Monday marked the first business day — or perhaps the third sales day depending on your dealership’s hours of operation — of the second quarter, which most dealers view as strong for the market. That’s the conclusion from survey results of the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI), which also recapped the soft views principals […] [Read More]

Shift Technologies, which saw its revenues nosedive and other losses deepen in its fourth quarter, announced measures it’s taking to return the company to profitability including the layoff of 30 percent of its workforce since the beginning of 2023. During Shift’s March 28th conference call outlining its financial results for its fourth quarter that ended Dec. 31, and the entire 2022 year, CEO Jeff Clementz said 2022 was “a year of significant change for Shift” and the company has adjusted its strategy to ... [Read More]

Kyte, which provides consumers cars on demand for short- or long-term use, is adding its 15th U.S. market on Friday: Atlanta. The San Francisco-based company landed a $60 million Series B funding round in November and began expanding its subscription service nationally. Its aim is to provide “flexible solutions for any trips longer than a […] [Read More]

Vehicle Acquisition Network (VAN) opened the month by releasing a new eBook focused on five process principles for completing private-party purchases based on extensive dealer feedback. And then this week, VAN, which connects dealers to more than 18 private-party platforms, introduced a new learning resource center called VAN University that’s within the VAN ENGAGE platform […] [Read More]

Group 1 Automotive is expanding in the Sunshine State, and also announced Tuesday that it is updating its year-to-date share repurchase activity. Starting with its latest acquisition, Group 1 said it has purchased Estero Bay Chevrolet in Estero, Fla., which is near Fort Myers. The dealership, which Group 1 said ranks fifth among Florida Chevy […] [Read More]

For this bit of dealer buy-sell news, we go to Minnesota, where Jason Jalbert has purchased Thief River Ford from Steve Lillestol. The purchase of the Thief River Falls, Minn., store was announced by Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale. In the news release, Lillestol said: “A huge shout out of thanks to […] [Read More]

One of the most popular courses offered by Alan Ram’s Proactive Training Solutions has been completely redesigned to train salespeople better for current market conditions. The firm said attendees of the revamped program — Phone Ups That Show Up — will learn the basics of converting sales opportunities from both online and the phone. “Designed […] [Read More]

Northwood University announced on Monday that it has hired an industry veteran to serve in a new role supporting automotive aftermarket education after reinforcing its commitment to that part of the industry business last fall. “We are thrilled to welcome James O’Dell as our new assistant director of aftermarket education,” said Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice […] [Read More]

Sedano Automotive Group has expanded its presence in the San Diego area with the purchase of South Bay Volkswagen in National City, Calif., according to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale. The Sedano group, which launched in 2006, now has five stores in San Diego County with the purchase […] [Read More]

CarGurus announced its Top-Rated Dealer Awards on Monday, spotlighting dealers throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that consistently provide “exceptional service, guidance, and support.” Dealers must have a minimum average consumer review rating of 4.5 out of 5. US and UK dealers must have at least five reviews in the last year, and Canadian […] [Read More]