BMW of North America informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the automaker is recalling 76,565 vehicles to correct a seat issue that might make the airbag malfunction. Included in the campaign are: —2006: 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons —2007: 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons […] [Read More]

Though analysts offered no short-term good news in regards to Canadian leasing levels, movement in the new-car market could spell more off-lease vehicles in the future. That is, if OEMs are able to turn consumers away from long-term loans and point potential buyers toward leasing. New-car sales in Canada are soaring. Why is this important […] [Read More]

Acura Canada announced two recalls this week that affect more than 3,000 model-year 2014 units in Canada. First, Acura said it is recalling  3,074 MDX vehicles from the 2014 model year to inspect and, if needed, tighten or replace bolts used to secure the propeller shaft, a component of the all-wheel drive system. “During assembly, […] [Read More]

vAuto is officially entering the new-car market. The company said Wednesday it is launching an inventory management and pricing system for dealers’ new-car departments that aims to boost sales, profitability and transparency. Through this new tool — called Conquest — dealers have “a new way to win in new vehicles,” where they can simultaneously lift […] [Read More]

When gathered amongst themselves, sometimes dealers and finance company executives who specialize in working with customers with checkered credit pasts say they're not in the car business — they're in the collections business. "If you have a weak leg in collections, you're dead. I don't care if your ACV is $1,000," said Michelle Groover, chief […] [Read More]

More than 44 percent of the roughly 3.1 million leases ending next year will be in the ideal wheelhouse for certified pre-owned programs, according to CNW Research. And it’s expected millions more CPO-worthy off-lease units will follow in coming years, giving an already record-breaking certified sales market ample inventory. Getting into specifics, CNW believes that […] [Read More]

Used-car inventory levels approached 50 days’ supply last month, continuing an upward movement that has offset some of the rise in retail prices for dealers, according to CNW Research. Supply is expected to hit the 52-days mark in early 2014, but CNW contends this level “is within a comfortable level for solid profits.” Getting into […] [Read More]

I have a prediction: Over the next three years, the way dealers manage, merchandise and price their new-vehicle inventories will be dramatically different than how they’re handled today. In fact, I’d argue that the best practices we see today in used vehicles will serve as a guide for new-vehicle departments. This prediction comes from observing […] [Read More]

Manheim announced a couple of appointments on Tuesday, appointing a new general manager for one of its locations and an auction manager to cover two locations. Chad Ruffin has been hired  general manager for Manheim Southern California. “The hiring of Chad is a true testament to Manheim’s goal of putting leaders in place to drive […] [Read More]

Along with updating store principals about important tax benefits that expire at the end of the year, the National Automobile Dealers Association named a new chief economist on Tuesday. Taking on the role is Steven Szakaly, who arrives with more than 10 years of forecasting and industry analysis experience to NADA. Previously, Szakaly led economic […] [Read More]