GERMANTOWN, Md. — Officials representing the newest store within Fitzgerald Auto Malls boast that the new dealership is the only of its kind east of the Mississippi River that takes energy conservation to such a level. Founder Jack Fitzgerald celebrated Earth Day early on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at his new Germantown, Md., dealership. This […] [Read More]

AUBURN HLLS, Mich. — Though controlling stakeholder Fiat is slated to release its five-year plan later today, early details about Chrysler's financial results have already come out. The automaker is still on track to meet its goals for 2010, which include at least breaking even for the year, chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne said as the company released its […] [Read More]

TURIN, Italy — Fiat chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo is resigning from his post at the Italian automaker that owns a 20-percent stake in Chrysler Group, he announced at a press conference Tuesday. Taking his place is John Elkann, heir to the Agnelli family and the vice chairman of Fiat. Montezemolo will stay on Fiat's board […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota will not fight the $16.4 million fine the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking from the automaker for allegedly not informing proper authorities of its "dangerous sticky pedals" issues in a timely manner. Toyota said Monday it has agreed to settle the civil matter and pay the penalty in full, but automaker officials still argue […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — A U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York has settled a dispute between Chrysler Group and the state of North Carolina over dealers seeking reinstatement. The automaker revealed in a statement on Monday that the court brokered an agreement that indicates the state will not enforce its rejected dealer laws, measures that were […] [Read More]

SANTA ANA, Calif. — As the next round of hearings approach in Toyota recall litigation, prominent legal professionals nationwide are organizing for their upcoming chance to face the Japanese automaker before a federal judge next month. HB Litigation Conferences, a continuing legal education provider, revealed late last week details about a meeting of law professionals designed to thoroughly […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com analysts believe automakers are attempting to keep any economic recovery momentum going by continuing to offer generous incentive packages and discounts from MSRP on 2010 vehicles. According to the site's TrueTrends Report for April that aggregates this data, the average discount off of a new vehicle is projected to be at […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Saab Cars North America and OnStar reached an agreement late last week to continue to offer OnStar subscription service to brand customers under the automaker's new owner, Spyker Cars NV. Officials said the agreement begins with model year 2010 vehicles and applies to Saab vehicles sold in the United States. OnStar service is a […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — The New York Acura Association, a cluster of three franchise dealers, is partnering with an auto-focused advertising agency on a new technology strategy intended to connect print and online marketing efforts more effectively. The technology called QR, which is an abbreviation for quick response, is based on putting a small bar code within […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is ramping up its effort to gather consumer feedback about vehicle design and more with a new online initiative the automaker rolled out this week. The OEM has created what it calls the "Your Ideas" section of The Ford Story, the brand's interactive consumer Web site at http://www.thefordstory.com/. Executives want visitors to […] [Read More]