Lithia Motors took another step during the first quarter toward reaching its goal of turning 75 used vehicles a month at each of its stores. The dealer group reported on Thursday that it retailed 16,316 used vehicles during Q1, representing a 19.4-percent lift year-over-year. Selling the extra 2,655 used vehicles above the year-ago quarter’s total […] [Read More]

Although Sonic Automotive is still relatively mum on how its forthcoming stand-alone used retail business differs from the CarMax model, an analogy from the dealer group’s management team this week gives a bit of a glimpse. During this week’s conference call discussing first-quarter results, Sonic’s leadership say they “very much admire” CarMax and said that […] [Read More]

Another public dealership group is jumping on the used-car outlet concept. Asbury Automotive Group announced Wednesday morning that the retailer will be opening two stand-alone used-car stores in Florida this year that will operate under the “Q auto” brand. Asbury plans on opening the first store in June in Tampa, Fla., then a second store […] [Read More]

Not only did Sonic Automotive sell more used cars than it ever has before in a quarter, but the retailer also posted a record for first-quarter pre-owned gross profits. Reporting Q1 results on Tuesday morning, Sonic said it sold 27,657 pre-owned vehicles during the period, an all-time high. This was up from 26,469 used sales […] [Read More]

As the automaker revealed a major reorganization of its engineering department, General Motors said today that the company has asked the bankruptcy court for the Southern District of New York to rule on whether the growing number of lawsuits alleging purely economic damages resulting from the ignition switch recall may proceed.  The automaker said the […] [Read More]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Mazda North American Operations is recalling 109,000 Tributes from the 2001 through 2004 model years. Officials indicated these recalled vehicles were manufactured between May 22, 2000 and Dec. 19, 2003 and were originally sold, or are currently registered in these locations: —Connecticut —Delaware —Illinois —Indiana —Iowa —Maine —Maryland […] [Read More]

California Department of Motor Vehicles investigators fanned out across the state recently to crack down against a nemesis of reputable dealers — curbstoners. Officials highlighted that undercover officers issued 93 citations, gave 68 warnings, impounded 109 vehicles and arrested four individuals on outstanding warrants during the April 12 operation. “Unlicensed car dealers called curbstoners typically […] [Read More]

Just in time for Earth Day, Kelley Blue Book editors picked the 10 Best Green Cars of 2014 to assist eco-friendly drivers in the market for a new vehicle. While Honda was the only brand to have two models included, taking the top spot on this annual list for 2014 was the all-new, all-electric BMW […] [Read More]

Dealers and dealer groups are making moves at a rapid pace, as research shows acquisition rates are on the way up. According to an industry report released Monday, auto dealership buy-sell transactions rose by double-digit rates in 2013, and analysts are predicting this year’s rates will continue to rise. The buy-sell market is reviewed in […] [Read More]

Though used supply has expanded greatly since post-recession lows, dealer groups were still dealing with tight pre-owned supply as 2014 got underway — perhaps stemming from developments on the new-car side of the business. During AutoNation’s conference call late last week to discuss Q1 results, president and chief operating officer Michael Maroone explained despite positive […] [Read More]