Today S Family Car Often Not a Car at All

Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
October 26, 2017

TODAY’S FAMILY CAR OFTEN NOT A CAR AT ALL

LARGE TRUCKS INCREASINGLY POPULAR

It seems so long ago that the typical American family owned a station wagon. It would haul lots of kids, pets and all of the stuff associated with them.

But then the advent of the minivan created a new category of vehicle embraced by families. A few station wagons are still made, but they have fallen dramatically in popularity. Likewise, minivans have been eclipsed by SUVs as the preferred vehicle for family transport. But things may be shifting again.

Large trucks are becoming just as common in the school drop-off line as they are at the jobsite, according to new data from Edmunds. Full-size trucks are on pace to become the second-best selling vehicle segment in the U.S. in 2017 and achieve the segment’s highest market share since 2007. Edmunds analysts say this increase in popularity is due in part to the fact that it’s now easier to use a truck as a daily driver. So far in 2017, crew cabs (trucks that offer four full-size doors and a full back seat), now comprise 74.4% of all retail truck registrations, up from 63.7% five years ago.

“Shoppers used to just see trucks as a either a work vehicle or a second vehicle used primarily for towing and chores,” said Ivan Drury, Edmunds senior manager of industry analysis. “But trucks now have many of the same creature comforts as SUVs, but with added utility.” If a growing family is looking for a single vehicle that can serve all of its needs, Drury says a full-size truck has become an attractive choice.

That said, the all-in-one amenities of a full-size truck don’t come cheap; so far in 2017 the average transaction price of a full-size truck is $47,250, up 24.5% from just five years ago. To help ease the strain on their wallets, Edmunds says truck buyers are now turning to a familiar solution for shoppers who want more car for their money—leasing. While still far below the industry average, the lease penetration rate for full-size trucks is 16.7% so far in 2017—nearly three times the rate it was just five years ago (5.6%).

“While it remains to be seen how much demand there will be for a truck that pushes six figures, there’s no question truck buyers are ready and willing to spend more to get what they want,” Drury said.

And the really good news for manufacturers is that truck buyers tend to be very loyal. “More than 55% of large truck buyers trade their vehicle in for another vehicle from the same brand, which is more than 17 percentage points higher than industry average,” he noted.

ADVERTISER NEWS

Two major auto group retailers are talking about the hurricanes as they report their earnings. Sonic Automotive total revenue in the third quarter was down 2% and its VP of operations said Houston stores continue to struggle along with BMW, which is “about 30% of our profit structure,” having a tough year with sales down 4.3%. The six existing EchoPark used-only stores were cash-flow positive and about ten more EchoPark locations will be opened by next year in Texas and the Carolinas……Asbury Automotive quarterly revenue and income were each down about 5%, with the company citing “various levels of business interruption” from the storms. Same-store new vehicle sales were down 5.5% with used vehicles down 3%. As opposed to Sonic’s expansion of used-only stores, Asbury closed its last two Q used-only locations in July……Chipotle third quarter same-store sales were up 1%, but that’s considered to be a huge disappointment given how weak last year’s number were after the chain’s food-safety scare…… Walgreens expects to close around 600 stores in the next 18 months in the wake of its purchase of 1,932 stores from rival Rite Aid. Walgreens CFO George Fairweather said on the chain’s quarterly earnings call. The stores marked for closing will mostly be Rite Aid locations located within a mile of another Walgreens or Rite Aid location. Walgreens bought 1,932 stores and three distribution centers from Rite Aid for $4.38 billion last September....Meanwhile, Walgreens comp store sales rose 3.1% for the fiscal quarter that ended in August, with comp pharmacies up 5.6%, but comp front-end sales down 2.1% (although it has been seeing growth in beauty products which has been a priority for the company).…… Lowe’s will start to carry the Craftsman brand next year. The brand used to be a Sears/Kmart exclusive with limited distribution beyond its parent’s stores, but the troubled retailer sold Craftsman to Stanley Black & Decker earlier this year with the understanding Stanley would expand it into new retailers……Target will offer free shipping starting next week and plans to feature most of its gift assortment under $15. Reuters also says Target will roll out a service that allows online customers to send electronic gift boxes that will let the recipient change the gift items or select something entirely different before the gift is shipped……Lumber Liquidators may have finally resolved class-action lawsuits about the safety of some Chinese-made flooring it sold a couple of years ago, signing an agreement that would pay out $22 million in cash and $14 million in store credit. The safety of the material was first called into question by a story on 60 Minutes. A judge still has to approve the agreement…… Whirlpool, which announced earlier this week it would no longer sell its products at Sears, reported North American sales up 4% for the third quarter.

NETWORK NEWS

CBS has announced that Jeff Glor will anchor the CBS Evening News, succeeding Scott Pelley. Glor has been part of the newscast for the past decade, serving at times as anchor on weekend installments of the evening news and a previous iteration of CBS’ morning programming. He also worked on CBSN, the news unit’s streaming service. Glor takes over as the CBS Evening News remains in third place behind ABC’s World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News. A top executive at CBS News hinted that the company is seeking ways to make its evening newscast more relevant to a digital generation of viewers. Anthony Mason, who has served as an interim Evening News anchor since Pelley left will continue as CBS News senior national correspondent and co-host of the Saturday broadcast of CBS This Morning……CBS is tweaking its primetime lineup on Monday nights. On October 30th, the Season 2 premiere of Superior Donuts will air at 9 PM (ET) instead of 9:30 PM (ET) as planned. Me, Myself, and I will remain in the 9:30 PM (ET) slot. Kevin Can Wait stays at 8 PM (ET), while 9JKL remains at 8:30 PM (ET). Scorpion will air as the lead out for Me, Myself, and I at 10 PM (ET)…… Game 1 of the World Series was watched by 14.96 million people. The game scored a 3.9/15 rating among adults 18-49. That’s down 23% in total viewers from what Game 1 of the Chicago Cubs vs. the Cleveland Indians drew in 2016. ...American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is joining NBC’s The Voice as a key advisor in the singing competition’s 13th season. Clarkson will mentor the remaining 32 artists along with coaches Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton. It was previously announced that Clarkson would coach on the 14th season alongside Alicia Keys, Shelton and Levine……NBC gave a script commitment plus penalty to Winners, a half-hour single-camera comedy executive produced by Patricia Heaton (The Middle) and David Hunt. Ryan Koh, co-executive producer of The Simpson is on board the project as writer and executive producer.

