A just-announced acquisition by Penske Automotive Group is expected to generate approximately $200 million in annualized revenue for the company, while expanding its footprint in the Lone Star State. The company announced this week that it has acquired the Frank Smith Toyota-Scion and Hyundai dealerships in Pharr, Texas.  Both dealerships operate in the Rio Grande […] [Read More]

The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) Canada announced the winners of the 2013 IARA Builders Award today. Honored this year are Lisa Scott and Steve Macaluso, co-chairs of IARA Canada. Alex Johnston, IARA Canada Awards and Recognition committee lead said, “While many have contributed, Lisa and Steve are to thank for planting the seed of […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz Canada revealed this week its 2014 Star Dealers list. These awards honor the top 10 authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in Canada, “reinforcing the critical role that each dealership plays in the overall success of the Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart and Sprinter brands in Canada,” the company explained. The Star dealers are selected from the company's nationwide […] [Read More]

Fleet services provider ARI announced two new executive appointments this week. Rick Tousaw has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of ARI Canada. And Craig Balfour has been promoted to vice president of sales for ARI Canada. Commenting on the new appointments, executive vice president of global operations Chris Conroy said, “We’re […] [Read More]

Once again last month, Ford was the most talked about brand throughout social media, widening its lead in overall online discussions even further. According to the November Social Buzz Report from Phoenix Marketing International’s Automotive Practice, Ford was talked about 1.3 million times on the Web this past month. In second place was Chevrolet, which […] [Read More]

Contact At Once has acquired the Direct Chat business of Outsell, and the companies also announced an agreement Wednesday in which they will integrate Contact at Once’s live chat software with Outsell’s Digital Engagement Platform for mutual customers. Outsell decided to “spin off” its Direct Chat unit in order to be able to put more […] [Read More]

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I had an “uh-huh!”-type moment while reading the New York Times opinion pages this weekend. As the parent of a teenage son, the “Can’t We Do Better” column from Thomas Friedman discussing the progress of American teens in schools caught my attention. In the column, Friedman suggests today’s kids will “need to be constantly improving […] [Read More]

As Asbury Automotive Group senior vice president and chief financial officer Scott Krenz readies for retirement from the position of CFO on Dec. 31, the company this week announced his successor. Named to the role of CFO effective Jan. 1 is current vice president of finance Keith Style. “We thank Scott for his valuable service […] [Read More]

Fleet services provider ARI announced two new executive appointments this week. Rick Tousaw has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of ARI Canada. And Craig Balfour has been promoted to vice president of sales for ARI Canada. Commenting on the new appointments, executive vice president of global operations Chris Conroy said, “We’re […] [Read More]