Buick Rebounding, Creator of the Book, and Google Zero

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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Day 2 with Cirillo and we figured some marketing wrap up was still in store. We are also taking a look at the much-talked-about Buick Envista and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Bob Kelley.

Show Notes with links:

• Buick, GM’s semi-luxury brand, is experiencing a significant sales resurgence thanks to the new 2024 Buick Envista.
  • Buick, celebrating its 125th anniversary, has a rich history of innovation and design.
  • The 2024 Buick Envista is leading the brand’s sales increase, especially in the U.S.
  • In 2023, Buick sold 167,000 vehicles in the US, moving it up just ahead of Cadillac among GM’s four brands in this market.
  • Almost 70% of Buick buyers are new to the brand, indicating strong market appeal.
  • "It sells faster than the vast majority of GM products," said Edmunds analyst Ivan Drury.
• Bob Kelley, former publisher of Kelley Blue Book, passed away at 96. Known for his humor and tech-savviness, Kelley led the publication's digital transformation.
  • Kelley spearheaded Kelley Blue Book's transition from print to a comprehensive online resource, making car pricing information more accessible.
  • Under his leadership, Kelley Blue Book expanded to include imports, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, mobile homes, and classic and collector cars, broadening its influence.
  • Kelley began his career at the family-owned Kelley Kar Co., where he honed his skills in appraising and selling used cars before becoming publisher of Kelley Blue Book in the 1960s.
  • According to his son-in-law Charlie Vogelheim, he had a sense of humor about the online transition and would say, “If you drop the book, it still works.”
  • Cox Automotive, which acquired Kelley Blue Book in 2010, praised him as "a true pioneer in the automotive industry,” saying "Bob's impact has been immeasurable… His passion for informed decision-making will always guide us."
• Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of the Verge, is challenging that ‘Google Zero,’ the moment when Google stops sending traffic to third-party websites, is here.
  • Google Search has dominated the web ecosystem, driving traffic and ad revenue.
  • Websites rely on Google Search, Chrome, and advertising technologies for their business models.
  • Smaller sites like HouseFresh are struggling as Google changes its algorithms.
  • HouseFresh managing editor Gisele Navarro detailed the impact on their traffic and business.
  • “I often joke that The Verge is the last website on Earth, but there’s a kernel of truth to it. Building an audience on the web is harder than ever, and that leaves us with one really big question: what’s next?” -Patel

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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