January 3, 2017
Trump Taps China Critic Lighthizer for U.S. Trade Representative
President-elect Donald Trump has picked lawyer Robert Lighthizer to head the U.S. Trade Representative office, his transition team said Tuesday in a further sign the incoming administration will take a tougher line on China. According to Bloomberg, Lighthizer, 69, who was deputy trade representative during the Reagan administration, would replace Michael Froman, the Obama administration’s representative who led negotiations on a Pacific trade pact that would have covered nearly 40 percent of the global economy and was seen as a counterpoint to China’s rising clout. “Robert Lighthizer is an outstanding choice to lead the U.S. Trade Representative office," said AIADA President Cody Lusk in a statement. "AIADA looks forward to working with Mr. Lighthizer, whose experience as a trade official under President Ronald Reagan uniquely qualifies him to shape America’s trade policies and work to ensure that our nation continues to lead in the global marketplace." Click here for the rest of Lusk's statement. Read more about Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative here.
Kaminsky: Local Communities Rely on International Trade
AIADA Chairman Greg Kaminsky writes in a San Diego Union Tribune op-ed piece that during the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made U.S. trade policy — particularly with Asia via the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and with Mexico via the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA) — a core component. The backlash against the globalized economy has caused the contributions of international automobile dealers to be often dismissed or overlooked. For the last 26 years, Kaminsky writes that Toyota of El Cajon and Honda of El Cajon have called Southern California home. The impact of the production, sale, and maintenance of our vehicles is felt not only in El Cajon but in San Diego and throughout Southern California and beyond. Our communities rely on this investment by international automobile dealers and they thrive when we put forth policies that encourage the free movement of goods and services. Whether you are in the market for a Toyota, Honda, or a Chrysler, dealerships are contributing to this balance and redefining what it means to be an “American car.” Read the rest of Kaminsky’s column here.
Honda is Coming Back to Super Bowl to Plug CR-V
Honda plans to run a Super Bowl ad for the second straight year with the automaker using this year's game to plug the redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V, reports Automotive News. Honda agency-of-record RPA will handle the spot. "The Super Bowl is the appropriate stage to introduce America to the bold and sophisticated new Honda CR-V," Susie Rossick, assistant vice president of Honda auto marketing, said in a statement. "With the largest audience and reach of any single television event, the Super Bowl is a platform befitting the CR-V's status as the best-selling SUV in America, and the perfect place to celebrate CR-V's 20th anniversary." Honda is only the second automaker to confirm an ad buy for Super Bowl LI, following Kia. Read more about Honda’s Super Bowl ad plans here.
Automakers to Unveil Tech-Savvy Cars at CES
According to The Detroit News, the Motor City and Silicon Valley will meet in Las Vegas this week at the CES technology showcase to discuss the newest advancements and technologies both industries have to offer in the race to connected and autonomous vehicles. At least nine major automakers, including Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, will attend. In addition, there will be more than 100 other auto-related companies as well as myriad tech companies demonstrating and discussing their latest products. CES, which runs Tuesday through Sunday, will include 128 auto-related companies situated over 200,000 square feet of floor space. It’s the largest auto presence ever at the show. Unlike traditional auto shows, it is not open to the public. It’s a trade show for companies to meet, mingle, and demonstrate their newest technologies, while hosting media for news conferences. For more on what to expect from automakers at CES in Las Vegas, click here.
The World's Longest, Toughest Test Drive
When the dust-encrusted convoy of Toyota trucks finally pulled into town after a day of off-roading Dakar Rally-style through dry riverbeds, drivers got an earful. Stopping at dealerships is part and parcel for their three-and-a-half-month trans-continental cavalcade. And, reports Automotive News, so is hearing from customers about Toyota products, both the good and bad. At Autolux SA, the only Toyota store in this town nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the visiting Japanese motorcade members crowded around as customers imparted their experiences with the popular Hilux pickup sold in emerging markets. Then they were off again on their radical road trip. Destination: the arid mountaintop salt plains hovering 13,000 feet above in the red-rocked ridges that ring the city, pushing through thin air that punishes both man and machine. For more on Toyota’s epic test drive, click here.
Wells Fargo Dealer Services – Enhanced Retail Lending for Business Needs
Wells Fargo Dealer Services understands that dealers need access to a wide range of financing options. They offer a variety of lending solutions for various business types. Wells Fargo Dealer Services has a dedicated team to assist dealers with their business vehicle lending needs. This team of professionals has the in-depth knowledge and practical experience of how to best handle a variety of requirements specific to business vehicle lending— ranging from business entity borrowing, to vehicle titling. Their business lending team is committed to funding completed contracts within one business day. They are available during extended hours to accommodate the times when many business owners may shop to fulfill their vehicle needs. The goal of Wells Fargo Dealer Services is to be the primary lender dealers count on for a host of auto lending needs. Wells Fargo Dealer Services is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. an AIADA Affinity Partner. For more information, call 1-888-937-9997 or click here for more information.
Around the Web
Hyundai's Next Fuel Cell SUVs Have a Reported Range of 348 Miles [Autoblog]
States Wire Up Roads as Cars Get Smarter [WSJ]
These Are the Hottest Cars of 2016 [Forbes]
9 Luxury Cars That Will Dominate in 2017 [CNN]