Recent Stories
'Focus group on steroids' helps stores target ads
Andy Mohr Automotive Group, which has 11 rooftops in Indiana, is using digital tools to determine which types of communication keep prospective buyers engaged and which fail to connect with them, and thus which marketing opportunities to ignore or pursue.
2 Cleveland Nissan dealers cry foul over rival's extras
Two Cleveland-area dealers have filed a federal lawsuit against Nissan, alleging its alliances with so-called “preferred dealers” amount to illegal incentive programs that violate both U.S. and Ohio laws.
Moreno builds an empire by rocking the boat
Bernie Moreno is not your typical auto dealer. In just 10 years, he's built a growing empire of 18 dealerships in three states that generate more than $900 million in annual revenue. But perhaps most notable about the Colombia-born dealer is his willingness to buck convention.
Cash for Nissan's preferred dealers
In its drive to grab a larger slice of the U.S. market, Nissan North America is quietly forming alliances with selected dealers who get favorable treatment, and sometimes millions of dollars, from the company. Nissan says strengthening its retail networks is critical to its growth plans.
As sales lose sizzle, is industry prepared?
After six years of rapidly rising car sales, the road ahead for the U.S. auto industry is going to be much tougher. Sales may set another record in 2016, but the rate of growth will almost certainly fall to the low single digits, and that may only come by squeezing margins.
Good sales numbers, but look a bit closer
The U.S. auto industry's record 2015 sales total was capped off by a December that seems strong at first glance, but a closer look reveals growing concerns.
Magna to show system to thwart cyberattacks
Canadian auto supplier Magna will use the Consumer Electronics show to demonstrate its latest cyber security and automatic braking technologies, and hunt for a few innovative ideas.
Cheap oil drives changes in industry
The falling oil prices that give us cheap gas and strong truck sales also have a down side -- they crimp buying power in places like Texas and Oklahoma.
Smart glass promises clearer vision, cooler cars
In January, Continental AG plans to demonstrate a new type of film that can be sandwiched between sheets of glass and change the transparency of windows and windshields through electronic controls. When voltage is applied to the film, the particles in the material line up in a way that blocks sunlight.
The party's not over yet: Market 'just keeps going'
In view of the steadily improving economy, rising consumer confidence and still-unsated replacement demand, dealers and manufacturers can expect at least two more years with annual sales reaching or exceeding 17 million cars and light trucks.
Unpaid intern finds untapped opportunity in service lane
Warren Henry Infiniti stations an employee in the service department to mine each day's schedule and find customers who may be in a position to buy, even if they don't know it themselves.
Rising incentives, growing concern
U.S. auto sales continue to roar ahead, fueled by pent-up demand, low gasoline prices, new metal and -- increasingly -- rising incentives. By one measure, automakers' incentives are nearing 10 percent of the industry's average transaction price. The trend is raising some concern among analysts.
JCI boss says he's a victim; records show no injury
Johnson Controls CEO Alex Molinaroli has drawn scrutiny after paying legal bills and providing substantial financial support to a man who was convicted of running a $50 million Ponzi scheme. Molinaroli says he was a victim; federal court records don't portray the auto parts chief as an injured party.
Will Trudeau's victory mark a win for industry in Canada?
Last week's dramatic election in Canada could turn out to be good news for the country's beleaguered auto industry. The winning left-leaning Liberal Party, led by prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau, campaigned by pledging a greater willingness to spend money to stimulate the economy and create or preserve jobs.
21 innovative suppliers named PACE Award finalists
The technologies -- ranging from advanced mirrors to charging technology for electric vehicles to a new approach to all-wheel drive -- underscore the auto industry's advance toward lightweight, fuel-efficient and electrified vehicles.