With the current supply/demand dynamics in the automotive retail sector, sales margins can be razor thin. Maximizing profitability increasingly hinges on optimizing the less conspicuous yet crucial aspects of a dealership’s operations. One such cornerstone is the parts and service department, a vital revenue stream that is sometimes overlooked in favor of the primary focus […] [Read More]

CarMax’s advertising and promotions departments have been busy. The national used-car retail giant announced two big promotional pushes in the past week, affiliating itself with a blockbuster movie and a minor league baseball team. The movie is “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which opens in theaters this week, and in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, CarMax is launching […] [Read More]

Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln is on the cutting edge. The dealership in Vandalia, Ohio, walked away from last month’s Reynolds and Reynolds Retail Summit: Amplify 2024 in Leesburg, Va., with two of the three Automotive Amplifier Awards, presented for the event’s most innovative best practices. Sales consultant Justin Rash earned the award in the variable […] [Read More]

The Auto Care Association is hoping a flood of letters can carry right to repair legislation through Congress. The nonprofit trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of auto parts and components, as well as parts stores and repair shops, said more the 114,000 letters have been sent to Congress by “industry advocates and concerned citizens” […] [Read More]

Vaughan Automotive added to its presence in the Houston area with the acquisition of Tejas Toyota in Humble, Texas, the dealership group said. The family-operated business, which owns Toyota stores in Houston and Boerne, Texas, has rebranded the store as Space City Toyota. In a news release, the company said the acquisition was driven by […] [Read More]

CarGurus announced it has named Mike O’Hanlon as its new chief revenue officer, citing his “deep experience driving customer growth and retention strategies for online marketplace and software as a service businesses.” In a news release, CarGurus said O’Hanlon will lead its sales and service teams to support growth objectives and priorities toward the goal […] [Read More]

Dealerships are being bought and sold regularly nowadays, sometimes with one person acquiring or disposing of multiple rooftops in a single transaction. Well, a single individual now wants to purchase an entire automaker. Frank Rhodes, Jr. — the great-grandson of Walter Chrysler — said on Friday he has sent a proposal to Stellantis and CEO […] [Read More]

The National Automobile Dealers Association, joined by 120 other organizations representing the auto industry including the National Auto Auction Association, consumer advocates and law enforcement, sent a letter on Thursday to congressional leaders urging passage of federal legislation to combat catalytic converter theft. The groups urged Congress to adopt an amendment to the annual National […] [Read More]

Plaza Auto Mall’s long tradition of supporting local education has reached another milestone. The Brooklyn, N.Y., dealership donated 2,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in the Brooklyn community in its annual backpack giveaway for 2024, which it said “reflects Plaza Auto Mall’s commitment to ensuring every child has the resources they need […] [Read More]

With Labor Day weekend straight ahead, EFG Companies released an analysis of 10 years of online consumer vehicle inquiries for dealers across the nation. And many of the findings are not what used-car managers and salespeople want, including broken lines of communication, missed sales opportunities and surprising customer perceptions. EFG said its results, compiled through […] [Read More]