Trump’s Tariffs Already Negatively Affecting Auto Parts Suppliers
American Journal of Transportation (AJOT)
Auto parts represent a significant portion of the $200 billion worth of Chinese goods Trump slapped tariffs on.
The automotive industry now has one of the most sophisticated and complicated supply chains on earth. Shipping container costs have doubled, with semi-finished goods, components and raw materials all crisscrossing the globe for production, assembly and distribution.
Higher costs mean consumers will be more likely to defer maintenance. Lower demand will impact auto supply stores, mechanics, distribution centers, logistics providers, the entire gamut of downstream providers
Read the article at American Journal of Transportation (AJOT).
Goodyear Rolls Out Home Tire Installation Service
Goodyear just introduced a home tire installation service called Roll by Goodyear, with four trial stores located in mixed-use retail and residential areas in Maryland outside of Washington, D.C.
“Roll by Goodyear makes buying tires easier,” said Fred Thomas, vice president and general manager of Goodyear Retail. “Guests can choose when, where and how to install their tires and they are in complete control of the process from start to finish. Goodyear is eliminating the waiting room and giving people time back in their day to do the things they really want to do.”
Read the news release at Goodyear.
Merchants Fleet Management Expands on Newly Formed Southeast Region
Hooksett, N.H. October 17, 2018: Merchants Fleet Management is pleased to announce three sales executives; Steve Merkel, Jake Brunner, and Jessica Bruning have joined the newly formed Southeast region. This team will work under the direction of the three Regional Vice Presidents who joined Merchants last month, industry veterans Bill Stueber, Dusty Cummins, and Mike Combs. Merkel, Brunner, and Burning will cover the Southeast area, helping corporate fleets meet their business needs with the extensive suite of solutions offered by Merchants.
Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen Engaged in Serious Discussions About a Potential Partnership
Ford and VW announced in June that the two companies had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore several joint projects, including (but not limited to) joint development of a range of commercial vehicles to better serve global markets.
“Ford is already flirting with joint ventures with VW,” said Jon Gabrielsen, an independent market economist who advises automakers and suppliers. “So, the immediate question before Ford now is, does one do a difficult but orderly marriage now or wait to be forced to do a disorderly fire sale under duress later? I see millimeter steps at a time when they should be taking a massive leap."
Read the article at Detroit Free Press.
Lyft Subscription Plan Rolls Out With All-Access Service
Ride-hailing service Lyft has rolled out a subscription plan nationwide that gives heavy users a potential savings on rides.
“As more affordable and convenient commuting options become available, people will need their personal cars less and our relationship with transportation will change,” Lyft said in a statement. “Lyft believes in transportation as a service—much like you subscribe to Netflix or Amazon.”
Read the article at Fortune.
