shrinking unemployment gaps, and rising wages. The Biden-Harris administration has delivered on lower unemployment and inflation, creating a vibrant, inclusive economy that works for everyone.”
