The luxury vehicle market has quickly become one of the most competitive in the business – and is on pace to grow even faster down the road. In this episode of To the Point, we delve into how Alfa Romeo managed to top the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index Study in the luxury segment and what it says about the Italian brand moving forward.

Guest:   Larry Dominique, Senior Vice President, Alfa Romeo, North America

The national auto show circuit might not quite be what it used to be in the automotive industry, but the shows still provide a lot of insight on the future of the business. In this episode of To the Point, we unpack a few things spotlighted at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto show  ̶- from new vehicle debuts to product marketing trends  ̶  with esteemed automotive journalist, Nicole Wakelin.  

Guest: Nicole Wakelin [NACTOY, Juror; Contributor, Kelley Blue Book, CNET, Forbes, TrueCar; Host, Fast Women Podcast, Newsweek; World Car Awards, Juror]  

From enhanced safety features to more infotainment options, automakers are making huge investments in connected car technology and services, with even more innovations in the works. But based on a recent study by the research group, LexisNexis, dealerships are missing the mark, when it comes to informing car buyers about connected services.   

Guest:  Adam Hudson [Vice President & General Manager, U.S. Connected Car, LexisNexis Risk Solutions]

This week on To the Point we explore whether automotive brand loyalty still wields the power it once did with car buyers, as the industry goes through a major transformation. Tyson Jominy, Vice President of Data & Analytics, with J.D. Power, lends his insight on the topic, following the company’s recent study identifying the automakers that rank the highest in brand loyalty.  

Guest:  Tyson Jominy [Vice President, Data & Analytics, J.D Power]

In Part 3, the final installment of Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I, To the Point explores the business case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with two people who speak to the benefits of the Buick GMC Inclusive Dealer Program on a personal level as well as other measures aimed at diversifying auto retail as it undergoes one of its most transformative periods in history.   

Guests:  Breanna Hubbard [Sales associate, Chronic Buick GMC] & Sham Bryant [Used Vehicle Buyer, Walser Automotive Group]   

In Part 2 of Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I To the Point explores the benefits and business case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with Sherry Schultz, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources for the Walser Automotive Group, based in Minnesota and Wanda Howell, the owner of Cronic Buick GMC in Georgia - ̶  winners of the first-ever Buick GMC Inclusive Dealer Recognition award. 

Wanda Howell [Chronic Buick GMC, Owner] & Sherry Schultz [EVP, Chief Human Resources, Walser Automotive Group] 

Part 1  

In a three-part series, To the Point delves into Buick GMC’s focus on enhancing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, zeroing in on the automaker’s first-ever inclusive dealer recognition program – amid some contention over such measures. Part 1 of Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I features an interview with Duncan Aldred, Global Vice President of Buick GMC, discussing what promoted the dealership initiative and how it fits within the scope of the company’s business strategy moving forward.

Our Guest:  Duncan Aldred [Global Vice President, Buick GMC] 

Jeep is arguably one the most recognized brands in the world, due in large part to its off-road appeal. However, the brand is now looking to position itself in the luxury market, with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. This week on To the Point we delve into how Jeep has worked to position itself in the luxury segment, with a focus on the design of the Wagoneer’s interior.      

Our Guest: Chris Benjamin [Vice President, Interior Design, Stellantis North America]

As more consumers turn to the digital world for experiences, more companies are starting to embrace new technology to engage consumers in that digital space. But how is the shift to more high-tech engagement experiences impacting automotive and more specifically, auto retail? This week on To the Point we tackle that question with a company helping automakers make the connection.      

Our Guest: Elizabeth Baron [Enterprise Solutions Executive, Unity Technologies]

On this episode of To the Point, we set out to discuss the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to assess the actual feasibility of the plan to help enhance the EV charging infrastructure in the U.S. But in the end, we unearth some deeper sight on the future of electric vehicles. 

Our Guest: Javad Mohammadi [Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin]