Auto Outlook: 2018 Quarter 3

New Vehicle Registrations in State To Approach 2 Million Unit Mark in 2018

California New Vehicle Sales Remain at Elevated Levels for 2018

Contact: Jenny Dudikoff
Phone: 916-441-2599

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California new vehicle market is expected to close out the year at elevated sales levels. While there is a slight decline from recent years, new vehicle sales will be at the fourth highest total during the past 11 years and 2018 sales will likely exceed 2009 levels by over 900,000 units.

According to the California Auto Outlook Third Quarter 2018, California light truck sales continue to increase, by 5.2 percent from 2017, while passenger car registrations have fallen by 10.6 percent below this time last year. While California sales reflect the national preference for light trucks over passenger cars, the trend is more pronounced across the country with US light truck sales increasing by 7.6 percent and US passenger car sales falling by 13.2 percent.

“While California new vehicle sales are expected to be slightly below 2 million units this year, we continue to be encouraged that California sales are steady and remain at elevated levels. Even if the market is slightly declining, we need to keep perspective that this is a natural trend for a market that has seen significant, consistent growth over the course of several years,” said California New Car Dealers Association Chairperson, Taz Harvey of Dublin Mazda.

The electric vehicle market share continues to increase throughout the state, making up 11.2 percent of the market, year to date. This is a 4 percent increase during the first nine months of 2018. However, not every powertrain is seeing this increase, hybrid vehicles continue to see a decline year over year, from 4.6 percent in Q3 2017 to 4.1 percent year to date.

Additionally, 13 of the top 20 brands in California saw light truck sales increase, paced by Volkswagen with an increase of more than 100 percent compared to this time last year.

The California Auto Outlook Third Quarter 2018 Market Report provides comprehensive information on the state’s new vehicle market. The report includes: a segment watch, including the top five models in each segment; a market perspective, comparing California nationally; brand scoreboards; a five-year sales trend comparison and more. The complete report can be accessed on CNCDA’s website at: www.cncda.org

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California Auto Outlook, is produced for CNCDA by Auto Outlook, Inc., an independent research company specializing in the analysis of statewide and regional automotive markets. When reporting these auto industry trends please acknowledge the Data Source: IHS Markit.

About CNCDA
The California New Car Dealers Association is the country’s largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers representing nearly 1,200 dealer members. Last year, California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 2.8 million new and used cars and trucks.

California New Car Dealers Association Partners with Reviver Auto to Expand Consumer Access to ‘Rplate Pro™’ Digital License Plates

Contact: Jenny Dudikoff
Phone: 916-441-2599

Foster City, CA –October 10, 2018 – Reviver Auto, creator of the Rplate Pro, the world’s first digital license plate, today announced it has partnered with the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) to make the Rplate Pro more easily accessible to the customers of CNCDA’s over 1,200 franchised new car dealers.

The Rplate Pro transforms the 125-year old stamped metal license plate into a sleek, digital, high definition display that offers new efficiencies and benefits. The Rplate’s connected car platform will soon automate DMV renewals, replacing legacy stickers with digital decals, and add new levels of personalization to the license plate. In addition to offering a unique opportunity to reach the millions of new vehicle purchasers with the Rplate, the California New Car Dealers Association will work with Reviver Auto to educate its members on how the Rplate technology works and about the unique value it can bring to their dealership customers.

“California’s auto dealers, who serve the US’ largest car market, have always been ahead of the auto technology curve and eager to offer their customers the latest and best innovations for their vehicles,” said Neville Boston, CEO of Reviver Auto. “We are thrilled to work in partnership with CNCDA to enable their members to meet the growing consumer demand for the Rplate Pro, which offers a unique value proposition to both consumers and dealerships.”

In addition to enabling users to automatically renew DMV registration, the Rplate allows consumers to view their vehicle’s telematics and customize the look of their plate by changing the background (black to white / white to black) and adding DMV-approved cause or personal messaging, such as ‘Support Our Troops,’ ‘God Bless America,’ ‘I’d Rather Be Running.’ As a truly cutting-edge and unique aftermarket product, the Rplate, which beautifully integrates with today’s vehicle styles, offers dealers an additional way to differentiate their dealerships and add value for their customers.

“CNCDA is excited to announce our new partnership with Reviver Auto. We are eager to assist in facilitating our members’ ability to bring this unique and potentially game-changing technology to their customers statewide,” said Brian Maas, President of CNCDA.

