The Berlin-based used-car sales startup that operates online automotive marketplaces in emerging markets across Latin America, Africa and Asia recently procured a total of $58 million in new funding. Frontier Car Group (FCG) has received $41 million in Series B from Balderton, TPG Growth, Fraser McCombs Capital and AutoTech Ventures, as well as an additional $17 million in debt […] [Read More]

Carvana announced Wednesday the launch of its second car vending machine in North Carolina and ninth across the country. The Charlotte, N.C., facility is eight stories high and holds up to 32 vehicles. Charlotte was Carvana’s third market back in September 2014. The auto retailer also has machines in the Texas markets of Houston, Austin, San Antonio […] [Read More]

In April 2017, CarGurus — still a private company at that point — launched its first-ever mass-media ad campaign, aiming to drive awareness among the general public. “We want to get people to think first and foremost about us as their shopping destination when buying a car comes to mind. And I think that’s something […] [Read More]

UnityWorks recently promoted one of its own executives. The provider of nicro-targeted video campaigns for automotive dealers announced the promotion of Jeff Grice to vice president of strategic development. Grice joined the company in 2013 as director of strategic development with a focus on building scalable and customized, data driven video experiences for the company’s […] [Read More]

Along with the launch of a new Vovlo Cars joint venture with Google to embed services into the Swedish automaker's infotainment system, recent technology development in the industry includes new augmented reality tech from Mercedes Benz USA and Kia Motors America, as well. Volvo Cars announced Monday that customers can now access Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services through its newly […] [Read More]

Reporting on and being immersed in the auto industry every day often gives me a misguided gauge of the general public’s awareness of its interworking, trends and emerging technology. When I am unsure when something in automotive has become a household name, so to speak, my test case is often my parents. They’re news-savvy folks who […] [Read More]

Dent Wizard International announced Thursday that it has promoted two more company leaders following the promotion of chief executive officer Mike Black last month. Addison Thomas has been promoted to chief operating officer and Doug Grill has been appointed to fill his most recent position as regional vice president of Dent Wizard’s Mid-South region. In addition […] [Read More]

Kia Motors America has added augmented reality technology to its digital assistant for Facebook Messenger. The automaker introduced its newly enhanced digital assistant at Facebook's annual F8 developer conference earlier this week. With the addition of new AR technology, Kia’s Facebook page and Kia.com website can now provide a more immersive experience in conjunction with Kia's second-generation digital assistant, according […] [Read More]

Several automakers joined a blockchain project this week that has truly a global footprint and objectives. MOBI — the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative — announced its formation to explore blockchain for use in a new digital mobility ecosystem that could make transportation safer, more affordable and more widely accessible. Officials from MOBI said they are actively […] [Read More]

FordDirect announced that it named former Ford Motor Co. director of U.S. sales Dianne Craig to serve as its new chief executive officer, a move that was effective Tuesday. Craig brings more than brings 30 years of experience in automotive sales and marketing, as well as deep relationships with Ford and Lincoln dealers across the U.S. and […] [Read More]