Retail

Vehicle Acquisition Network (VAN) opened the month by releasing a new eBook focused on five process principles for completing private-party purchases based on extensive dealer feedback. And then this week, VAN, which connects dealers to more than 18 private-party platforms, introduced a new learning resource center called VAN University that’s within the VAN ENGAGE platform […] [Read More]

Group 1 Automotive is expanding in the Sunshine State, and also announced Tuesday that it is updating its year-to-date share repurchase activity. Starting with its latest acquisition, Group 1 said it has purchased Estero Bay Chevrolet in Estero, Fla., which is near Fort Myers. The dealership, which Group 1 said ranks fifth among Florida Chevy […] [Read More]

For this bit of dealer buy-sell news, we go to Minnesota, where Jason Jalbert has purchased Thief River Ford from Steve Lillestol. The purchase of the Thief River Falls, Minn., store was announced by Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale. In the news release, Lillestol said: “A huge shout out of thanks to […] [Read More]

One of the most popular courses offered by Alan Ram’s Proactive Training Solutions has been completely redesigned to train salespeople better for current market conditions. The firm said attendees of the revamped program — Phone Ups That Show Up — will learn the basics of converting sales opportunities from both online and the phone. “Designed […] [Read More]

Northwood University announced on Monday that it has hired an industry veteran to serve in a new role supporting automotive aftermarket education after reinforcing its commitment to that part of the industry business last fall. “We are thrilled to welcome James O’Dell as our new assistant director of aftermarket education,” said Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice […] [Read More]

Sedano Automotive Group has expanded its presence in the San Diego area with the purchase of South Bay Volkswagen in National City, Calif., according to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale. The Sedano group, which launched in 2006, now has five stores in San Diego County with the purchase […] [Read More]

CarGurus announced its Top-Rated Dealer Awards on Monday, spotlighting dealers throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that consistently provide “exceptional service, guidance, and support.” Dealers must have a minimum average consumer review rating of 4.5 out of 5. US and UK dealers must have at least five reviews in the last year, and Canadian […] [Read More]

Lithia & Driveway has added another country to its footprint. The retailer announced last week it has expanded to the United Kingdom with the purchase of Jardine Motors Group, which operates more than 50 premium luxury dealerships in the UK. “The acquisition of Jardine Motors Group represents a significant new chapter in Lithia’s progress and […] [Read More]

You probably weren’t the only one if you scratched your head after reviewing February service-drive data generated at your franchised dealership. The latest Cox Automotive analysis of Xtime metrics showed that service activity decreased and service revenue increased month-over-month in February at U.S. franchised dealerships. Analysts said in an online report released on Monday that […] [Read More]

On Wednesday, CARFAX highlighted the nation’s top-rated auto service centers, based on verified reviews collected through the free CARFAX Car Care vehicle maintenance program. Calling them “the best of the best,” the vehicle history report provider said winners are recognized for providing exceptional service and customer satisfaction. The 2022 CARFAX Top-Rated Service Centers received an […] [Read More]