Even though 2011 marked a dramatic downturn for off-lease volume — which is perhaps the most significant lifeflood for the certified pre-owned supply — some automakers are expecting that 2012 will present even more challenges for securing CPO inventory. So, in order to continue the momentum from a record year for certified sales in 2011, […] [Read More]

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and Manheim announced they are now accepting nominations for the 2012 NIADA/Manheim Community Service Award. The award recognizes independent dealers for community contributions and charitable sponsorships. Five finalists will be selected from the pool, and the winning dealership will be named on June 13 at the Leadership Awards Banquet […] [Read More]

Led by its domestic operating segment, AutoNation saw a 7-percent rise in retail new-vehicle sales in 2011 and closed the year with a strong December that was up double digits year-over-year, the company announced Monday. Breaking its full-year results down further, AutoNation realized a 17-percent gain in sales for domestics, while its import sales were […] [Read More]

On the heels of achieving a 26-percent year-over-year sales hike, Chrysler announced Friday that chairman and chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne will now serve as campaign chair for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan 2012 campaign. His responsibilities as campaign chair of the community betterment non-profit includes heading up the recruitment of leaders within the […] [Read More]

It was announced late last week that Automotive Association Services will now provide management services to the Maryland/Delaware Independent Automobile Dealer Association. Also, AAS has named an associate director to assist with its new partnership. Tapped for the position is Brad Hudson. Officials noted that the relationship between AAS and MIADA-DIADA began on the first […] [Read More]

General Motors hopes it now has dashed any safety concerns about the Chevrolet Volt’s battery catching on fire long after a collision, thanks to engineering modifications revealed Thursday. The automaker announced enhancements to the vehicle structure and battery coolant system in the Volt that would further protect the battery from the possibility of an electrical […] [Read More]

Kelley Blue Book released Thursday a list of the 10 Best Used Cars under $8,000, pushing the consumer base towards the option of pre-owned vehicles. Though quality used inventory remains scarce, KBB contends there are still ways to get into a “good (and modern)” used vehicle without spending too much money. With well-known models like […] [Read More]

DealerRater kicked off its 2012 Dealer of the Year Award Program on Thursday with the campaign climaxing during next month’s National Automobile Dealers Association Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas. Officials recapped that DealerRater’s program highlights a select number of dealerships throughout the United States and Canada. These stores will be awarded for outstanding customer […] [Read More]

Hyundai Motors is celebrating a new beginning, as well as presenting its “vision for the future," with the release of a rendering of its proposed new headquarters in Fountain Valley, Calif. The new building — to be built in the OEM’s U.S. base of operations for the past 20 years — will represent more than […] [Read More]

If automakers want to make a big advertising splash for their franchised dealers during the Super Bowl, they better have their spot reserved or they might be just watching like millions of others. The broadcaster of this year’s game, NBC Sports, said on Tuesday it has sold out its 30-second advertising spots for this year’s […] [Read More]