Ford’s annual look at U.S. vehicle-buying preferences revealed favorites are sometimes connected to local sports teams and weather conditions, but some surprising trends still came to light.   For example, Ford indicated it sold the most red-colored vehicles in Cincinnati — home of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team — and the most units with molten […] [Read More]

Late last week, BMW Group shifted its manager of pre-owned sales into another executive role as the result of the unexpected death of one of its vice presidents. Russ Lucas’ new position effective Oct. 1 is as the automaker’s new vice president for the Eastern Region. The company indicated Lucas’ overall responsibilities will include sales, […] [Read More]

While each market performs somewhat differently, some certified pre-owned vehicle categories tend to be hot sellers, whereas others are perhaps not so popular.  So what has Art Spinella, of CNW Research, discovered? He found that near-luxury, luxury and hybrid CPO models have been healthy as of late, while smaller, budget cars have been the slowest to move. That […] [Read More]

General Motors chief executive officer Dan Akerson would not comment on the automaker's initial public offering during his first press conference with the media in his new role on Thursday, but various news reports claim that the automaker will go on a two-week "road show" the day after November's mid-term elections to stir up some interest in the […] [Read More]

The surge in new-vehicle sales dealers enjoyed during Labor Day weekend apparently isn't sustaining as September rolls along. Edmunds.com analysts believe the current pace of sales could leave the SAAR for this month at 11.3 million. They said that rate is assuming slightly lower fleet sale volume than August. "New-car sales for the three-day weekend […] [Read More]

When it comes to possible discounts on MSRP, TrueCar.com said Thursday that the leaders of the pack are still 2010 model-year Big 3 makes and models.  For the 2010 model-year, the heaviest price-reduction are being offered on Chevrolet models (16 percent discount), followed by Ford (14 percent) and Chrysler (12 percent) brands, TrueCar.com said in […] [Read More]

Northwood University's DeVos Graduate School of Management will soon roll out what it says is the first MBA program geared toward the automotive field and has already begun taking applications.  The DeVos MBA for Automotive Professionals program starts in January and will offer emerging leaders in the dealership, aftermarket manufacturing and distribution fields the chance […] [Read More]

Toyota detailed its latest scholarship contributions to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, a program to provide assistance to the sons and daughters of Marine Corps parents who have been killed or wounded in combat or have demonstrated financial need. On Wednesday, the automaker presented 16 scholarships that represent the 12 Toyota regional sales offices and […] [Read More]

A proposal introduced by a California state legislator is meant to require all franchise dealers and some independent stores to utilize an electronic vehicle registration system. It's intended to shave the time needed to get new license plates on vehicles. The method of recouping dealer cost for implementation is drawing fire from consumer groups because […] [Read More]

If he had to choose between taking a vacation or working at the dealership, Brian Benstock said he would pick the latter. The minority owner of Paragon Honda in Queens and the vice president and general manager of Paragon Acura has mirrored his work ethic after that of the late Paul Singer, the founder of what is now Paragon […] [Read More]