BLOG: York was passionate and energized, and then he was gone

Seven days ago, Jerry York sat across from two of us at lunch and was plotting his next move. He had just bought 2,000 shares of Toyota -- 'they'll be back,' he said, 'at least I bet they will be.' He was betting on a better General Motors. He was impressed with the progress at Ford. He was afraid about what he was seeing at Chrysler. Jerry York had an energy and a fire that would be impressive at 50, with all the passion of a guy who loved to be engaged.... Read More »

• With slow sales, Chrysler conserves cash to live to fight another day
• Surprise: Toyota troubles not hammering certified sales
• What's Japanese for Schadenfreude?
• Pop star Timberlake makes Geneva debut for Audi
• Chinese try again in Europe

What the economy needs now is more cash for clunkers

The Obama administration's $787 billion stimulus plan is having little or no effect in prodding the U.S. economy out of the recession. The country's unemployment rate remains near 10 percent. As a result, Americans are frustrated, and businesses are uncertain about the future.... Read More »

• GM should start moving metal, not managers
• Using social media means giving up control
• Toyota's solution: Old plan in search of a new result
• Letting bygones be gone
• Stop pushing -- overproduction makes no sense

How do buyers feel about doc fee?

I was surprised to read Edward Lapham's comment in the Feb. 15 Automotive News, but I enjoyed it ("Document fee began with a lie, 'inventor' says"). I'm the dealer in Florida who is championing making the doc fee (aka dealer fee, prep fee, etc.) illegal.... Read More »

• He's a phone guy, not a car guy
• Saturn's original plan was good
• 'Caddy in Europe?' Yes -- if done right
• Don't confuse complaints, facts
• Toyota is not above scrutiny