by Domestic Car Dealer News on January 7, 2010
Although the Buick Regal name doesn’t still carry much panache, the resurgence of the Regal nameplate was well received when it made its debut recently at the 2009 LA Auto Show. That’s because the new model is based on the Opel Insignia, which is a car that’s received praise in Europe for its good looks and sporty handling.
At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next week, Buick will be highlighting the Regal once again, but this time the GM brand will be showing off a performance concept called the Regal GS. Although not confirmed for production, the Regal GS concept will be used to test consumer reactions to a high-performance version of this entry-level luxury car. [click to continue…]
by Domestic Car Dealer News on December 23, 2009
After a long process, Ford has finally solidified a deal to sell its Volvo car unit to China’s Geely. Although the deal is not yet final, it’s expected to be closed by the second quarter of 2010.
The major areas of the terms have already been agreed upon by Ford and Geely, but the deal needs to be approved by the Chinese government to move forward. In the meantime, Geely will also need to secure financing. [click to continue…]
by Domestic Car Dealer News on December 1, 2009
The 2009 LA Auto Show will offer a number of all-new models and concepts from a bevy of automotive brands. But perhaps some of the most highly-anticipated vehicles are those from General Motors. Several GM brands will be showing off exciting new sedans that are hoped to help turn the “New GM” into a competitive powerhouse yet again. [click to continue…]
by Domestic Car Dealer News on November 12, 2009
Last week countless media outlets remarked that Ford posted a surprise third quarter profit. As the only Big Three automaker that did not go into bankruptcy, Ford has not avoided financial struggles, but remains resilient thanks to aggressive cost-cutting initiatives.
Ford reported a net income of $997 million in the third quarter and cited new products, structural cost reductions, and improved results from Ford Credit as contributing factors to recent success. The results were remarkable says San Antonio Used Cars considering the economic crisis and the crippled condition of the automotive industry. Plus, the results showed a $1.2 billion improvement compared to the same period last year.
One of the transformations currently underway at Ford is a new global product lineup. Not only is Ford rapidly bringing new models to showrooms, but they are doing so on a global level according to Meredith Ford to align production and reduce costs. Ford has also been strong in Europe where new models are thriving, such as the Fiesta which is currently the second best-selling car in Europe. Plus, the automaker has seen strong profits in emerging markets, such as South America and Asia.
Despite continued struggles for some automakers amid the still weakened global economy, Ford appears to be adapting and meeting tough economic challenges. Meanwhile, new products such as the Ford Taurus are showing that Ford is listening to consumers and is delivering value. Demand at Ford dealers Concord NH for these products have been steady, and new products on the horizon, such as the upcoming U.S. launch of the Fiesta, will likely continue this trend. [click to continue…]
by Domestic Car Dealer News on October 2, 2009
Cash for Clunkers has helped plenty of automakers and dealers by rejuvenating new car sales. But the biggest winner of this program appears to be Ford, thanks to offering four of the top ten most purchased vehicles under the Cash for Clunkers program.
According to Edmunds.com, the most purchased vehicle is the Ford Escape crossover. Available with a fuel efficient four-cylinder, a powerful V6, or even as a hybrid model, one Ford truck Washington DC dealer point out that the Ford Escape is likely to fit the needs of plenty of buyers that want the versatility of a crossover vehicle that doesn’t skimp on efficiency. The latest Escape, says Denver Auto Loans, also offers plenty of unique features including the Sync infotainment system, all-wheel drive, and a slew of safety features.
The second most purchased vehicle is the Ford Focus, which of course is the most fuel efficient model in Ford’s lineup according to Greeley Used Cars. At number five is the Ford F-150 pickup truck and rounding out the top ten list is the Ford Fusion midsize sedan, which is also available with a hybrid.
The Cash for Clunkers program received another $2 billion in addition to the program’s original $1 billion, but ended early due to high demand. With a $3500 to $4500 vouchers at stake, car buyers flocked to car dealerships and recognized that it was a very advantageous time to purchase a new car.
According to Edmunds.com, the most-purchased vehicles under the Cash for Clunkers program are:
| 1. Ford Escape |
6. Honda Civic |
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| 2. Ford Focus |
7. Chevrolet Silverado |
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| 3. Jeep Patriot |
8. Chevrolet Cobalt |
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| 4. Dodge Caliber |
9. Toyota Corolla |
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| 5. Ford F-150 |
10. Ford Fusion |
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by Domestic Car Dealer News on October 2, 2009
If the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is any indication, General Motors is well on its way getting back on track. Stylish, well-built, and loads of available options, the 2010 Equinox is a huge improvement over its predecessor, and shows that GM is capable of listening to what car buyers really want.
Functionality, says a Chevrolet Equinox Detroit dealer, is one of the best qualities of this mid-sized SUV. The 2010 Chevy Equinox features a well-designed interior with all controls and components easily within reach of the drive. But best of all, the interior is stylish and modern, unlike many Chevrolet interiors from recent model years.
Powering the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a 264-horsepower V6 engine that will no doubt provide ample power for most buyers. According to Nola Used Cars, that should make it a more attractive option when compared to popular models it competes with, such as the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4. A used Chevrolet Orlando dealer also points out that the Equinox has become significantly longer than much of the competition.
While it’s bigger and more powerful than much of the competition, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is also more expensive. Fully loaded, the Equinox can easily climb into the low $30K range. Although it has its advantages over the competition, and improvements over its predecessor, the 2010 Equinox is not necessarily a standout either. But we hope that GM will continue to produce vehicles that are like the new Equinox and offer the same breadth of attractive qualities. [click to continue…]
by Domestic Car Dealer News on October 2, 2009
Saturn will now face the same fate as other brands such as Oldsmobile and Plymouth with the withdrawal of Roger Penske’s offer to buy the ailing brand from General Motors.
Penske had been the only serious buyer for the Saturn brand when GM decided to get rid of the brand as it faced serious sales declines. Penske’s Penske Automotive Group had one challenge – no means to produce additional cars for Saturn. As a result, Elyria Chevrolet said Penske sought a partnership with other automakers to supply Saturn with new cars.
Without Penske to take over the brand, Saturn will meet its demise and so too will its retailers according to Used Cars Washington DC. Already, GM has eliminated numerous dealers amid the decline in new car demand. Despite relatively fresh offerings, Saturn continued to struggle, as have all GM brands admits Beachwood Used Cars. Following bankruptcy restructuring, GM has decided to focus on its core brands of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC, and has sought to sell or dissolve all other brands.
Penske Automotive Group owns 310 dealer franchises. It was mainly banking on French automaker Renault to supply automobiles for the brand. If the deal was successful, it would save roughly 350 Saturn dealerships and 13,000 jobs. [click to continue…]
by Domestic Car Dealer News on July 13, 2009
The demise of the Pontiac brand has placed many attractive models on the chopping block, including the superb Pontiac Solstice roaster and the Pontiac Vibe, which has built in partnership with Toyota. But according to GM executives, one model in the Pontiac lineup that we will continue to see is the G8 sedan.
Based on the GM’s Australian-based Holden subsidiary, the Pontiac G8 is one of the few sporty, rear-wheel drive sedans within the GM lineup. There’s even a high performance GXP model, but that vehicle may become discontinued. With the sedan unable to remain a Pontiac, it appears it will soon found a home within the Chevy lineup as the next Caprice. [click to continue…]
