Latest from Joseph Lichterman

The lender lineup: How many is too many?
How many retail lenders should a dealership have? The issue is complicated by memories of the recession, when many dealerships found themselves abandoned by longtime financing partners.
Promotions of Barra, Reuss, Batey receive dealers' praise
General Motors dealers responded positively today to news that Mary Barra will be the automaker's next CEO. They also praised the promotions of Mark Reuss to head of product development and Alan Batey to lead the automaker's North American operations.
Asbury appoints new CFO
Asbury Automotive said that Keith Style will become the company's CFO, effective Jan. 1. Style, now Asbury's vice president of finance, will replace CFO Scott Krenz, who is retiring.
The lender lineup: How many is too many?
How many retail lenders should a dealership have? The issue is complicated by memories of the recession, when many dealerships found themselves abandoned by longtime financing partners.
More than half of new-car shoppers would consider CPO, study says
More than half of new-car shoppers are willing to consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, up from 43 percent a year ago, an AutoTrader.com study released today says.
Recalls create service opportunities for dealers
Recalls provide opportunities for dealerships to bring customers into the service department, build customer loyalty and encourage maintenance business.
AutoNation net income rises 13% on gains in all segments
AutoNation today said its net income increased 13 percent in the third quarter on a 14 percent rise in revenue. Sales of new and used vehicles were up by double-digit percentages, and revenues rose for all operations.
Used cars boost Asbury's Q3 profits, sales
Asbury Automotive Group today reported a 10 percent increase in net income in the third quarter on a 17 percent rise in revenue. Used-car operations paced both revenue and profits.
Sonic's Q3 operating profit stable on rising revenue
Sonic Automotive reported steady third-quarter operating profit, and higher profit margins, as it continued to improve implementation of its True Price Strategy, which aims to limit negotiations on new-car purchases.
Once hired, many never leave Jaguar store
Darren Henry Jaguar in Miami has been Mike Berger's sole employer for his entire adult life. Berger's father worked at the dealership, and helped his high school son land a part-time job cleaning the shop. After the son graduated, he began working full-time at the dealership. Today, nearly 25 years since he first took a job at Warren Henry Jaguar, Berger still works at the dealership alongside his dad, who has been with the Warren Henry group for more than 30 years.
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