Hesterberg says TrueCar.com harms dealers
 Group 1 Automotive CEO Earl Hesterberg believes TrueCar.com is harmful to dealers and automakers and questions the online shopping site's value to the industry. ...  story
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Krafcik: Capacity crimps Hyundai
 Hyundai Motor America, which doubled the industry's 10 percent sales gain in 2011, will not see similar gains this year, its top executive said. Because of capacity constraints at its Alabama plant, Hyundai will be fortunate to match the industry's expected 8 percent gain to 13. ... story
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Power: Demand, new models to lift sales
A wave of fresh vehicles should combine with pent-up demand to drive U.S. vehicle sales higher this year and next, J.D. Power and Associates predicts. Automakers are expected to introduce 51 new or redesigned vehicles this year, the most in at least the past five years. ... story
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JASON STEIN
TrueCar and Taj Mahals have everyone thinking
 Scott Painter probably never imagined the day when his name would share the podium with gray tile or grout. But there they were Friday -- the oddest of bedfellows. ... story
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Marchionne: Stores must have unified look
 Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler-Fiat, is one of the few auto executives who seems to make news each time he opens his mouth. He has an enviable command of the smallest details of his business and a slew of people who report directly to him as Chrysler Group continues its recovery. ... story
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Chrysler opens 17 dealerships in California
 Peter Grady, Chrysler Group's vice president for network development and fleet, says he is making progress rebuilding dealerships and sales in California. The automaker dropped many dealerships in the state in the 2009 bankruptcy. He spoke with Staff Reporter Larry P. Vellequette. ... story
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Many hot topics fill make meeting agenda
 Dealers have a lot on their minds as they prepare for their make meetings Sunday and Monday. Among the issues: dealership facility requirements, advertising strategies, North American production plans and, of course, new products. ... story
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Dealers take steps to boost data security
As dealerships share more information with outside companies via the Internet, Houston dealer Bruce Glascock has beefed up his data security. ... story
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Question of the day
Does your captive finance company lean on you to sell its F&I products, such as service contracts? ... story
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Glenn Mercer: Getting to the bottom of renovations
 Ask auto retail experts about manufacturer-mandated store improvements and you will find no shortage of opinions, analyst Glenn Mercer said. But ask them to back their opinion with research and you'll find a shortage. ... story
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50 dealers honored as Time award nominees
Fifty auto dealers have been nominated by automotive trade associations for the 2012 Time Dealer of the Year award. The nominees were announced by Time magazine and Ally Financial, this year's sponsor. ... story
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What's happening Saturday?
A roundup of events for Saturday, Feb. 4 ... story
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TALKIN' FACILITIES
Industry executives weigh in on the issue
 NADA will release a report this morning that it commissioned from independent analyst Glenn Mercer on whether automakers' facilities programs produce an acceptable return on investment. Ahead of the report's release, here are some industry executives' comments about the issue. ... story
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Dealers can share all-star ideas
NADA University wants to hear from dealers who have turned their training into successful practices. Dealers may visit the NADA University booth in the main lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center through Monday. ... story
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Northwood pays tribute to dealers who aided education
Northwood University in Midland, Mich., will present seven Dealer Education Awards at a breakfast Sunday at Bally's Las Vegas. ... story
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GM moves Small from fleet sales to head of U.S. dealer network
General Motors has named Brian Small general director of its U.S. dealer network. Small, 56, replaces Jim Bunnell, 56, who was named to a newly created position as head of the dealer network for GM Europe, GM said. ... story
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Lincoln dealers upbeat about new products on horizon
 Lincoln dealers are cautiously hopeful that the unveiling of the Lincoln MKZ Concept car at the Detroit auto show means that Ford Motor Co. is committed to turning its lagging luxury brand around this time. Bob Tasca Jr. ... story
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Nissan dealer: New-product 'arsenal is absolutely full'
 Mike D'Amato became a Nissan dealer at what looked like a challenging moment. He opened for business as Nissan of North Olmsted, near Cleveland, in the summer of 2007, just as the industry was sliding into trouble. But D'Amato, now 50, was armed with a positive attitude. ... story
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On the record
 "It's the most unsexy corporate mantra ever." -- JOHN KRAFCIK, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, referring to the automaker's founding principles of "diligence, frugality and harmony" ... story
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Ford dealers wonder: How do we top 2011?
 For Ford dealers, 2012 is going to be a very big year indeed. Redesigned versions of the Escape crossover and Fusion mid-sized sedan will be introduced in the second half of the year, both featuring sleek new designs and loaded with technology. ... story
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New Chrysler Group leaders regain their dealers' trust
 David Kelleher began selling cars when he was 24, shortly after finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. It wasn't his intended career path -- he had wanted to go to law school -- but the industry grabbed hold of him and never let go. ... story
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Jaguar rep: Amid upheaval, dealers remain confident
 Jaguar's sales have not rebounded with the rest of the auto industry. Its U.S. sales in 2011 dropped 8 percent to 12,276 units. But Jaguar's owner since 2008, Tata Motors Ltd. of India, has been restructuring and reorganizing the brand. ... story
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BMW dealers need help with factory relations
 MW beat Lexus in the race for the annual luxury crown last year. It's the first time BMW has been the top-selling luxury brand in the United States. That capped a year of major changes at BMW of North America. ... story
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Mercedes dealers' goal: Best-in-class profitability
 Mercedes-Benz launched five vehicles last year, tried to beat BMW for the No. 1 luxury brand title, fired its CEO after alleging ethics violations and appointed the vice president of sales to take his place. Staff Reporter Diana T. ... story
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At Lexus, enthusiasm about ample supply, new product
 Lexus had been the top-selling luxury brand in the United States for a decade when the March earthquake struck Japan, crimping inventories and allowing BMW and Mercedes-Benz to pounce on the sales opportunity. ... story
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Tight inventory is top concern for Land Rover dealers
 A new compact SUV helped Land Rover finish U.S. sales up 20 percent. But dealers say sales could have been higher had there been more product. Staff Reporter Jamie LaReau spoke with Dan Muggli, chairman of the Land Rover Business Operations Council. ... story
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For Lincoln, exclusive F&I products
Ford Motor Credit Co. is tailoring its F&I products for Lincoln customers. Ford Credit launched Lincoln Automotive Financial Services in November as part of a strategy to polish Lincoln's credentials as a luxury brand and gain a degree of separation from the Ford brand. ... story
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BEST OF BEST PRACTICES
Bergstroms' pledge: 'Treat everyone like guests'
 The foundation of Bergstrom Automotive's empire in Wisconsin was forged early in the lives of John and Richard Bergstrom. Mom insisted that gracious hospitality included tidy and well-dressed sons. ... story
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Lithia sweeps Shareholder Value retailer awards
 Lithia Motors Inc. swept the retailer category at the 12th annual Global Automotive Shareholder Value Awards in January. The awards, developed jointly by Automotive News and PwC, recognize the best shareholder return for automotive manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. ... story
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BEST OF BEST PRACTICES
Benefits keep dealership's staff onboard
 Paul Weller has sold trucks at the same dealership for 33 years. Colleague Pat Marshall has worked there 34 years; Venson Rickert, for 32. Sound unusual? It's not at Bayshore Ford Truck Sales in New Castle, Del. ... story
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