As the retail auto world braces itself for the impact of tariffs on new-car sales, AutoNation sees used-car sales as a potential cushion against that impact, but supply remains a challenge, its executives said on the auto retailer’s first quarter earnings call. Used is an area that is less impacted by tariffs, AutoNation CEO Mike Manley said, so it is an area of ... [Read More]

Kia America’s certified pre-owned program has hit the million mark. Kia’s 1 millionth U.S. CPO vehicle was sold April 21 at Kia of Brandon in Tampa, Fla. The 2024 Kia EV6 Light Long Range was purchased by Bryce Ashmore — but Kia picked up the check. “The EV6 had really great reviews, and I always […] [Read More]

News watchers who have seen continuous coverage of government-imposed tariffs didn’t get much of a break during Sonic Automotive’s first quarter 2025 earnings call last week. Sonic’s chairman and CEO David Smith said in his opening comments of the earnings call that the company is still dealing with the “uncertainty” of the tariff situation. Tariffs, along with the strong performance of Sonic’s used-vehicle business, EchoPark, received a great deal of discussion time during the earnings call, and the topics of tariffs and EchoPark ... [Read More]

Lithia and Driveway’s used-car segment had a strong first quarter highlighted by robust sales in what the auto retailer characterizes as “value” units. “Used autos are foundational to our model and we expect to see ongoing positive trends in the quarters ahead,” said Bryan DeBoer, Lithia’s president and CEO, during the earnings call. Used-vehicle sales in the first quarter ... [Read More]

Hendrick Automotive Group is returning to South Carolina’s capital. The Charlotte, N.C.-based dealer group, which is the largest privately held auto retailer in the U.S., said Thursday it will be acquiring Love Automotive. Hendrick said the acquisition is expected to happen in June and close by July. The purchase of the Columbia, S.C.-based group would […] [Read More]

Jerry Seiner Auto Group has expanded to California and added its first Honda store. The dealer group has purchased Ocean Honda of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, Calif., from Victory Automotive Group, according to a news release from Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions, which represented the seller. Victory Automotive CEO Jeffrey Cappo said in the […] [Read More]

Could the environment get any crazier for the used-car supply line? First of all, dealers are facing an multimillion supply shortfall over the next three years, along with a 50% reduction in lease returns. That’s because leasing took a big hit way back in 2021. Now, there’s uncertainty for the supply of new cars, which […] [Read More]

AutoNation said Monday it has hired former Nissan executive Jeremy Tucker as its new chief marketing officer, replacing Rich Lennox, who left the retailer after two years. Tucker was most recently executive vice president, global chief marketing officer and chief franchise officer at Spin Master. During his time at Nissan Motor Co., he was head […] [Read More]

The people have spoken. And what they’ve said to Kelley Blue Book is, “We love Honda.” Honda dominated KBB’s 2025 Consumer Choice Awards, nearly sweeping the non-luxury categories with five wins, including Best Overall Brand. The Japanese automaker was also named the Most Trusted Brand, the Best Value Brand, the Best In-Vehicle Experience Brand and even […] [Read More]

One of Lithia & Driveway’s top executives is moving on — and going back to his roots. Executive vice president and chief operating officer Adam Chamberlain, who joined LAD in 2022 and was promoted to COO last summer, will take over as CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, effective July 1. Mercedes said Chamberlain will also serve […] [Read More]