In discussing the importance of customer loyalty and repeat business to his dealership, Larry Taylor — the dealer principal at Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln in Vandalia, Ohio — points to the book Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard. While not specifically about the auto industry, Taylor said the book delves […] [Read More]

Land Rover North America appointed a new brand vice president this week. Reporting to Gary Temple, president of Jaguar Land Rover North America, will be Kim McCullough, who has been charged with marketing communications and product planning for Land Rover in the United States. Before joining Jaguar Land Rover North America, executives noted McCullough was […] [Read More]

AutoNation revealed Monday that it has gained a new member to its board of directors, pushing its total number of board member to 10. Called to serve as an independent director was Alison Rosenthal. [Read More]

Scion used a third-party website developer to roll out a series of applications and other online tools to help owners connect and maintain their vehicles. This week, Cie Studios launched a new website in addition to an iPhone app that are geared to provide Scion owners with “a new place to meet, express their enthusiasm […] [Read More]

OnStar rolled out a sweepstakes Monday that allows all owners of vehicles with digital OnStar — even if they are used models — to vie for the chance to win their pick of an assortment of OnStar equipped Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac model. Basically, if a driver has an OnStar-equipped unit, even if they […] [Read More]

Nissan revealed a few shifts in the senior leadership of the sales, marketing, communication and purchasing organizations within its Americas region, including a new director of customer and sales satisfaction. Named to that post is Billy Hayes, who is the current director of market representation and strategy. He has been with Nissan since 2004. Hayes’ […] [Read More]

TOYOTA CITY — In light of the massive earthquake in Japan and subsequent tsunami that wreaked havoc there, Japanese automakers halted production at several plants in the island nation late last week. Several Japanese automakers with major U.S. presence  — including Toyota and Nissan — released statements detailing work stoppages and providing details about the […] [Read More]

To help dealers comply with provincial law governing advertisements, the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario recently offered a synopsis of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council’s advertising rules. Basically, the UCDA broke down specific areas of the law and how dealers can ensure compliance, beginning with contact information that must be included in dealer […] [Read More]

An ex-recreational vehicle dealer in Alberta is allegedly in some hot water after being arrested and dealt 97 charges under the Criminal Code of Canada last month. Arnold Donszelmann — of Leisure RV Rentals Ltd., a company in Millet, Alberta, that had its business license revoked more than three years ago — has been charged by the Alberta […] [Read More]

General Motors Wednesday confirmed a recall report posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in connection with 2011 models of the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX. The recall stems from affected vehicles failing to comply with NHTSA safety standard No. 103 regarding windshield defrosting and defogging systems. Officials indicated that software in the electric […] [Read More]