Carly Schaffner Reporter covering Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mazda [email protected] 917-776-1255 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Mazda looks to roll out PHEVs over EVs Mazda will dedicate 25 percent of production of its forthcoming three-row CX-90 crossover to its plug-in hybrid offering – the first PHEV for the brand in the U.S. Genesis: The hits just keep on coming Demand for hot new products, the opening of two standalone stores and double-digit growth over 2021 are some of the highlights of 2022 for Genesis and its dealer network. 2023 is poised to be an even bigger year. Kia: Flexibility helped drive sales records After a stretch of successful new product launches, setting sales records for December and the fourth quarter, and logging only a slight annual decline in a down industry, many unknowns remain as economic headwinds loom. Acura: New product fuels interest Acura National Dealer Advisory Board Chairman Glenn Davis says the inventory situation is getting better. American Honda expects 25% sales bump this year The automaker will focus on electrification and digitization. It expects to produce 1.3 million vehicles this year, resulting in a 25% increase over 2022. American Honda's Gardner to retire, sales exec Diallo promoted Dave Gardner, 62, American Honda Motor's executive vice president of national operations, will retire after a 34-year run. Mamadou Diallo, 48, vice president of sales over Honda and Acura, will assume a portion of Gardner's responsibilities. Kia dealers hope EV9 production will shift to U.S. Kia dealers were thrilled to learn last year of the new three-row EV9 crossover. But then came the Inflation Reduction Act, which will penalize the planned model on price. Dealers ready for Genesis high-end EV Luxury electric vehicle buyers can expect to see a premium electric coupe in Genesis showrooms as the brand transitions to an all-electric lineup, according to the brand's chief creative officer. Incoming NADA chairman Geoffrey Pohanka's agenda: Data-sharing, franchises Geoffrey Pohanka, the driving force behind NADA's "Guiding Principles on Evolving Business and the Dealer Franchise System," steps into the role of the group's council chair for 2023. HONDA: Rough 2022 delivers steepest decline among major automakers American Honda's year-end performance was the sharpest decline among major automakers, and December marked 17 straight months of declines. KIA: December, Q4 records Kia America set sales performance records in both December and the fourth quarter and managed to squeak by with only a slight decrease for 2022. HYUNDAI: 2022 closes on high note Hyundai Motor America reported a strong close to 2022 between its Hyundai and Genesis nameplates, due in part to increased production, strong crossover sales as well as availability of new Genesis products. TrueCar: What the market will bear TrueCar's average transaction price data is used to show the threshold that consumers are willing to pay for a new vehicle during a given period of time. Acura, dealers working to develop digital shopping tool Acura is working with a small group of dealers to develop an online shopping platform that will roll out when sales of the ZDX electric crossover begin this fall. Genesis COO Mike Song elevated to brand's global head Song, who has been with Hyundai Motor Group since 1993, will retain his COO role with the luxury brand. Load More
Carly Schaffner Reporter covering Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mazda [email protected] 917-776-1255 See All Staff Page