Latest Dealer Stories

Bottom Falls Out of Spanish Market
Sep 2, 2010 1:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Jorge Palacios
One industry group predicts sales could fall 40% from year-ago levels, threatening jobs at dealerships and distributors.

Ford Large Utes Bright Spot in Otherwise Slow August
Sep 1, 2010 3:28 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
Low gas prices are boosting demand for fullsize SUVs as buyers seek passenger- and cargo-hauling capability, Ford officials say.

More Car Shoppers Check Out Online Dealership Reviews
Aug 31, 2010 8:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
After seeing ratings, 21% of Internet users changed their choice of a dealership, 43% used the information to select a store and 45% confirmed their choice, one study says.

Lawsuits May Follow Dealer Arbitration
Aug 30, 2010 8:15 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Lillie Guyer
Of particular issue are the terms regarding letters of intent sent by the auto makers.

BMW Urges Dealers to Do More Repair Inspections
Aug 30, 2010 7:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
The goal is to boost repair orders, increase service and parts profits and enhance customer satisfaction by keeping clients’ cars in running order.

How to Keep Auto Techs Happy
Aug 27, 2010 8:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Flammang
“It's always been difficult to find a good, trained technician,” says Warren DeBardelaben, director-service support and quality for Nissan North America Inc.

Premium-Vehicle Importer Sees Favorable Future in Thailand
Aug 27, 2010 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman
Eton has targeted a 15% full-year sales increase to 800 vehicles, with multipurpose vehicles comprising 65%.

Full Internet Use Lags at Many Auto Repair Shops
Aug 26, 2010 7:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
More than one-third of shops surveyed choose not to use the Internet in their operations.

Strong Used-Car Values Should Help New-Car Sales
Aug 25, 2010 2:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
Dealerships step up their used-car operations to offset the industry’s new-car sales drought of the last two years.

Oz Study Finds Differences in How Potential Car Buyers Gather Info
Aug 25, 2010 9:10 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman
Vehicle reviews have equal appeal for those aged 18-54, but blogs and reviews written by readers hold more appeal for younger consumers, the research reveals.

Oz Industry Body Wants Government to Establish Dealer-Specific Code of Conduct
Aug 23, 2010 7:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman
The code, in part, should stop the practice of forcing dealers to carry inventory levels and product mix that may not suit their business, the Australian Automotive Industry Assn. says.

Social-Media Guru Keynotes DrivingSales-Ward’s Summit
Aug 19, 2010 9:07 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff
Jeremiah Owyang is known for his trail-blazing approach to online matters.

Dealerships Urged to Fix All Makes, Models
Aug 19, 2010 7:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Jim Leman
“By offering the choice, more work and more customers stayed with dealership,” says Bill Hughes of Honda Carland.

Ford, GM Customer Satisfaction Decline But Now Lead Industry
Aug 17, 2010 8:59 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend
The University of Michigan report puts Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division at No.1, just ahead of GM’s Buick brand.

Going, Going, Gone Online
Aug 17, 2010 8:55 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Flammang
Some dealers stick strictly to the traditional auctions. But that’s becoming the exception, not the rule.

Demand Increases for Used Cars, But Challenges Remain
Aug 16, 2010 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
Lingering economic woes make for a tough automotive market, used or new.

Oz Business Group Calls for Federal Aid to Auto Retail, Service Sector
Aug 16, 2010 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman
The vast bulk of Australia’s financial support for the industry continues to target manufacturing, and the retail side has become the “poor cousin,” the Victorian chamber of commerce says.

Dealership Count Now at ‘Sweet Spot’
Aug 12, 2010 2:07 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay
GM and Chrysler “need to be careful that fewer dealerships don’t mean fewer sales,” says John Frith of Urban Science.

Ford Thailand Promises Speedy Delivery
Aug 12, 2010 8:55 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Alan Harman
Ford Thailand says it will deliver parts to dealerships nationwide within 24 hours or they will be free of charge.

Dealers Say Buyers Want High Tech at Low Cost
Aug 10, 2010 8:15 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Lillie Guyer
At the high end of the market, tech offerings often are bundled into the vehicle cost in order to keep the option list from looking too long.

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