Recent Stories
Dealer profits surge 48% to record in a ‘unique' 2020

The 2020 figure blew by the industry's previous profit record for the average store, recorded in 2015.
Al Maroone, part of AutoNation's inception, dies at 98

He bought a small Ford dealership in 1955 by borrowing from his father's life savings, his sister's pension and his father-in-law's remortgage. Son Mike was later AutoNation's longtime COO.
Al Maroone
Al Maroone, whose stores helped build AutoNation, dies at 98

Maroone bought a small Ford dealership in 1955 by borrowing from his father's life savings, his sister's pension and his father-in-law's remortgage. His son Mike was later AutoNation's longtime COO.
Dealers strong, but pandemic isn't over

A note of caution to auto dealers: This pandemic is not over. A proof point? We're all meeting virtually this week for the 2021 NADA Show instead of gathering in person in New Orleans.
NADA ought to think virtual for 2021 show now

As the coronavirus continues to spread, National Automobile Dealers Association leaders are weighing whether they can safely gather Jan. 21-24 in New Orleans. It isn't looking good.
The panel for the “What Women Want: A Perspective on the Automotive Industry” panel during the NADA Show, from left: Janet Barnard, Cox Automotive; Liza Myers Borches, Carter Myers Automotive; Hannah Gearhard, Northwood University, and Lori Wittman, Cox Automotive.
NADA to elevate women in retail

The Women Driving Auto Retail initiative, unveiled at the NADA Show last month, seeks to increase hiring of women and improve dealerships' customer service approach.
EV bill stirs direct-sales fear for dealers

Outside of a couple of present-day problems — eroding vehicle margins and affordability challenges — the main factor weighing on retailers' minds is direct sales.
A solid year expected for dealers

New-vehicle sales may dip in 2020, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke says, but dealers should still expect strong results.
Sink profits into upgrades? Some dealers cringe

While dealerships have posted some of their biggest profits ever in recent years, many dealers are reluctant to spend on expensive building projects unless a store is too small or otherwise in obvious need of refreshing.
Brothers make sure construction of showy new store doesn't disrupt business

Rising up on a busy stretch of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in the inner-ring Atlanta suburb of Chamblee is the new home of Hennessy Ford-Lincoln Atlanta. There was no arguing that it needed to happen.
For online buyers, a mostly digital deal saves time and hassles

Even though a vehicle purchase still isn't as simple as clicking and buying a pair of shoes on Amazon, many customers appreciate the simplified buying experience that the advance in digital retailing tools can bring about.
Franchised dealers should take note of Carvana's appeal

Franchised car dealers have watched online used-vehicle retailer Carvana expand rapidly since it was founded in 2013.
AutoNation's new boss: No COO 'until I learn this business'

Carl Liebert, who in March replaced longtime AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson, doesn't want to put anyone between himself and his top executives.
AutoNation's profit slips as per-car margins rise

Net income at the biggest U.S. dealership group was dragged down by a sharp drop in auto sales, while an effort to focus on new-vehicle margins showed signs of paying off.
Growing backlash against stair-steps

Some dealers say they'll no longer chase automakers' targets in a shrinking market. And one is working to help dealers fight back against the reviled incentives.