General Motors turned to someone with a military background to be its first chief diversity officer. Accepting the role Monday was Capt. Kenneth Barrett, who retired from the U.S. Navy. “Diversity is and has been a key component of our success including diversity of work force and diversity of customer base — it can only […] [Read More]

In the first three months of 2012, Sonic Automotive lifted used retail sales by more than 6 percent and increased its used revenue by 9 percent as the retailer achieved record first-quarter revenues. Overall, earnings from continuing operations reached $19.5 million, a 24-percent year-over-year hike. Net income was at $20.5 million, compared to $15.0 million […] [Read More]

Although their seasonally adjusted annualized rate has slowed down in April, retail new-vehicle sales are still likely to enter the spring selling season with some steam and continue to beat expectations, according to the latest forecast from J.D. Power and Associates’ Power Information Network and LMC Automotive. [Read More]

In honor of the first “Fiat 500 Abarth Driving Experience" — a chance for a new owner to attend a day of driving training with their new vehicle — Fiat has selected five Facebook fans to participate at a special inauguration drive event taking place in Las Vegas on Thursday titled “Drive for the Fans.” [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz USA created a new executive position Thursday — general manager of customer experience —  that includes responsibilites for developing, directing and executing initiatives across all areas of the business, including the dealer network. Effective May 1, serving in this position will be Harry Hynekamp, who will report to MBUSA president and chief executive officer […] [Read More]

It can help your dealership stand apart from its peers. It can help expand the customer base. It can help knock down departmental walls. But it also requires a certain disciplined strategy to succeed. This was part of the message expressed about the certified pre-owned market at this week’s Auto Remarketing Canada conference presented by […] [Read More]

American Honda Motor Co. revealed this week the establishment of what it has titled a “green dealer” program for its independently-owned Honda and Acura dealers in the U.S.  The program offers three achievement levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum. And the  “Honda Environmental Leadership Award and Acura Environmental Leadership Award will be given to dealers who […] [Read More]

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials revealed General Motors’ recall of 50,000 crossovers from three of its main nameplates to correct a windshield wiper issue. The recall covers the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia from the 2011 and 2012 model years currently registered in the following states, as well as the nation’s Capitol: […] [Read More]

With Nissan prepared to revive the Datsun brand, chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn received a history lesson about the nameplate during a recent visit to company’s heritage warehouse. Home to 400 Datsun and Nissan vehicles, ranging from the 1933 Datsun 12 to electric prototypes used during LEAF development, the automaker highlighted its giant garage is […] [Read More]

After revealing it enjoyed double-digit growth this past fiscal year, CarMax announced this week that  its associate volunteer association The CarMax Foundation granted more than $2.4 million to nonprofits in the fiscal year that ended on Feb. 29. This marks the largest annual donation since its inception in 2003. “Our largest grant total before this […] [Read More]