May 18, 2025
Car Culture
Economy Adds Jobs in February
Staff Writer
March 10, 2025
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 151,000 in February, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.1 %, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment trended up in health care, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, and social assistance.
Federal government employment declined.
Both the unemployment rate, at 4.1%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in February. The unemployment rate has remained in a narrow range of 4.0%. to 4.2 % since May 2024.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Whites (3.8 %) increased in February. The jobless rates for adult men (3.8 %), adult women (3.8 %), teenagers (12.9 %), Blacks (6.0 %), Asians (3.2 %), and Hispanics (5.2 %) showed little change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more), at 1.5 million, changed little in February. The long-term unemployed accounted for 20.9% of all unemployed people.
Dodge//SRT and the Tony Stewart Racing team announced today a new multi-year extension in its long-standing partnership to field entries in the two nitro-burning divisions – Top Fuel and Funny Car – in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mission Drag Racing Series. The announcement was made during a press conference at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals race in Gainesville, Fla.
“Working with an elite, championship-caliber team like Tony Stewart Racing brings Dodge and Direct Connection to the forefront at each of the NHRA’s 20 national events, especially with legendary drivers like Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan behind the wheel of our Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel dragster and Funny Car, respectively,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “Dodge’s celebrated legacy in NHRA competition dates back more than 60 years and, as a result of this new multi-year partnership, our brand and our fans are looking forward to celebrating in the winner’s circle with Tony, Matt, Leah and the entire TSR organization for years to come.”
The Dodge brand began its partnership with TSR in 2022, and the Indiana-based squad has recorded 16 NHRA national event wins, as well as the 2023 NHRA Mission World Funny Car Championship by driver Matt Hagan in the TSR Direct Connection Dodge/SRT Hellcat. Hagan, a 52-time NHRA national event winner and four-time NHRA World Champion, has scored 13 victories in his three years with the TSR organization, while 2022-2023 TSR teammate Leah Pruett has won three NHRA trophies.
Last year, Stewart, a former champion in NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC, took over the driving chores from Pruett, his wife, in the TSR Direct Connection Dodge/SRT Top Fuel car, as she stepped away from the driver’s seat to start a family. Their son, Dominic, was born on Nov. 18, 2024.
Stewart, the NASCAR Hall of Fame racer with 49 Cup Series wins, was named NHRA Rookie of the Year in his first season at the wheel of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster and placed ninth in the final NHRA Mission Top Fuel point standings. The driver known as “Smoke” finished runner-up in two events in 2024, and he also scored the North Central Division Top Alcohol Dragster class championship.
Vehicle Donation Service Partners with Charity
Staff Writer
March 07, 2025
Cars2Charities, a vehicle donation service based in Los Angeles, announced a strategic partnership with PARCA (Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults). This collaboration aims to enhance support for individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting the mission of both organizations.
Founded with a commitment to making vehicle donations easy and impactful, Cars2Charities offers a streamlined process that allows individuals to donate their cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. The organization uses the proceeds from these donations to fund various charitable initiatives, ensuring that donors can contribute to meaningful causes while receiving tax benefits. Cars2Charities has built a strong reputation for its transparency and commitment to community betterment.
On the other hand, PARCA has been dedicated to advocating for children and adults with developmental disabilities since 1952. They provide a range of services, including residential and community-based programs, vocational training, and family support. PARCA’s mission revolves around empowering individuals and providing them with opportunities for greater independence and integration within their communities. The organization values collaboration and seeks partnerships that enhance its ability to serve the remarkable individuals it supports.
The partnership between Cars2Charities and PARCA is a perfect alignment of missions, creating mutual benefits for both parties. For PARCA, this partnership opens new avenues for fundraising. By utilizing Cars2Charities’ vehicle donation platform, PARCA can increase its funding, which is crucial for expanding its programs and resources. This influx of funds allows PARCA to continue providing essential services that empower individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
HOT ROD Drag Week Opens Registration
Staff Writer
February 24, 2025
Registration has opened for the race to determine the “Fastest Street Car in America.” HOT ROD Drag Week 2025 takes place in various markets this September. Once registration is sold out, the waitlist link will go live on the same site.
HOT ROD Drag Week 2025 will race through four cities Sept. 14 through Sept. 19. The 2025 event will be hosted at the Maryland International Raceway and also hit Numedia Dragway in Numedia, Pa., Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa., and Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Md.