GM, FCA RESULTS

The third quarter was a tough one for General Motors, which lost $3 billion, partly due to the sale of its European operations. But its adjusted pretax operating profit (the number that GM itself says is the best guide to its business) was also down big, off by 31%. Revenue from continuing operations, which excludes Europe, fell by 14%- - Automotive News says that is primarily due to a 268,000 unit decline in production in North America as GM has tried to cut down its backlog of inventory.

Fiat Chrysler reported an increase in operating profit in North America, even though its share slipped to just 11.3% of the automotive market from 12.5 in the quarter last year. Total North American shipments were down 6% to 592,000 vehicles which FCA says is largely attributable to lessened fleet sales. 15% of all units this year were sold to fleets versus 21% last year.

Ford’s results come out later today.

BUSINESS BYTES

What’s wrong with Subway? The world’s largest restaurant chain (by number of units, over 46,000 globally) has now reported two years of declining sales, according to financial documents reviewed by The New York Post. (As a privately-held company, Subway is not required to publicly disclose its sales or financials). The paper reports while Subway still controls 76% of the sub sandwich market in the U.S., that’s down from 82% four years ago and same-store sales are said to be down 13% in that time. The CEO is now the sister of one of the founders who died two years ago, and the other 50% owner, who isn’t active in the business, disagrees with her strategy. CEO Suzanne Greco’s plans are for updating décor in the stores, investing in technology, and rolling out a new loyalty program, while 50% owner Dr. Peter Buck wants to see the company buy another brand or develop a new sub-brand. The Post reports franchisees are unhappy—one told the paper there’s a growing concern among franchisees that current management is not up to the task of turning around the business.

Next week is November, and most observers consider the holiday shopping season to start on 11/1. This Week In Consumer Electronics reports BFAds.net has been compiling information on some major retailers’ plans to take bigger shares of the dollars available, and some of the plans will be in effect by next week. Target will be introducing Weekend Deals starting on 11/11 via its app, with everyday essentials and must-have gifts at special pricing on Saturdays and Sundays only. Costco is reported to be offering as much as $1,000 off of furniture and $300 off laptops and some TVs in an 18-page pre- Black Friday coupon book. Sam’s Club is publishing a 40- page instant savings book including both consumer goods and food. The sales dates are staggered and culminate on Black Friday. And Toys ‘R’ Us has produced a 120-page booklet and plans a series of in-store events including two Parents’ Nights.

AVAILS

Small privately-held broadcast company is looking for a progressive and hands-on Director of Sales who is not afraid of change and is willing to roll up his/her sleeves to get the job done. Our right candidate will be an experienced sales manager who likes to be actively involved in all facets of the sales operation. GSM experience preferred however experienced LSMs looking to move into the DOS role are also welcome to apply. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to . All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence. EOE.

Meredith Corporation seeks an experienced leader and Vice President, General Manager for WNEM, the CBS Affiliate in Saginaw, Michigan. The VP/GM must develop the station’s full potential for audience, revenue, and profits consistent with planning objectives and with company policies and federal and state regulations. Minimum 3 years of successful experience as a General Manager of an affiliate station(s), or 5 years as General Sales Manager or News Director required. CLICK HERE for more info or to apply for this position, look for job JR04074. EOE.

WNCN, Nexstar’s CBS affiliate in one of the fastest growing DMA’s in the country, Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville has an opening for a digital sales manager. This person directly oversees the daily operations of the station’s internet advertising business and interacts with clients and advertising agencies to maximize website revenue. The Digital Sales Manager also assists in hiring, training and developing AEs. Minimum three years’ experience in sales, preferably in the digital field, required. Get more details or apply now at http://www.nexstar.tv/careers/. EOE M/F/V/D Background check required.

KHON2, the FOX and CW affiliate in Honolulu, is looking for a General Sales Manager. We are seeking a “game changer” and proven leader who can communicate a vision, while developing a management and sales team to generate extraordinary growth. The GSM should be proficient in inventory analysis, control and pricing; revenue forecasting, and budgeting; account strategy; product training; and energetic, candid and focused team development. CLICK HERE for more info or to apply. KHON2 is a Nexstar Media Group station and an EOE.

ABC6 in Providence, Rhode Island is looking for an experienced media sales professional with a minimum of 2 years’ experience. We need an enthusiastic, accountable individual to work with local and regional clients– at the agency and local levels to develop marketing plans utilizing all station products. This position is a great opportunity for someone looking for a move into a top 60 market. Please send resume to: . No phone calls please. WLNE-TV / ABC6 is and equal opportunity employer.

WDIV-TV/ClickOnDetroit the Graham Holdings owned NBC affiliate in Detroit, MI seeks a dynamic, enthusiastic and results oriented Account Executive. The AE must maintain and grow a core account list and develop new station business. The ideal candidate must be able to develop new revenue for our properties through projects and special promotions from broadcast, online, mobile, and cross platform campaigns. Experience with Wide Orbit, and a college degree preferred. To apply, please send resume to Gary Macko VP Sales/GSM: . EOE.