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Hyundai Makes Leadership Changes
Car Culture

Hyundai Makes Leadership Changes

July 31, 2022

José Muñoz, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor North America, announced the promotion of five key members of his executive team. The five promotions are effective Aug.1. 

Randy Parker is promoted to CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Parker will be responsible for Hyundai’s commercial automotive operations in the United States and report to Muñoz. Parker was previously the senior vice president of national sales at HMA. 

Edgar Carranza is promoted to CEO of Hyundai Motor Mexico. Carranza will oversee commercial automotive operations in Mexico reporting to Muñoz. Carranza was previously the chief operating officer of HMM. 

Tedros Mengiste is promoted to vice president, sales operations, Genesis Motor America.  Mengiste will continue to oversee Genesis sales, production, distribution, incentives, and field operations in the United States. He will continue to report to Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Genesis Motor North America. Mengiste was previously the executive director of Genesis sales. 

Bob Kim is promoted to vice president, national sales, Hyundai Motor America. Kim will oversee sales and field operations in the United States and report to Parker. Kim was previously the general manager of the southern region.

David VandeLinde is promoted to vice president, after-sales, Hyundai Motor America. VandeLinde will continue to be responsible for leading dealer service programs and operations, parts and accessory sales, and owner marketing, and will report to Parker.

AutoNation Offers Teen Safety Clinic
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AutoNation Offers Teen Safety Clinic

July 31, 2022

AutoNation will host complimentary one-hour Teen Driver Safety Clinics to help promote a safe ride. 

“The top risks for new teen drivers range from distractions from their phone to inexperience, speeding, and nighttime driving,” said Marc Cannon, executive vice president for AutoNation. “Education is key to helping young new drivers stay safe on the road, which is why we are partnering with local organizations to host clinics around the country that will teach teens safety skills, along with some essential car care tips. We are proud to offer this complimentary community service for the first time this year.”

AutoNation’s Back to School Teen Driver Safety Clinics are one hour and taught by a community expert on the topic. Driver safety curriculum includes a range of topics such as distracted and impaired driving, proper driving positioning, and seatbelt usage, as well as instruction on what to do when pulled over for a traffic violation or when faced with a field sobriety test. 

A local AutoNation Service Associate will also be present at each location to share hands-on car care tips such as jumpstarting a battery, proper tire inflation, changing a flat tire, checking vehicle fluids and safety items to store in a car in case of an emergency.

Northwood University Receives $1 Million Donation
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Northwood University Receives $1 Million Donation

July 28, 2022

An anonymous donor has given Northwood University a $1 million gift, which will support the school’s commitment to be “a destination for all those who aspire to drive economic and social change to positively impact their communities,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald.

The donation will sponsor complimentary online public courses that introduce ethics and American values consistent with our country’s founding principles to a domestic and global audience. It also will continue funding an existing scholarship program and provide five years of funding support for faculty teaching principles consistent with The Northwood Idea and Northwood’s Code of Ethics.

Since Northwood University’s founding in 1959, Northwood has prepared students to be business leaders and entrepreneurs. Known as America’s Free Enterprise University, Northwood emphasizes what its founders and intellectual mentors called the Northwood Idea. The Northwood Idea teaches students the importance of individual moral responsibility, private property, free markets and self-governance.

“We are incredibly thankful for the donor, their longstanding support, and this generous gift that will enhance Northwood’s ability to educate a new generation of industry leaders,” stated Justin Marshall, vice president of business development and advancement. “Donors at all levels who believe in the principles of liberty, and are interested in supporting America’s Free Enterprise University, can work with Northwood University to create a lasting gift.”

Audi Partners with Netflix on Film
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Audi Partners with Netflix on Film

July 25, 2022

Audi and Netflix have collaborated on “The Gray Man” to bring the world of Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling) to fans around the world. As the film’s official automotive brand, four Audi vehicles are featured including the all-electric Audi RS e-tron GT and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, as well as the Audi RS 7 Sportback and Audi R8 Coupe.

