Dealer Life Today

01/06/2021

This week in automotive history included:
- Ford goes Russian
- Kentucky becomes Corvette exclusive
- Volvo goes sporty
- Future NASCAR great busted for moonshine
- Henry Ford makes a historical drive

24/05/2021

Brandon Wright never thought he would attend another high school prom, let alone host one — especially not at his car dealership, of all places.

Brandon Wright never thought he would attend another high school prom, let alone host one — especially not at his car dealership, of all places. But that’s exactly what happened May 15, after he offered up his business in Covington, Va., …

24/05/2021

McCurley Integrity Toyota of Walla Walla Sold to Lum Family

Justin Teubner, until last week the general sales manager at Lum’s Auto Center in Warrenton, Ore., has moved to town with the purchase, in partnership with the Lum family, of what was McCurley Integrity Toyota of Walla Walla since February …

24/05/2021

This Week in Automotive History includes:
- America’s first gasoline-powered car
- Chung Ju Yung starts Hyundai Companies
- Goodbye to the Ford Model T
- Germany launches Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH

Automotive history events occurring between May 24th to the 30th in a weekly video series called, "This Week in Automotive History".

22/05/2021

: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota received a generous donation from St. Cloud Subaru for the seventh year in a row.

: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota received a generous donation from a St. Cloud car dealership for the seventh year in a row. St. Cloud Subaru’s Share the Love event donated $14,392.25 to the local Boys and Girls Club. …

22/05/2021

: Antelope Valley Chevrolet is donating $10,000 towards a new Chevrolet Suburban to a murder victim's family, to assist in the care of her children.

: A family-owned and operated dealership in Lancaster, Antelope Valley Chevrolet is donating $10,000 towards a new Chevrolet Suburban for Dorsey’s sister, Jessica Jordan, to assist in the care of her children. “Were more than honored to assist Ms. Jordan with the …

22/05/2021

: Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown and the Greenwood Foundation donated a new Chevrolet Bolt to Youngstown State University — and made a $100,000 donation to the Excellence Training Center.

: Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown and the Greenwood Foundation donated a new Chevrolet Bolt to Youngstown State University today — and made a $100,000 donation to the Excellence Training Center. Greg Greenwood, owner of Greenwood Chevrolet, said the collaboration will offer...

22/05/2021

Wilde East Towne Honda, in partnership with the Dane County School Consortium in Wisconsin, hosted the Girl’s Auto Clinic for the second year. The two-month-long program encouraged high school girls to defy gender stereotypes in the automotive industry.

A Madison youth program is introducing girls to a career typically dominated by men. Wilde East Towne Honda, in partnership with the Dane County School Consortium (DCSC), hosted the Girl’s Auto Clinic for the second year. The two month-long program, …

20/05/2021

The Bommarito Automotive Group has grown over the past 50 years into the top automotive group in Missouri. But third generation Beau and Blake Bommarito are taking a step back to make a name for themselves.

The Bommarito Automotive Group has grown over the past 50 years into the top automotive group in Missouri. The Bommarito name is well-known in the St. Louis region and their contributions to the community have far outweighed the number of …

20/05/2021

Police are working to find out what caused the death of two contract workers at EchoPark Automotive in Irondale, Alabama.

Police are working to find out what caused the death of two contract workers at an Irondale car dealership. The bodies were found at EchoPark Automotive just before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Sgt. Michael Mangina with the Irondale Police Department said …

20/05/2021

: Starting Memorial Day week, Elmer Hare Ford Sales Inc. in Marshall will be assisting in Saline County’s Buddy Pack Program

: Starting Memorial Day week, Elmer Hare Ford Sales Inc. in Marshall will be assisting in Saline County’s Buddy Pack Program. Darren White, The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri’s regional coordinator, said Elmer Hare Ford participated a few …

20/05/2021

: For the past month, Bill Colwell Ford has had the bed of a new Ford F-150 truck open to locals for donations. Once full to the rim, the donations will go to Black Hawk County's Veterans Affairs.

: For the past month, Bill Colwell Ford has had the bed of a new Ford F-150 truck open to locals for donations. Once full to the rim, the donations will go to Black Hawk County’s Veterans Affairs. The campaign …

19/05/2021

The Peach State has been home to Jim Ellis Automotive Group for 50 years, and the brand is still going strong.

Jim Ellis Automotive Group in Georgia is celebrating its golden anniversary. The dealership plans to add another milestone to its five-decade success as it intends to create a larger new Volkswagen dealership and car museum in Chamblee. “As we celebrate this milestone, we sincerely …

19/05/2021

We see restaurants inside of places like grocery stores whether it be a Starbucks or McDonalds, but what about a luxury car dealership?

