How automotive marketing is evolving in the digital edge

It’s not a secret that U.S. auto sales are on a tear. Earning reports out of Detroit have been a stunning counterpoint to the recent gloomy economic news. For one segment of the auto sector, however, the news hasn’t been so rosy. Despite the ongoing recovery and volume growth of the North American automotive sector, the profitability of dealers has been stagnating over the past three years.

As a percentage of total sales, the 2.2% figure represents sales in the new- and used-vehicle departments and the service and parts departments. Some 42% of dealers report declined store traffic compared with five years ago. The report is based on an extensive survey of nearly 800 new-car dealerships across all brands, a detailed analysis of financial metrics of more than 2,000 retailers, and a car-buyer survey of more than 3,000 U.S. consumers. That’s because new-car buyers spend almost triple the amount of time online doing research compared with ten years ago. 61% of dealers report a rise in the conversion rate of store visitors in the last five years.

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Honda admits: the auto market slowly declines

Honda admits: the auto market slowly declines: It is absolutely clear already that the U.S. car market won't set another record this year, and will decline from 2015's record in the next few years, these words were finally told by the Honda Motor Co's top American sales executive.

The industry will sell 17.3 million to 17.5 million light vehicles this year, this could almost reach the last year's record of 17.5 million. Honda’s John Mendel told reporters Thursday on a conference call. Beyond 2017, sales should run between 16 million and 17 million, he said, barring any major shocks, such as a sharp increase in oil prices or tightening of credit.

Paul Walker's character is back in Fast and Furious?

Paul Walker's character is back in Fast and Furious?:It is absolutely clear already that the U.S. car market won't set another record this year, and will decline from 2015's record in the next few years, these words were finally told by the Honda Motor Co's top American sales executive.

But did you know that it probably wasn't the last time we've seen his character? Yes, it definitely wasn't, his brothers and Vin Diesel are in talks since earlier this year. They are thinking of reintroducing Brian O'Connor's character to the film series in a respectful manner that will serve as a further tribute to the popular actor. The filming procedure will most likely involve the same procedure and methods as have been used in the last film, with CGI and body doubles to step in for the deceased Walker. Paul's place will be took again by his two brothers Caleb and Cody. Caleb Walker said he had a call from Vin, and they discussed on this possibility for about an hour. The actor was asking for a blessing.

Last Holden Commodore will get ZR1 power!

General Motors has given Holden the green light to use the Corvette ZR1’s LS9 V8 engine on a very special, final edition of the Commodore by HSV, before it kills the series along with its local manufacturing plant next year. The supercharged LS9 from from the C6 Corvette ZR1 will definitely be the swan song for the loved Commodore.

As we know, the last Commodore-badged HSV will be the fastest and most expensive vehicle ever and will be called the GTS-R W1. In the ZR1, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produced 638 hp and 604 pound-feet of torque. The car will be built on the 2017 Commodore’s chassis. The standard vehicle will be built at Holden’s Elizabeth plant and then shipped to HSV’s facility in Clayton where the performance company will install the LS9 engine and go-fast goodies. The last Commodore will only come with a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission. We expect the GTS-R W1 to be able to reach 62 miles in 4 seconds. This will make it roughly half-a-second slower than the ZR1.

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Apple is buying the supercar maker McLaren?

Apple is buying the supercar maker McLaren?: Apple has been linked with a shock deal which might cost the company around £1.5bn, but it could possibly buy on this money something really worth it the McLaren Technology Group, the Formula One team owner and supercar maker. Apple is most likely about to make this huge investment in the company.

On a question if McLaren is in talks with Apple about a possible purchase, the car brand has denied these rumors, saying a business will always be involved in some confidential conversations with many other companies, but these talks need to be kept confidential, and not disclosed.

Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain is all- ready for adventures

Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain is all- ready for adventures: Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed its new E-Class wagon, and it's totally great for some mild off-road adventures. The E-Class All-Terrain blurs the line between wagon and crossover, creating a fairly tough-looking and handsome vehicle.

Mercedes might not seem as bringing a totally new product to the market, since we've already seen some great versions like Audi's Allroad, Subaru's Outback, and Volvo's Cross. This model will be launched as an E 220 d 4MATIC with a 2.0-liter diesel and a nine-speed automatic.

Tesla fixing critical remote hack vulnerability

Several models of the Tesla S cars were hacked by researchers who were able to abruptly stop the car in its tracks, pop open the trunk while the car was being driven, and remotely turn on and off the windshield wipers. Tesla Motors Inc. announced that it released a software update to fix bugs that allowed Chinese “white-hat hackers” to remotely break into the Model S’ control system and disrupt actions including turn signals, seat positions, displays and the door lock system.

Cyber-security researchers from Keen Security Lab, a unit of China’s Tencent Holdings Ltd., published a video and a blog post Monday in which they showed how they were able to remotely infiltrate the Model S’ controller area network bus, which is responsible for intra-auto computer communication. This allowed them to manipulate safety controls, such as the door locks and the braking system. Unlike most automakers, Tesla can push out security fixes “over the air” and directly into its cars’ computer systems, without customers ever needing to visit a repair shop. The software update was deployed within 10 days of receiving the report, Tesla said.

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