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]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Automobile Dealers Association continues to urge House and Senate conferees to keep finance options for car buyers affordable and accessible when considering legislation to overhaul the nation's financial system.   "The House and Senate sent a very clear and bipartisan message that Main Street auto dealerships should not be in a Wall […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors announced the creation of a venture capital subsidiary on Friday that the automaker says can help it build new automotive and transportation technologies to deliver to consumers. General Motors Ventures, LLC — which officials contend will also help the company in its attempt to foster relationships with other venture capital companies — will be […] [Read More]

MONTVALE, N.J. — Mercedes-Benz recently welcomed the world's top male tennis player as its latest brand ambassador. Agreeing to a multi-platform, multi-year global marketing deal with the automaker was Roger Federer, who has 16 Grand Slam titles to his name and boasts the No. 1 ranking on the ATP World Tour. Covered under the deal are […] [Read More]

HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America is looking to leverage worldwide enthusiasm for the upcoming World Cup with its latest ad campaign. The automaker on Thursday launched a contest calling on soccer "fanaticos" to express their passion for the game for a chance to win an appearance in a national TV spot during the World Cup. […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation of 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles regarding allegations of possible stuck accelerator pedals caused by optional "All Weather" floor mats. Drivers of those models should not stack any unsecured floor mats over the carpeted mat that comes standard on the vehicle, NHTSA […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. —  Tuesday marked the first anniversary of General Motors filing for bankruptcy, and several analysts from Edmunds.com who looked back on the past year for GM said they believe bankruptcy might end up being "one of the best things that ever happened to the company." Edmunds.com chief executive officer Jeremy Anwyl took the lead in assessing where GM now […] [Read More]

COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides.com decided to go with a sporty option on Wednesday when the site named its Car of the Month for June. Site analysts raved about the "well-rounded combination of luxury and sport" when selecting the 2010 Audi TTS. The site pointed out the 2010 Audi TTS is available in two trim levels: […] [Read More]