DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is ramping up its effort to gather consumer feedback about vehicle design and more with a new online initiative the automaker rolled out this week. The OEM has created what it calls the "Your Ideas" section of The Ford Story, the brand's interactive consumer Web site at http://www.thefordstory.com/. Executives want visitors to […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Building on what it described as successful site optimization for the iPhone, AutoTrader.com on Thursday launched a new mobile device platform to provide access to its most popular sections. Company executives explained that the new mobile platform can allow consumers to use their devices for the "Find a Car" and "Find a Dealer" features […] [Read More]

MIAMI — Tax returns could prove to be more influential in consumers deciding to go after a lease this year, according to LeaseTrader.com. The site is projecting that during tax-return season "confidence through the arrival of a tax return" will be the impetus for almost a quarter of leases, compared with 14.3 percent in 2005. Not only […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By and large, the auto markets throughout country have shown signs of improvement, according to the latest Beige Book report. The report shows that eight of the 12 Federal Districts have seen an upswing in vehicle sales. Specifically, the New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas and San Francisco districts have had […] [Read More]

ENCINO, Calif. — In a seemingly natural marketing connection between country music and pickup trucks, the Ram Truck brand will be behind the the first "text-to-vote" for one of the evening's biggest winners at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards — the fan-voted category of Entertainer of the Year. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors and Carfax entered into an agreement this week to aid dealers, owners and potential buyers about rectifying unrepaired safety, non-compliance and emission recalls. GM executives explained that they're providing millions of vehicle identification numbers to Carfax for units with open recalls. Brands include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac as well as ones […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — As the Internet becomes more of an integral part of the auto research and purchasing processes, online strategies often play a major role in how successful a dealer is in the used-car market. With that in mind, during next week's Digital Dealer Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., a pair of FirstLook executives will […] [Read More]

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Fiserv on Wednesday handed out its top performance designation for 2009 to an auction that's been ranked in its top three during each of the past three years. This time, ADESA Birmingham claimed the honor over other operations that have been at or near the top consistently, as well. For the fourth consecutive […] [Read More]

DES PLAINES, Ill. — The latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicated a double-digit decline in motorcycle thefts during 2009. NICB discovered that a total of 56,093 motorcycles were reported stolen to law enforcement last year. Officials pointed out the total represented a 13-percent decline from the 2008 figure, which was 64,492. Breaking down the data […] [Read More]

HOUSTON — Group 1 Automotive added another franchise dealership to its stable earlier this week. Executives announced the acquisition of Harrelson Toyota/Scion in Rock Hill, S.C., which is in the greater Charlotte, N.C., market area. Group 1 indicated that this dealership now will operate as Toyota/Scion of Rock Hill. Executives expected the store to generate approximately […] [Read More]