Nick Bunkley
VerifiedArticles by Nick Bunkley
Dealer Rita Case gives 300 girls a chance to choose a Coach purse
Dealer Rita Case gave away more than 300 Coach purses to girls in youth mentorship programs across South Florida. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
EV inferno keeps firefighters at Cadillac dealership for 18 hours
Firefighters spent nearly 18 hours extinguishing a blaze at a Cadillac dealership in Texas that immolated six electric vehicles. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
Chrysler Building gets a savior after years of neglect
A new owner is promising to return Walter P. Chrysler’s iconic art deco skyscraper in Manhattan to its former glory after crumbling ceilings, broken elevators and mice infestations drove out many of its tenants. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
South Carolina couple’s lawsuit says constant blasting at Scout Motors site drove them from home
An elderly couple honored two years ago for their “unwavering dedication” to the town of Blythewood, S.C., fled their home of four decades over what they say is unbearable damage and disruption caused by a $2 billion Scout Motors assembly plant being built next door. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
Ford fights pigeon problem at Mexico plant with hawk named El Charro
Automakers have spent recent years dealing with a seemingly endless list of supply shortages and other obstacles threatening to derail production. Subscribe and get access to articles, videos, and more.
Former auto dealer giant pledges record $30M to Northwood University
These are Detroit’s 50 fastest-growing companies for 2026 Historically, our annual ranking of the region's fastest-growing companies has been dominated by trends. This year, it's a different story.
Northwood University gets largest-ever donation from ex-dealer Jim Koons
A former dealer is giving up to $30 million to a university known for training future dealers. Subscribe and get access to articles, videos, and more.
Warum deutsche Auto-Manager deutlich weniger verdienen als ihre US-Kollegen
Egal ob bei GM, dem E-Autobauer Rivian, Zulieferer Lear oder der Penske-Handelsgruppe – in allen Bereichen der US-Autoindustrie liegen die CEO-Gehälter klar über dem Niveau in Deutschland. Eine Studie zeigt, wie groß der Abstand tatsächlich ist. Bosch-Manager: „Die Lebenserwartung von Autos wird sinken“ Gelingt es nicht, Batteriereparatur und -Tausch finanziell attraktiver zu machen, droht die Lebenserwartung von Autos deutlich zu sinken, befürchtet Bosch-Aftermarket-Chef Rupert Hoellbacher.
ANC Podcast: Sept. 25, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Nissan’s Steve Rhind on Rogue, hybrids, more
Tariffs reshaping sales; PowerCo plant delayed; China content flows freely. Plus, Nissan Canada President Steve Rhind discusses the 2027 Rogue, e-Power hybrid powertrains, Leaf S, affordability and more. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Daily 5 report for Sept. 24: Meet the 2026 Automotive Hall of Fame inductees
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Thursday, Sept. 24. Eight trailblazers were inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame on Sept. 23, with Automotive News serving as the ceremony’s exclusive media partner. Sign up for the Daily 5 report here. Akio Toyoda: Toyota’s former president and CEO was honored for advocating industrywide collaboration.
CEO Compensation Study – 2026
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang topped the Automotive News/Equilar CEO Compensation Survey for a fourth consecutive year, earning triple the industry's No. 2 leader.
