LotLinx, known for its inventory marketing technology, is now participating in supporting the U CAN-CER VIVE foundation — a dealer group cancer research non-profit — through a recent donation.  It was founded by siblings Ryan and Kelley LaFontaine of the Michigan-based LaFontaine Automotive Group, in February of 2016. Since then, in just over five years, the organization has […] [Read More]

It’s been a busy month for the team at Performance Brokerage Services, as the automotive dealership brokerage firm announced its involvement in two more closings this week. After being involved in the transaction of a Toyota store in Washington, the firm also helped to facilitate the moves involving a Minnesota Subaru rooftop and a Chrysler […] [Read More]

Two of the public auto retailers announced expansions Tuesday, including one involving a standalone used-car store program. Starting with AutoNation, the group said it has opened AutoNation USA San Antonio, its fourth pre-owned store in Texas and the first of five the retailer is planning to open in the U.S. during 2021. AutoNation also plans […] [Read More]

According to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, McCurley Integrity Dealerships sold one of its dealerships to the Lum Family. Performance Brokerage Services was involved in the sale of McCurley Integrity Toyota in Walla Walla, Wash., to the Lum Family, which has owned and operated dealerships for more than 50 years. David Lum opened […] [Read More]

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]