About Reviver Auto
Reviver Auto’s mission is to bring new and far-reaching efficiencies, revolutionary marketing, and unprecedented connectivity to the auto industry through disruptive technology. With its Rplate Pro™, the company has completely reinvented the 125-year-old stamped metal license plate into a connected car platform that digitizes and will soon automate the costly, often frustrating, and time-consuming DMV renewal process. Approved in California by the DMV and CHP under pilot, the Rplate Pro also provides telematics functionality and brings a new level of personalization to the license plate. For more information, visit http://www.reviverauto.com.

Media Contacts:

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com or (949) 307-1723.

Jenny Dudikoff, California New Car Dealers Associaiton, jdudikoff@cncda.org or (916) 441-2599.

California New Car Dealers Award 156 Scholarships to California College Students

Contact: Jenny Dudikoff
Phone: 916-441-2599

Last month, the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Scholarship Foundation awarded scholarships to 156 California college students enrolled in automotive technology programs. This year, a total of $110,739 will be distributed to these deserving students statewide.

“We’re excited to award students throughout the state with CNCDA Scholarship Foundation funds to enable them to achieve their goals in the automotive industry,” said CNCDA Scholarship Foundation Chairperson, Cheryl Bedford of Sunset Auto Center in Lompoc. “It’s important that industry efforts continue to support up and coming talent and encourage career paths that can better the industry and provide the means for long term professional growth.”

Many of the student recipients are already employed at franchised car dealerships, including dealerships located in Northern, Central and Southern California. You can find an entire list of those dealerships here.

Through its Scholarship Foundation, CNCDA continues to carry out the important mission of encouraging and supporting students interested in careers in the automotive industry. Established in 1994, the Foundation seeks to attract skilled, talented and motivated individuals – elevating the stature of the automotive industry.

Funds in the CNCDA Scholarship Foundation have been donated by Dealers, Manufacturers and friends of the industry, and since 1995, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 1,180 students – totaling $981,770 – preparing to enter the workforce at a California new car dealership.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the CNCDA Scholarship Foundation by emailing Jennifer Aragon at jaragon@cncda.org or call (916) 441-2599.

California New Motor Vehicle Franchise Bill Unanimously Approved by State Legislature

Contact: Jenny Dudikoff
Phone: 916-441-2599

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California New Car Dealers Association, representing more than 1,150 new car dealers statewide, has achieved a major milestone in its aggressive efforts to strengthen and update California’s new motor vehicle franchise laws.

In the final hours of the 2018 legislative session, AB 2107, authored by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-San Bernardino), received bipartisan unanimous support, with a final vote of 77 – 0, closing out the session without a single no vote. AB 2107 contains a number of provisions that will improve California’s franchise laws, while continuing to protect the California franchise system, California new car buyers and local businesses. Key components of the bill include:

Strengthening California’s franchise laws
Addressing inappropriate treatment of dealers by manufacturers
Enforcing manufacturer accountability for unlawful actions against dealers
Conforming California franchise laws to recent actions in other states

“Thanks to the stewardship of Assemblymember Reyes, the passage of AB 2107 is a huge victory for all Californians, local businesses and consumers alike. If signed by the Governor, the passage of this bill brings California’s new motor vehicle franchise laws further into the 21^st century by establishing a level playing field between local independently-owned dealerships and multinational vehicle manufacturers,” said California New Car Dealers Association President, Brian Maas. “Franchise laws exist to govern the relationship between dealers and manufacturers, and California was overdue for significant improvements in the laws that will continue to protect dealers, their businesses and their customers. We are pleased and encouraged that the California State Legislature unanimously agrees and supports our approach to improvements in California’s franchise laws.”

CNCDA greatly appreciates the tireless work by the author, her staff and all stakeholders on AB 2107. We remain committed to a stronger new motor vehicle franchise system as the best way to sell and service vehicles in California.

The final stop for AB 2107 is Governor Brown’s desk, where he has until September 30^th to sign it into law.

For more information on the provisions in AB 2107, please click here.

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About CNCDA

The California New Car Dealers Association is the country’s largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers representing nearly 1,200 dealer members. Last year California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 2.5 million new and used cars and trucks.

Tracking the California hybrid and electric vehicle market: 2018 Q3

California Electric Vehicle Sales Continue to Increase, But Significant Disparity Among Regions

California Electric Vehicle Sales Continue to Increase, But Significant Disparity Among Regions

Contact: Jenny Dudikoff
Phone: 916-441-2599

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California green vehicle market continues to experience growth throughout the state, especially with increasing electric vehicle sales which now make up 3.1 percent of total new vehicle sales year to date, an increase from 2.4 percent this time last year. However, according to the California Green Vehicle Report, the overall California vehicle market is still overwhelmingly dominated by gasoline powered vehicles, making up 83 percent of new vehicles sold so far in 2018.

