Recent Stories
Manufacturing
UAW puts its money where its mouth is

With dollars and declarations, the UAW is signaling that it's prepared for a long and costly strike. Are Detroit's automakers prepared? The answer could define the course and tone of contract talks.
Manufacturing
UAW chief readies union for reforms, contract talks

UAW President Gary Jones, who was elected president of the union in June, said reform isn't easy, but it is important to "strengthen your trust in us." He didn't offer details but said more would be shared in upcoming months.
Dealers
Berkshire Hathaway renews bid for Texas franchise law reform

Legislation has been introduced in Texas that could aid Berkshire Hathaway Automotive and Warren Buffett's feud with Texas regulators.
Manufacturing
UAW boosts weekly strike pay by $50

The UAW, preparing for negotiations this year with the Detroit 3 automakers, said it is boosting its weekly strike pay to $250 from $200, effective immediately, and it will rise to $275 in January.
Dealers
Former Sonic CEO Scott Smith to get $6M payout

Sonic Automotive co-founder Scott Smith, who stepped down as CEO last fall, has resigned from the company and is in line to receive a $6 million payout.
Dealers
# 1 Cochran acquires 2 stores from private equity firm GPB

The #1 Cochran dealership group in western Pennsylvania has bought two Kenny Ross dealerships from private equity firm GPB Capital Holdings. 
Dealers
Store count down first time since '13

The number of U.S. dealerships declined for the first time since 2013, while sales throughput increased slightly, according to our annual dealership census.
Dealers
Franchise count in flux as Genesis shifts

The Genesis luxury brand saw a drop in its franchise count in 2018. But the brand expects the number to grow to around 300 to 325 by sometime this spring.
Sales
HYUNDAI-KIA: A lift from crossovers

Hyundai-Kia's combined U.S. sales increased 4.4 percent in February, helped mostly by an expanded crossover lineup, as the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands all posted year-over-year gains.
Dealers
Napleton Automotive Group buys 3 Minnesota dealerships

Ed Napleton Automotive Group bought Lexus of Wayzata, Lexus of Maplewood and Village Chevrolet in Wayzata in suburban Minneapolis from Village Automotive Group. The transaction closed Monday.
Dealers
Publics adapt as buy-sells rev up

Many of the public auto retailers say the buy-sell environment is heating up in 2019 and they are fielding calls from sellers. They are being careful in their buying strategy and also are divesting stores that are underperformers.
Dealers
Sonic takes axe to costs

Sonic Automotive Inc. is the second public auto retailer to cut jobs and announce a restructuring program amid concerns 2019 will be a tough year for auto retailers.
Dealers
Sonic Automotive cut 6% of corporate staff in quarter

Sonic Automotive, preparing for a tough year ahead, said interest rate hikes in 2019 could erode profits.
Retail
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.
Retail
Sonic warns of weaker Q4 profits related to BMW, Honda challenges

Sonic Automotive — for the second time in three quarters — has issued a profit warning for weaker-than-predicted quarterly results related to incentives and performance from BMW and Honda. The retailer is set to release fourth-quarter results Feb. 20.