The Surge Has Peaked: New Vehicle Prices Not Setting Records

New-vehicle average transaction prices dropped in all segments except vans in January 2022. This chart shows monthly price declines versus year-over-year increases, still hovering above average MSRPs. Source: Kelley Blue Book New-vehicle average transaction prices (ATPs) decreased to $46,404 in January 2022 after reaching a record high in December 2021, according to new data released… Continue reading The Surge Has Peaked: New Vehicle Prices Not Setting Records

Latin American Meeting Returns to International Car Rental Show

Carlos Vuillaume speaks during the Latin American Meeting at the 2019 ICRS. Photo: Steve Reed “La Reunión Latinoamericana,” or Latin American Meeting, is returning to the 2022 International Car Rental Show, taking place at Paris Las Vegas, April 24-26. Designed for car rental operators serving Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, the seminars will answer… Continue reading Latin American Meeting Returns to International Car Rental Show

January Fleet Sales Fall 48% Month Over Month

January 2022 fleet sales took a backseat to the retail market. Source: Cox Automotive analysis of Bobit data Manufacturers prefer the retail over fleet market for now, with sales into large fleets falling 48% month over month in January to 97,707 units, according to Cox Automotive numbers released Feb. 8. Combined sales into large rental,… Continue reading January Fleet Sales Fall 48% Month Over Month

RentalMatics, Fourth Tier Partner on Rental Telematics

Through the agreement, Fourth Tier customers will receive access to RentalMatics’ mobility and fleet management platforms. Photo courtesy of RentalMatics RentalMatics and Fourth Tier have announced a new partnership. A news release on Feb. 4 said that the two companies will be optimizing business operation processes for car rental, leasing, and mobility companies. The strategic relationship will allow Fourth Tier software… Continue reading RentalMatics, Fourth Tier Partner on Rental Telematics

Wholesale Vehicles Prices Stabilize but Remain High

The vans market class saw the highest price increases at 60%. Source: Cox Automotive Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) were mostly unchanged in January compared to December, Cox Automotive reported Feb. 7. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index increased slightly to 236.3, a 45% increase from a year ago.… Continue reading Wholesale Vehicles Prices Stabilize but Remain High

Carwiz Announces Affiliate Alliance in New Zealand

The new partnership in Auckland includes 500 vehicles across three airport locations and one in the city. Photo courtesy of Carwiz Carwiz has garnered more interest, as the European-based operator announced its first affiliate partnership “down under” in New Zealand on Feb. 3.  The deal with Scotties Car Rental, based in Auckland, marks the fifth new affiliate… Continue reading Carwiz Announces Affiliate Alliance in New Zealand

Hertz Names Stephen Scherr CEO

Scherr led Goldman Sach’s new consumer business, helping the bank launch AppleCard. Photo courtesy of Hertz Hertz announced in a statement that it has named Stephen M. Scherr its new chief executive officer to lead the rental car company and its global workforce of about 25,000. Scherr will assume his role as CEO and board member of Hertz on Feb.… Continue reading Hertz Names Stephen Scherr CEO

EV Sales Ready to Rise in 2022 and E-Pickups Will Help

With full-size pickup trucks, an entirely new audience of vehicle buyers will be introduced to the inherent advantages of electric vehicles, including better performance. Photo: Ford I participated in a panel discussion titled Electric Vehicle Strategies: Driving Mass Market Uptake earlier this week at the BloombergNEF Summit in San Francisco. Bloomberg set the stage of… Continue reading EV Sales Ready to Rise in 2022 and E-Pickups Will Help

Maker of Solar Panel EV Chargers Sees Strong Growth

Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley presents the off-grid solar EV ARC charging station on Nov. 11, 2021 at the Fleet Forward Conference in San Jose, California. Photo: Martin Romjue / Bobit Beam Global, a provider of solar power charging systems for electric vehicles, announced Feb. 21 that its  2021 EV ARC system shipments increased 62%… Continue reading Maker of Solar Panel EV Chargers Sees Strong Growth

New Electrified Vehicle Sales Hit Record in Q4 2021

On the EV side, Tesla is still the dominant player, with 72% share of the EV market. That is down from near 80% in 2020, but Tesla still delivered significant 71% year-over-year growth in a tough year. Tesla didn’t only dominate the EV market, Tesla dominated the overall luxury market, outselling Audi, BMW, Lexus, and… Continue reading New Electrified Vehicle Sales Hit Record in Q4 2021