Though the company believes it has enough vehicles in stock to withstand market demand, Sonic Automotive said Thursday that if its import supply does run low due to the ongoing Japanese disaster, its dealers plan to turn to used vehicles as a supplement. “We await further news as these companies (automakers) continue to evaluate the impact of these events on […] [Read More]

Honda shared details about its latest recall that’s predominantly connected with 2011 Civic models in the U.S. and Canada as well as a handful of 2011 Acura CSX vehicles in Canada. The automaker explained this week’s decision stems from the need to inspect and possibly replace the fuel pump module inside the gasoline tank. The […] [Read More]

As automakers and dealership groups both here and abroad continue to gauge the extent of the Japanese disaster’s impact on their operations, it seems the effects of the parts supply dearth have already appeared in the U.S. General Motors revealed Thursday that its Shreveport Assembly facility in Louisiana will halt production next week because of the parts […] [Read More]

Canadian auto superstore HGrégoire said this week that it is launching its second Quebec franchise. The store — HGrégoire, Canada’s Car Superstore Estrie — will call Magog, Quebec, home as it serves the Estrie region. Setting up the franchise is Centre Honda Estrie, a three-store Honda dealership group founded by Christian St-Pierre. Officials said there […] [Read More]

Honda Canada announced this week  that it is conducting a fuel pump module recall that impacts more than 3,600 Civics and a small amount of Acura CSX units in Canada. Specifically, the company said that 3,636 Civics in Canada as well as nine CSX units in the country are being recalled to evaluate and, if necessary, […] [Read More]

The days of Chevrolet’s retail sales being significantly dependent upon models with large engines appears to be waning. Brand officials revealed Wednesday that models with smaller, four-cylinder engines have accounted for 46 percent of their retail sales thus far this year, making this feature the top choice in the Chevrolet lineup To illustrate the change, Chevrolet mentioned […] [Read More]

Chrysler announced today that its dealers are kicking off an eight-day promotion that encourages select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck owners to visit their local dealer for a test drive to receive a $25 gift card and a chance to win a new 2011 model. The customers are targeted via a mixture of traditional […] [Read More]

This week, Asbury Automotive Group announced the close of the sale of its International, Hino, Isuzu, UD, IC Bus and Workhorse franchises to Rush Truck Centers of Georgia, a subsidiary of Rush Enterprises. In addition, Asbury also revealed the close of the sale of its Peterbilt franchise, which includes the dealership in Kennesaw, Ga., to […] [Read More]

In discussing the importance of customer loyalty and repeat business to his dealership, Larry Taylor — the dealer principal at Beau Townsend Ford Lincoln in Vandalia, Ohio — points to the book Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard. While not specifically about the auto industry, Taylor said the book delves […] [Read More]

Land Rover North America appointed a new brand vice president this week. Reporting to Gary Temple, president of Jaguar Land Rover North America, will be Kim McCullough, who has been charged with marketing communications and product planning for Land Rover in the United States. Before joining Jaguar Land Rover North America, executives noted McCullough was […] [Read More]