BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — Penske Automotive Group announced this week that the management of smart USA has changed. Taking on the role of president of the Penske subsidiary is Jill Lajdziak, who had joined the company in December as vice president of sales and marketing for smart USA. Smart USA had been managed by Dave Schembri, who […] [Read More]

DAYTON, Ohio — Since launching CarLocate.com three months ago, Reynolds and Reynolds said the vehicle-search Web site has seen solid growth in consumer traffic as well as leads generated for dealers from these visits. CarLocate.com — which includes vehicle inventories from dealers that use either Reynolds ERA or Power dealership management systems — made its debut in October […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Looking back on what one editor, in particular, called "the decade of the pickup truck," the enthusiast Web site PickupTrucks.com and AutoPacific, an automotive research firm, unveiled this week what they consider to be the most significant trucks of the past 10 years. While offerings from a slew of OEMs were highlighted, topping the […] [Read More]

COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides.com named its first Car of the Month of 2010 on Tuesday, and receiving January's honor was the 2010 Porsche Panamera. Site officials said they selected the Panamera for several reasons, specifically emphasizing the fact that it's based on a popular unit from the automaker, the 911. In revealing their choice, NADAguides.com mentioned how the Panamera can make […] [Read More]

LAFAYETTE, Colo., and ORANGE, Calif. — Two vendors dealers have utilized to improve various for parts of operations are joining forces to better serve their clients. KPA and TK Carsites announced Monday that they have entered into a strategic partnership. Basically, this will blend KPA's environmental, health, safety and HR compliance and risk management services with the front-end marketing […] [Read More]

CARMEL, Ind. — ADESA announced Monday that it has implemented the National Auto Auction Association's National Arbitration Policy at all of the company's U.S. locations, effective immediately. Basically, a committee consisting of representatives from key members of the remarketing industry recently updated and simplified the "National Arbitration Policy: In-Lane and Online" policy, and these modifications were […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book found three automakers enjoying a position that analysts described as "bucking the trend" when it comes to vehicle depreciation. While Kbb.com cited overall depreciation levels coming in at 5.6 percent during the last four weeks, a trio of OEMs — Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru — came in with percentages much lower. Subaru […] [Read More]

McLEAN, Va. — At the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo next month in Orlando, Fla., NADA and American Truck Dealers are introducing an online education and technology resource for NADA members that can help boost dealers' performances. The launch of NADA University will feature free training and services for dealer members, who will be […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com officials said Monday that Bill Visnic, who has been a senior contributing editor for the AutoObserver publication the past two years, has become full-time senior editor for AutoObserver.com. In his new role, he will report to Michelle Krebs, who is the senior analyst and editor-at-large for AutoObserver.com. He has been a freelance […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler executives contend that they listened to the wishes from dealers when they launched their latest marketing strategy on New Year's Day. Basically, the automaker leveraged the audience watching some of college football's most anticipated bowl games to roll out its advertising campaign, which was intended to do more than just sell vehicles. […] [Read More]