Franchise dealers selling large volumes of used vehicles can draw those customers back by servicing all brands. It can start with just simple lube jobs and increase to stocking parts and making large repairs. Revenue will jump but so will costs, including training.
Major fleets using hybrid-electric trucks report they are holding up well in heavy use and are simple to maintain. The technology has moved out of the prototype phase, resulting in fewer problems.
Wholesale prices remained at peak levels during June, according to OPENLANE, which also indicated that there were month-over-month gains in the prices of minivans and trucks, with cars and SUVs declining modestly from May. Overall U.S. auction prices in June held steady and ended on par with May 2010 levels, representing the highest price levels of 2010 YTD.
Ford is recalling almost 34,000 Transit Connect vans, and Chrysler is recalling 22,000 Dodge and Jeep vehicles. The Transit has a roof-related problem that may keep the vehicle from meeting safety standards. The Chrysler vehicles may have a problem with a brake component.