PIKESVILLE, Md. — MileOne Automotive recently learned that two of its Baltimore-area Chrysler dealers received the highest award available from the automaker for customer service. Earning 2009 Five Star Certification from Chrysler were Heritage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Parkville and Heritage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Owings Mills. Company executives highlighted the benchmarks a dealership must attain to earn […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com analysts expect sales efforts in conjunction with Presidents' Day should push new-vehicle sales figures for February to a much stronger level than those recorded during the same month last year. But the site's apprehension stems from questioning the importance that one particular weekend could have on the entire month's sales performance. [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American International Automobile Dealers Association has organized the chance to mingle with lawmakers from Capitol Hill as part of its upcoming International Auto Industry Summit. The two-day event will be conducted on May 19 and 20 at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. AIADA highlighted that along with the chance to […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Toyota's generous incentives appear to be giving the automaker a significant sales performance boost, according to Edmunds.com. Site analysts believe Toyota's March sales figures should climb a whopping 82 percent as compared to February. The automaker's incentives include zero-percent APR financing for up to 60 months for qualified buyers on 2010 Avalon, […] [Read More]

ERLANGER, Ky. — Toyota on Thursday continued to bolster its quality-control initiatives by announcing the formation of a North American Quality Task Force. This group is meant to guide the implementation of regional improvements and work closely with the Special Committee for Global Quality led by Toyota president Akio Toyoda. This new task force will be […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — J.D. Power and Associates believes the ongoing metamorphosis of the auto industry into a completely global venture could produce more situations like the combined effort of Chrysler and Fiat. A firm expert who concentrates on analysis from a global perspective sees more joint ventures and collaboration in order for automakers to thrive […] [Read More]

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — March sales have been an unexpected surprise for the auto industry, according to Matt Traylen, chief economist and client partner with ALG. In addition to retail sales climbing, leasing levels are expected to come in above last year's March level as well, he noted. "March sales have been an unexpected boost to […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — On Wednesday, Ford commemorated another milestone for its SYNC voice-controlled communications and infotainment system, while also sharing the resale benefits the platform offers. Ford said that the SYNC system was recently set up in the 2 millionth vehicle. Just 10 months ago, Ford celebrated SYNC reaching the 1 million unit milestone.  About 10 […] [Read More]

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Findlay Automotive Group will transition the last of its Saturn dealerships into a different franchise operation at the end of March. Group executives said Saturn of Henderson will become Findlay Lincoln Mercury as of April 1. The group's decision to switch brands at a former Saturn location continues the pattern officials started when General […] [Read More]

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Charles Heinrich, the president and chief executive officer of Heinrich Chevrolet, may soon add another title to his name: Guinness Book of World Records winner. The Buffalo, N.Y., area dealer was recently spotlighted on General Motors' Faces of GM blog. On the blog he shared some of his background, success strategies, personal interests and, […] [Read More]