HARTFORD, Conn. — Executive Auto Group offered an update on Tuesday about its latest performance as a part of AutoTrader's Trade-In Marketplace. The program results in guaranteed value offers for customers looking to unload a vehicle through trade or outright sale. Executives explained now they either can cut a check to the customer for a predetermined […] [Read More]

MEDFORD, Ore. — Lithia Motors expanded the company's presence in its home state as three Bend, Ore., stores will become part of the dealership network. Honda of Bend has been purchased by Lithia, which also agreed to have the Cadillac and Chevrolet brands from Bob Thomas Chevrolet Cadillac transferred into the network. Officials estimated that the […] [Read More]

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Officials from the Saab Club of North America expect this year's Saab Owners Convention to be even more memorable since the brand did not disappear thanks to its sale to Spyker Cars. The nameplate's annual enthusiast gathering in Aurora, Ohio, is scheduled to begin Thursday, culminating with a Saturday night banquet that includes […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Treasury's decision-making process regarding the dealership network reductions at General Motors and Chrysler has come under fire in an audit released Sunday by the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. And the automakers themselves were not spared from critique, either. The report from SIGTARP — titled […] [Read More]

CENTREVILLE, Va. — Carfax attempted to pinpoint how many used vehicles went up for sale in 2009 that were part of a manufacturer recall but never repaired. The vehicle history report provider revealed on Monday that at least 1.4 million used units fell into this category, according to a study Carfax conducted. The study also indicated […] [Read More]

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Black Book revealed a couple of distinct dealer sentiments as editors conducted their usual gathering of commentary while strolling through auction lanes nationwide. The majority of dealer feedback reflected a positive outlook on wholesale and retail activity. However, it does appear some concerns are persisting. "The comments from the dealers at the auctions this past […] [Read More]

AVOCA, Pa. — Service contract provider GWC revealed recently that it is now offering coverage on medium-duty trucks. The Medium Duty Truck Protection Plan is offered on trucks whose gross vehicle weight rating is 19,500 pounds or less. Various vehicles are included in the plan, including everything from small dump trucks to refrigerated and box trucks. […] [Read More]

KENSINGTON, Md. — Fitzgerald Auto Malls recently received a mixed bag of resolutions concerning the future of its franchise operations tied to Chrysler and General Motors. First, the company learned Chrysler had reinstated its Chrysler and Jeep franchises in Florida. According to the company, the Florida arbitrator described owner Jack Fitzgerald as a consumer advocate. Fitzgerald […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford said the order pace for the 2011 Shelby GT500 is quickly approaching the cap. The automaker indicated that more than 3,300 orders have been placed for the Shelby GT500. To ensure exclusivity, Ford mandated U.S. sales of this vehicle be limited to 5,500 units. "We are pleased with the pace of retail orders for […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — New research from the Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Group revealed today that more vehicle buyers are apparently turning to used units, as well as tending to pay in cash rather than financing their purchases. The study findings showed some startling vehicle buyer sentiment about potential purchasing and financing plans. Stemming from what analysts believe to […] [Read More]