As car dealers realize they need to expand their “net” to acquire cars, many recognize the typical used-vehicle manager isn’t fully up to the task. I’m not talking about the manager’s ability or skill, although that can often be an impediment as online sources play a larger role in a used-vehicle department’s acquisition. The bigger […] [Read More]

Sonic Automotive announced late last week an upcoming expansion in its network of stores. The retailer has entered a deal to purchase two franchises from Denver-based Murray Motor Imports Co. With the eventual purchase of Murray BMW of Denver and Mercedes-Benz of Denver, Sonic will have four stores in the Denver market. It already owns […] [Read More]

In an effort to cut down on U.S. veteran unemployment rates, Audi announced late last week it is beginning its “Veterans to Technicians Program.” The company contends this program immediate needs for both U.S. veterans and Audi retailers “who expect higher demand for service technicians, shop foremen and service consultants as the brand continues its […] [Read More]

Remarketing Services of America recently recognized Indiana Auto Auction with its top award for 2012. Indiana Auto Auction is being honored by RSA for the Best Auction Performance in the U.S. in 2012. RSA executives visited the auction during its anniversary sale on April 25 to present the top award to the auction owners Henry […] [Read More]

Brasher’s Idaho Auction is combining boxing, cars and barbecue for its 14th Annual Smoker Sale in Boise. The two-day event, scheduled for June 19-20, will feature two sales, 2,000 cars and trucks, a free barbecue dinner, and a "clash of Titans as local dealers and others members of the automotive industry square off in the […] [Read More]

Hendrick Automotive Group saw an opportunity for change. As president and chief executive officer Ed Brown put it, the retailer was wholesaling “too many” of its used cars. There were potential bottom-line benefits for the dealer group if it were to take units that it would ordinarily wholesale and sell them retail instead. Thus, as […] [Read More]

AutoTrader.com and Experian Automotive have entered a partnership that will allow dealers to include Experian’s AutoCheck vehicle history reports with their listings on AutoTrader.com. Here’s how it works. Starting in September, AutoCheck-subscribing dealers will have the option of including those reports on AutoTrader.com. [Read More]

Manheim said Thursday it has chosen as new vice president and chief people officer to replace Lilicia Bailey, who is retiring from the company. Filling the role is Rock Anderson. The promotion is effective July 1. “Rock has been an important part of Manheim leadership for many years, as a key advisor to the senior […] [Read More]

Avis Budget Group’s Ultimate Test Drive — the company’s car sales initiative — is now accepting trade-in vehicles.   Avis Budget has collaborated with AutoNation for Ultimate Test Drive, which “offers consumers a no-haggle, no-hassle process and features a wide selection of late-model Avis and Budget rental vehicles for purchase at competitive prices.” [Read More]

From “old-fashioned phone calls” to the latest in social media, Paul Potratz offers five ways to boost traffic to dealers’ brick-and-mortar and virtual showrooms, in his recent Think Tank Tuesday video segment. Potratz recommends that dealers and sales staff now only review their own buying habits when developing strategies to reach customers, but also think […] [Read More]