While the San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing the most growth in electric vehicle sales, at 7.7 percent year to date, other regions of the state are lagging. LA and Orange Counties, along with San Diego County, are seeing nearly 50 percent less electric vehicle sales than the North, at 3.3 percent and 3.9 percent year to date. The difference is even more significant in the Central Valley, where only 1.8 percent of new vehicles sold are electric.

“The disparity of electric vehicle sales in various regions of the state is significant, especially in the Central Valley. While California residents in Northern California seem to be adopting the idea of electric vehicles more rapidly, we have a long way to go in other regions of the state. It’s clear that consumers still prefer gasoline powered vehicles, while convenience, affordability, range and choice continue to be factors for consumers when selecting a new vehicle to purchase.” said California New Car Dealers Association Chairperson, Taz Harvey of Dublin Mazda. “While many manufacturers are getting on board with developing new electric vehicle options, they must continue to take all of these factors into consideration for consumer adoption to continue to increase.”

Additionally, brand share in the alternative powertrain market is still heavily dominated by Toyota, making up nearly 27 percent of green vehicle sales year to date. Tesla comes in second, bumping Chevrolet to third, at 21.1 percent and 10.2 percent year to date. Rounding out the top five selling brands in California for hybrid, plug in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles are Ford and BMW.
The California Green Vehicle Report provides comprehensive information on the state’s green vehicle market. The report includes a segment watch, including top 20 best-selling alternative powertrain vehicles; best sellers in market segments including hybrid, plug in hybrid, electric and fuel cell; market trends by powertrain type and brand shares in alternative powertrain market. The complete report can be accessed on CNCDA’s website at: www.cncda.org

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California Green Vehicle Report is produced for CNCDA by Auto Outlook, Inc., an independent research company specializing in the analysis of statewide and regional automotive markets. When reporting these auto industry trends please acknowledge the Data Source: IHS Markit.

About CNCDA
The California New Car Dealers Association is the country’s largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers representing nearly 1,200 dealer members. Last year California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 2.5 million new and used cars and trucks.

Auto Outlook: 2018 Quarter 2

New Vehicle Registrations in State Exceed 1 Million Units in First Half of 2018

Auto Outlook: 2018 Quarter 1

New Vehicle Registrations in State Could Exceed 2 Million For Fourth Straight Year in ‘18California Covering 1Q 2018

California New Vehicle Sales on Track to Exceed Two Million in 2018

Contact: Jenny Dudikoff
Phone: 916-441-2599

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California new vehicle market is behaving as expected for the first half of 2018. With new vehicle registrations exceeding one million in the first two quarters of the year, vehicle sales are expected to be around 2 million for the year, as initially predicted after quarter one sales.

According to the California Auto Outlook Second Quarter 2018, California light truck registrations continue to increase, by 5.6 percent from 2017, while passenger car registrations continue to fall, 10.1 percent below this time last year. While this is on trend with national behavior, the numbers differ slightly, with US light truck sales increasing by 7.7 percent and US passenger car sales falling by 12.1 percent.

This trend is also reflected on the regional level, in both the northern and southern parts of the state. However, more so in Southern California, with light truck sales seeing an increase of more than 6 percent and passenger car sales experiencing a decrease of more than 11 percent. Alternatively, Northern California light truck sales are up by 3.7 percent and passenger car sales are down 10 percent.

“We are encouraged that California vehicle sales are on track to reach about 2 million for 2018. While the market continues to shift in types of vehicles sold, we are experiencing consistent buyer behavior geared more towards larger vehicles. This increased demand continues to demonstrate consumer interest in purchasing larger, more convenient, family friendly vehicles to meet their transportation needs,” said California New Car Dealers Association Chairperson, Taz Harvey of Dublin Mazda.

Additionally, combined hybrid and electric market share overall continues to increase, making up 10.2 percent of total new vehicle registrations. Looking closer at the data, plug ins and electric vehicle sales are both up more than 1.4 percent combined, while hybrid sales continued their long downward trend and are down .4 percent from last year.

Sales increased by more than 10 percent for 6 brands, with Toyota once again being the market leader and the Honda Civic coming in as the best-selling model in California during the second quarter of 2018.

The California Auto Outlook Second Quarter 2018 Market Report provides comprehensive information on the state’s new vehicle market. The report includes: a segment watch, including the top five models in each segment; a market perspective, comparing California nationally; brand scoreboards; a five-year sales trend comparison and more. The complete report can be accessed on CNCDA’s website at: www.cncda.org

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