WASHINGTON, D.C. – A "human-like" robot that General Motors helped NASA build will take flight later this year and permanently join the International Space Station. Robonaut — R2, perhaps so named in a nod to the iconic Star Wars movie — was designed to be a "robotic assistant" and to work side-by-side with humans. It is quite versatile, as it was created to lend […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — Dealers and automakers now can obtain a better sense of what customers are saying about brands and vehicles through social networking Web sites. J.D. Power and Associates launched a new tool on Wednesday — the J.D. Power Auto Intelligence Monitor — that executives believe is the first industry-specific social media listening platform. Company officials explained […] [Read More]

OAK BROOK, Ill. — vAuto is offering a Stocking and Sourcing Strategies online seminar next week that is free for vAuto customers. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (CST) on Monday, and will delve into three specific areas: 1. Discussion of market trends, new processes and philosophies for sourcing vehicles. 2. How to […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — They specialize in different modes of "transportation," so to speak, but the auto and aerospace sectors might be able to help each other when it comes to technology. At least that's the goal of Chrysler and NASA, which have teamed up for a three-year collaboration that, essentially, allows for technology and resource […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Liquid Motors has launched a new tool that allows dealers to monitor their social media presence across various sites and quickly respond to consumer feedback, whether good or bad. Basically, in using the SocialFuel Monitor product, dealers can punch in keywords or phrases for the program to track. Then the tool notifies the dealership whenever […] [Read More]

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Cars of North America has rolled out its redesigned Web site, which includes a community section that builds on the automaker's social-media footprint. Volvo enthusiasts can share experiences and stories with one another through the community section, which also houses the company's blog, www.volvoblog.us. Volvo insider Dan Johnston writes the blog, which […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — While Edmunds.com said it was successful in shutting down two fraudulent sites that were using the company's name, logo and likeness to bilk consumers out of money, it asks those in the industry to be on alert if any similar sites pop up. The company helped shut down www.edmundspayment.com and www.edmundsautopayment.com, but […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a new e-book, Social Media Best Practices for Automotive Dealers, GOSO president Adam Boalt explains why social media has shown such quickly mushrooming growth and what the implications are for dealers in this environment. He delves into how social media can be beneficial, brand reputation, word-of-mouth or referral marketing, as well as best […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — One of the sister sites of Edmunds.com, InsideLine.com, recently picked up an award for excellence during the South by Southwest Interactive Festival held annually in Austin, Texas. Site officials were given the 2010 Hive Award for excellence as a top automotive news and opinion Web site.  Basically, the goal of the annual Hive Awards is […] [Read More]

DAYTON, Ohio — Reynolds and Reynolds on Tuesday rolled out a new marketing feature so dealers can highlight their new- and used-vehicle inventories on Facebook. Company officials touted several capabilities of MyShowroom as a progressive extension of the Reynolds Web Solutions Mobile Pro for WebMakerX 2.0. They believe this new Facebook application further enhances the visibility […] [Read More]