rorty:::tort: DAILY: GM, Peugeot mull Europe joint venture | BMW lets U.S. lessees skip payments in drive to pass Mercedes | Toyota reclaims loyalty crown

DAILY NEWSLETTER

October 12, 2012

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GM, Peugeot mull European joint venture

GM and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen are exploring ways to combine their European operations in a second phase of the alliance they forged earlier this year, sources said. ... >> story Published: Oct 12 10:40 am U.S. Eastern time / UPDATED: 10/12/12 4:12 pm ET - adds more detail

In-House Inferno or Managed Chat Nirvana, which would you choose?

With managed chat you could convert 25x more sales leads. Or with in-house chat, convert 310% fewer chats to leads. To see this fun infographic and figure out which is the right chat solution for your dealership, click here.

BMW lets U.S. lessees skip payments in drive to pass Mercedes

BMW AG, falling behind Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz in U.S. luxury auto sales, is introducing an incentive program through the end of this month that lets lease owners skip payments if they buy a new vehicle. ... >> story Published: Oct 12 3:10 pm U.S. Eastern time

Toyota recaptures corporate loyalty leadership; Ford is top brand

Toyota Motor has recaptured the top spot among automakers in U.S. customer loyalty for the first time since the third quarter of 2009, according to a study released Thursday by Experian Automotive. Toyota had the highest corporate loyalty rate, at 47. ... >> story Published: Oct 11 6:20 pm U.S. Eastern time / UPDATED: 10/12/12 10:24 am ET - adds Toyota comment

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PHOTO GALLERY
Chrysler's Mopar revs up for SEMA
Chrysler Group’s Mopar parts and service brand will showcase 23 and a half customized vehicles at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas later month, aiming to capture more of the aftermarket accessory sales now going to independent producers. >> Photo Gallery

MORE HEADLINES

Chrysler, 2 rejected dealers head to court

Ford board deliberates on successor for Mulally

VW may add budget subbrand by 2015, sources say

Lexus sedans pose risk for trunk entrapment, Consumer Reports says

Chrysler's Mopar targets more accessory sales with SEMA lineup

Hyundai Veloster faces safety probe for shattering sunroof

L.A. auto show enhances web site for mobile devices

Opel union wants labor deal by Oct. 26

GUEST COMMENTARY
Tesla challenges independent dealer network

Tesla has opened "showrooms" around the country to market its sleek electric cars. Dealer associations counter that this practice still violates franchising laws, opens the door to unfair competition and sets up Tesla customers for costly failures, contaminating an otherwise competitive and consumer-friendly marketplace. ... >> Read the column Published: Oct 12 11:17 am U.S. Eastern time

Lindsay Chappell is the Mid-South bureau chief for Automotive News
A little too much sales contact?
The lease on one of my family cars is coming to an end. In December I’ll need to hand over the keys after 36 months. I’ve really enjoyed the car more than I expected. ...

Read the blog Published: Oct 11 6:28 pm U.S. Eastern time

WEBINARS

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Best Practices for Compliant Marketing
October 30, 2 p.m. EDT
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Webinar Archives Library

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