Today, retail automobile dealers are considered to be successful if they achieve a 2 percent net-to-sales return. Compared to general business net returns of 15 – 20 percent, the automobile dealer’s return is staggeringly low. In addition, automobile dealerships require an extraordinary amount of investment capital. After the recent economic downturn, dealerships now have to […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich is attempting to persuade the affluent consumers in its Connecticut market who already own or lease another luxury model with a $2,000 incentive. Dealership management explained drivers who currently own or lease a BMW, Audi, Lexus, Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover or Land Rover, Acura, Infiniti or Cadillac are eligible for up to […] [Read More]

Dataium’s latest Auto Shopper Intensity Index shows broad declines in activity for Japanese brands starting immediately after the devastating earthquake and tsunami, and firm analysts say it has continued downward since the March 11 tragedy. The ASI Index had already seen softening after the Libyan crisis erupted and average gas prices broke $3.45 per gallon, […] [Read More]

Earlier this week Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda visited the region of Japan most impacted by the quake and seemed to say that while the devastation there is tremendous, people throughout the world are feeling the impact, including dealers, suppliers and numerous people. He offered a special message, saying that not only did this […] [Read More]

In his latest Black Book video, Rick Beggs describes dealers’ amazement in the lanes as they were shaking their heads, continuing to bid again and again to get more inventory. While supply has been slow, one newer factor possibly fueling dealers bids could be the potential lack of  new Japanese models as that country continues […] [Read More]

USAA, a financial services provider for the military community, unveiled its first “Best Value” vehicle list that names the top 2011 models in 16 segments based on quantitative data used in USAA’s proprietary rating system. The list incorporates a mix of domestic and foreign units, including three units from Chevrolet and two apiece from Hyundai, […] [Read More]

CLR Auto Transport launched a new division on Tuesday dedicated to commercial fleet transportation, transfer services and vehicle storage. Company officials indicated this new division will be known as Fleet Care Transport and will be headquartered at the CLR Auto Transport office in Merrillville, Ind. Fleet Care Transport intends to provide professional driver transportation and […] [Read More]

Copart recently announced that its UK subsidiary Copart UK Limited has completed the acquisition of privately held Hewitt International. Hewitt International, founded in 1946, is a vehicle salvage business with a strong focus on agricultural vehicle auctions. The purchase of Hewitt International will bring to members of www.copart.co.uk a larger range of agricultural equipment and […] [Read More]

On Tuesday, Hertz Global Holdings announced the sale of 50 million shares of common stock by the investment funds associated with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC, The Carlyle Group and Bank of America Merrill Lynch that currently hold shares of common stock to Goldman, Sachs & Co. as the sole underwriter in the registered public […] [Read More]

Nissan Americas today announced that Jose Valls will join the company as regional vice president, Commercial, Nissan Mexicana, effective April 1. In his new assignment, Valls will report to Jose Munoz, president and general director, Nissan Mexicana, and be responsible for the company’s commercial activities in Mexico. Valls will oversee the company’s ongoing efforts to […] [Read More]