Retail

DETROIT — Apparently, 258 dealers closed this year from January through July 1, according to Urban Science. While still a significant number, it's nowhere close to the record 1,603 dealers who closed up shop last year. According to Urban Science, the higher than normal rate is due to bankruptcy closures and arbitrations, which the firm indicated […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — Generating customer testimonials through online channels has become a more integral part of automotive marketing lately, and Toyota Motor Sales, USA is looking to tap into that through a new mini-site. "Stories from the Road" allows owners to post stories about driving their Toyota product, and it appears to be a hit thus […] [Read More]

DETROIT — With the aim of bringing more female professionals into the auto retail business, the General Motors Women's Retail Network is introducing a scholarship program targeting women studying in automotive retail programs at undergraduate, graduate and non-traditional education institutes. The network will be giving out scholarships of up to $5,000 starting next year and will begin taking […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — In celebration of its 60th anniversary year of operating in the U.S., Porsche Cars North America began a contest Friday that entails searching out the oldest Porsche models in the country. The automaker has put out the call for the oldest vehicles in 12 different model categories, in addition to the oldest vehicle overall. The My Classic […] [Read More]

DETROIT — It appears General Motors is taking care of its chief executive succession plan to have a solid team in place in preparation for its initial public offering. Not long after reporting second-quarter net income of $1.3 billion on Thursday morning, GM revealed that Ed Whitacre is stepping down and being replaced in his chairman and chief executive officer posts […] [Read More]

ANDERSON, Ind. — Bright Automotive announced Thursday that it has hired an industry veteran with more than 28 years of automotive experience, including executive roles at Tesla, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz, as its chief operating officer. Taking on this position is Mike Donoughe. He will manage the company's day-to-day operations and lead the development of the IDEA, […] [Read More]

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — Saab Automobile is looking for additional markets to introduce the newly launched 9-5 sedan as well as the soon-to-be-arriving 9-4X crossover and 9-5 wagon.  This is why the automaker on Wednesday announced it needs importers to supply dealers in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Saab sees the role including the importation and distribution of Saab vehicles and parts as well […] [Read More]

COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides.com continued its back-and-forth swing between domestic and foreign nameplates when picking its latest Car of the Month. After choosing a domestic model in July, site officials went with a foreign unit for August, tapping the 2011 Infiniti M56. They believe this vehicle steps into the M series lineup with "style," replacing […] [Read More]

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A Chevrolet dealer along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast took a gamble when he brought in 10 new-vehicle models from rivals Toyota, Honda, Ford and Dodge for shoppers to test-drive and compare to his own offering.  But it seems to be paying off for Taylor Hood and Preston Hood Chevrolet, which posted a […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In preparing for the U.S. launch of the Fiat brand, Chrysler is hosting a Fiat Experience later this month and has asked about 600 of its dealers to be at the event. These Chrysler stores are all located in one of markets where the automaker is looking to place the Fiat brand. Peter Grady, […] [Read More]