CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sonic Automotive has beefed up its existing presence in two markets. The dealership group revealed Friday that it was granted Buick and GMC franchises in Montgomery, Ala., as well as a new Kia franchise in Colma, Calif. "We are pleased to be associated with these brands in these particular markets and appreciate the […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Though they have subsided from a rather robust July, there has still been "relative strength" in new-vehicle sales during August, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The company pointed out that the month's seasonally adjusted selling rate for retail sales will likely be stronger than the pace during the first half of 2010. […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors revealed Thursday afternoon that it has a new vice president for Chevrolet marketing to replace Jim Campbell, who is moving to the position of vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. Taking the Chevrolet marketing post is Christopher Perry, who most recently was vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America.  The […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Should the sales pace hold, August could be quite a successful month for automakers and their franchise dealers. Edmunds.com analysts projected how August new-vehicle sales could finish based on data compiled during the first two weeks of the month. The site believes if August sales continue at the current rate, they will total […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Porsche Cars North America on Thursday revealed its new general counsel, a veteran legal professional who the automaker said has actually been on the job since last month. Reporting directly to president and chief executive officer Detlev von Platen is Joseph Folz. The company indicated Folz not only will lead its legal department but […] [Read More]

McLEAN, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association will serve as a co-sponsor for an event this fall that is designed to help dealers take advantage of opportunities in the accessories segment. The third annual Dealer Day Conference at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's 2010 convention will delve into a number of helpful tips for dealers looking […] [Read More]

DETROIT — A little more than a year after its bankruptcy proceedings and less than a week after naming a new chief executive officer, General Motors has ended the industry speculation. It has filed for an initial public offering. The automaker appears ready to largely untangle itself from the U.S. government by paying much of the bailout […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mazda Motor Corp. revealed to government officials earlier this week that the manufacturer is recalling more than 300,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles in North America so dealers can fix problems with the power-steering system. The units involved in this recall are from the model years 2007 through 2009. The OEM built these versions […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials described themselves as "very concerned" about a complaint surfacing in connection with the immense steering system failure of a 2010 Kia Soul. NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation indicated it has received one complaint that alleges the steering shaft de-coupled from the steering wheel. Officials said it resulted […] [Read More]

DETROIT — As the dog days of summer roll along, AOL Autos pinpointed what site reviewers believe are the 20 best new-vehicle deals for August, analyzing cash rebates and financing options. The site selected four vehicles made by Ford, including the Editor's Pick as the top overall deal — the F-150. "After letting up a bit earlier […] [Read More]