WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Wyoming used-vehicle dealer convicted of 11 counts of deception-related felonies was sentenced to more than three years of prison and another three years of supervised release, the Justice Department announced this week. Randy Lee (aka Jimmy Lee) was found guilty of five counts of odometer tampering, five counts of securities fraud related […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Automobile Dealers Association repeated its warning on Monday about the possibility of dealer-assisted financing coming to an end if proposed legislation passes completely through Congress. NADA officials indicated that broad reform to the nation's financial system soon will be considered by the Senate. They stressed that President Barack Obama already has […] [Read More]

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Toyota will be staying close to home for its impending legal processes, which saw a major development late last week. The plethora of acceleration-related lawsuits against the automaker will be rolled into one piece of litigation to be heard by a California federal judge in a city not too far from where Toyota […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors executives on Monday chose a former Cadillac and Saab USA executive to fill the role as product marketing director for Buick. John Schwegman, U.S. marketing vice president for Buick GMC, appointed Roger McCormack to the role effective immediately. Most recently, McCormack had been U.S. vehicle marketing director for Cadillac. He had held […] [Read More]

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Cars of North America has rolled out its redesigned Web site, which includes a community section that builds on the automaker's social-media footprint. Volvo enthusiasts can share experiences and stories with one another through the community section, which also houses the company's blog, www.volvoblog.us. Volvo insider Dan Johnston writes the blog, which […] [Read More]

CARMEL, Ind. — On Monday, ADESA Lexington revealed that the operation won the 2009 Consumer Portfolio Services Auction Recognition Award in the category of best retention. Executives explained that best retention means ADESA Lexington provided the top recovery rates, despite a tough economy. They said vehicles sold for an average 92.9 percent of book value. This […] [Read More]

TULSA, Okla. — Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group has seen a swell in franchising activity lately, as the company continues to expand both in the U.S. and abroad. Specifically, Dollar Thrifty reported Monday that in the past two quarters, it has granted 15 new franchises. Moreover, it has signed contracts with 13 additional franchises, and expects that […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing with the grassroots-style marketing of its Fiesta model, Ford is looking for the "most unique and stylish individuals" to appear in an upcoming TV advertisement for the vehicle. The automaker is holding the "Inspired by Color" casting call event this week at Howard University in Washington, giving everyday folks the shot at […] [Read More]

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — DealerTrack announced this week that its number of active financing sources connected to its network reached a new threshold. Company executives highlighted that the figure now stands at 850, including GMAC Financial Services. The company reiterated that dealers can use DealerTrack to electronically submit credit applications. Those applications are carried on to […] [Read More]

DETROIT — A 27-year veteran of GMAC Financial Services and its former parent General Motors, Bill Muir, head of the company's global automotive services, announced his intention Monday to retire within the next year. Muir will continue in his current role until a replacement is named. After that time, he will remain with GMAC for a "period […] [Read More]