Nvidia, Flex, GM had auto industry’s highest-paid CEOs in 2025
Two of the three highest-paid CEOs at U.S.-based companies in and around the auto industry in 2025 are women. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
John Mayer works with Land Rover on limited-run Defender guitar collection
Land Rover and singer-songwriter John Mayer are collaborating on a line of limited-edition guitars finished in colorways borrowed from the Defender SUV. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
Ford dealership fires 2 employees for oil-change sticker slurs
A Ford dealership in Kansas fired two employees over a racial slur printed on oil-change reminders given to four customers. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
ANC Podcast: Sept. 18, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Clarify’s Darren Slind on latest vehicle buyer study
Stellantis plans Brampton sale; Tariffs could sink Detroit; Uncertain factory investment future. Plus, Clarify President Darren Sling discusses the findings in the Vehicle Buyer Opinion Study. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Nike shoe line from NBA’s Devin Booker inspired by vintage Chevy Impalas
EV Canada clears way for another 24,500 China-made EVs While Tesla has led the way on China EV imports so far, domestic China automakers BYD, Chery and Geely are building a more visible presence in Canada while inching toward launching sales. By: David Kennedy
‘Leno’s Law’ would exempt more classic cars from California smog checks
Geely In new ‘reverse JV’ trend, Geely pitches legacy carmakers a shortcut to ‘China Speed,’ starting with Renault, Ford Geely's engineering division offers global automakers turnkey vehicle development, platform licensing and manufacturing expertise. By: Automotive News Report
After year in jail, Mercedes dealership customer acquitted on charge of kidnapping employee
AI Automakers’ AI assistants aim to make vehicles smarter while unlocking new revenue streams Automakers including GM and Ford are rolling out AI assistants across millions of vehicles, targeting higher software revenue as systems become more intuitive and personalized. By: John Irwin, Michael Martinez
Youth sports cost 80% less in an Alabama town after dealership steps in
Mitsubishi Reborn Mitsubishi Pajero goes premium in pursuit of Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, with 2 baby sibling off-roaders on the way Mitsubishi is betting the reborn Pajero, now a more luxurious three-row off-roader, can challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol while rekindling flagging sales in key markets. By: Hans Greimel, Naoto Okamura
Ford opens its first public store at new HQ in Dearborn
The hospital system confirmed it is conducting due diligence on the 1.4 million-square-foot property and engaging outside firms for a feasibility study and cost analysis of the property as well as other potential sites.
Ford gets into retail business with 1st public store at new HQ
You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
EV driver gets $418 bill for using dealership’s ‘public’ charger
AI Automakers’ AI assistants aim to make vehicles smarter while unlocking new revenue streams Automakers including GM and Ford are rolling out AI assistants across millions of vehicles, targeting higher software revenue as systems become more intuitive and personalized. By: John Irwin, Michael Martinez
ANC Podcast: Aug. 28, 2026 | The week’s top stories and APMA’s Flavio Volpe on tariffs, trade war
Auto issues killed trade talks; Trump threatens more tariffs; Canada repeals EV mandate. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association President Flavio Volpe talks trade, tariffs, threats and what comes next in the tense trade war between the U.S. and Canada. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Certified Used-Vehicle Sales, July & YTD 2026
Finance & Insurance Remote finance delivers results for Group 1 Automotive, Lithia Motors, other dealers Group 1 Automotive uses virtual F&I at 66 dealerships, and Lithia Motors has it in about a dozen stores. JM&A Group and Assurant say the concept is growing rapidly. By: John Huetter, Paige Hodder
Customer Incentives - 08/31/26
Ford Ford preps $25,000 hybrid utility, promises 4-door Mustang will start under $40,000 Ford is looking to address the growing affordability crisis and popularity of hybrid models with a new utility that starts around $25,000. By: Michael Martinez
Chrysler advertises Pacifica as the minivan for parents who say ‘FML’
Chery Automobile Co Chery aims Omoda 4 crossover at younger European buyers with Barcelona e-sports launch The Omoda 4 will give the Chery-owned brand another entrant in Europe's largest segment, compact SUVs and crossovers, The VW T-Roc and Kia Sportage will be among its rivals. By: Luca Ciferri
Lawsuit says Mercedes seats tattooed drivers with hot metal AMG logo on sunny days
Two owners of high-powered Mercedes-AMG cars are suing the German automaker over burns they blame on raised metallic logos in the driver’s seat. Unlock this content with a Standard subscription Standard gets you access to Future Product news and articles, covering brand strategies, new vehicles and updates, plus subscriber-only newsletters and more. Want it all? Digital All Access includes complete access to Future Product Pipeline and other exclusive reports at $699/year.
Daily 5 report for Aug. 19: Monterey Car Week 2026: Rare hypercars and classics galore
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Wednesday, Aug. 19. Monterey Car Week 2026 turned California’s Central Coast into a proving ground for the industry’s rarest and most expensive machines. Automakers used the event to unveil upcoming production models alongside historic classics competing for concours honors.
Faulty backup cameras lead to thousands of complaints, millions of recall notices
Toyota Why Japanese automakers are betting on U.S. expansion beyond tariffs Japanese automakers are considering U.S. manufacturing expansion fueled by ambition and capacity constraints, not just tariff concerns. Toyota, Honda lead the push despite a stagnant market. By: Larry P. Vellequette, Urvaksh Karkaria
Stellantis eyes Brampton sale; premium vehicles losing edge to mass market
Ford Ford preps $25,000 hybrid utility, promises 4-door Mustang will start under $40,000 Ford is looking to address the growing affordability crisis and popularity of hybrid models with a new utility that starts around $25,000. By: Michael Martinez
UAW ex-presidents: Vote out Shawn Fain
Three former UAW presidents are urging members to vote out the union’s current leader.