“The Gray Man” opened in select theaters globally on July 15 and was released on Netflix July 22. “The Gray Man” is a modern-day global action thriller.

“Audi worked with the directors Joe and Anthony Russo on selecting the new cars. It was fascinating to be partners on this film production and to work closely with Netflix,” said Henrik Wenders, head of brand, Audi AG. 

KBB Ranks Used, New Off-Road Trucks
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KBB Ranks Used, New Off-Road Trucks

July 18, 2022

For shoppers in the market for a used 4x4, Kelley Blue Book’s editors recommend the following trucks:

  • 2016 – 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD
  • 2015 – 2020 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
  • 2015 – 2018 Ram Rebel
  • 2010 – 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor
  • 2013 – 2018 Ram/Dodge Power Wagon

 

“Summer is the perfect time to enjoy off-road adventures with a capable truck,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. “To make traveling off-pavement safer and smarter – and to have the most fun – you need a truck with the right features to power through even the worst terrain. We have unpacked everything drivers need to know about off-roading, from detailing the basics to lists of must-have features and technology, along with recommendations for the best new and used off-road trucks for car shoppers to consider.”

For off-roading shoppers in the market for a new 4x4, Kelley Blue Book’s editors recommend the following 12 trucks from 2022:

  1. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
  2. Ram 2500 Power Wagon
  3. Ford Raptor
  4. Ram TRX
  5. Ford Ranger Tremor
  6. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
  7. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
  8. GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
  9. Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor
  10. Ram 1500 Rebel
  11. GMC Hummer EV Pickup
  12. 12. Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
Petersen Joins ADCO Board of Directors
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Petersen Joins ADCO Board of Directors

July 17, 2022

Linda Robertson, executive director of the Association of Dealership Compliance Officers, announced that Shaun Petersen, executive vice president and chief legal officer for Buckeye Dealership Consulting, is joining ADCO’s Board of Directors. Buckeye is a leading provider of re-insurable products for automobile dealers. Petersen is responsible for the company’s legal and compliance operations, partnerships, and other business strategies.

Petersen previously served as the senior vice president of legal & government affairs for the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA). He supervised all legislative and regulatory matters, often appearing in front of the executive and legislative branches of both the federal and state governments.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shaun to the Board,” said Linda Robertson. “Besides his valuable knowledge and expertise in the legislative and regulatory arena, he brings experience in a dealer segment that was under-represented among our directors.”

Prior to his position with NIADA, Petersen was a founding partner in a boutique law firm in Columbus, Ohio, representing businesses primarily in the automotive industry in matters related to state and federal consumer financial protection laws. He was also a senior deputy attorney general and chief of the consumer protection section in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Petersen attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, graduating with a B.A. in History. He received his J.D. from Capital University Law School in Columbus.

Montway Hires New VP
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Montway Hires New VP

July 14, 2022

Montway Auto Transport, a third-party logistics brokerage, has hired Erin Almand as vice president, moving & relocation. In this role, Almand’s focus will be to develop long-term relationships with Montway’s moving and relocation partners through innovation, leadership, teamwork and a high level of customer service and satisfaction.
“Moving can be a stressful time and I want to do everything possible to make the process easy for both the employer and their transferee,” said Almand.
With 20 years’ experience in privately owned vehicle relocation, Almand has an extensive background in sales, service, operations, IT and claims. Prior to joining Montway, she was vice president of business development for CarsArrive Auto Relocation. She also holds seats on several volunteer and industry associations.

County Passes Used Car Lemon Ordinance
Car Culture

County Passes Used Car Lemon Ordinance

July 11, 2022

Used car buyers in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County will have an added layer of protection starting next year under the county’s new “Lemon Law” ordinance.

The Bucks County Commissioners recently voted unanimously to approve Ordinance #168 which, when it goes into effect in January, will require car dealers to provide warranties on used car purchases, make repairs and ensure the used cars they sell can pass inspection.

