DETROIT — Owners of most new 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles won't need the key to start their vehicle if they have their smartphone with them. On Thursday, OnStar executives indicated that owners of these General Motors models soon will be able to control key vehicle functions through applications the company is set to launch. […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — FordDirect has teamed up with OneCommand to deliver a database marketing service specifically tailored and built for the automaker's dealer body.  This new tool, Targeted Marketing, can help lead dealers to increased sales and service business by helping to foster, improve and maintain relationships with customers. Targeted Marketing is an automated service that helps Ford dealers […] [Read More]

HARTFORD, Conn. — Executive Auto Group offered an update on Tuesday about its latest performance as a part of AutoTrader's Trade-In Marketplace. The program results in guaranteed value offers for customers looking to unload a vehicle through trade or outright sale. Executives explained now they either can cut a check to the customer for a predetermined […] [Read More]

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Social media events that drive traffic back to your website can often be very lucrative, as can social media events that make you an authority, thought leader, or trusted member of your community. Those that are hazardous often misuse the intention of social media to score a quick buck. The intention of social media […] [Read More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Bender Enterprises, makers of the handheld barcode VIN scanner, VINtrack-Live, touted its effectiveness while recently working with Mexican authorities. The device was recently used by law enforcement at a checkpoint along the California-Mexico border resulted in the recovery of a vehicle stolen almost a year ago. Three suspects were arrested while driving a […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif., and LANHAM, Md. — Autobytel and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers reached an exclusive, wide-ranging marketing alliance this week, one that officials stress is meant to help member dealers sell more vehicles. Autobytel and NAMAD explained the flagship program of the alliance is a customized consumer purchase request program. The program is […] [Read More]

INDIANAPOLIS — Autobase, a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions that provides customer relationship management services for dealers, said that product installations during the second quarter reached an all-time high of 261 deployments. June was particularly strong, as the company said it brought in a new dealership during each business day of the month. "This just proves […] [Read More]

CENTREVILLE, Va. — Carfax's vehicle history database reached a new threshold this week. Thanks to more than 34,000 sources, such as state DMVs, service and repair facilities and police departments, the vehicle history information that's housed in the Carfax database now exceeds 8 billion records. The Carfax database is located in Columbia, Mo., where the company was […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Chevrolet has rolled out a shopping app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad that lets consumers research any model within the brand's lineup, choose which interior and exterior colors they want and then find that vehicle at a dealership in their area. The Chevrolet Showroom app can be downloaded for free at the […] [Read More]

ROSELAND, N.J. — Automatic Data Processing's chief executive officer announced Friday that his company has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Cobalt for about $400 million in cash. The deal, which is subject to normal regulatory review, is expected to close within four to six weeks. "I am pleased to announce this transaction. Acquisitions that […] [Read More]