TORRANCE, Calif. — In yet another development to the automaker's recent batch of challenges, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, announced a voluntary safety recall early Tuesday morning on its 2010 model-year Prius and Lexus HS 250h models to update the vehicles' anti-lock brake system software. Multiple reports have also indicated that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration […] [Read More]

ACTON, Mass. — WheelsTV unveiled its inaugural Pre-Owned Vehicle of the Year Award, and taking the honors was the seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-2007). Officials praised the model-year 2003 to 2007 Accord for its "peppy" response, strong fuel economy and for receiving "virtually no major consumer complaints." The model was also lauded for its smooth ride and top […] [Read More]

IRVINE and SANTA MONICA, Calif. — When it comes to generating shoppers' interest via Super Bowl advertisements, it appears this year's big winner was Hyundai, whose commercials Sunday night appear to have generated significant Web traffic boosts for some of the automaker's models, according to separate analyses from Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com and Edmunds.com. The Hyundai […] [Read More]

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — OPENLANE recently rolled out 10 different enhancements for how inspections, arbitration and more are handled within iDEAL, its program to provide dealers with the chance to market vehicles nationwide. Among the adjustments OPENLANE made are: —Pre-sale Third Party Inspections (TPI): OPENLANE explained that it has partnered with Alliance Inspection Management to allow […] [Read More]

ROCHESTER, Mich. — Foresight Research, a firm near Detroit specializing in the auto industry, found a strong connection between vehicle buyers and attendees at auto shows, especially in the Midwest. Its research study determined 70 percent of show attendees who said they were influenced to purchase a new vehicle recalled spending 30 minutes or more at the […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GOSO, a Web and social media marketing suite, shared research it conducted about how many dealers use Facebook and Twitter. Company executives believe 25.5 percent of all dealerships have a page on Facebook. They calculated the exact figure at 5,155 dealerships. GOSO also contends that 10.9 percent of dealers, or 2,195, have a […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Thursday marks the first of two Pre-Owned Road Shows to be held in Florida in the coming weeks — in Tampa on Feb. 11 and in Orlando on Feb. 16. These free training events will provide dealers with the latest information, tools and skills for selling more pre-owned units and profiting more in their […] [Read More]

CARMEL, Ind. — ADESA announced Monday that it has promoted Jeff Bescher to the role of senior vice president of commercial sales and operations. In this position, he will report to Bob Rauschenberg, executive vice president of sales and marketing for ADESA. His responsibilities in this post include overseeing the company's commercial sales and operations as […] [Read More]

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Dealer.com recently named a new chief financial officer. Bringing more than 20 years of senior management experience in finance and investment banking to the role is David Stetson. Most recently, Stetson served as senior managing director and head of the investment banking department for Caris & Co., a San Diego-based investment bank focused […] [Read More]

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — DealerTrack on Monday rolled out comprehensive service price guides designed to aid in offering quick, accurate and consistent estimates. The guides are connected through DealerTrack's current dealership management system for its roster of dealer clients. The guides are available for all major manufacturers. The company indicated that DealerTrack DMS clients can purchase the guides for subscription […] [Read More]