Zephyr Western Europe M&A Review, October 2018

Western Europe M&A volume and value decline in OctoberPE and VC value increases both month-on-month and year-on-year Both the volume and value of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) targeting Western European companies declined in October 2018, according to M&A information collected by Bureau van Dijk, a Moody’s Analytics company, and the leading...

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Looking from the outside in: new industry report reveals how predictive analytics is set to transform oil and gas, but are we doing enough?

Insight from companies across the world brings the future in focus on the pace and development of predictive analytics. A new industry report launched today – an extension of the global Technology Radar survey series produced by Lloyd’s Register (LR) – reveals the pace, development and adoption of predictive analytics in oil and gas. The report...

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GDPR Burdens Hinder M&A Transactions in the EMEA Region, According to Merrill Corporation Survey

Merrill Corporation survey highlights future challenges for EMEA dealmakers when complying with regulations, accelerating deals and harnessing the power of data. An increasing number of M&A transactions may be stalling because of concerns over GDPR compliance, according to a survey of EMEA M&A professionals conducted by Merrill Corporation, the...

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North American M&A volume the lowest since 2009, value struggles year-on-year

North American PE and VC investment up, boosted by six deals worth more than USD 1bn Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) targeting North American companies remained lacklustre in October as volume fell back once again, according to information collected by Bureau van Dijk, a Moody’s Analytics company, and the leading publisher of company information....

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How will Brexit affect contractors in the UK?

With March 2019 edging closer, everyone is waiting to see what the effects of the decision to leave the EU will be. For now, uncertainty reigns, with many contractors across the nation speculating about potential far-reaching implications.As a contractor in the UK, you may be wondering whether Brexit will have a positive or negative impact on your job,...

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Automation

Jeep Gladiator seen as the next Hellcat

Eric Nielsen doesn't expect the hyped Jeep Gladiator to sit on dealer lots for long when it finally arrives in the second quarter.Read More

Products excite Nissan dealers

New sedans and freshened light-trucks will help Nissan through the coming economic challenges, says its dealer chairman.Read More

Mazda dealers eager to see promised crossover

The new Mazda crossover will be built in Alabama at a joint-venture plant with Toyota Motor Corp. starting in 2021.Read More

New version of rugged off-road Land Rover Defender coming to U.S. in 2020

Land Rover dealers will get a new version of the iconic off-road Land Rover Defender next year.Read More

Lead response bots connect with consumers, but their use can pose risks

Advances in artificial intelligence mean virtual assistants are getting better at responding to queries. But dealers should be careful, experts say, as they are a backstop if a sales rep fails to quickly respond to a customer.Read More

Subaru halts bulk of global output over part defect

Subaru's sole vehicle factory in Japan, accounting for roughly 60 percent of global production, could be out of action for almost two weeks after the company discovered a suspected defect in a power-steering component.Read More

Technician shortage among top challenges

Texas dealer Charlie Gilchrist, the incoming chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, also is concerned about consumer affordability and maintaining profit margins as new-vehicle sales slide.Read More

Dealers' role strong despite changing industry

Michigan dealer Wes Lutz says consumers will continue to buy vehicles, making dealers' futures strong despite challenges such as stair-step incentive programs.Read More

Tight margins, high costs ahead for BMW dealers

BMW has been flying high, but dealers now want to push back on sales programs and margins.Read More

Infiniti dealers to factory: Build us more QX50s

Infiniti dealers have told factory management that they are just getting warmed up on selling the redesigned QX50 compact crossover. The dealer network wants more production of the vehicle.Read More

Audi ?tempered' stair-step to boost dealer profitability

The outgoing chairman of the Audi National Dealer Council says the German brand has eased back on its aggressive stair-step program for 2019 in the face of a plateauing U.S. market and squeezed dealer profitability.Read More

Vetting vendors: Retail experts offer tips

While dealers suffer from vendor overload, retailers who want to innovate should keep their eyes open for new technology offerings by innovative vendors.Read More

Infiniti's new boss focuses on products, profits, technology

Less than two weeks into his job as president of Infiniti, Christian Meunier has his hands full with an aging portfolio, softening sales and a management crisis back at HQ.Read More

Innovation expert: Speed to dictate dealers' success

At the Automotive News World Congress last week, innovation expert Howard Tullman said dealers need to be prepared for a constant state of change if they are to stay relevant with the economic shifts ahead. The question to ask is not "How fast am I going?" but "How fast am I getting faster?"Read More

?Continuous' hacker attacks test GM Cruise

Attacks on the vehicles themselves are rare, says Tim Piastrelli, head of security, but expected to increase as autonomous vehicles become mainstream.Read More

GM, facing losses in Brazil, seeks tax breaks in Sao Paulo state

GM's Brazil unit is in advanced talks with Sao Paulo state to receive tax incentives, the company told public officials and union representatives, a few days after telling workers in a memo that it was losing money in the country.Read More

Lawsuit: Ford worker sexually harassed by supervisor at Dearborn Truck Plant

DeAnna Johnson, 54, said in a lawsuit her supervisor groped her, showed her lewd photos and repeatedly solicited her for sex.Read More

Lexus dealers are hungry for more SUVs

The outgoing head of the Lexus dealer council said the brand could use a Cadillac Escalade fighter -- a big, three-row luxury SUV -- but there are other considerations beyond what dealers want, such as how vehicles fit into the brand's regulatory plans.Read More

Ford dealer: Customers unaffected by shake-up

An $11 billion global restructuring has raised questions on Wall Street and made white-collar workers nervous, but the Ford brand dealer council president says it's not on customers' minds.Read More

Buick, GMC dealers expecting higher profits

Streamlined factory rewards programs and the redesigned GMC Sierra should help increase profits this year for Buick and GMC dealers.Read More