Tesla sued for $10 million over ‘Insane’ mode test-drive crash
A federal lawsuit seeks $10 million from Tesla Inc. for a Virginia woman who crashed into a hair salon while test-driving a Model Y.
Dealership fires manager for harvesting parts from customer’s engine to fix another car
A Kia dealership in Louisiana fired a service manager after the business used parts from one customer’s vehicle to fix someone else’s car.
Mercedes dealership, technician ordered to pay more than $20,000 for taking customer’s car to bar
A Tennessee judge ordered a Mercedes-Benz dealership and one of its employees to pay more than $20,000 to a customer who discovered her car at a sports bar after she had dropped it off for repairs.
Nissan dealership apologizes after general manager retaliates against customer for 1-star review
Tiffany and Robert Maillet say the van they bought from Nissan of Cape Coral immediately had major problems, including a bad transmission, and that the dealership was no help.
Ford reviewing self-serve snack kiosks after more claims of wrongful firings
Ford Motor Co. and Aramark, the vendor that manages self-service payment kiosks at its factory snack bars, are reviewing multiple cases of workers who say they were terminated over technological glitches.
Daily 5 report for July 21: Tariff volatility is the new baseline. Smart dealers are financing for it
Tariff volatility in 2026 isn’t just squeezing automotive supply chains — it’s forcing dealers to rethink their entire capital structure, from floorplan financing to how they fund acquisitions, equipment upgrades and day-to-day working capital.
North America car and truck assembly plant directory – 07/15/26
List of car and truck assembly plants in North America
Automotive News hires Jennifer Vuong as senior multimedia strategist
Jennifer Vuong returns to Automotive News as a senior multimedia strategist in Detroit. Vuong, 40, was previously host and producer of “First Shift” at the publication from 2011 to 2021 and was an intern from 2008 to 2011. She spent the last five years at supplier Forvia as a digital communications manager, leading social media strategy and multimedia storytelling across North America.
Guest commentary: As AI reshapes car shopping, clean data becomes dealers’ new edge
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how consumers shop for vehicles.
GM raises guidance again as North American profits jump 43% in Q2
General Motors’ net income fell 31 percent in the second quarter after more electric vehicle write-downs, but the automaker raised its guidance for the second time this year as sales and transaction prices climbed.
Volvo’s Ghent plant could produce Chinese sister brands with Belgium financial support
Volvo Cars could build cars from its Chinese sister brands at its Belgium plant with the help of state financial aid.
Daily 5 report for July 15: Why VW Group’s U.S. lineup may escape the worst of the cuts
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Wednesday, July 15.
Canada light-vehicle sales by nameplate, Q2 & YTD 2026
Unit sales of cars and light trucks by nameplate in Canada listed alphabetically under brand and automaker for the current and previous year periods
Canada total vehicle sales by make, Q2 & YTD 2026
Unit sales and market share of cars and light trucks in Canada by brand, ranked by quarterly and year-to-date sales for the current year
Nissan needs value creation, not more cost cuts
GM is banking on its diverse vehicle lineup to weather industry uncertainty. The automaker offers six nameplates that start at less than $30,000 and plans new sedans for Buick and Chevrolet as it scales back some EV targets.
Automotive News takes you behind closed doors to see each brand’s future products
Automakers’ future product plans are among the industry’s biggest secrets.
Range Rover test-drive draws police response after Flock camera mix-up
A license plate lost by a dealership in California led to police ambushing an automotive writer who was test-driving a Range Rover in Minnesota.
Waymo fakes mechanical trouble to help California cops catch troublemaking teens
Even though Waymo robotaxis don’t have a driver, a human might still be watching, as two California teenagers learned after the tech company helped police take them into custody.
Lawsuit seeking millions from Toronto police claims arrests of 2 managers based on dealer’s lies
Two former Mitsubishi dealership managers who were accused of reselling stolen vehicles are suing Toronto police and demanding a personal apology from the chief after all 176 charges against them were dropped.
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