With growing concern about parts and vehicle supplies — even radioactivity — analysts and automakers are still trying to get a handle on the magnitude of problems Japan’s earthquake and tsunami disasters are leaving on the industry now 10 days later. Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation at Kelley Blue Book, didn’t hesitate to state, […] [Read More]

Dealers looking for inventory — especially Ford models — from the Avis Budget Group now can secure units thanks to a revamped partnership with OPENLANE. Lot management now can scour Avis Budget Group vehicles based on make, model or vehicle identification number directly from Avis and Budget locations with full condition reports provided by Alliance […] [Read More]

Ford said its Norfolk Assembly Plant property has been sold. The buyer of the plant in Norfolk, Va., is Jacoby Development out of Atlanta. Under the deal, Jacoby has sold part of the plant to global logistics provider Katoen Natie. The Belgium-based company is pumping $12 million into creating a new warehousing and distribution operation […] [Read More]

TrueCar gave automakers and brands their monthly report cards late last week and one domestic OEM, in particular, moved close to the top of the class. After earning a C+ in January, General Motors not only showed some of the highest month-over-month improvement but also tied with Hyundai with the second-highest grade of any manufacturer, […] [Read More]

With gas-price concerns returning, NADAguides.com identified what it believes are the top five non-hybrid fuel-efficient vehicles that cost less than $30,000. The site contends these five vehicles — two domestic models and three foreign units — go beyond the basic with desired options for realistic, everyday lifestyles. The selections include the Chevrolet Aveo, GMC Terrain, […] [Read More]

J.D. Power and Associates unveiled its 2011 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study on Thursday with one brand, in particular, celebrating its first-ever top ranking. Earning the top spot in this year’s rankings was Lincoln, which has never claimed the No. 1 perch in the more than two-decade history of the VDS. J.D. Power determines a brand’s […] [Read More]

With so much recent analysis focused on how gas prices are swaying shopper behavior, NADA Used Car Guide took a look at the issue from the inventory manager perspective. Maybe not to the degree of 2008, but executive automotive analyst Jonathan Banks surmises the 35-cent climb at the pump during the first two weeks of […] [Read More]

Though the company believes it has enough vehicles in stock to withstand market demand, Sonic Automotive said Thursday that if its import supply does run low due to the ongoing Japanese disaster, its dealers plan to turn to used vehicles as a supplement. “We await further news as these companies (automakers) continue to evaluate the impact of these events on […] [Read More]

ServNet president Jeff Brasher revealed the network strengthened its Midwest presence with the addition of Plaza Auto Auction in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Plaza Auto Auction has been in business for 49 years, and ServNet believes the operation has distinguished itself in its market as the largest evening sale in the Midwest, holding an auction on […] [Read More]

Honda shared details about its latest recall that’s predominantly connected with 2011 Civic models in the U.S. and Canada as well as a handful of 2011 Acura CSX vehicles in Canada. The automaker explained this week’s decision stems from the need to inspect and possibly replace the fuel pump module inside the gasoline tank. The […] [Read More]