Ford and Feeding America, one of the nation’s largest hunger-relief organizations, are organizing the 2013 Ford Escape Hunger Drive, a campaign covering all regions of the United States. During drive events, guests will be able to drive, walk around or ride in the all-new Escape, and in turn Ford will provide 40 meals per guest […] [Read More]

Volvo Canada’s certified pre-owned sales for June dipped slightly from the same month of 2011, but the automaker closed the first half of the year ahead more than 23 percent of the year-ago period and still expects to see double-digit full-year growth. Volvo was just one of several automakers reporting June CPO sales to Auto […] [Read More]

During what was the second-best month in the history of the certified pre-owned market, several automakers had reason to celebrate as they recorded historically high CPO sales in June. In fact, Mini had its best-ever month for CPO sales (292 units sold), according to Autodata Corp., and Honda reports that its flagship division achieved an all-time […] [Read More]

General Motors made what it’s calling a “bold new guarantee” for the Chevrolet lineup, telling buyers “if you don’t love it, return it.” Starting today, participating U.S. franchised dealers will offer the Chevy Confidence program, which includes: —Love It or Return It: This vehicle return program covers every new 2012 or 2013 model-year vehicle purchase. […] [Read More]

Dealers United has introduced its July deal for members, featuring deep discounts on a customer relationship management package provided by DealerSocket. Based on the negotiated terms, members of Dealers United will save 55 percent off all setup and training, and 31 percent off the monthly charges if they jump on the deal between now and […] [Read More]

For franchised dealerships, June was a month of swarming trade-ins and solid growth in the used-car department, where sales climbed more than 4 percent year-over-year, according to CNW Research. Firm president Art Spinella said Monday that franchised dealers sold 1.68 million used units in June for a 4.47-percent uptick, noting that these stores were “swamped […] [Read More]

Dealership sales staff are apparently going well beyond a “May I help you?” approach to potential buyers. According to a new industry index by Pied Piper, sales forces are showing extra effort in customer service, especially at luxury brand stores. That improvement in sales effectiveness, the index shows, often accompanies gains in a dealership’s market […] [Read More]

Automotive solutions provider VIN Viper revealed late last week that dealers and customers who use its iPhone, Android and desktop platforms will now have access to vehicle history reports — an offering that may prove particularly useful, following some new California regulation laws on the books. The company announced it has integrated National Motor Vehicle […] [Read More]

Though not climbing at the same clip as earlier months, Canadian new-vehicle sales jumped nearly 3 percent in June, closing a first half that saw a “resurgent” market beat year-ago sales by more than 7 percent. This was the latest take from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, which released its monthly Market Snapshot and commentary on the […] [Read More]

Mazda Canada has an interim president to replace Don Romano, who “elected to leave the company," effecitve Tuesday. Mazda Motor Corp. announced that appointed as interim president is Shusuke "Kory"  Koreeda, who was most recently executive vice president at Mazda Canada. It is expected that Mazda Motor Corp. will approve his appointment to the presidency later […] [Read More]