Mazda Canada has struck a deal with LGM — which provides OEM-branded extended warranty credit insurance, wear protection and vehicle theft deterrent products — to allow its dealers to offer lease customers an added layer of protection and perhaps lead to a better-conditioned vehicle upon return to the dealership. The companies have rolled out Mazda […] [Read More]

Although Canada experienced a rough patch in new-vehicle sales — which were down almost 5 percent last month — several automakers appear to be doing quite well on the certified pre-owned front. For one, Toyota Canada — which continues to rebuild from the aftermath of this year’s quake in Japan — notched its best July […] [Read More]

In light of a more robust economy and the automaker’s global goals, Nissan Canada recently revealed that it is growing its dealer body. In addition to bolstering its dealer presence, the company wants to optimize its current dealer body and make sure its customer experience is solid, with the goal of increasing market share. [Read More]

Dealers are already feeling the pinch of diminishing used-vehicle supply circulating back into their stores, but they might want to brace themselves, as it’s about to tighten even more, according to NADA Used Car Guide. This company reports that off-lease supply of three- to four-year-old vehicles, in particular, will likely be “bottoming out” late next […] [Read More]

As a part of a new, long-term agreement, Manheim revealed Thursday Sonic Automotive is committed to moving and consolidating its auction business from competing locations to Manheim sites, taking a “one partner, one market” approach to wholesale units. Sonic wants to create efficiencies by working closely with Manheim for not only its selling, but also […] [Read More]

When it comes to social media, Seattle-area General Motors dealer Brad Brotherton doesn’t just use it to learn more about his own customer reaction to his store’s products and respond to their comments. The owner and president of Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC also employs social media to connect with owners of vehicles from competing brands. [Read More]

On heels of selling 10,000 LEAFs worldwide last month, Nissan recently conducted a question-and-answer session with one of its top executives to diffuse concerns about “range anxiety” and the possibility the electric vehicle’s battery pack would need replacement. Answering the questions was Nissan corporate vice president Simon Sproule, who touched on how best to charge […] [Read More]

DrivingSales has opened up the application process for its 2011 DrivingSales Dealer Best Idea Award program and is encouraging dealers to submit their entries. There will be five finalists for the award, which is sponsored by ADP/Cobalt. These finalists will get the opportunity to vie for more than $10,000 in cash and to demonstrate their […] [Read More]

ADESA revealed that its 70 auction locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico will participate in National Auto Auction Week, an event which aims to “celebrate the industry’s seven decades of entrepreneurship.” The week designated by the National Auto Auction Association, Aug. 22–26, will include events and activities that not only celebrate the staying power […] [Read More]

Just as auctions now are talking about consolidations, a longtime Michigan dealer is doing the same thing with his Lincoln, Volvo and Mazda franchises. In business since 1946 servicing the Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and surrounding communities, Sesi Motors stated this week it plans to consolidate its current Ypsilanti dealership where it sells Lincoln and Mazda […] [Read More]