Late last week, Autobytel named its Dealer of the Month for July. The honoree for this past month is Kenny Jakel, general sales manager of Lee Johnson Kia in Kirkland, Wash. The award program introduced earlier this year honors  Autobytel dealers who “employ the highest standards in customer service, Internet automotive retail sales and lead […] [Read More]

When a customer comes on to a dealer’s lot looking for a new car, more often than not his or her top concern is finding the best deal possible. For some customers, leasing might fit better into their budget, while others may not settle for less than a flat out new-car purchase. Either way, TrueCar.com […] [Read More]

Dealerships and aftermarket shops are expanding their service departments and offerings, and it seems customers are taking note. In its 2013 Canadian Customer Commitment Index Study, J.D. Power and Associates reported that customer satisfaction with automotive service at dealerships and aftermarket shops has improved. The study — based on responses from more than 21,600 owners […] [Read More]

This week, Canadian vehicle history reports provider CarProof revealed a couple of new developments. On top of announcing a minority stake sale, the company said that Steve Macaluso, director of corporate accounts, is leaving the company to assume the role of managing director at Copart Canada. Macaluso has been with CarProof since 2010 and brought […] [Read More]

Increased demand for electric and hybrid vehicles has one company working even harder to bring high-tech options to the U.S. automotive market. Auto retail group EVCARCO Inc. this week announced plans for the development of its EV Leasing Program, meant to help the company meet increased demand for new and pre-owned electric and hybrid vehicles now […] [Read More]

Beginning this coming Monday, used-car shoppers using DriveChicago.com will have access to free Carfax Vehicle History Reports in a promotion that runs through the end of November. That’s thanks to a new agreement between the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Carfax. CATA is also working with Carfax to provide vehicle reports to its dealer members […] [Read More]

Domestic or import? The choice may depend on the sex of the shopper. Research from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence based on KBB.com traffic and survey data of more than 13,000 U.S. adults shows considerable differences in the shopping habits of men and women. In the research, men are more likely to consider vehicles from […] [Read More]

Based on the first 15 days of the month, CNW Research is projecting that August will be a “solid” month for used-vehicle sales. The combination of retail metal turning at franchised and independent dealerships as well as private-party transactions should push this month’s total at least 3 percent higher versus year ago. According to CNW’s […] [Read More]

Late last week, General Motors informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the automaker will recall 292,879 Chevrolet Cruze sedans from the 2011 and 2012 model years in the United States. Spokesperson Alan Adler indicated in a message to Auto Remarketing that the recall came because of a potential intermittent loss of brake assist […] [Read More]

The American International Automobile Dealers Association and CNA National are teaming up for a webinar this week that will focus on increasing efficiency in dealership accounting offices. The free webinar, titled “Dealership Dollars: Managing Your Accounting Practices with Back Office Consolidation,”  is scheduled for Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.   “This webinar will help dealers […] [Read More]