Put two seemingly identical used vehicles side by side. Just by looking at them, could you tell which one was a better value? Without knowing their histories, probably not. That’s part of the message of a new CARFAX television ad campaign that aims to show “how using accident and damage history can ensure accurate vehicle […] [Read More]

With plans to expand the facility by updating the showroom, adding more service capacity and increasing the display area for new- and used-vehicle inventory, Zeigler Automotive Group announced the acquisition of its 31st dealership this week. Zeigler finalized a deal with Francis and Ralph Mauro of the International Autos Group to purchase International Subaru of […] [Read More]

Despite tight inventory, total used-vehicle sales in April were up 69% compared to April 2020, according to my colleague, Cox Automotive chief economist Jonathan Smoke, who is forecasting full-year retail used-vehicle sales will reach 21.5 million, an increase from 19.7 million in 2020.  At 60,000 strong, independent dealers are the backbone of our industry and […] [Read More]

They’re turning tassels on college campuses nationwide, and Autotrader offered suggestions for 10 vehicles dealerships could be turning with those newly minted degree holders. Following the commemoration of the hard work they put in during the student years, Autotrader said young adults find themselves in need of their own vehicle as they begin the next […] [Read More]

Right after announcing a decision involving dividends, Penske Automotive Group promoted one of its executives who likely is quite involved with the execution of those funds going to shareholders among many other decisions for the company’s finances. This week, Penske said Michelle (Shelley) Hulgrave, the company’s senior vice president and corporate controller, has been named […] [Read More]

Editor's Note: This is a special preview, available only to CMG Premium subscribers, of our special "Top Dealers: Champions in the Community" issue for June. The Jim Ellis Automotive Group, well known in the Atlanta metro area and surrounding Georgia communities, is celebrating 50 years of unique community service efforts and successful dealership business.  The company first […] [Read More]

Editor's Note: This is a special preview, available only to CMG Premium subscribers, of our special "Top Dealers: Champions in the Community" issue for June. Norma Jean Ross was often thinking ahead. Ross assumed leadership of the Bob Ross Auto Group in Centerville, Ohio in 1997 after the death of her husband, Robert P. Ross Sr. […] [Read More]

Perhaps fueled in part by the revenue generated by their used-vehicle departments, two of the publicly traded dealer groups are sharing the financial success with their shareholders. This week, both Penske Automotive Group and Group 1 Automotive announced plans for dividends. According to a news release from Penske, the company’s board of directors has increased […] [Read More]

While its net loss and other metrics were on par with expectations, CarLotz had stronger first-quarter retail sales and net revenues than expected. Reporting Q1 results Monday, the consignment-to-retail used-vehicle marketplace moved 2,554 retail units in Q1, beating the year-ago period’s 1,453 retail vehicle sales. CarLotz’s previous guidance had called for 1,900 to 2,100 retail […] [Read More]

Carvana started May picking up right where it left off in April. The online auto retailer, which also shared quarterly results last week, made nine market expansion announcements over the course of Wednesday and Thursday. The moves included its first forays into Oregon, Washington and Mississippi, and further growth in Louisiana. That followed late April […] [Read More]