EFG Companies: Dealers Must Embrace Industry Paradigm Shift

DALLAS, Texas — Staffing and customer engagement models are the top issues impacting the future health of the retail automotive industry, EFG Companies President and CEO John Pappanastos said today. The F&I product provider’s chief executive delivered his comments as part of a state of the industry address the company posted on its website. Pappanastos encourage ... Read More »

Auto/Mate Appoints New Head of Marketing

ALBANY, N.Y. — Auto/Mate Dealership Systems has appointed Patrick Reilly as its new head of marketing, the company announced today. He will oversee the development of a corporate marketing strategy that will increase awareness of Auto/Mate’s position as a DMS provider, fulfill the company’s growth objectives and drive revenue. “Patrick brings a wealth of marketing ... Read More »

Ex-Cox Automotive Executive Joins National Credit Center

LAS VEGAS — Sackett National Holdings Inc., a provider of lending data, energy, employment screening and automotive products and services, announced the appointment of Robert Granados as president of its automotive subsidiary, National Credit Center (NCC). As president, Granados will be responsible for providing executive leadership and overseeing the company’s day-to-day strategy and operations. Additionally, ... Read More »

Former AutoNation Direct Head Joins CU Direct

ONTARIO, CALIF. — CU Direct today announced the appointment of Ron Frey as chief strategy officer of its automotive solutions. He joined the company this month. Frey will oversee the planning and direction of automotive solutions as it relates to product and market expansion. This includes oversight of existing products, including CUDL, a credit union ... Read More »

NADA Hires Digital Media Director

TYSONS, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has hired Abram Olmstead as its digital media director. Olmstead will oversee the NADA’s communications efforts across all digital platforms, as well as lead the development of the association’s strategy for using online platforms to communicate with and market to both internal and external audiences. “In ... Read More »

J.D. Power Appoints New Senior Director of Auto Finance

DETROIT — J.D. Power has appointed Jim Houston as senior director of its auto finance practice. In his new role, Houston will use his 30-year experience in auto finance to help guide the industry through a potentially volatile period of new-vehicle sales and declining used-car values, the company said. “I’m very excited to be joining ... Read More »

NADA Announces New Senior Vice President of Dealership Operations

TYSONS, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) announced that it has found its new senior vice president of dealership operations: Peter L. Fong. Fong expressed that one of his key areas of interest will be to accelerate the process of moving dealerships toward the “0online to in-store” car-buying experience for consumers. “I’m absolutely ... Read More »

How Startups Can Get Media Attention Without Hiring a PR Agency

NADA Announces New Senior Vice President of Dealership Operations

Cox Automotive Names New VP of Communications and Community Relations

ATLANTA – Cox Automotive named Shirley Powell as its vice president of communications and community relations. She will lead and manage day-to-day operations of the company’s global communications organization, according to F&I and Showroom magazine. Powell has more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications and most recently served as executive vice president and ... Read More »