CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sonic Automotive said it compiled strong first-quarter results with its retail used-vehicle operation leading the way.  Executives said Tuesday that during the first quarter, the company recorded net income of $4.15 million, up from $1.68 million a year ago. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $0.14 per share, compared to $0.10 per share last year.  Sonic explained […] [Read More]

ATLANTA and SEATTLE — Contact At Once, a provider of dealer chat software, and Cobalt announced a new partnership on Tuesday. The deal means an enhanced version of Contact At Once's chat solution can be integrated into Cobalt's dealer Web site suite. Executives highlighted that dealers now can support more shoppers' natural communications preferences with the […] [Read More]

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — AVV, a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions, launched two new products this week in what executives called part of a larger initiative to increase lead conversions. The first product is WebResponse, e-mail templates that AVV said can offer personalized message customization for dealers. Executives explained that dealers can select from multiple style variations […] [Read More]

HERNDON, Va. — Audi of America is looking to further leverage the exposure one of its vehicles is receiving in the film Iron Man 2. The automaker on Tuesday announced an online social-media contest called "The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge" that stems from the movie character's use of the Audi R8 and other technological advances. Starting Wednesday, […] [Read More]

PARK RIDGE, N.J. — Hertz Global Holdings has signed an agreement to buy Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group in a move officials said will help Hertz grow its global footprint and become the second largest vehicle-rental company in the U.S., among other benefits. Hertz is paying approximately $1.2 billion in cash and stock to acquire Dollar Thrifty. […] [Read More]

FREDERICK, Md. — The National Auto Auction Association put some concrete numbers behind what dealers have been seeing for a while — shrinking wholesale volumes and rising vehicle prices. NAAA noted on Monday that year-to-date auction volume is off by 10.3 percent compared to the same time frame last year. The association broke down the AuctionNet volume […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Executives with General Motors Certified Used Vehicles broke out their calculators to create their new "Built-In Value" advertising campaign. They put an approximate dollar amount for the features their CPO units have, which include a 12-month/12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 117-point inspection, vehicle reconditioning, free Carfax Vehicle History Report, 24-hour roadside assistance and a three-month trial […] [Read More]

BEL AIR, Md. — BSC America announced recently that coming aboard the company's staff is Jeff Raynor, who had been in Jacksonville, Fla., working as a commercial and governmental sales manager for a local Ford dealership. "We are delighted to welcome Jeff to BSC America," said Charles Nichols, the company's president. "His years of experience in the industry […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Diverse manufacturer promotion efforts seem to be paying dividends for two of the leading vehicles in the latest Hot Car Report from Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com. Enjoying the most weekly shopping activity growth on the site among new models was the 2011 Toyota Avalon. Site officials indicated the vehicle posted a 62-percent growth […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Autobytel navigated several issues during the first quarter of 2010 to ensure its financial footing and compile some positive results. Examples the company gave on Monday were the elimination of some affiliates to improve the quality of leads for dealer customers and matters relating to Toyota's recalls. Executives highlighted that its net income turned upward to a total […] [Read More]