ALEXANDRIA, Va. — If you're under the impression that dealers have arrived at the finish line victoriously with the Brownback amendment, you might want to hold off on the high fives. Here's a dose of reality: We haven't won anything yet. Let me explain. As you know, since late last year there has been a […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich., and DETROIT — Ford and General Motors each recently announced Google Maps is being integrated into their vehicles' two popular navigation technology platforms. Available later this month on Ford units equipped with the "Send to SYNC" feature, drivers who already use SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information can select a destination on Google Maps […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Auto sales climbed throughout the country, although a few of the 12 Federal Reserve Districts have seen the upswing slow down, according to latest Beige Book report.  The report also indicates that some areas have experienced vehicle demand that is stronger than the speed of production, and this has affected dealers. "Vehicle sales also […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — As the automaker emerges from its recent challenges with safety recalls, Toyota Motor Sales USA has rolled out a new advertising campaign to get the word out about its Star Safety System that comes standard on its entire lineup of new vehicles. The five safety technologies included in this system, all of which […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — On Wednesday, Chrysler Group officials enthusiastically shared specifics about their largest plant investment since emerging from bankruptcy and partnering with Fiat. A $300 million investment is under way at the company's existing transmission manufacturing facilities in order to build the automaker's new highly fuel-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission for future Chrysler vehicles. The funds are […] [Read More]

DETROIT — The auto industry's recall carousel of 2010 continued this week, with General Motors pulling about 1.5 million units Tuesday for potential fire resulting from the heated washer fluid system in certain models igniting. The automaker said about 1.37 million of the potentially affected models are U.S. vehicles, while 125,022 units are in Canada or […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In a special initiative, the Dodge brand announced Tuesday that it is launching a Dealer Exclusive Program that allows dealers to cater to their customers' desires. Basically, the Dodge brand is unveiling three new unique 2010 Viper SRT10 vehicles as part of its Dealer Exclusive Program. According to the automaker, dealers who sold sufficient […] [Read More]

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — As smart USA prepares to introduce the smart fortwo electric drive to the United States this week, its distributor named a new dealer for the Hawaiian islands. USA Distributor, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, appointed the smart dealer, expanding smart USA's retail footprint into its 37th state. The new dealership, to […] [Read More]

SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. — DCH Auto Group, which operates more than 25 franchise dealerships, revealed changes to its executive team on Monday, including the appointment of a new president. The company announced that taking over as president of DCH Auto Operations for Susan Scarola will be George Liang. Meanwhile, Scarola will assume new responsibilities as vice […] [Read More]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — AutoNation recently boasted that its new-vehicle sales for May showed a 22-percent jump year over year. Sales, as reported to the respective automakers, came in at 19,283. More specifically, the auto group said domestic sales were up 28 percent, coming in at 5,852. Import sales grew by 21 percent over last year, […] [Read More]