We see restaurants inside of places like grocery stores whether it be a Starbucks or McDonalds, but what about a luxury car dealership? “People come in off the street just to eat… My menu changes every day.” Tucked away behind the …

17/05/2021

Spalding University in Louisville, Ky., recently announced that it will undertake $7 million in renovations to a former V.V. Cooke Chevrolet dealership to create a home for its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Spalding University in Louisville, Ky., recently announced that it will undertake $7 million in renovations to a former V.V. Cooke Chevrolet dealership to create a home for its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Construction is scheduled to be complete in late 2021, and the …

17/05/2021

California-based Cardinale Automotive Group opened its Morgan Hill, California, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) earlier this year; both the brand and the dealership have high hopes.

Marina-based Cardinale Automotive Group opened its Morgan Hill, California, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) earlier this year; both the brand and the dealership have high hopes. While all the permits for the building’s construction have been secured, the approval to begin its operations prior ....

17/05/2021

This Week in Automotive History saw:
A triple crown racing legend retires.
Cannon Ball Baker rolls up in NYC.
$50 bet to drive cross-country
The need for radar detectors starts.
Bonnie & Clyde make Ford famous.

15/05/2021

Dealer Bernie Moreno, who last month announced he would run for U.S. Senate in Ohio, wasn’t able to buy back his old Cleveland Motorsports dealership after all.

Dealer Bernie Moreno, who last month announced he would run for U.S. Senate in Ohio, wasn’t able to buy back his old Cleveland Motorsports dealership after all. Terry Rafih, CEO of Rafih Auto Group in Windsor, Ontario, who in March 2019 bought the dealership selling Aston Martin, …

15/05/2021

: Frankie Fordeley is the owner of Nonnies Motors in Ohio, and he says after the pandemic-related deaths of long customers and friends Steve and Debbie, he knew he had to help their daughter and grandson in their time of need.

: This pandemic has impacted us all in many different ways from sickness to unemployment and for some, worse. One car dealership owner in Trumbull County is looking to help turn things around for one local family, who are close friends and long …

14/05/2021

Napleton Automotive Group is suing its former Napleton Kia General Manager and his new employer in federal court, accusing the employee of stealing trade secrets and poaching other workers as part of his move to a competing dealership earlier this year.

The owner of a Carmel car dealership is suing its former manager and his new employer in federal court, accusing the employee of stealing trade secrets and poaching other workers as part of his move to a competing dealership earlier this year. Chicago-based Napleton …

14/05/2021

General Manager of Lincoln of Wayne, Peter Spina’s grandfather, Gaspar Spina, started selling cars in the 1950s and established the dealership in 1962. “Back then, the industry was very different,” Spina explained. “He worked his way up to eventually owning a dealership in Paterson. Paterson Lincoln-Mercury was our first dealership.”

General Manager of Lincoln of Wayne, Peter Spina, Jr., spoke about the dealership’s unique history being a third-generation, family-owned business. Spina’s grandfather, Gaspar Spina, started selling cars in the 1950s and established the dealership in 1962. “Back then, the industry was very d...

14/05/2021

Two Florida men were each sentenced Thursday for their involvement in the theft of campers from a business in Elkins, Acting United States Attorney Randolph Bernard announced.

Two Florida men were each sentenced Thursday for their involvement in the theft of campers from a business in Elkins, Acting United States Attorney Randolph Bernard announced. U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh sentenced Taylon Batista Garcia, 35, to 20 months …

14/05/2021

After 44 years, Rudig Jensen CDJR in New Lisbon, Wisconsin is changing hands, with Mark Rudig selling the company to three of his partners including one who is the only female owner to have “come up through the ranks.”

After 44 years, the Rudig Jensen auto dealership in New Lisbon is changing hands, with Mark Rudig selling the company to three of his partners including one who is the only female owner to have “come up through the ranks.” …

12/05/2021

Hendrick Automotive Group filed a response denying most of the claims made against it in a lawsuit filed by a former employee, who alleged he endured racist harassment for years while working at one of the group's stores.

Hendrick Automotive Group filed a response denying most of the claims made against it in a lawsuit filed by a former employee, who alleged he endured racist harassment for years while working at one of the group’s stores. The dealership group’s response, …

12/05/2021

UK Ford Dealership Paying Price for Excluding Female Employee from Pizza

A car dealership in the U.K. is paying the price for alleged workplace discrimination. Hartwell Ford, a franchised dealership network that operates throughout England, reportedly lost a discrimination case to a former employee who says they were excluded from monthly team lunches, Newsweek r...

12/05/2021

Man Used Stolen ID to Purchase a $58k SUV, then Posed for a Facebook Photo at Thoroughbred Ford

Detectives with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department took to a popular metro-area Facebook group Tuesday with a plea to help name an identity theft suspect. And this one is a whopper. In the post, police said officers are following …

11/05/2021

Rafih Auto Group has purchased the four-store Eitel Dahm Motor Group in metro Detroit.

Rafih Auto Group has purchased the four-store Eitel Dahm Motor Group Ltd. in metro Detroit. Rafih Auto Group CEO Terry Rafih said the deal closes Monday. It involves BMW of Rochester Hills, Audi of Rochester Hills, Porsche of The Motor …

11/05/2021

Police Say Burglar Caught in Mid Snooze in Car on Boardwalk Motors Lot in Washington.

