Chevrolet is enjoying total sales numbers for Cruze that are more than more than triple those of the Cobalt, the unit the new 2011 model replaced in the brand’s lineup. The automaker declared Thursday that the Cruze is on track to exceed 50,000 total sales during the first quarter. Chevrolet also calculated retail sales are […] [Read More]

FordDirect claims its lead volume for both the new and used vehicles has climbed by more than 20 percent year over year while the remainder of the industry has stayed flat. How can company leadership make such an assertion? Executive vice president of marketing Stacey Coopes says it stems from slightly changing the value proposition […] [Read More]

While not an exact predictor of used- or new-vehicle sales, the Business Roundtable’s first quarter CEO Economic Outlook Survey released Wednesday shared some uplifting sentiments that could eventually lead to more buyers at dealer showrooms. The survey that gathers opinions of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies indicates these business leaders anticipate higher sales […] [Read More]

The ongoing challenges in the supply chain in Japan given the breadth of damage left by the quake and tsunami have led Honda headquarters to reach out to its U.S. and Canadian counterparts asking them to make “temporary adjustments” to reduce production levels. According to an updated statement from the automaker, “As a result of […] [Read More]

Volvo Trucks in North America announced Wednesday that in response to increased demand, the company will ramp up production at its New River Valley, Va., plant and recall approximately 700 employees. Through February, Volvo Trucks determined that it increased its combined U.S. and Canadian retail sales volume 47 percent versus the same period last year. […] [Read More]

Today, retail automobile dealers are considered to be successful if they achieve a 2 percent net-to-sales return. Compared to general business net returns of 15 – 20 percent, the automobile dealer’s return is staggeringly low. In addition, automobile dealerships require an extraordinary amount of investment capital. After the recent economic downturn, dealerships now have to […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich is attempting to persuade the affluent consumers in its Connecticut market who already own or lease another luxury model with a $2,000 incentive. Dealership management explained drivers who currently own or lease a BMW, Audi, Lexus, Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover or Land Rover, Acura, Infiniti or Cadillac are eligible for up to […] [Read More]

Earlier this week Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda visited the region of Japan most impacted by the quake and seemed to say that while the devastation there is tremendous, people throughout the world are feeling the impact, including dealers, suppliers and numerous people. He offered a special message, saying that not only did this […] [Read More]

USAA, a financial services provider for the military community, unveiled its first “Best Value” vehicle list that names the top 2011 models in 16 segments based on quantitative data used in USAA’s proprietary rating system. The list incorporates a mix of domestic and foreign units, including three units from Chevrolet and two apiece from Hyundai, […] [Read More]

Nissan Americas today announced that Jose Valls will join the company as regional vice president, Commercial, Nissan Mexicana, effective April 1. In his new assignment, Valls will report to Jose Munoz, president and general director, Nissan Mexicana, and be responsible for the company’s commercial activities in Mexico. Valls will oversee the company’s ongoing efforts to […] [Read More]