IRVINE, Calif. — Though new-vehicle sales in the realigned auto industry may stay in the 11 million range for the foreseeable future until a few key economic indicators improve, there exists a certain optimism for Big 3 automakers, in particular, during the recent "slightly rising tide" in auto sales, according to James Bell, executive market analyst for […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Though Chevrolet appears to be the front-runner to gain the most displaced new Hummer buyers if the brand closes up shop, the attention of these shoppers would largely be "up for grabs," according to AutoTrader.com, which looked at cross-shopping activity among Hummer shoppers on the site. AutoTrader.com's data indicates that 12.3 percent of new […] [Read More]

PHILADELPHIA — It was announced Monday that a preliminary approval of settlement has been achieved in a case involving an alleged design defect in certain Suzuki motorcycles. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida — Miami granted the preliminary approval of settlement in the case, which was a breach of warranty class action suit […] [Read More]

WESTCHESTER, Ill.  — A bill in the Texas legislature was recently amended to include exemptions benefiting the salvage industry, and sharing Tuesday how it helped pushed this amendment through was Insurance Auto Auctions. IAA said it successfully revised a provision to Texas Senate Bill 1095 that specifies that salvage dealers and insurance companies that sell used-vehicle […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — As of February, Chrysler Group has completed rolling out new standards for dealers. According to a person close to the situation, large dealers selling up to 1,800 units could earn up to $200,000 from the automaker by giving customers superior customer service. Basically, the automaker began rolling out standards to its dealers […] [Read More]

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — OPENLANE revealed on Monday an enhanced opportunity exclusively for Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers that use Accelerate, the auction company's private label service for Ford franchisees. Officials indicated that these dealers now can purchase Ford rental fleet vehicles from Ford Motor Credit Co. through Accelerate. They stressed that these dealers now have […] [Read More]

EAST NORRITON, Pa. — Addressing the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia late last week, Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell argued that his proposed state sales tax cut can lead to improved auto sales and help close future state budget gaps. "My proposal lowers our sales tax rate by a third, increases the fairness of our business […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — It was announced Monday that joining the lineup of auto executives and analysts sharing their expertise at the NADA/IHS Global Insight Automotive Forum 2010 are James Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, and Jim Farley, group vice president of global marketing and Canada, Mexico and South America operations […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors unveiled a plan to turn more than 40,000 factory employees into marketing specialists for the automaker's lineup of vehicles in an effort to drive more traffic to dealers. The foundation of the GM Vehicle Plant Tour is to encourage the manufacturer's employees throughout North America to help drive awareness and sales in their […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com on Monday launched a mobile version of its popular Web site, InsideLine.com. Site officials stressed the mobile version features much of the content that users can find on the full site. That list includes reviews, photos and videos of vehicles and comprehensive coverage of the Geneva Auto Show all optimized for […] [Read More]