According to Auburn, Washington Police, 32-year-old Shane Lee Fitch had himself a busy night on Nov. 15, 2020. After all, breaking into a bunch of vehicles to steal stuff on the lot of a fenced dealership overnight, as police claim Fitch did, …

10/05/2021

Chuck Guschewsky Loved His Family, His Flying, And His Car Dealerships

Charles Fredrick “Chuck” Guschewsky was born on November 13, 1956 in Lander, Wyoming to James Edward Guschewsky and Alice Marie Accola Guschewsky. He died of cardiac arrest on May 1, 2021. Services will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 at …

10/05/2021

Lubbock's Alderson Family of Dealerships this week announced that the company with a more than 70-year history in the Hub City will soon be led by San Antonio-based Cavender Auto Group.

Lubbock’s Alderson Family of Dealerships this week announced that the company with a more than 70-year history in the Hub City will soon be led by a San Antonio based auto group. Alderson, which was founded in Lubbock in 1949 and now has dealerships in Lubbock …

10/05/2021

: Memorial Highway Chevrolet in Somerset is kicking off their month-long mission of helping the Somerset County Humane Society in Pennslyvania.

: Memorial Highway Chevrolet in Somerset is kicking off their month-long mission of helping the Somerset County Humane Society. Every Saturday for the month of May, they’re asking visitors to fill up the back of a Silverado. It’s called the …

10/05/2021

A car dealership owner in southeast Houston was beaten with a crowbar and then tied up and dragged throughout his office in an attack that was captured on camera.

A car dealership owner in southeast Houston was beaten with a crowbar and then tied up and dragged throughout his office in an attack that was captured on camera. According to police, it happened at Auto Usados, an auto sales shop in …

10/05/2021

This week in automotive history
-Volvo Cars starts as a ball bearing company

-BFGoodrich Tires goes tubeless

- Announced discontinued production of ‘one of the nastiest-handling cars ever built’ by Chevrolet

- Subaru of America, Inc. goes front wheel drive.

AND MORE!

07/05/2021

When Jackie Stiles sets her mind to something, she's going to see it through — even when it comes to purchasing a car from a dealership almost 300 miles away.

When Jackie Stiles sets her mind to something, she’s going to see it through — even when it comes to purchasing a car from a dealership almost 300 miles away. So when the greatest athlete in the history of Missouri State University, …

07/05/2021

Ed Morse Automotive Group, already one of the nation’s largest dealership groups, just got a bit bigger as it entered a new state, adding four more rooftops.

Ed Morse Automotive Group, already one of the nation’s largest dealership groups, just got a bit bigger as it entered a new state, adding four Detroit 3 stores. The Delray Beach, Fla., group and CEO Teddy Morse this week bought three dealerships in Missouri …

07/05/2021

Dick and Carol Wendle, both 79, say they have a passion for giving back to youth and the community. Those around them notice the ripple effects that continue to make an impact on both their family and Wendle Motors.

Dick and Carol Wendle, both 79, say they’ve made a good team throughout nearly 55 years of marriage. The Wendles say they have a passion for giving back to youth and the community. Those around them notice the ripple effects …

07/05/2021

: Roger Beasley Mazda donates a new Mazda to the Austin Humane Society to raffle off to community members for a chance to win the car. Each purchased raffle ticket corresponds to a pet’s food, medical care, and a night of shelter and love.

: Roger Beasley Mazda in Austin, Texas, works with a local animal center by raffling off a vehicle and passing on the proceeds from ticket sales to the Austin Humane Society. Roger Beasley Imports and Roger Beasley Organization managing partner …

06/05/2021

: North End Subaru recently donated the proceeds of its annual Share the Love fundraising event to the Boys & Girls clubs of Lunenburg, Fitchburg, and Leominster in Massachusetts.

: North End Subaru recently donated the proceeds of its annual Share the Love fundraising event to the Boys & Girls clubs of Lunenburg and Fitchburg and Leominster. The $17,000 donation was collected by the Lunenburg dealership from donations made between Nov. …

06/05/2021

According to a complaint, Hutto Chevrolet sales managerJoseph Ellard is accused of selling multiple fi****ms, including a machine gun and a tactical rifle, plus ammunition, and a silencer to undercover agents at the dealership back in February.

The former general sales manager of a Chevrolet dealership in Hutto is facing a federal criminal charge — accused of dealing much more than SUVs off the lot. Federal prosecutors say he was trafficking weapons. Craig Aaron Tondre was arrested in April …

06/05/2021

The first wave of former Reagor-Dykes Auto Group employees were sentenced Tuesday for their roles in the spectacular collapse of the Lubbock, Texas, dealership group.
Six employees received prison sentences ranging from two to four years and were ordered to pay restitution of $100-$200 per month.

A first wave of former Reagor-Dykes employees were sentenced Tuesday for their roles in the spectacular collapse of the Lubbock, Texas, dealership group. Court records were not yet available online, according to a clerk at the federal court in Amarillo, Texas, where the criminal …