Add Row

Add Element

update

Global F & I Solutions Powered by Global F & I Media

update

Add Element

Home
Categories

April 11.2025

2 Minutes Read

How BMW’s Spartanburg Expansion Affects Used Car Financing Trends

Row of BMW cars at a dealership highlighting used car financing rates

BMW's Expansion Strategy: Navigating Trade Challenges

In a dynamic automotive landscape, BMW is poised to increase its production capabilities at its Spartanburg, SC facility by 80,000 vehicles. This decision emerges from the company's strategic positioning in a free-trade zone that buffers against the tariffs on parts imported for export vehicles. By enhancing production, BMW aims to maintain competitive pricing while navigating unpredictable U.S. trade policies.

Trade Tensions and Canadian Response

The recent imposition of a 25% tariff on U.S-built vehicles by Canada exemplifies the tug-of-war in the North American automotive trade. This retaliatory measure comes in response to U.S. tariffs affecting the Canadian auto sector. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has emphasized the government's commitment to defending domestic jobs, showcasing the delicate balance that automotive manufacturers must strike in an increasingly fraught trade environment.

Stellantis Battles Shipping Declines: Focus on Recovery

Amidst a challenging first quarter, Stellantis is grappling with a 9% decrease in global shipments, with North America seeing a drastic 20% decline. Extended shutdowns and transitions to new models like the Ram 2500 reflect ongoing disruptions. Despite these hurdles, Stellantis reports a 19% growth in South American shipments, hinting at regional strengths that may support overall recovery. New model releases are anticipated to stabilize inventory and bolster sales in the coming months.

The Broader Implications for Dealers

Dealership principals and auto GMs should be aware that these market dynamics lead to shifts in vehicle availability and financing strategies. As many manufacturers adjust production, understanding the oncoming inventory trends will be paramount. Additionally, with high instances of demand for used vehicles, dealers should ensure competitive financing options in place—such as attractive rates for used car loans—to entice consumers.

Future Trends: What Dealerships Should Monitor

With trade tensions and production shifts underpinning the current automotive climate, it’s crucial for dealership leaders to keep an eye on several emerging trends. Consider the implications of rising used car financing rates alongside the patterns in new car inventory. Specifically, as supply diminishes and costs rise, dealerships must adapt their financing approaches, including competitive rates and tailored solutions for buyers facing affordability challenges.

This situational awareness will enable dealerships not just to weather short-term fluctuations but position themselves for sustainable growth amidst transitioning market conditions.

common car loan terms

4 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

09.03.2025

Chitra Herle to Explore Digital Opportunities at Auto Finance Summit 2025

Update GM Financial's Digital Transformation Leaders to Address Auto Finance SummitThe upcoming Auto Finance Summit 2025, happening from October 15 to 17 at the Bellagio, Las Vegas, promises to be a pivotal event in shaping the future of auto finance. One of the most anticipated speakers is Chitra Herle, the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of GM Financial. With over 20 years of experience in information technology and the auto finance sector, Herle is at the forefront of steering digital transformation initiatives within her organization.In her previous role at Capital One, alongside leadership positions at CBRE and Silicon Valley Bank, Herle cultivated a deep understanding of the interplay between finance and technology, positioning her as a key player in identifying future opportunities in the digital landscape. During the summit, she will join a panel of executives, including representatives from Ally Financial, Chase Auto, and EV Life, to discuss essential topics that impact auto finance professionals today.Investing in Digitalization: Key Insights for Car Dealership OwnersOne of the core discussions at the summit will revolve around where auto finance professionals should invest in digitalization for optimum returns. As digital technologies evolve, car dealerships and lenders need to capitalize on the latest tools and resources to enhance operational efficiency. Herle will share insights on balancing investment in emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on personalized customer service—a crucial element for fostering loyalty in an increasingly automated market.Enhancing Customer Service through Data UtilizationIn an era where data is deemed the new oil, the panel will explore innovative ways to leverage data to improve customer service, communication, and analytics. For car dealership owners, understanding how to utilize customer insights can lead to improved satisfaction and sales conversion rates. By implementing comprehensive data analytics, dealerships can forge deeper connections with their customers, tailoring experiences that resonate on a personal level.The Challenge of AI and PersonalizationAs automation becomes more prevalent in customer interactions, maintaining a personal touch presents a significant challenge. The discussion will delve into how companies can keep personalization at the forefront amidst the shift towards artificial intelligence (AI). Exploring practical strategies to blend automated solutions with human-centered service models is essential for car dealerships to maintain competitive advantages.Networking and Learning Opportunities AwaitThe Auto Finance Summit is not just a conference; it's an opportunity for invaluable networking and collaboration. With sessions covering compliance, fraud management, strategic underwriting, and relationships between dealers and lenders, attendees will gain crucial insights that can help them navigate the complexities of the auto finance landscape.As the landscape of auto finance evolves with cutting-edge technology, this summit offers a chance for stakeholders to gather and learn from industry leaders. For car dealership owners and general managers, understanding these emerging trends and strategies can significantly influence their success and profitability.A Call to Embrace the Future of Auto FinancingIn this fast-paced digital era, car dealership owners are encouraged to take proactive steps toward adapting their business strategies. Whether you’re looking to invest in top digital tools, enhance customer interactions through data, or navigate AI's challenges, the insights from the Auto Finance Summit 2025 will be invaluable. Don't miss this opportunity to network and learn from the best in the industry!

