Hannah Brock Former Automotive News intern [email protected] See All Staff Page Recent Stories Boost committee turns ideas into solutions Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg in Pennsylvania launched its boost committee in 2020 to foster brainstorming sessions where employees come up with ideas to improve dealership operations. Automakers should simplify driver-assist systems, Consumer Reports says People confused by their driver-assist features might disregard them altogether. AutoNation, Ken Garff Automotive among dealership buyers in Q3, Q4 deals Stellantis, Acura, Ford, Kia and Volkswagen dealerships traded hands in four states in third-quarter and fourth-quarter transactions. Ride-hailing startup offers W-2 employment alternative to app-based drivers Ride-hailing startup Alto offers W-2 employment, which drivers say offers the protections and benefits they don't get as independent contractors. However, W-2 employment doesn't include the flexibility of app-based driving, which is an attractive part of the work, advocates say. Road rage shooting leaves Cox Automotive employee injured A Cox Automotive employee was shot Dec. 15 in Alabama. Responding police said the shooting was a result of road rage. Tesla vehicles on U.S. roads rise 33% through Sept. Fast-growing Tesla is dominating luxury sales in the U.S., but it still has millions fewer of its models on the road than more-established bands, such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Chevy, Ford, Mitsubishi and Buick-GMC dealerships sell in Q3, Q4 deals Chevy, Ford, Mitsubishi and Buick-GMC dealerships traded hands in third- and fourth-quarter deals across five states. Lithia Motors was the seller in one deal. 4 automakers significantly lag on automatic emergency braking system pledge Four automakers are significantly behind on a voluntary pledge to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on more than 95 percent of the light-duty vehicles they produce by the 2023 model year. Most automakers met the requirement early. Rental EVs likely to be entry point for future customers Car rental companies' overall commitment to EVs may generate demand for automakers as they ramp up EV manufacturing, according to Gregory Scott of the American Car Rental Association. Maryland dealerships to pay female employee $62K in discrimination suit settlement The lawsuit alleged that Jerry's Chevrolet and Jerry's Motor Cars in suburban Baltimore paid a female employee lower wages than a male employee, then fired her one week after she complained about the pay disparity. Computers on wheels: Sole tech coverage a budget-friendly alternative to full VSCs The coverage is aimed at customizing coverage for technology that is often replaced rather than repaired, which can cost a driver thousands of dollars. Ford SUV linked to fire of Hertz vehicles rented by Secret Service for Biden holiday trip The vehicles were previously rented by Secret Service agents accompanying President Joe Biden to Nantucket for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to multiple media reports. October vehicle production tips up about 15% The month brought an output of 1.32 million light vehicles, per the Automotive News Research & Data Center. As sustainability-conscious Gen Z buyers emerge, automakers should build reputation now, study recommends Sustainability isn't top of mind for most vehicle buyers, but its a growing movement with passionate supporters who are willing to pay more. This group will continue to grow as Gen Z develops purchasing power, according to a Simon-Kucher & Partners survey. Johnson: First Black dealer for GM helped guide others Al Johnson got into the car business by balancing a job in hospital administration with being the "salesman who sold from a briefcase" at Noting Oldsmobile in Kirkwood, Mo. Load More