Earl Hesterberg quickly defended Group 1’s used-vehicle division when an analyst wondered if the company’s new-to-used vehicle sales ratio started to show a negative trend. Hesterberg said Group 1 did a “pretty good job” of turning used vehicles during both the fourth quarter and all of 2012. Retail used sales rose 7.1 percent in the […] [Read More]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said BMW North America is recalling more than a half-million vehicles in two separate campaigns. The vast majority — 504,545 vehicles to be exact — is associated with a recall stemming from the electric system. In this campaign, BMW is recalling: —2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 […] [Read More]

Asbury Automotive Group announced today its fourth quarter results from 2012, as well as full-year numbers. Used vehicles were ramping up the dealer group’s revenue as 2012 wrapped up, with used-vehicle retail revenue rising by 5 percent during the last quarter.  For Q4 2012, used-vehicle retail revenue came in at $269.3 million, up from $255.3 […] [Read More]

The used-car department played a critical role in Group 1’s full-year performance as officials said today that 2012 proved to be the year the company posted increases in all operating segments and new all-time records in total gross profit and revenue. Group 1 turned 21.1 percent more used models a year ago, retailing 85,366 units. […] [Read More]

Revealed late last week, NADA’s vice chairman for the new year has taken office. Taking the position for 2013 is Forrest McConnell, III, owner of McConnell Honda and Acura in Montgomery, Ala.. Commenting on his appointment, McConnell said, "I'm honored to lead a group of entrepreneurs that drive the American economy. It's a privilege to […] [Read More]

Toyota Motor North America announced last week that it has reached a settlement agreement with the attorneys general of 29 states and one U.S. territory to resolve issues related to recalls conducted by the company from 2005 to 2010. As part of this settlement, which Toyota’s board approved last December, the automaker will pay $29 […] [Read More]

As Subaru reached a new milestone with its annual “Share the Love” charity campaign, Chrysler Group revealed it took less than a week to hit a target necessary to trigger a donation to the National FFA Organization. Ram pledged to make a donation to the National FFA Organization for every view of its two-minute “Farmer” […] [Read More]

Chrysler Group said it will launch a recall to supplement a previous campaign staged to upgrade light-truck axles. The automaker explained the recall has implications for 361,819 vehicles sold in North America. Affected are 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs, 2009–2011 Dodge Dakota pickups and 2009–2012 Ram 1500 pickups. Chrysler indicated some rear axles […] [Read More]

Two senior leadership team changes were announced by Ford on Thursday, a move the company said is meant to further strengthen delivery of its One Ford plan for profitable growth. Elected as a Ford vice president and leader of the company’s new Global Dealer and Consumer Experience organization is Elena Ford, who since 2009 has […] [Read More]

Canadian Black Book revealed its 2012 Best Retained Value Awards this week. Toyota, Lexus, Subaru and Honda combined to win 11 first-place 2012 Canadian Black Book Retained Value Awards, while European automakers took home four, and of the Detroit 3, Chrysler took home three. There was one tie. [Read More]