Hummel Nissan is the No. 1 seller of certified Nissans in the Chicago region. Officials credit Nissan for its CPO efforts, but they also take a proactive approach in selling used units. Every potential vehicle is certified, and the dealer aggressively uses the Internet to find customers.
Small entrepreneurial companies are developing electric and hybrid-electric vehicles to compete with major automakers. Using consortiums of component manufacturers and federal energy loans, they hope to leapfrog major automakers in technology and to market.
As auction prices for used vehicles continue climbing, Vision Automotive Group looks at all methods for sourcing inventory. The 6-store group will buy online, travel to many different auctions and use outside staff to cover even more auctions. A partnership with EasyCare has also helped spur record sales results.
Despite the "Cash for Clunkers" program, there were solid used-vehicle sales and higher residuals and recovery rates, says Manheim chief analyst, Tom Webb. Says Webb, dealers also saw improvement in retail gross margins in the used vehicle sector.