{"id":24093,"date":"2024-08-28T18:26:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T18:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ordealers.net\/?p=24093"},"modified":"2024-08-28T18:26:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T18:26:57","slug":"ovda-dealer-news-8-28-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ordealers.net\/?p=24093","title":{"rendered":"OVDA Dealer News – 8-28-2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Topics to Consider<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OVDA continues to keep you informed on topics throughout each year. We sift through the mountains of potential legislation, through the local, regional and federal news. Here are a few critical pieces of news that we think would interest you, the local dealer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oregon Expansion of EV Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oregon’s leaders are advancing the push for electric vehicles by addressing a key challenge for EV owners: charging infrastructure. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has secured $52 million in federal funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to expand the state\u2019s EV charging network along major routes, including I-5, I-205, and Highway 97. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to enhance EV infrastructure across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project will deploy advanced DC fast chargers capable of powering EVs to 80% in about 20 minutes. In addition to installing new chargers, the project allocates funds for the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of existing stations, ensuring long-term functionality. To support this, ODOT has opened its first round of funding for 19 pre-qualified EV charging companies, with plans to award between $7.5 and $12 million initially, and a private match bringing the total to up to $15 million. Additional funding rounds are expected over the next five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expansion emphasizes creating a comprehensive network across Oregon\u2019s geographically diverse areas, including rural regions currently lacking sufficient charging infrastructure. The new chargers will have a minimum five-year operation and maintenance requirement, with an encouragement for companies to extend this commitment to ten years to ensure long-term reliability. This expansion is expected to add 65 new chargers, enhancing the current network of roughly 260, and supporting Oregon’s growing EV adoption, further accelerating the shift from gas and diesel vehicles to electric alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Source: https:\/\/www.opb.org\/article\/2024\/07\/05\/oregon-expanding-network-of-ev-fast-chargers\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FTC Data Security Guidance\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Federal Trade Commission has released guidance for automotive dealers to strengthen data security practices amid the increasing use of web-based applications and rising risks of data breaches. As dealerships handle sensitive customer information, from paper credit applications to digital records, they face threats ranging from misplaced documents to major breaches like the CDK Global incident. These breaches contribute significantly to the surge in identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FTC\u2019s guidance offers straightforward yet essential steps for protecting customer data. Key recommendations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Limit Access<\/strong>: Restrict access to sensitive documents, such as loan applications, to only those employees who need it. Use locking cabinets and safes for physical documents and secure digital records with strong access controls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Secure Your Network<\/strong>: Protect your network with firewalls, strong passwords, encryption, and regular software updates. These measures are crucial for safeguarding data against unauthorized access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Plan for the Worst<\/strong>: Develop a response plan for potential breaches, including scenarios like break-ins, network infiltrations, and social engineering attacks. Training employees on data privacy best practices and recognizing threats is critical to preventing breaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Vendor Management<\/strong>: Ensure that third-party vendors handling sensitive data adhere to the same security standards. This is vital, as vendors can be a weak link in your data security chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Continuous Monitoring and Updating<\/strong>: Regularly review and update security practices to keep pace with evolving threats. The FTC stresses the importance of ongoing vigilance and adaptation in maintaining robust data security.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Source: https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/business-guidance\/privacy-security\/data-security<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fed\u2019s Impact on Auto Loan Rates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over the past 18 months, auto loan rates have nearly doubled, significantly affecting the automotive industry. Consumers are increasingly shifting from new to used vehicles, opting for leases over purchases, and favoring more economical models like hybrids over luxury or high-performance SUVs. Higher loan rates have particularly impacted credit-challenged and average-credit buyers, making it harder to secure favorable financing terms. Many end up with higher APRs than expected. However, potential rate cuts later this year could provide some relief, potentially lowering borrowing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Source: https:\/\/www.kbb.com\/car-news\/auto-loan-rates-likely-to-fall-soon-fed-holds-rates-for-now\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Oregon DMV Phishing Scam<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Oregon DMV has issued a warning about a phishing scam in which hackers impersonate DMV representatives to obtain personal information or money from customers. The DMV emphasizes that it never requests personal details like driver\u2019s license numbers, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth through unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scammers may claim urgent issues, such as expiring licenses or overpayments, to trick individuals. Customers are advised to ignore, delete, or hang up on such messages and not to click on any links. If you receive such communications, you should report them to the DMV Fraud Prevention Team or the Oregon Consumer Protection Hotline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The DMV clarifies that while it offers secure online services and may send texts or emails for actions initiated by customers, such as appointment reminders, these communications are never unsolicited and do not contain personal information or verification links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contacts for Reporting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n