08.23.2025

Ford Credit Surpasses 60% of Funding Plan: Key Insights for Dealers

Update Ford Credit Reaches New Heights in Funding Initiatives In a significant milestone for the automotive financing sector, Ford Credit has successfully surpassed 60% of its funding plan during the first half of the year. This achievement comes on the heels of their $1.3 billion asset-backed security (ABS) prime deal issued on August 5. This move not only emphasizes Ford Credit's commitment to providing financial solutions for its customers but also highlights the growing importance of captive finance companies in the automotive industry. The Role of Asset-Backed Securities in Automotive Finance Asset-backed securities (ABS) play a critical role in the automotive financing ecosystem. By pooling auto loans to create securities, Ford Credit can offer competitive rates to both dealerships and car buyers. This strategy is essential, especially in a market where used car prices are surging. For instance, recent reports indicate a considerable 10% increase in average boat prices in July, mirroring trends in the auto market where financing flexibility can significantly enhance vehicle sales. Ford Credit's Strategy in a Competitive Market The increase in funding success can be attributed to strategic adjustments made by Ford Credit, aimed at strengthening relationships with automotive dealerships. By positioning itself as a reliable financial partner, it offers dealerships access to financing options that enhance customer purchase experiences. The company's focus on meeting market demands will empower dealerships to manage their inventories effectively while making vehicle financing more accessible to consumers. Additionally, as more car buyers transition towards online platforms for purchasing used cars, enhanced funding strategies become pivotal. Future Trends: Financing Opportunities and Market Predictions Going forward, it is expected that Ford Credit will continue to leverage ABS deals, enhancing their funding capabilities even further. With the current trend showing an increasing interest in used vehicle purchasing—especially with more car shoppers looking for options under $10,000—dealerships need to adapt their financing strategies. Incorporating car body repair and dent repair references in promotional materials can also prove advantageous as buyers consider the overall cost of vehicle ownership. Empowering Dealerships Through Financial Insights For car dealership owners, staying informed on the latest funding trends is crucial. Understanding the intricacies of auto financing not only assists in improving lending capabilities but also positions dealerships to better assist customers while increasing sales. By emphasizing the availability of online car repair quotes and reducing auto dent repair costs, dealerships can create attractive packages for buyers. Concluding Thoughts: The Importance of Staying Ahead in Automotive Financing As Ford Credit continues to evolve and refine its funding strategies, the role of finance in the automotive market will only grow. Dealerships that understand how to navigate this landscape, integrating proper auto body repair tools and financial solutions, will stand out in a competitive market. Call to Action: Dealers should proactively explore funding solutions and engage with captive finance companies like Ford Credit to enhance their market position. Understanding the tools available for automotive body repair can offer additional value to customers. Stay ahead of the trends and ensure your financing strategies align with current market demands.

08.21.2025

Why Car Seat Quality Matters: Insights for Dealerships Amid Declining Satisfaction

Update Understanding the Importance of Car Seat Quality As vehicle technology rapidly advances, it's easy for manufacturers to lose sight of the basics. Seat quality is apparently one of those basics that many car buyers feel has taken a hit. According to a recent J.D. Power survey involving nearly 93,000 vehicle buyers and lessees within their first 90 days of ownership, there has been a noticeable decline in seat quality, as well as an uptick in complaints regarding various seating aspects. Key Findings from the J.D. Power Survey The survey sheds light on some alarming trends regarding seat comfort and usability. Among the top complaints were issues related to seat range adjustments, headrest comfort, and the quality of seat materials. Unexpectedly, this year also marked the first increase in seating-related problems in nine years. For car dealership owners and general managers, these findings emphasize the importance of addressing complaints and working towards improving seat quality in future vehicle models. What Consumers Are Saying While many consumers use their cars daily, it’s crucial to recognize that minor inconveniences can lead to significant dissatisfaction. Users voiced frustrations with increasingly complex seating controls. Features such as memory settings and massage capabilities, which are intended to enhance user experience, instead seem to complicate it. Both mass-market and luxury consumers reported difficulties, underscoring that the issue transcends segment lines. The Link Between Seat Quality and Overall Satisfaction A surprising revelation from the survey is that seat quality and powertrain performance are the two factors wielding the most influence on vehicle appeal and customer satisfaction. As noted by Lisa Boor, a senior manager with J.D. Power, comfortable seating shouldn't be underestimated, considering its integral role in shaping the consumer experience. Industry Implications and Future Predictions Given the rise in complaints about seat features, dealerships must prepare for a market that may gradually become more focused on comfort and ease of use. Training your sales force on these issues, engaging customers with insights at automotive training centers or through online courses, can be beneficial as customer expectations evolve. As vehicles become more entwined with technology, maintaining the simplicity and comfort of basic features will be critical in retaining customer loyalty and satisfaction. Actionable Insights for Dealerships Dealerships should consider investing in training programs that address these pressing customer needs. Focusing on auto sales training that includes understanding seat comfort issues will empower staff to better assist customers in their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, incorporating feedback from buyers into the product development cycle can help manufacturers align their designs with consumer preferences. Looking Forward: Innovations in Seating Design Looking ahead, it is essential for manufacturers and dealerships to develop innovative seating designs that maximize comfort without complicating controls. Featuring seats that provide adjustable comfort features with straightforward operation could set brands apart in a competitive market. For more information about addressing customer concerns regarding car seat quality and improving dealer training programs, call: (860) 707-9125. For more info call: (860) 707-9125

How BMW’s Spartanburg Expansion Affects Used Car Financing Trends

BMW's Expansion Strategy: Navigating Trade Challenges

Trade Tensions and Canadian Response

Stellantis Battles Shipping Declines: Focus on Recovery

The Broader Implications for Dealers

Future Trends: What Dealerships Should Monitor

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title