IRVINE, Calif. — The hamsters worked so well once already that Kia Motors America decided on Wednesday to bring the ad characters back for another campaign to promote the Soul. The latest ad strategy to include the hamsters is based on an award-winning advertising campaign created by David&Goliath. The newest campaign, titled "This or That," builds on […] [Read More]

WOLFSBURG, Germany, and TURIN, Italy — In what appears to be a growing trend as the industry evolves, another automaker announced it is more closely teaming up with another industry player to help bolster its global footprint. Volkswagen announced Tuesday it is expecting to take a 90.1-percent stake in Italdesign Giugiaro (IDG), including the brand name rights and patents. The […] [Read More]

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — A series of dealer requests prompted Dealix to launch several enhancements to its Hassle Free Lead Return 2.0, a solution intended to boost leads for used- and new-vehicle sales. On Tuesday, Dealix executives highlighted a trio of enhancements that stemmed from dealer feedback. The list included: —An increase in the time frame […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Although not quite to the levels of its heyday a couple of years ago, AOL Autos recently discussed the growth of vehicle leasing and picked what it thinks are the best deals for May. Topping the chart was the deal available on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. "The 2011 Sonata has exploded onto the scene […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate voted its approval on Sen. Sam Brownback's motion on Monday, instructing its leaders to include language that exempts dealers from financial consumer protection agency oversight in the final language of the Wall Street reform bill. While this is good news for many dealers, what remains in question is how buy-here, pay-here […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — More favorable news for Chrysler Group on the dealer arbitration front rolled in last week, with the automaker announcing it won three cases and three others were dismissed. Chrysler revealed late last week that the arbitrator ruled in Chrysler's favor in cases involving Hinckley Dodge in Utah, Tenafly Chrysler Jeep in New Jersey and Midway Motors […] [Read More]

DETROIT and SHANGHAI — The leadership shifts continue at General Motors, which announced Monday that executive Susan Docherty is taking on a new role as vice president of international sales, marketing and aftersales starting June 1. She will be taking over for Don Johnson, whose new role GM said it will reveal soon. Docherty's most recent position […] [Read More]

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Nissan North America recently shifted an executive from within its Infiniti brand over to serve as vice president of marketing for its Nissan division. Taking on the role effective immediately is Jon Brancheau. Most recently, the automaker highlighted Brancheau was director of global Infiniti marketing communications and media. In the position, he was […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate is expected to vote today on a motion about whether it sides with Sen. Sam Brownback's provision that dealers should be exempt from oversight under the consumer financial protection agency. If the majority of senators vote yes, it will urge Senate leaders to ensure the Brownback position is contained in the […] [Read More]

PALO ALTO and TORRANCE, Calif. — Late last week, Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corp. revealed extensive engineering, financial and production agreements, all stemming from development of electric vehicles and parts. Toyota also shared more details and a remedy plan about its latest round of recalls connected with several Lexus models. Furthermore, Toyota has agreed to […] [Read More]