While 2011 has been a challenging year for Toyota throughout the globe in the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake, the automaker’s Canadian operations recently took home some positive news from J.D. Power and Associates. Toyota not only had the top automaker website in Canada, but its plant in Cambridge South, Ontario, received a Platinum Plant Quality Award from […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz Canada is celebrating more than 125 years of what is said to be the invention of the world’s first automobile by taking the original Benz Patent-Motorwagen on a cross-country tour. Carl Benz filed his patent application for the three-wheeled motor car more than 125 years ago, which the automaker contends was “the foundation for […] [Read More]

While a bevy of influences in the Canadian vehicle market help shape a vehicle’s residual value, used units that are either certified pre-owned or have valid warranties from the OEM typically fetch a stronger value, according to recent analysis from Canadian auto analyst Dennis DesRosiers. As one might expect, a strong warranty or factory certification […] [Read More]

Though stronger than where it was in May, the used-vehicle market will show a major dive from year-ago figures once June results are reported, according to TrueCar.com. The company projects that used sales will slide 21.8 percent to 4.38 million units. This, however, would mark a 6.2-percent sequential increase. On the new side of the market, things […] [Read More]

Dataium’s May Auto Shopper Intensity Index declined for the second straight month, but a bright spot was searches for used vehicles. The firm determined pre-owned models continue to gain share in consumer online auto shopping, now up to a record 68 percent of all inventory searches. Analysts contend the ASI index for April accurately mirrored […] [Read More]

NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buys Report includes six vehicles from five different nameplates. The six 2011 models included are from Acura, Dodge, GMC, Hyundai and Toyota. In light of a slowly recovering economy, current fuel prices and strains on some vehicle availability from Japanese manufacturers, NADAguides’ analysts recommend this select set of new units that — […] [Read More]

Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association recognized a dealership for its generous charitable outreach Wednesday in Las Vegas at the NIADA Convention and Expo. The inaugural Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award was given to Chacon Autos Ltd., a family of dealerships in Texas. The other four finalists for the award — each […] [Read More]

While 760 stores closed up shop last year, dealers were 40-percent more profitable than they were in 2009 and have begun this year with similar progress, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s recent reports regarding the health of franchised dealers. [Read More]

On Wednesday, Insure.com handed out its Low Cost Car Insurance Awards to recognize automakers rolling out 2011 models that are the least expensive to insure. Among the four vehicle segments the site highlighted, Insure.com gave the No. 1 spots on this year’s lists to Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and Chevrolet. “Congratulations to Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and […] [Read More]

Selling cars consistently is a craft few can master. It takes someone with the right combination of character and confidence to close deals. However, many experienced dealers will admit the far greater challenge is buying the right cars for their inventory — cars customers want. That’s because the market for used cars can be unpredictable. With […] [Read More]