Consumer-reported fires in a pair of late-model domestic vehicles triggered an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Federal officials explained they are examining the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2011 Jeep Wrangler to determine the cause of consumer complaints they have received recently. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received two complaints of […] [Read More]

This is the headline from a New York Times article that discusses how brick-and-mortar retailers like J.C. Penney are re-thinking their pricing due to the increasing smarts of their Internet-powered customers. The article’s relevant for dealers because it underscores two new realities of today’s business: 1. Pricing is a means to drive traffic, not make […] [Read More]

On Monday, TrueCar unveiled a 21-member National Dealer Council — made up of dealers and auto retail experts — that, essentially, enables the company to have a better understanding of the dealer perspective. This council will advise TrueCar on addressing dealer feedback and serve as a sounding board before the company releases “major product, process and policy […] [Read More]

Offerings from Toyota and Lexus constituted half of the vehicles highlighted by Cars.com when site editors picked their best “Hybrids for the Money.” In ranking each hybrid, the site’s editors looked at a vehicle’s average fuel economy and base sticker price.  “We don’t account for equipment levels, quality judgments, cost of ownership or any variances […] [Read More]

Honda announced late last week it will recall approximately 554,000 model-year 2002 through 2004 CR-V and model-year 2003 Pilot vehicles in the United States to inspect and replace components of the headlight wiring system. The automaker discovered there is a potential failure with the wiring of the headlight switch that may cause the low beam […] [Read More]

TrueCar named a vice president of dealer development on Friday, and appointed to the position was Ken Potter. His responsibilities in the new role include managing field sales and inside account management teams, as well as fostering strong relationships with dealerships and representing the company at industry events. “We are excited to have Ken join […] [Read More]

On Friday, Group 1 Automotive revealed it has purchased a dealership in Merriam, Kan. Shawnee Mission Hyundai is expected to generate $50 million in estimated revenues. “Group 1 is pleased to add a fourth Hyundai franchise to its portfolio and expand its presence in the Kansas City metropolitan area where we presently operate large BMW […] [Read More]

Lexus contends it is “raising the bar again” in regard to customer service by partnering with its franchised dealers to create two new certified store positions. Announced Thursday, Lexus explained the vehicle delivery specialist (VDS) will introduce customers to their new units and review the features of each model. Meanwhile, the brand highlighted the vehicle […] [Read More]

Daimler Auto Group believes Mercedes-Benz is well on its way to achieving the goals of its 2020 growth strategy and reclaiming the No. 1 position in the premium segment by the end of the decade.  Speaking to investors and analysts at the opening of the company’s new plant in Kecskemet, Hungary Thursday, Daimler chairman and […] [Read More]

Eclipsing the $1 billion revenue mark for the first time, AutoCanada pulled in more than $17 million of net earnings in a year that left management “pleased.” On the used-vehicle side, although the company’s retail sales fell 1 percent for the year, AutoCanada closed its 2011 used operations on a high note, increasing retail used […] [Read More]