Retail

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — According to J.D. Power and Associates automaker websites that focus primarily on brand image promotion and interesting design might be hindering vehicle shoppers. Instead, J.D. Power indicated OEM websites that concentrate on a consumer's usability to search for information scored much better in its 2010 Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study — Wave 2 released […] [Read More]

TOYOTA CITY, Japan — The president of Toyota Motor Corp. gave his "heartfelt apologies" for the automaker's recent safety issues while also extending thanks to supporters during these challenging times in a message on the company's website that reflects on the past year and paints a vision for the future. The future illustrated by Akio Toyoda is one of sustainable growth, technological […] [Read More]

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Nissan North America on Tuesday revealed more details of its timetable to introduce the 2011 LEAF, the automaker's all-electric, zero-emission vehicle. Consumers who already have placed a reservation in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Tennessee can take delivery of a LEAF in December. Customers in these states benefit from the EV Project, […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors has priced its all-new Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with an MSRP of $41,000, a move one industry analyst said is "bold," but potentially very fruitful for the automaker.  Another analyst pointed to the vehicle's "ace card" being its extended-range capabilities.  Orders for the Volt officially opened up Tuesday. At first, the vehicle, […] [Read More]

DETROIT — As more than 600 Chevrolet dealers in targeted markets prepare for the launch of the Chevrolet Volt, they'll finally learn what price point General Motors has set for the electric vehicle. OEM officials plan to announce today the Volt's MSRP and the ordering process dealers will use to fulfill customer requests. The announcement coming […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford's string of quarterly financial improvements continued late last week, as the automaker reported that it beat income and revenue performance expectations again, reaching levels not seen in more than five years. Ford revealed that its second-quarter net income totaled $2.6 billion, or 61 cents per share. The company calculated the figure to be a $338 million […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — Rumors are apparently starting to circulate that General Motors could file its registration for an initial public offering as soon as the week of Aug. 16, which, perhaps not surprisingly, will be soon after the automaker reveals second-quarter results. A filing with the SEC would be the first move toward an IPO, and […] [Read More]

PITTSBURGH — When it comes to the meeting the needs of female shoppers, the auto brand whose dealers women rate as being the best overall is Mercedes-Benz, according to a semi-annual report from Women-Drivers.com. The website gathers data for its Women Satisfaction Index based on thousands of audited consumer reviews based on experiences at specific dealerships in the […] [Read More]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Pushed up heavily by substantial improvement in both the used and new sides of its business, AutoNation posted a sizable gain in second-quarter income, the company said Thursday. Specifically, AutoNation tallied net income of $47.2 million, up 28.6 percent year-over-year. The company's adjusted net income from continuing operations was $62 million, compared […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — A slew of influences appear to be pushing July's new-vehicle retail sales ahead of rather sluggish numbers from May and June, but it would be a bit premature to celebrate, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The company has moderately lowered its full-year guidance for both retail and total new-vehicle sales and one official said […] [Read More]