- Day 1 Racing – Monday, Sept. 15
Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek, Maryland)
- Day 2 Racing – Tuesday, Sept. 16
Numedia Dragway (Numedia, Pennsylvania)
- Day 3 Racing – Wednesday, Sept. 17
Maple Grove Raceway (Reading, Pennsylvania)
- Day 4 Racing – Thursday, Sept. 18
Cecil County Dragway (Rising Sun, Maryland)
- Day 5 Racing (Finals) – Friday, Sept. 19
Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek, Maryland)
Auto Analyst Trade Group Elects Board
Staff Writer
February 19, 2025
The Society of Automotive Analysts has announced its Board of Directors for 2025. Adam Bernard, Founder and Principal of AutoPerspectives, will serve as SAA president, while Jeff Schuster, President of Forecasting, GlobalData, moves into the vice president role.
Steve Hallman, Global Marketing Director of Body and Chassis, Magna International, who served as SAA’s president in 2024, becomes the new SAA Chairman. Matt Grecki, Manager, Competitive Intelligence, General Motors, joins the Board as a director.
The complete 2025 SAA Board of Directors includes:
Officers:
- President – Adam Bernard, Founder and Principal of AutoPerspectives
- Vice President – Jeff Schuster, President of Forecasting, GlobalData
- Treasurer – Jeff Bagalis, Managing Director, Accurity Group LLC
Directors:
- Abey Abraham, Managing Principal, Ducker Carlisle
- Andy Almy, Director, Global Market Research, BorgWarner
- Mark Barrott, Partner, Plante Moran
- Anne Cascadden, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General
- Matt Grecki, Manager, Competitive Intelligence, General Motors
- Ken Horbatiuk, Manager of Competitive Intelligence, Stellantis
- Fred Hubacker, President, H Advisors
- Manoj Jasrotia, Vice President-North America, Caresoft Global
- Jeremy Lamb, Managing Director, Donnelly Penman and Partners
- Cristi Landy, Consultant for Advanced Technology
- Colin Langan, Automotive and Mobility Analyst, Wells Fargo
- Raj Paul, Regional Industry Business Leader, Automotive Americas, Microsoft
- David Petrovski, Director of Sales, S&P Global Mobility
- Anthony Pratt, Global Dealer Engagement Strategy and Benchmarking Lead, Ford Motor Co.
- Ethan Snyder, Director, Corporate Strategy, Genesis Motor America
- Ann Marie Uetz, Partner and Vice-Chair, National Litigation Department, Foley & Lardner
- Mike VanNieuwkuyk, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Vehicle Quality & Automotive Client Officer, IPSOS.
State CFO Names Auto Attorney to Board
Staff Writer
February 19, 2025
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has appointed Frank White of Pensacola to the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors. The Florida Legislature created Citizens in August 2002 as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government entity to provide property insurance to eligible Florida property owners unable to find insurance coverage in the private market.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “I’m proud to appoint Frank White to serve on the Citizens Board of Governors. As a small business owner, attorney, and former state representative, I have no doubt that Frank’s expertise and insight will be an asset to Citizens policyholders statewide. Thank you to outgoing board member Scott Thomas for his years of service and hard work on behalf of Floridians.”
White is a business owner, attorney, and former state legislator. He is the founder and CEO of Tag Tech, a business providing title processing services and software to auto dealers, fleet owners, and auto auctions nationwide. He also serves as General Counsel for Sandy Sansing Automotive, a family-owned group of 13 auto dealerships in Florida, Alabama, and Indiana.
Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, White earned undergraduate degrees with honors in history and business, as well as his J.D. and M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University.
Group 1 Automotive Rings ‘The Closing Bell’
Staff Writer
February 18, 2025
The New York Stock Exchange welcomed Group 1 Automotive to the podium. To honor the occasion, Daryl Kenningham, president & chief executive officer, joined by Tara Dziedzic, NYSE Head of US Listings, rings ‘The Closing Bell.’
Group 1 also announced its board of directors has approved an increase in the 2025 annual dividend rate to $2.00 per share. This represents an increase of 6%, or $0.12, from the 2024 annual dividend rate of $1.88 per share. Consistent with this increase, a $0.50 dividend per share will be payable on March 17, 2025, to stockholders of record as of March 3, 2025.
CPI Rises in January
Staff Writer
February 14, 2025
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, after rising 0.4% in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.0% before seasonal adjustment.
