Auto dealerships struggle to survive
(By Kirsten Valle, kvalle@charlotteobserver.com) In good times, Mike Walters' small auto dealership would sell as many as 30 cars a month. Now, there are days when just one shopper wanders through the lot at The Auto Exchange of Gastonia. Sales are down at least 40 percent, and those who do buy struggle to make a down payment. ?It surprises me that more dealers haven't gone out of business,? ...

U.S. Auto Sales Fell 36% in December
The auto industry capped off 2008 with its worst sales in 16 years as Americans continued to steer clear of dealerships in December, according to sales figures released yesterday.

Auto sales plummet
U. S. auto sales plummeted last month to their worst levels in 15 years as Americans stayed away from dealerships amid worries about the economy in general, their own jobs in particular and whether domestic automakers would go bankrupt. Sales in the first half of the year were hit hard by high gas prices. GM, Ford, Toyota and Honda are all reporting declines of more than 30 percent in December, ...

Snowy weather brought good business to auto-supply shops, dealerships
While retailers lamented the loss of business during the recent snowstorms, companies in the auto business gained from the wintry weather. Car dealerships, auto-repair shops, auto-supply stores and towing companies reported increased traffic during the last two weeks of December.

STAND YOUR GROUND: Auto Warranties When Dealerships Go Out Of Business
Just bought an extended warranty on that vehicle?  Still have miles to go on the manufacturer's warranty?  Better have it registered!

DeVoe to consolidate car dealerships
The auto industry economic crisis hits Southwest Florida, as a long time dealer makes plans to restructure and consolidate.

Markquart merging dealerships; combined firm to be in Lake Hallie
Some layoffs will be made after Markquart General Motors dealerships in Chippewa Falls and Lake Hallie are merged as of Monday, Feb. 2.

U.S. Auto Sales Plunge, Yet Optimism Remains
Huge rebates and zero-percent loans couldn't overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.9 million vehicles...

U.S. auto sales plunge whopping 36 percent in December
Huge rebates and interest-free loans couldn't overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.9 million vehicles compared with 2007.

US auto sales plunge whopping 36 percent in Dec.
Huge rebates and zero-percent loans couldn't overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.9 million vehicles from 2007. The bleak numbers, according to both industry...

US auto sales plunge whopping 36% in Dec
DETROIT (AP) - Huge rebates and zero-percent loans couldn't overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.9 million vehicles from 2007.

Charlotte auto dealer pleads guilty to false loan charges
CHARLOTTE -- Louis F. Harrelson, one of Charlotte?s best known auto dealers, has agreed to plead guilty to aiding in the filing of false auto loan applications with financial institutions. The 79-year-old Harrelson won?t likely spend any time behind bars. The plea deal with federal prosecutors calls for him to be placed on probation for two years. He?ll also have to pay a $50,000 fine and $1.19 ...

US auto sales plunge whopping 36 percent in Dec.
DETROIT?Huge rebates and zero-percent loans couldn't overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.

Car sales plunge in Inland region
Confidence, credit: At least 10 Inland auto dealerships shut their doors or announced planned shutdowns in 2008.

US auto sales plunge whopping 36 percent in Dec.
By TOM KRISHER Huge rebates and zero-percent loans couldn't overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.9 million vehicles from 2007. The bleak numbers, according to both industry officials and analysts, mean that record high rebates and low-interest financing deals will stick around until at least ...

Local auto sales mixed
U.S. auto sales fell steeply in 2008 amid consumer uncertainty about the economy, although local dealers reported mixed results, officials said Monday.

Charlotte auto dealer to plead guilty
Louis F. Harrelson, one of Charlotte's best known auto dealers, has agreed to plead guilty to aiding in the filing of false auto loan applications with financial institutions.

Experts Advise Caution Despite Unbeatable Offers
To boost sales, many auto dealerships are offering unique deals for cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Author-talent agent recounts evolution of auto show spokeswomen
Margery Krevsky is impeccably dressed and coiffed, confident and calm, gracious and knowledgeable -- much like the pageant queen-pretty women her agency trains to talk to auto fans about hybrid fuel technology and innovative idling mechanisms.

Auto sales stuck in a ditch
The good news for the auto industry in December came when General Motors and Chrysler got their federal bailout. The bad news is coming today, when automakers are expected to report another month of staggering sales declines.