AutoNation said Wednesday that its retail new-vehicle unit sales during February marked a substantial increase from the year-ago period, as two of its three operating segments posted double-digit gains. Specifically, AutoNation dealers moved 17,041 retail new vehicles in February, a 29-percent hike. The company’s domestic operating segment showed a 40-percent year-over-year improvement, as there were […] [Read More]

During the ongoing Geneva International Motor Show this week, the top three finalists for the World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year awards were announced. Officials reduced an initial entry list of 39 vehicles to the top three contenders for the 2011 World Car […] [Read More]

Members of either the National Automobile Dealers Association or American Truck Dealers now can access six new online courses available through NADA University’s Learning Hub. These interactive training courses touch on critical dealer topics such as cash reporting and management, complying with federal hazardous materials rules, and how to create a more productive workplace. NADA and […] [Read More]

As the 2011 Auto Remarketing Canada conference approaches, conference organizers recently announced that they are extending the early registration deadline by one week. In addition, organizers recognized the growing list of sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for the upcoming conference, which is presented by CarProof. [Read More]

Nissan Americas revealed a few senior leadership changes within the company’s purchasing and corporate planning organizations that will take effect next month, including a new vice president of corporate planning and program management office (PMO). Appointed to that role is Catherine Perez, who is currently vice president of purchasing in the Renault-Nissan purchasing organization (RNPO). […] [Read More]

Alabama franchise dealer Forrest McConnell urged members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to be wary of the redundant set of three fuel-economy standards. McConnell, who also serves of the board of directors for the National Automobile Dealers Association, told the committee Tuesday ineffective standards could hurt unit sales by increasing costs and […] [Read More]

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association — along with governmental advocacy firm Federal Advocates Inc., of whom NIADA is a client — has two meetings later this week with a few major players in Washington, D.C., to discuss how federal decisions are made and how these moves affect independent dealers. On Friday, NIADA will have a […] [Read More]

BMW of North America recently highlighted 32 of its 338 franchise dealers nationwide and designated each store that captured the nod a 2011 Center of Excellence. The automaker insisted these stores were tapped based on high customer satisfaction, outstanding brand representation, operational excellence and profitability. BMW pointed out that its dealer network continues to invest in sales […] [Read More]

Volkswagen Group can rattle off a long list of positive attributes about its 2010 fiscal year performance, but most important is record profits. The automaker revealed last week its operating profit surged to 7.1 billion euro based on sales revenue of 126.9 billion euro. In 2009, the company still hit triple digits in revenue (105.2 […] [Read More]

Late last week, Subaru of America revealed its new manager of corporate communications. Among other tasks, she will head up the company’s social-media efforts. Named to the post is Rachelle Damminger, who comes to Subaru from Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA. Damminger was in communications at that non-profit organization for almost five years and was […] [Read More]