DALLAS — Liquid Motors recently rolled out its package of marketing applications so dealers can better harness the capability of Facebook. The SocialFuel Facebook Marketing Applications include SocialFuel Inventory, SocialFuel FanBuilder, SocialFuel Coupons and SocialFuel New Car Research. The company explained SocialFuel Inventory can allow dealers to display inventory, photos and videos on their Facebook page […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — In the midst of automakers ramping up their efforts to clear out old-model-year new vehicles a month earlier than usual, incentive spending climbed in July, according to Edmunds.com. The site also indicated that incentive spending helped to bring about a significant increase in sales, as well. Specifically, the industry spent an average of $2,753 per […] [Read More]

TULSA, Okla. — In addition to announcing that his company is on pace to hit record profits this year, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group's chief executive officer also publicly responded to Avis Budget Group's recent bid to acquire the company. Scott Thompson said the company looks favorably on the offer, with one or two hitches. In essence, Thompson said his board of directors need […] [Read More]

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A focus on self-evaluation and self-improvement has permeated the culture at Chrysler since it went through bankruptcy and reorganization last year, and this mentality is particularly evident in the automaker's manufacturing segment, said Scott Garberding, the automaker's senior vice president of manufacturing/world class manufacturing.  Garberding was a speaker Monday at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — J.D. Power and Associates doesn't think the sharp improvement in new-vehicle retail sales experienced during the first half of July kept enough steam to drive up full-month results by a large factor. This is why firm analysts believe a slowed sales pace during the final two weeks of July likely will pull down the […] [Read More]

YONKERS, N.Y. — Consumer Reports recently compiled four lists regarding what it finds to be the best vehicles for teen drivers, senior citizens, tall drivers and small drivers, respectively. Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that made all four lists was the Honda Accord. "Honda has built its brand around the core pillars of clean, safe, fun […] [Read More]

WESTCHESTER, Ill. — Insurance Auto Auctions announced that its I-bid Live online bidding program and the IAA Auction Center buyer-facing technology are now compatible with Apple-based mobile technology. Essentially, this means buyers can utilize this technology from any Apple-based Web-capable phone or device, like the iPhone or iPad. This, of course, allows for greater flexibility for […] [Read More]

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Ford announced Tuesday that at the end of this month it will kick off an initiative to bring the best performance possible for both current and past buyers of its 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup. For customers who already purchased this vehicle earlier this year, they will be sent a letter […] [Read More]

DETROIT and ANDERSON, Ind. — Tuesday marked the first funding action by the newly formed General Motors Ventures, a strategic relationship between Bright Automotive and General Motors. The agreement with the Indiana automaker is intended to help accelerate Bright's production of the IDEA, a plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle. Executives explained the companies signed a memorandum of […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Delivering one of the keynote addresses at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo in February will be Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales USA. Lentz will offer the industry message during the formal opening of the 94th Annual NADA Show. The conference is slated for Feb. 5-7 in […] [Read More]