Big shifts, bold moves and bright stars in Auto
The numbers are in—what’s up, what’s down, and what’s about to change? SUVs are pulling ahead, EVs are charging forward, and affordability pressures are rewriting the playbook. Meanwhile, top F&I pros are hitting high gear in Lightstone’s Star Reacher Awards. Whether you’re tracking the trends or making them, this issue is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Get the full breakdown inside!
Auto Review 2024
Despite a 3% decline in total vehicle sales, Passenger vehicle sales grew by 1%, while LCVs dropped 12%. Crossover/SUVs dominate, now nearing 40% of the market, while hybrids and EV sales doubled, reaching 4.4% of passenger sales. Lightstone provided over 1.9 million vehicle validations, offering critical insights for the industry. Read more for a full breakdown of the data and trends shaping 2024.
Read MoreData, insights, and strategy in the automotive sector
Affordability pressures are shifting consumers towards budget-friendly brands, increasing reliance on imports, particularly from China and India. This challenges local manufacturing, prompting calls for policy shifts to support EV production. Lightstone’s Chief Analytics Officer, Paul-Roux de Kock notes, “The true power of data lies not in the data itself, but in its ability to solve real-world problems.” Lightstone’s insights help businesses refine strategies, using predictive analytics to drive competitive advantage and industry innovation.
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Shining bright: Lightstone’s Star Reacher F&I Q3 Award winners
Lightstone is proud to give a shout out to the Quarter 3 winners of its Star Reacher F&I Awards. Take a look here for a list of the winners by category. These top-performing F&Is have set new standards with their exceptional dedication and achievements. The Quarter 4 and annual winners will be revealed in May 2025.
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