Carly Schaffner

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.

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.

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 National Dealer Advisory Board Chairman Glenn Davis says the inventory situation is getting better.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

American Honda's year-end performance was the sharpest decline among major automakers, and December marked 17 straight months of declines.

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 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.

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.

Song, who has been with Hyundai Motor Group since 1993, will retain his COO role with the luxury brand.