ERLANGER, Ky. — Toyota revealed Wednesday that it has made several changes at its North American plants to give them more "local leadership." "These changes allow us to move faster and more efficiently in key decision-making," explained Tetsuo Agata, president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America. "This is a natural progression for a global […] [Read More]

HOUSTON — Group 1 Automotive revealed Wednesday the company gained a franchise dealership located within the market of its headquarters while selling off another franchise operation in Florida. Executives announced they've been awarded a Mini franchise to complement BMW of Clear Lake, an existing dealership near Houston. They expect to begin selling Mini vehicles out of […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It looks like dealers have moved closer to winning the congressional battle and gaining exemption from the consumer protection agency, but some hitches appear to remain. Apparently congressional leaders who are seeking to combine Senate and House legislation on financial reform agreed to exempt dealers, according to a report by the Wall Street […] [Read More]

DETROIT — With the continent's consumer demand climbing, General Motors revealed Tuesday that it is launching a regional organization for South America. Heading up GM South America — whose headquarters will be in Sao Paulo, Brazil — will be Jaime Ardila, who will come over from his current position as president and general manager of GM Mercosur. In […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Sun-Times Media announced Tuesday it has struck a deal with The New York Times that can help Chicago luxury vehicle dealers improve their chances of reaching key prospective buyers. Under this agreement, Sun-Times Media is providing ad packages to dealers that will run their ads in The New Year Times' "Chicago Report" local news section […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Cadillac management on Monday highlighted details of a new program now connected to all 2011 models — Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance. The automaker plans to provide owners of with frequently required maintenance services for the first four years or 50,000 miles. The company indicated this program covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — To help its dealers enhance the customer experience, the Lincoln brand has rolled out a new offer where it is giving consumers who buy or lease a 2010 or 2011 model in its lineup this summer free schedule maintenance, which includes oil changes, tire rotations, vehicle inspections, engines belts and hoses for […] [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO — Kia Motors America is partnering with thisMoment, a real-time social media content management system provider, to push out another initiative to promote the Soul. The latest campaign from the automaker is using thisMoment's platform to create an interface for Kia fans on several online outlets. Executives from thisMoment explained their Distributed Engagement Channel […] [Read More]

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — Saab Automobile, a newly independent company, named a new design director late last week, and filling the position is Jason Castriota, who is a former Bertone and Pininfarina designer. He had apparently worked previously on Ferrari and Maserati models. In his new role heading up design at Saab, he reports to chief executive officer […] [Read More]

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW of North America announced new management appointments within its sales division Friday. As part of the moves, the automaker said Bob Frisch, vice president of the Western region will retire. Taking his place will be Arturo Pineiro. Additionally, Kevin Coon was named vice president of the Central region. Frisch, VP of the […] [Read More]