CERRITOS, Calif. — Two dealer associations and other industry players recently saw the results of their millions of dollars in contributions toward a vast automotive training center. The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association each gave $500,000 for construction of the Automotive Partners Building, a facility boasting 10,000 square […] [Read More]

RICHMOND, Va. — Tuesday marked the beginning of CarMax Cares Month, an endeavor where company associates support the communities where they live and work. CarMax indicated that its associates are volunteering in teams throughout June at several nonprofit organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, the Ronald McDonald House and the American Cancer Society. Beyond those specific […] [Read More]

TORONTO, Ontario — Though it has been a longtime vehicle-valuation resource for dealers, Canadian Black Book is now reaching out to consumers, as well.  The company recently rolled out a new Web site that boasts of a "Trade-In Value" estimator for consumers and also provides new tools and advice features throughout. In addition to being able to use […] [Read More]

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Canadian auction prices showed improvement in April, and it appears the massive drops-off from the winter have stopped, according to the latest OPENLANE Market Index Report. More specifically, auction prices climbed 4 percentage points month-over-month. "Canadian prices showed upward trend in April, ending the month 4 percentage points above March levels," officials […] [Read More]

OTTAWA, Ontario — Toyota Canada is sponsoring a museum exhibit making its debut next month that highlights the country's auto industry history. "In Search of the Canadian Car" is an exhibition that will be featured for the next five years at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa. It delves into the nation's achievements in […] [Read More]

AVOCA, Pa. — Guardian Warranty Corp., a provider of service contracts to independent and franchise dealerships nationwide, recently broadened its warranty coverage offerings. Executives contend dealers can gain significant return through GWC's new Ultra and Ultra Wrap Exclusionary Programs. They insist dealers now can offer powertrain all the way to true "bumper-to-bumper" extended coverage on new […] [Read More]

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently revealed that it picked two new Toyota vehicles as Top Safety Pick award winners. The two units are the all-new Sienna minivan and redesigned 2011 Avalon full-size sedan. Toyota executives believe the Sienna is the first and currently the only minivan to earn an IIHS Top […] [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American International Automobile Dealers Association and Carfax are offering dealers a free online seminar next week that can help dealers improve how they go about stocking their inventories. The "Consider Your Buyers Before You Even Stock the Car," which will be held at noon (EST) on June 4, will hone in on […] [Read More]

ATLANTA and NORCROSS, Ga. — Two additional stores have earned designation as Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealerships, according to EasyCare.  Selected for the program — which Motor Trend created and EasyCare powers — was Sam Linder Cadillac Honda in Salinas, Calif. and Napa Ford Lincoln Mercury in Napa Valley, Calif. Both stores are among the first […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — A longtime veteran of Toyota and a pioneer of the automaker's certified pre-owned vehicle program is retiring next month. Norm Olson, who began what ended up being nearly four decades with Toyota in January 1972, is stepping down on June 11. Toyota has not yet appointment a replacement for Olson, who is the sales […] [Read More]