Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst for NADA Used Car Guide, took a cautious approach not only looking at where new-vehicle sales could head in 2011 but also as to how high fuel prices could climb this year. At the outset of his first industry update for the year, Banks reiterated 2010’s new-vehicle sales total, which […] [Read More]

The Federal Trade Commission appears to be “uncertain” about the competitive issues surrounding the proposed merger of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group and Avis Budget Group, the two companies report in an update Tuesday regarding their ongoing dealings with regulators. In seeking the green light from the FTC to move ahead with the acquisition, Avis and DTAG […] [Read More]

AutoNation posted double-digit gains in retail new-vehicle sales during 2010 and closed the year on a high note, enjoying significant growth during December and in the fourth quarter. Specifically, AutoNation dealers saw their retail new-vehicle sales climb 13 percent on a year-over-year basis during 2010. [Read More]

Nissan and Infiniti dealers now have another selling point to move certified pre-owned vehicles, thanks to a new offering via Sirius XM Radio. It was revealed Monday that 2008 model-year and newer CPO Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with factory-equipped XM Radio will now include an introductory subscription the XM Everything package for three months. [Read More]

Saab Automobile AB has named an interim chief operating office for Saab Cars North America as Michael Colleran steps down.  Immediately moving into the interim role is Matthias Seidl, who is Saab Automobile’s executive director of global sales. Seidl assumes Colleran’s duties of leading Saab in North America while also maintaining his current responsibilities. Officials […] [Read More]

The owner and president of Rawls Auto Auction recently revealed another member of the family has come back to the operation. Jimmy Rawls said that Martin Rawls now is part of the auction as a marketing representative after pursuing other opportunities for several years. “I’m very happy to have him back as part of the […] [Read More]

General Motors will be NBC’s sole automotive advertiser for the network’s U.S. coverage of the 2012 London Olympic Games thanks to a new media partnership deal reached this week between NBC Universal and the automaker. Olympic coverage on NBC’s network and cable channels will feature a “major advertising presence” from GM brands Chevrolet and Cadillac, which will […] [Read More]

Manheim revealed Monday that it has appointed a new vice president and general manager for Manheim Pennsylvania — the company’s flagship facility — to replace Keith Williams. Williams is moving into the corporate role of vice president of technology integration, which is a newly created position at Manheim. [Read More]

Mazda dealers now have a new avenue for acquiring off-lease vehicles to help shore up their used inventories thanks to an online resource powered by OPENLANE. Through the Mazda Vehicle Remarketing online auction, the automaker’s U.S. dealer body gets first crack at vehicles coming off-lease. Moreover, OPENLANE crafted an online grounding tool specifically for Mazda. […] [Read More]

In some good news for the domestic auto industry and potentially other sectors of the economy as well, Ford said Monday that it plans to bring more than 7,000 jobs to the nation’s embattled job market during the next two years. These new jobs will be spread throughout the U.S. and will include both hourly and salaried […] [Read More]