The index for shelter rose 0.4% in January, accounting for nearly 30% of the monthly all items increase. The energy index rose 1.1% over the month, as the gasoline index increased 1.8%. The index for food also increased in January, rising 0.4% as the index for food at home rose 0.5% and the index for food away from home increased 0.2%.
The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.4% in January. Indexes that increased over the month include motor vehicle insurance, recreation, used cars and trucks, medical care, communication, and airline fares.
Stellantis Chief Engineer Wins Award
Staff Writer
February 10, 2025
Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars and Women in Automotive, presented Stellantis’ Audrey Moore, vice president and chief engineer of North American sedan programs, with the What Drives Her Trailblazer Award at an event held last week during the media preview for the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.
Now in its eighth year, the What Drives Her networking event, panel discussion and awards program at Chicago’s McCormick Place brings together influential women in the automotive industry and recognizes women who are changing the auto industry from the inside.
Moore has served in a variety of roles during her 25-year career with Stellantis, including as chief engineer for the all-new Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup.
“The role of the chief engineer at a brand like Dodge or Jeep is critically important, but it’s great to see a woman in that role opens the eyes of legions of young women who believe they can do it too,” said Scotty Reiss,
Jobs Up, Unemployment Down
Staff Writer
February 10, 2025
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 143,000 in January, and the unemployment rate edged down to 4.0 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Job gains occurred in health care, retail trade, and social assistance. Employment declined in the mining,
quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry.
The unemployment rate edged down to 4.0 percent in January, after accounting for the annual adjustments to the population controls. The number of unemployed people, at 6.8 million, changed little over the month.
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AIADA Names New Chairman
Staff Writer
January 29, 2025
The American International Automobile Dealers Association has named California auto dealer Valerie Romero as its 2025 chairman. Romero, who is the executive vice president of the Oremor Automotive Group in Ontario, Calif, is eager to take the lead at AIADA for what is shaping up to be a consequential year for the industry.
“I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for AIADA,” said Romero, whose dealership group has 18 stores in California and Texas. The group has Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Nissan dealerships, as well as some domestic brand stores. “I’m also cognizant of the challenges we face in Washington, D.C., and the urgency of our mission to protect and preserve this industry for future generations of dealers.”
Romero has served on the AIADA board of directors since 2018 and is focused on addressing vehicle affordability in her term as association chairman. Other board members include Anthony Brownlee, Immediate Past Chairman (Powell, Wyo.); Mike Darrow, Chairman-elect (Menomonee Falls, Wis.); Jessica Germain, Vice Chairman (Dublin, Ohio); Ryan Mayer, Secretary/Treasurer (Eastern Shore Daphne, Ala.); and Cody Lusk, AIADA President & CEO (Alexandria, Va.).
Cities Prepare for ‘Fastest Street Cars in America’
Staff Writer
January 28, 2025
The race to determine the title of “Fastest Street Car in America” returns as HOT ROD Drag Week 2025 prepares to race through four cities Sunday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Sept. 19. The Drag Week will be hosted at the Maryland International Raceway and will also hit Numedia Dragway in Numedia, PA, Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA, and Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, MD. Registration for this annual event opens on Saturday, February 22nd at 9 am EST.
Billed as “the world’s toughest competition to find the ultimate street-legal drag car,” HOT ROD Drag Week puts competitors through a grueling test over five days of action-packed racing, requiring racers to drive their vehicles on a specified route from city to city, approximately 1,000 miles, while securing the quickest possible elapsed time across the five days. During the competition, drivers provide photographic evidence to prove they have followed the required route. Some of the nation’s top racers participate in Drag Week each year, and it’s not uncommon for competitors to band together to help each other get through the week.
HOT ROD DRAG WEEK 2025 SCHEDULE
(Daily end times as stated or until complete)
- Tech Inspection, Registration, Test ‘N’ Tune – Sept. 14Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek, Maryland)
- Day 1 Racing – Sept. 15
Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek, Maryland) - Day 2 Racing – Sept. 16
Numedia Dragway (Numedia, Pennsylvania) - Day 3 Racing – Sept. 17
Maple Grove Raceway (Reading, Pennsylvania) - Day 4 Racing – Sept. 18
Cecil County Dragway (Rising Sun, Maryland) - Day 5 Racing (Finals) – 19
Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek, Maryland)
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%.
