As first-quarter earnings reports pour in from dealer groups, record profits have been reported, and the new-vehicle market also appears strong. Amid this strength, several retailers also offered a glimpse at how the used-side of their respective operations are faring. [Read More]

Toyota revealed Wednesday the 500 organizations selected in its 100 Cars for Good program, in which the automaker will give away 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. The finalists, which the company noted come from all 50 states and Washington D.C., represent nonprofits serving various community needs, such as animal […] [Read More]

Leaders from both the National Automobile Dealers Association and American Truck Dealers are asking members to take part in NADA’s new Dealership Workforce Study that will analyze employee compensation, benefits, turnover and other data. NADA and ATD member dealers have until May 2 to share their feedback, and the association emphasized there is no cost […] [Read More]

On Monday, Mercedes-Benz USA appointed a new general manager of pre-owned and fleet operations to replace Bart Herring, who has been named general manager of product management. Promoted to the pre-owned/fleet position is Mark Webster, who will step into this role on May 1. His most recent post was as the company’s area manager for […] [Read More]

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]