Along with recall details on its Odyssey and Pilot, Honda revealed several changes in its U.S. executive ranks on Wednesday, moves the OEM insisted are designed to strengthen its North American regional operations to further speed decision-making and increase efficiency and competitiveness within the region. [Read More]

Infiniti leadership had one message for its franchised dealers when they gathered for the brand’s national retailer meeting earlier this month in Phoenix. Without hesitation, brand officials declared, “there is no better time to be an Infiniti retailer.” Part of the reason for Infiniti’s optimism is the brand’s new CUV — the Infiniti JX. Officials […] [Read More]

The son of a millwright, Michigan native Eric Swanson’s family background in the car business is strong. Following the footsteps of his father and both of his grandfathers, Swanson now heads up the certified pre-owned program for Chrysler. As part of an Auto Remarketing Special Profile Series, Swanson shared more about his days growing up […] [Read More]

Extended service contract provider Preferred Warranties began its 20th anniversary celebration this week by highlighting a 29-percent increase in sales revenues last year, coming on the heels of a 16-percent jump during 2010. PWI national sales manager Wayne Herring Jr. declared, “2010 was strong, 2011 was even stronger. [Read More]

It appears that the used-car market this month is getting a nice bump from 2012 being a leap year. Otherwise, CNW Research suggested February’s used sales would have been rather static this month. Specifically, CNW is forecasting 1.95 million used sales for the month, an 8.1-percent hike from February 2011 on an unadjusted basis. “Adjusted, […] [Read More]

While some automakers kicked off advertising campaigns employing the help of comedians turned TV stars, 1980s rock legends and a cinematic icon known for his cowboy-like grittiness, Mazda has taken a different route. It is turning to Dr. Seuss. Mazda North American Operations has struck a deal with “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax," which is the […] [Read More]

The two newest recalls revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration include vehicles from the current model year, one by Nissan and the other by Dodge. The larger of the two recalls is for the 2012 Nissan Versa. Officials explained the 36,608 effected units failed to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle […] [Read More]

Payless Car Sales and Bob Dance Imports will officially debut the first dealers to sign on to the Payless Assurance certified pre-owned program when the newest Payless franchise holds a grand opening Monday just outside of Orlando, Fla. In addition to being the first Payless Assurance participant, the new store in Sanford, Fla., will also […] [Read More]

Pushed by a used-vehicle performance that left the company’s chairman “extremely pleased,” Penske Automotive Group closed its most profitable year ever on a high note. Penske’s fourth-quarter used retail sales climbed 20 percent at 32,183 units, which helped lead to a 10.6-percent retail sales spike (including new and used) for the group during the period. […] [Read More]

Reporting full-year and fourth-quarter results this morning, Asbury Automotive Group enjoyed a 78-percent lift in net income in 2011, a year where the retailer’s used-vehicle operations showed substantial growth. Asbury’s total used-vehicle revenue climbed 16 percent at $1.3 billion, with used retail revenue up 21 percent at $1.1 billion. These revenues stem from 55,805 used […] [Read More]