Lithia Motors is loving the results its used-vehicle division is generating — production such as used-model retail same store sales increasing by 22 percent during the first quarter. But top executives are quick to point to the managers and personnel doing the day-in, day-out work to make each part of Lithia’s used department move on […] [Read More]

The NCM Institute at NCM Associates has added several new training classes to its auto retail management training portfolio. Included are six classes in disciplines new to the Institute. These areas cover: —Express Service Management Levels I & II —Parts and Accessories Management Levels I & II —Collision Center Management —Sales and Management Compensation [Read More]

Sonic Automotive president Scott Smith pointed out the company has posted 14 consecutive quarters of revenue growth without adding any dealerships to its network. Could Sonic be ready to add some stores in hopes of boosting the bottom line even more? Smith reiterated Sonic’s position Tuesday when the company reported its first-quarter performance and conducted […] [Read More]

Based on market indications thus far in April, it appears the springtime “shift toward private-party sales” in the used-car business has begun to accelerate. In fact, CNW Research said in its Retail Automotive Summary released Tuesday that casual sales will drive the bulk of the expected growth in used-car sales this month (which, by the […] [Read More]

Along with sharing an update on the possibility of a Tesla dealership in Virginia, the National Automobile Dealers Association cheered the recent decision by the Federal Trade Commission regarding labels for new alternative-fueled vehicles. NADA officials highlighted that effective May 31, the FTC will no longer require a special label for new alternative-fueled vehicles (AFVs). […] [Read More]

In the first installment of our “How to sell to Gen X and Y” series, we examined the dramatic shift from cars to tech as the hot interest among young people — and the resulting decline in younger drivers and car shoppers. As we mentioned last time, effectively selling to these younger, automotive-apathetic consumers requires […] [Read More]

In a quest to help returning military service personnel locate civilian jobs, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association has introduced a new initiative to provide automotive sales training and employment opportunities. The initiative, dubbed Operation Troop Train, is a partnership between the CATA and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, which is helping to identify 40 […] [Read More]

Coming in a quarter when its earnings rose 2.6 percent, Sonic Automotive announced this morning that the group’s dealerships set a new company record for used-vehicle sales volume during the month of March. Sonic said its stores retailed nearly 9,400 used models in March, pushing its quarterly total to 26,469 vehicles. That figure is up […] [Read More]

When it comes to younger generations, are cars going the way of the dinosaur? Not quite — but there are some very interesting trends in driving/car purchases, technology use, city living and the correlation between them all. Let’s start this story by traveling back to the days of the carhop and the drive-in movie theater, […] [Read More]

Following last week’s fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, the General Motors Foundation has announced a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross to aid emergency relief efforts. The funds will help provide shelter and meals for affected families, and aid the Red Cross in preparing for and responding to disasters in the Lone Star […] [Read More]