Autobytel named a California franchised store co-owner as the Autobytel Dealer of the Month for February. Earning the honor was Chris Baughman, general manager and co-owner of Sunset Honda in San Luis Obispo, Calif. The company’s dealer awards program honors exceptional operators who employ the highest standards in customer service and Internet retail sales and […] [Read More]

At one time, brands such as Honda and Toyota were considered startups in the U.S., a point National Automobile Dealers Association chairman Forrest McConnell recollected while reinforcing the value of franchised dealers. McConnell made his assertions in New York on Tuesday during the 2014 Automotive Forum presented by NADA and J.D. Power, an event that […] [Read More]

Launching just in time for the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the press tomorrow, Nissan has launched a new, mobile responsive version of NissanNews.com. For consumers, dealers and journalists interested in the automaker’s latest breaks, Nissan noted that new mobile site adapts to any smartphone or tablet.   "Nissan's commitment to innovation […] [Read More]

As a group of six U.S. senators pressed Attorney General Eric Holder for an investigation of the automaker’s recalling of older models with problematic ignition switches, General Motors refuted reports that chief executive officer Mary Barra knew much earlier than Jan. 31 about significant issues. Online reports surfaced based on the Congressional release of an […] [Read More]

Earlier this month, NADA Used Car Guide’s Stu Zalud said he and his wife were out to purchase a vehicle and had a trade-in. The price the dealer was offering for the trade was simply on a piece of paper. “That’s kind of how it’s always been done,” he said. “No real validation, no background, […] [Read More]

The newest details shared by General Motors about its recall investigation turned up several noteworthy developments — suspended engineers, ignition lock cylinders and a $1.3 billion charge to its first-quarter accounting ledger. On the same day the OEM made an addition to the repair order associated with the recall, increasing its costs for campaigns so […] [Read More]

When choosing their next car purchase, consumers are often looking for the vehicles that will run as smoothly as possible and cause them the least amount of headache. According to the results of CarMD.com Corp.’s 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index and Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Rankings released Wednesday, Hyundai has risen to the top in […] [Read More]

A dealership’s service center serves as a way to ensure customer loyalty and for many, also acts as a direct pipeline for trade-ins — but much of this depends on customer satisfaction. J.D. Power released the results of its 2014 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study — which measures customer satisfaction with service at a […] [Read More]

Toyota is recalling more than 6 million vehicles worldwide in five actions covering nearly 30 different models. Of those actions, two impact the U.S. According to a statement from Toyota Motor Corp. posted to Bloomberg.com, the five recalls tally up to 6.76 million vehicles spanning 27 Toyota models, the Pontiac Vibe and Subaru Trezia. The […] [Read More]

If you have an idea for a car or truck industry discussion topic, the National Automobile Dealers Association is taking proposals for workshops for the 2015 NADA-ATD Convention now through May 2. The deadline to submit is 5 p.m. EST on May 2. NADA is expecting thousands of dealers and their employees to attend in […] [Read More]