The beginning of next month will mark the first time that an American has helmed the chief executive role for Toyota Motor Sales USA, as it was announced Wednesday that stepping into that position on April 1 will be Jim Lentz, who is currently the president and chief operating officer at TMS. Lentz’s move was […] [Read More]

In a series of recalls released Wednesday that include both foreign and domestic nameplates, Chrysler announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of some 2004–2005 Jeep Liberty models. Officials noted some of the models may experience excessive corrosion on the rear lower control arms. “This could lead to a weakening of the component and […] [Read More]

After stepping down from his post as automotive department chairman at Northwood University last month, Joe Lescota has secured a new role with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association. NIADA announced Monday that Lescota has been appointed to be the association’s director of dealer development. His new position with NIADA starts June 1, following the […] [Read More]

AutoNation posted a 17-percent year-over-year jump in February new-vehicle sales as the group’s franchised stores turned 19,994 units. Breaking down that sales total for AutoNation’s operating segments, the figures were: —6,179 vehicles for domestic, up 18 percent versus February 2011. —10,601 for import, up 16 percent versus February 2011. —3,214 for premium luxury, up 20 […] [Read More]

O’Brien Auto Group, one of the largest dealers in the Pacific Northwest, announced late last week it purchased Bob Bridge Toyota Scion of Renton — a nine-time winner of Toyota Motor Sales USA’s President Award for outstanding sales and service in the Seattle market. While financial details were not made public, O’Brien confirmed the deal […] [Read More]

Chrysler Group rolled out an off-brand certified pre-owned offering this morning and in anticipation of today’s launch, the automaker talked with Auto Remarketing late last week in an exclusive about what Diversified Certified can offer Chrysler’s dealer body. Basically, the program gives Chrysler dealers a way to certify used cars on their lot from other […] [Read More]

CarMax revealed this week  it has launched its first auto superstore in Chattanooga, Tenn. The store is more than than 36,000 sqare feet and employs more than 90 associates, officials shared. Moreover, the rooftop — located at 2211 Overnite Drive — stocks about 300 used vehicles, the company noted. [Read More]

After returning to auto business just a couple months ago, former General Motors and Chrysler executive Tom LaSorda has landed a new role heading up day-to-day activities for Fisker Automotive, where he has been working since December. In a re-organization announced Tuesday, it was revealed that company co-founder Henrik Fisker will step into a role […] [Read More]

Volkswagen of America recently shifted one of its parts and services executives to serve in the role of region director to oversee the OEM’s franchised dealers in the Northeast. Tapped for the position is David Durant, who will be based in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. In his new role, Volkswagen explained Durant will be responsible for managing and […] [Read More]

Sonic Automotive declared today that the company’s used-vehicle department posted record annual sales volume in 2011 as used-vehicle volume climbed 11 percent for the quarter and 14 percent for the full year. The used-vehicle performance helped Sonic generate fourth quarter adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $25.4 million for a 46-percent increase over the prior-year […] [Read More]