Used-Vehicle Market Shows Strength Jul 1, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Dealers continue to pay higher-than-expected prices at the auctions, mainly because they have been able to maintain the retail-gross profits on used vehicles.
Spanish Market May Be Nearing Bottom Jun 24, 2009 11:01 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Jorge Palacios Sales to individual buyers fell a modest 6.7%, meaning the 2000E Plan is having a bigger impact on this sector of the market.
Handheld PDA Helps Sell Cars Jun 23, 2009 12:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks The Collier dealership group was able to reduce its sales staff 20%, no longer needing to have extra hands around “just in case Saturdays got busy.”
Vicarious Liability Not Quite Dead Yet Jun 23, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay In the legal world, just when an issue seems resolved, exceptions seem to pop up, offering the prospects of future litigation.
European Project Targets Virtual Vehicle Customization Jun 23, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Keith Nuthall As well as boosting vehicle sales, creators say the technology would reduce the number of test-drive models a dealership would need to have on hand, thus saving showroom space.
Former AIADA Head Swiss Ambassador Nominee Jun 22, 2009 4:26 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Should the U.S. Senate confirm Beyer’s appointment, he will be the second auto dealer this decade to serve as s U.S. ambassador.
More Top Management Changes to Come for GM Jun 16, 2009 4:17 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia In a wide-ranging Web chat with the media, CEO Fritz Henderson says at least 49 U.S. dealers once marked for closing will be saved, but the Pontiac G8 won’t.
GM, Chrysler Defend Dealer Cuts Jun 12, 2009 2:34 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne GM CEO Fritz Henderson discounts a suggestion that the Obama Admin.’s auto industry task force micro-managed the auto maker’s dealer cuts.
NADA Approves GM’s Modified Dealer Participation Pact Jun 9, 2009 1:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks “We’re especially pleased GM moved so quickly to meet with NADA and the GM National Dealer Council…to review and discuss the serious concerns that dealers had with the original agreement.”
Relieved Dealers Praise Penske-Saturn Deal Jun 5, 2009 12:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay GM and Penske confirm details of the proposed transaction that is expected to close in the year’s third quarter.
GM’s Strategy for Surviving Dealers Concerns Legal Experts Jun 3, 2009 2:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks The participatory agreements, which are replacing GM’s current franchise agreements, are part of the auto maker’s strategy to improve its retail network.
Chrysler Inventories Shrink as Retail Sales Inch Upward Jun 2, 2009 5:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Chrysler’s May sales totaled 78,622, up from April despite the auto maker’s Chapter 11 filing. A top executive credits President Obama’s promise to back Chrysler warranties.
Volvo Enhances Warranty Coverage on ’09 Models Jun 2, 2009 11:10 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Herb Shuldiner In focus groups, about 30% of consumers said they valued the program between $2,500 and $5,000, and another 37% felt it was worth more than $5,000.
Chrysler Sales Up During Bankruptcy Jun 1, 2009 3:44 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Chrysler executives have maintained all month that sales were pacing above what they had projected prior to the company entering bankruptcy on April 30.
Dealers Wonder If GM Will Be Meaner, Not Just Leaner Jun 1, 2009 2:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Despite varied reactions, GM dealers interviewed today express a conviction that GM will come out of bankruptcy stronger and trimmed down to a fight weight.
Chrysler Warns Entire Retail Network at Risk Should Fiat Deal Fail May 21, 2009 1:51 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff “If the sale to Fiat is not approved by the bankruptcy court, the stark reality is all 3,181 dealers will face elimination,” says Executive Vice President Steven Landry.
Tough to Forecast Vehicle Values in Volatile Times May 21, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay As much as residual setters try to be analytical, they never know when the equivalent of a heat wave or cold front may move in to mess up their calculations.
GM to Cut 42% of Canadian Dealers May 20, 2009 2:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks The move follows almost exactly GM’s plans to reduce its U.S. dealer body 42%, which amounts to 2,600 dealerships.
Bridgestone’s New Run-Flat Tires Offer Smoother Ride 
European Project Targets Virtual Vehicle Customization 
GM’s Strategy for Surviving Dealers Concerns Legal Experts 
Chrysler Inventories Shrink as Retail Sales Inch Upward 
Volvo Enhances Warranty Coverage on ’09 Models 
Dealers Wonder If GM Will Be Meaner, Not Just Leaner 
