Along with revealing scholarship and leadership award recipients, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association used its 65th annual Convention & Expo to add another industry veteran to the NIADA National Ring of Honor. The latest inductee is Joe Lescota, Northwood University’s automotive marketing department chair. NIADA chief executive officer Michael Linn declared during a ceremony that […] [Read More]

Sharing some positive news on the production and sales fronts Thursday — which will likely bring good tidings for used supply, as well — Nissan said its global sales are projected to climb nearly 10 percent for fiscal 2011. And full production is expected to be restored in October.  This spells good news for the used side […] [Read More]

In the latest setback Saab is facing, the automaker revealed it does not have the funds to make payroll. Dealers and employees appear to be holding their breath to see if management can pull renewed funding off, even as creditors, including suppliers, are knocking on the automaker’s door. [Read More]

With the season to drive a convertible now in full swing, TrueCar.com discovered automakers are discounting these models through rebates and other incentives by as much as 12 percent. “More manufacturers than ever before are offering vehicles with a convertible option for consumers to choose from,” noted Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends and […] [Read More]

CarMax posted a 25-percent lift in net earnings during the first quarter, and with a spike in store traffic, the retailer also enjoyed comparable used sales that climbed 6 percent. More specifically, CarMax’s net earnings came in at $126.3 million ($0.55 per diluted share) for the fiscal first quarter, which ended May 31. This sum […] [Read More]

Lexus has new leadership within its certified pre-owned operation, Auto Remarketing learned this week. Former national CPO manager Chuck Yaeger is now the Lexus national customer satisfaction manager, while the former holder of that role, Denise Jacobson, was named national market representation/CPO manager, which is a newly created position. Additionally, performance accessories manager Jeff Koford […] [Read More]

With the former chief financial officer for Asbury Automotive Group stepping into the president and chief executive officer role, the company revealed Tuesday that it’s search for a new CFO is over. Asbury announced Tuesday that Scott Krenz will be the new CFO and senior vice president, effective June 27. The company is “fortunate to have a […] [Read More]

As positive developments on the production front for Japanese automakers roll in after months of struggles in the earthquake’s aftermath, these companies should also see some benefits within their used-vehicle and certified pre-owned operations, as well. Toyota, for one, plans to have production at 100-percent capacity for September and is reportedly accommodating for this production […] [Read More]

Kelley Blue Book announced today that it has joined the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association National Member Benefit Program, meaning NIADA members can now tap into KBB’s various offerings — including the newly launched Quick Values — to help them become more profitable and efficient. Independent dealers can turn to KBB for vehicle valuation as well as […] [Read More]

Group 1 Automotive’s regional structure will soon have a new look. The retailer announced Monday that its three U.S. regions will be consolidated into two starting next month, while also revealing the leaders for those respective regions and a new position: vice president of marketing. [Read More]