The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance has named Lauren Baker as its new director of growth and operations, IARA executive director Mark Coleman announced. Baker comes to IARA with 13 years of auto industry experience, which includes owning a dealership with her husband and client-facing managerial roles with PHH and Element Fleet Management, where she worked […] [Read More]

Courtesy Automotive Group has added a seventh location with the acquisition of East Valley Nissan in Mesa, Ariz., from owner-operator Greg Burk, according to seller’s representative Kerrigan Advisors. The dealership, renamed Courtesy Nissan of Mesa, is located in the Superstition Auto Mall in Mesa, where Courtesy also has Kia, Jeep and Chrysler/Dodge/Ram stores. The Phoenix-based […] [Read More]

Like most dealership groups, Penske Automotive Group faced headwinds in its used-car business in the third quarter. “The new-vehicle market remains solid while used-vehicle supply and affordability remains challenging,” said CEO Roger Penske. But PAG is counting on an improving supply of loaner cars from the manufacturers to boost its used-vehicle supply going forward, he […] [Read More]

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has reached tentative contract agreements with Ford, Stellantis and General Motors following stressful negotiations and six weeks of striking workers walking picket lines. Now with assembly plants gearing up for a return to normal activity, Black Book anticipates the wholesale market going back to what consignors and dealers typically see […] [Read More]

Toyota has charged up its North Carolina battery plant with a jolt of cash. The automaker announced a new investment of nearly $8 billion that it said will add some 3,000 jobs at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina. The addition boosts Toyota’s total investment to $13.9 billion, which is expected to create more than 5,000 […] [Read More]

After a contentious negotiation process culminating in a strike that only lasted hours, Canadian union Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with the last of the Detroit 3 in negotiations, Stellantis. This follows ratifying pattern agreements with both Ford Canada and General Motors. “I am proud of our members at every Stellantis facility for their […] [Read More]

OpenRoad Auto Group, British Columbia’s largest dealer group, has launched a new campaign that aims to create a “hub” where car shoppers can learn more about electric vehicles. The “Electrified” campaign launched in conjunction with Zero Emissions Day in September. The portal will include details about chargers, EV rebates, video reviews, overview of the EV […] [Read More]

Catalytic converter theft is an issue that impacts many dealerships; independent and buy-here, pay-here operators in particular. To help stores keep their vehicles in inventory with all their necessary parts, Accelerated Solutions Group on Tuesday announced deployment of its patent-pending technology, Active Cat, which is designed to enhance vehicle security and protection against catalytic converter […] [Read More]

As the Federal Reserve approaches its next opportunity to modify interest rates on Wednesday, findings from a new survey orchestrated by Santander Holdings USA perhaps reinforced perceptions already held by auto finance leaders. Santander reported on Monday that American consumers are optimistic about their futures despite mounting financial pressures. The survey results found 68% of […] [Read More]

Ravin AI, a provider of artificial intelligence-driven vehicle inspection tools, has been granted a U.S. patent for its DeepDetect car inspection system. The newly patented technology uses advanced deep learning AI algorithms to significantly enhance the accuracy of vehicle reports, fostering greater transparency among vehicle owners, service providers and businesses. The company said DeepDetect, which […] [Read More]