As 2013 wrapped up, certified pre-owned luxury units remained scarce across the country. And increasingly cold weather seems to have ramped up demand for some larger models, as well. According to the latest installment of vehicle scarcity data that is provided monthly to Auto Remarketing by AutoTrader.com, Porsche holds the top three national spots on […] [Read More]

Given the deal announced Wednesday for Fiat to gain 100-percent ownership of Chrysler Group, their collective dealers are likely to enjoy a broader and improved lineup of cars to offer consumers. Not only that, this new-and-improved offering may reach dealer lots in a more timely fashion. Such is the outlook that at least some industry […] [Read More]

With both Christmas and New Year’s Day each falling directly in the middle of the business week this year, Black Book editorial director and senior vice president Ricky Beggs discussed the definitive impact that timing left in the lanes. During his most recent online video commentary, Beggs said, “Sure, the overall activity has been reduced, […] [Read More]

At a recent 20 Group meeting of Chevrolet dealers, a dealer told me that the average front-end used-vehicle gross profit for the group was down $275, while expenses were up 11 percent. The dealer then asked a question that I’ve heard multiple times in recent months: “Dale, what can we do about this? I got […] [Read More]

Hyundai Motor America recently announced its president and chief executive officer John Krafcik would be stepping down as of Dec. 31. Filling the role in 2014 is David Zuchowski, former executive vice president of sales for the company. Zuchowski assumed the position Jan. 1. The new president and CEO joined the company in Feb. 2007 […] [Read More]

A pair of luxury brands is making vehicle recalls, according to postings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The larger of the two campaigns comes from Volvo Cars of North America, which is recalling 30,929 vehicles. Included are S60 vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years and manufactured from June 22, 2010, through […] [Read More]

Automotive market intelligence firm Polk has named a new director of market reporting solutions, choosing a former employee and Experian executive for the job. Polk, which was recently acquired by IHS Automotive, announced the appointment of Jeffrey Anderson has to the role, saying he will lead the company’s Loyalty Solutions and Loyalty Management practice. The […] [Read More]

A lot has changed when it comes to new-vehicle market share in Canada. The economic downturn, manufacturer bankruptcies, product challenges and newcomers to the scene have shaken some of the grip that big names have held on the market. In a recent issue of the Observations report from his company, Dennis DesRosiers, president and founder […] [Read More]

Destination Auto Group, a family-owned Vancouver-based retailer of new and pre-owned vehicles, says it finds the perfect customer service balance by taking both an artistic and scientific approach to serving customers. Adil Ahamed, marketing and business development manager at Destination Auto Group, says the dealership’s approach to customer service is as much an art as […] [Read More]

This holiday season, Honda Canada and Ontario Honda dealers gathered more than 3,000 toys for needy children. The toy drive is in support of the 47th annual CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children in need during the holidays. The toy drive began on Nov. 18 and involved the participation of 77 […] [Read More]