KENSINGTON, Md. — Fitzgerald Auto Malls recently received a mixed bag of resolutions concerning the future of its franchise operations tied to Chrysler and General Motors. First, the company learned Chrysler had reinstated its Chrysler and Jeep franchises in Florida. According to the company, the Florida arbitrator described owner Jack Fitzgerald as a consumer advocate. Fitzgerald […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford said the order pace for the 2011 Shelby GT500 is quickly approaching the cap. The automaker indicated that more than 3,300 orders have been placed for the Shelby GT500. To ensure exclusivity, Ford mandated U.S. sales of this vehicle be limited to 5,500 units. "We are pleased with the pace of retail orders for […] [Read More]

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Group shuffled part of its senior management team late last week, including the appointment of a new chief operating officer for BMW Group Financial Services Americas. The automaker first revealed that effective Sept. 1, Wayne Orchowski — currently vice president of the Eastern region for BMW of North America — will assume the […] [Read More]

PALO ALTO, Calif., and TOKYO — Telsa Motors and Toyota Motor Corp. officially signed an agreement late last week stemming from a May announcement. That's when they revealed collaboration toward development of an electric version of the Toyota RAV4. Tesla's Elon Musk and Toyota's Akio Toyoda are aiming for their companies to bring an electric version […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. —The Big 3 enjoyed some good news on Thursday, as it was revealed that their brands earned a stronger average vehicle appeal score from J.D. Power and Associates than their import counterparts. This is something that hasn't happened since 1997. Specifically, the average score for domestics in J.D. Power's 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Among several senior leadership shifts announced Thursday, Ford said that the role of Jim Farley, who serves as the automaker's group vice president of global marketing and Canada, Mexico and South America operations, will be significantly more comprehensive and far-reaching starting next month. On Aug. 1, Farley will become what Ford called its "global […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Dealers with a customer who is an extreme Chevrolet Corvette enthusiast and knows how to get around a garage might have the perfect buying option. For purchasers who want to be personally involved in creating their Corvette, Chevrolet's new Corvette Engine Build Experience can allow them to enjoy what the program name indicates. General […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Because the one-year anniversary of General Motors' emergence from bankruptcy arrived last Saturday, Edmunds.com analysts are pondering the automaker's strategy behind a push toward an initial public offering for its new stock. The site recognizes the progress GM has been made but questions the rush to have an IPO. "This is certainly not […] [Read More]

BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Mirroring what automakers hand out for powertrain warranties on conventional models, General Motors shared specifics Wednesday about what it guarantees for the battery of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. The warranty associated with the Volt's advanced, lithium-ion battery will be a standard, eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. GM believes it's the industry's longest, most comprehensive […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In a hands-on approach to promote and generate interest in its vehicles, Jeep is hosting a "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" across the U.S. where consumers can take any vehicle in the brand's lineup for a spin, including the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler. The tour will visit air […] [Read More]