Today, retail automobile dealers are considered to be successful if they achieve a 2 percent net-to-sales return. Compared to general business net returns of 15 – 20 percent, the automobile dealer’s return is staggeringly low. In addition, automobile dealerships require an extraordinary amount of investment capital. After the recent economic downturn, dealerships now have to […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich is attempting to persuade the affluent consumers in its Connecticut market who already own or lease another luxury model with a $2,000 incentive. Dealership management explained drivers who currently own or lease a BMW, Audi, Lexus, Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover or Land Rover, Acura, Infiniti or Cadillac are eligible for up to […] [Read More]

Earlier this week Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda visited the region of Japan most impacted by the quake and seemed to say that while the devastation there is tremendous, people throughout the world are feeling the impact, including dealers, suppliers and numerous people. He offered a special message, saying that not only did this […] [Read More]

USAA, a financial services provider for the military community, unveiled its first “Best Value” vehicle list that names the top 2011 models in 16 segments based on quantitative data used in USAA’s proprietary rating system. The list incorporates a mix of domestic and foreign units, including three units from Chevrolet and two apiece from Hyundai, […] [Read More]

Nissan Americas today announced that Jose Valls will join the company as regional vice president, Commercial, Nissan Mexicana, effective April 1. In his new assignment, Valls will report to Jose Munoz, president and general director, Nissan Mexicana, and be responsible for the company’s commercial activities in Mexico. Valls will oversee the company’s ongoing efforts to […] [Read More]

CarMax rolled out a new online tool in a pair of North Carolina markets Monday that attempts to give shoppers the chance to complete more of the buying process at their convenience and from any computer before arriving at the store. CarMax EasyShop was launched exclusively in Raleigh and Fayetteville and officials highlighted more than […] [Read More]

Zacks Investment Research thinks the worst of the supply disruptions for the auto industry have yet to come. Dealers in the U.S. are questioning what models and colors will likely be available for customers in the coming months, while others are wondering just how quickly suppliers can get back up running. Reports are even starting […] [Read More]

In separate campaigns, two foreign automakers are recalling a pair of 2011 models. The larger of the two comes from Volkswagen of America, which announced Monday it’s recalling 71,043 Jettas in the U.S. and another 19,496 Jettas in Canada. The units are being summoned in order to reconfigure a wiring layout associated with the anti-theft […] [Read More]

Franchise dealers in nine markets are in the closing stages of the Nissan Now Sales Event that includes various sales and lease incentives on five different models. Stores in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., are promoting the deals through Thursday. The available incentives include: —2011 Sentra with […] [Read More]

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and Constellation Automotive Solutions announced an education and training resources partnership designed for NIADA members. Constellation plans to provide comprehensive education and training solutions for the Buy-Here, Pay-Here and Lease-Here, Pay-Here dealerships. These opportunities will include best practices with solutions for maximizing sales, collections and profitability through seminars, online […] [Read More]