Steve Finlay
WardsAuto
United States
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Past articles by Steve:
Dealer Honored for Giving Generously, Embracing Technology
Gary Rome is 2023’s Time Dealer of the Year. → Read More
Nissan Touts Its Improved Relations With Dealers
A manufacturer-dealer partnership has led to a “renewed common ambition,” says Nissan’s Jeremie Papin. → Read More
Hyundai Resumes Fleet Business
The automaker hopes the move will boost dealers’ inventory. → Read More
What to Expect at the 2023 NADA Show in Dallas
Though much has changed, one long-time attendee says the core benefits of the annual NADA meeting remain. → Read More
Safety Sells, But Explaining It to Car Buyers Is Challenging
Test drives are key to offering customers’ safety options, says Gonen Barkan of Arbe Robotics. → Read More
Forecast: Watch for Vehicle Demand to Dip in 2023
Rising interest rates are expected to dampen shoppers’ enthusiasm. → Read More
‘Labor Shortage Here to Stay’
“We’ve seen unprecedented employee power,” says Jobs.com’s Ron Walters. “That’s not going away.” → Read More
Auto Dealerships Can Become EV Experts
“It’s time for dealers to raise their hands and say, ‘We know about this,’” Liesl LaRouche says of electric-vehicle technology. → Read More
Car Dealership Fixed Ops Expert: Warranty Costs Will Rise
In a Wards Q&A, Jim Roche talks about his new business initiative, plus rising warranty claims and how they affect dealers, automakers and car owners differently. → Read More
Dealers Out to Prove They’re EV-Friendly
“Dealers are excited; they are all-in with EVs,” says NADA President Mike Stanton. → Read More
Auto Dealers, Lenders Keeping an Eye on CFPB Again
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau “is where it is happening,” American Financial Services Assn.’s Celia Winslow says of Washington concerns. → Read More
Car Dealers on One Side, Shoppers on the Other
“This ultimately makes sense” for auto retailing, says Presidio Group CEO Brodie Cobb. → Read More
Test Car ‘Drifts’ Autonomously in World First
“Essentially, we are trying to give regular drivers access to expert-level skills, when necessary,” says Toyota Research Institute’s Avinash Balachandran. → Read More
Now-Famous ‘Stapler Close’ Came Out of Nowhere
Car dealership F&I trainer Tony Dupaquier developed a visual technique that uses a stapler and a smartphone as props to sell vehicle extended service agreements. → Read More
‘Reading’ People Becomes Harder for Dealership F&I Managers
Customers wearing protective masks or turning off their computer cameras during video conferences makes it tough to pick up visual cues. → Read More
Government Stimulus Checks Spur Auto Sales
“Cash in pocket increases the demand for vehicles,” says Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. → Read More
DealerSocket Plans to Acquire Auto/Mate
The proposed union “will be a game changer,” says DealerSocket CEO Sejal Pietrzak. → Read More
Finally, We Drive Mazda’s Diesel As Launch Approaches
The 2.2L Skyactiv diesel 4-cyl. is a fine work of technology and runs smoothly. But it’s more expensive and less powerful than its turbocharged gasoline alternative. → Read More
Zero Traffic Fatalities an ‘Audacious’ But Doable Goal
“If you get in a crash today, you want to be in a modern vehicle,” says Steve Gehring of Global Automakers. → Read More
Why Cars Still Matter to Honda
“Domestics pulling out of the car segment allow us to gain market share,” says American Honda's Henio Arcangeli. → Read More