State law provides similar protections for buyers who purchase new cars but does not extend those to used purchases. 

“Most of our auto dealers by far are honest and do a good job,” said Michael Bannon, director of the county Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures Department. “But I’m afraid there’s a few businesses out there that have given the industry a black eye, and that’s what we’re looking to address right now.”

The ordinance will also expand local enforcement capabilities, allowing the county Department of Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures to crack down on dealers who make misrepresentations about or fail to disclose issues with the used cars they sell.

Warranty requirements vary based on a vehicle’s mileage. Some vehicles, such as those determined by an insurance company to be a “total loss” or vehicles sold “as-is” are exempt from the requirement. Buyers may waive the warranty requirement during the negotiation process if they so choose.

Bannon’s department modeled the ordinance after New Jersey’s Lemon Law.

Cox: Used Sales Fall in ’22, Rise in ’23
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Cox: Used Sales Fall in ’22, Rise in ’23

June 28, 2022

Cox Automotive’s Mid-Year Reviews forecasts 37.1 million used-car sales this year, falling from 40.6 million in 2021.

Cox predicts a small boost in 2023 with 37.5 million.

The Mid-Year Review reports that used-car prices are up 15% year over year but dipped 1% last week.

The company also reports that delays in tax returns kept the “spring market slower and longer than usual.”

But it also reports used car prices are “declining at a normal, seasonal pace.”

The average list price in June 2022 is $28,208 with average mileage of 67,893. That jumped from last year’s average list price of $24,589 with similar mileage.

Good news for dealers is that supply is 7% above last year’s at the same time. Cox cited lower sales for the increased supply.

U-Haul’s First Employee Dies
Car Culture

U-Haul’s First Employee Dies

June 28, 2022

William E. “Hap” Carty, U-Haul’s first employee, died on June 24. He was 95.

Carty was nicknamed “Hap” for being a happy child with a big smile.

An 18-year-old Carty, while on leave from the U.S. Army in 1945, helped his sister and brother-in-law with an upstart company they were building – quite literally – in a milk house on the family ranch in Ridgefield.

The concept was to create a line of trailers families could rent for one-way moves. The business was to be called U-Haul

Carty joined U-Haul full-time in 1946 following his discharge at the end of WWII, and in doing so became the company’s first employee. While he never cashed his paycheck from the first 10 trailers he helped build in that milk house, his commitment and influence over the next 43 years shaped the foundation and growth of one of North America’s most recognizable companies and successful entrepreneurial stories.

“U-Haul would not exist today but for Hap,” stated Joe Shoen, U-Haul CEO and son of the company’s late founders L.S. “Sam” and Anna Mary Carty Shoen. “He was a recognized industry innovator who crossed paths with many industry stalwarts including John Rock, Red Pohling, Don Peterson, John DeLorean and Roger Penske. 

“Hap and John Rock designed the only medium-duty air-ride truck that GMC ever built. He worked with Navistar and Dana to produce a medium-duty truck with a 24-inch frame rail height. That truck revolutionized do-it-yourself moving.” 

During his career, Carty served as president and Chairman of the Board for U-Haul International. In 1971, as president of U-Haul, he brought the Company’s network of independent U-Haul dealerships to 15,000, a record that stood for more than 30 years. 

“One of the reasons I’ve had good luck in management is that I always hire good people,” Carty told Amerco World (now U-Haul News) in 1981. “I get them strong in the areas I’m weak in, and we work together. I’ve lived this way for years and looked like a genius many times, because I had the buoyancy of good people.”

Carty retired on Jan. 1, 1988, and remained on the Board of Directors for AMERCO, parent company of U-Haul, through 2006. Even still, Carty could be seen frequently in the company lunchroom, counseling younger managers and attending U-Haul functions, including one Team Member’s 50th anniversary celebration one week before he died.

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