While the projections for August car sales differ from analyst to analyst, a common theme is brewing in their forecasts: the new-vehicle market — though still climbing — can’t seem to reach its full potential as downward economic and industry factors are limiting the auto recovery. Whether the main culprit is the topsy-turvy stock market, […] [Read More]

Dealer.com revealed Thursday that venture capital and growth equity firm Accel Partners — which invested early in the game in Facebook, Groupon and Rovio/Angry — has now invested in the Vermont-based online auto marketing provider. Accel now has a minority ownership stake in Dealer.com, and partner Todd MacLean is set to come aboard Dealer.com’s board […] [Read More]

Based on the premise that access to real-time data is critical to remarketing customers, BMW Group Financial Services recently partnered with Manheim on the development of data solutions offered through the iPad. Company officials said this technology can give BMW Group Financial Services’ auction representatives instant availability to pricing data across any location before, during […] [Read More]

On the heels of Ford and Toyota announcing they will be teaming up expand hybrid vehicle technology, General Motors revealed Thursday that it will be working with electronics giant LG to bring more electric GM models to market. The deal signed Wednesday broadens the existing relationship between the companies. LG currently provides the battery cells […] [Read More]

Buyers who purchase a certified pre-owned model that comes with Sirius XM Radio as standard equipment now can keep tabs on Hurricane Irene as it approaches the East Coast. Sirius XM Radio revealed Thursday it plans to air The Weather Channel to help those in the path of the hurricane and others throughout the country track […] [Read More]

Because of its leadership in employing U.S. military veterans and their spouses, the National Automobile Dealers Association is urging members to submit nominations for the first annual “Hiring Our Heroes” award orchestrated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. To be eligible for the award, NADA indicated a dealership must currently employ at least one person […] [Read More]

Subaru of America is seeking out its Facebook fans to help the company determine which charity will be added to the list of beneficiaries in the annual “Share the Love” event, during which a $250 donation is made for each new Subaru purchase or lease. In this year’s event — which lasts from Nov. 19 […] [Read More]

For the first time in 10 years, Urban Science discovered the number of U.S. franchised dealerships is higher — by exactly 66 stores. And how these rooftops are faring is brighter, too. Urban Science’s mid-year 2011 Franchise Activity Report also showed an increase in throughput and sales, indicating dealers are in financially stronger positions than […] [Read More]

Two of Edmunds.com’s top experts think market conditions may play out in favor of fleet managers during the second half of this year — both to buy and sell vehicles. Chief economist Lacey Plache and senior analyst Jessica Caldwell made this declaration during a recent presentation to the National Association of Fleet Administrators. “Declining consumer […] [Read More]

When the 2012 Toyota Camry made its debut earlier this week in Los Angeles, it signaled the kickoff to a 20-vehicle onslaught of new and redesigned vehicles from the automaker that will hit U.S. stores over the next year and change, including four others to be launched before 2012, according to a report from Bloomberg. [Read More]